IMPORTANT - Plan your trip to include necessary ferry rides to MIDDLE Bass Island (not South Bass Island aka Put In Bay).
BANDS
Opener starting at 12 noon
Nooch: This dynamic multi‑genre quartet hails from Northeast Ohio. They are known for instrumental takes on rock, funk, and fusion. They play everything from creative covers to their own originals, putting their creative spin on whatever they play.
Special Guest
Deuce n’ a Quarter: They are a powerful blend of traditional and modern blues, delivered . Front‑man Brian Peters elevates their sound with award‑winning harmonica work, earning the Lee Oskar Best Harmonica Player award as the band reached the 2023 International Blues Challenge finals. Known for dynamic, crowd‑connecting live performances, they consistently impress audiences and continue to rise as one of today’s standout blues bands.
Headliners
The Shootouts: They are a refreshing and vibrant blend of classic honky‑tonk, Western swing, and traditional country. Onstage, the band shines bright—their live shows are upbeat, polished, and full of personality, turning every performance into a celebration of true Americana. The Shootouts are a must see country band that Rolling Stone says they have the “perfect Rust Belt country”.
FOOD and DRINK
We are very fortunate to have The Island Grind on site, with not only signature coffee and lemonade drinks, but also a selection of homemade snacks, small plates and sandwiches. Two food trucks will be visiting Middle Bass for the fest on July 11th. Blowing Smoke BBQ will be making their mouthwatering BBQ the star of the show. They are known for their pulled pork, but their pulled chicken, mac & cheese burnt ends or trucker beans will not disappoint. Big Daddy’s Sausage House & More is a standout Ohio food truck serving hearty, flavor‑packed sausage creations, along with unbelievably savory comfort foods. Don’t miss the fried bologna or a chili dog with fresh cut fries. We are very excited that Yellow Springs Brewery will be joining us this year (more to come on their Middle Bass Island connection!). They offer a diverse and consistently praised beer lineup, blending creativity with drinkability. A must try! Wines will be available from Heineman’s Winery, Ohio’s oldest family‑owned and operated winery, which are made from grapes grown on South Bass. Heineman’s wines are beloved for their freshness, sweetness, and strong sense of place, offering an authentic island-grown taste you won’t find elsewhere.
MORE ABOUT HISTORIC LONZ WINERY AND FERRY INFORMATION
n the 1850s, the Lake Erie islands were used for grape production, giving them their nickname, "wine islands." The Lonz Winery on Middle Bass Island has been a familiar landmark since the early 20th century. After the winery closed, the state purchased the complex and transformed it into Middle Bass Island State Park in 2001.
In 2024, the historic Lonz Mansion underwent a remarkable restoration and is open for overnight stays. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich history of the Lonz family and their iconic winery by exploring the self-guided tour on the first floor. The second floor provides a unique opportunity for visitors to stay overnight in a piece of Ohio’s history while enjoying the island’s natural beauty. Book your stay now.
The park grounds feature undeveloped natural areas, including wetlands, woodlands, glacial grooves, and Lake Erie shoreline. Visitors can also see the shell of the historic Lonz Winery and enjoy the convenience of a full-service marina with a Harbormaster building.
Access to the park is via boat or ferry. The park is staffed and marina and concessions are open generally from May 1 to October 15, longer if weather and ferry availability allows. When the office is closed: for overnight reservations, visit reserveohio.com or call (866) 644-6727. For day-use docks, please self-register at the kiosk located at the Harbormaster building.