22 Things to Do in Toledo

Best Things To Do In Toledo

Toledo has many things to do, whether you’re a local or a visitor coming for the weekend.

Here are some of the best events and activities to enjoy in the spring, summer, and early fall in Toledo, OH.

1. Attend the Jane Austen Regency Ball

On April 2 at 6 pm, the Toledo Club will host the Jane Austen Regency Ball. Guests can step into the world of Austen’s book with 19th-century food, dancing, and costumes. Historical costumes are preferred.

2. Experience Holy Toledo Polka Days

April 7 through 10 is Holy Toledo Polka Days, held at the Renaissance Toledo Downtown Hotel. This is one of the most popular polka festivals in the country.

3. Visit the Toledo Opera

On April 22 and 24, the Toledo Opera will perform La Traviata. This opera, sung in Italian with English subtitles, tells the tragic story of two lovers in Paris. The tenor and soprano leads are a couple in real life, so you know the chemistry will be real!

4. Run the Glass City Marathon

April 24 is the 45th annual Glass City Marathon. It takes place at 7 am and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon. In addition to the marathon, you can take part in a five-person relay, half marathon, and 5K.

5. Go Birding at The Biggest Week

May 6 through 15 is The Biggest Week in American Birding, hosted by the Black Swamp Bird Observatory. Stay in Toledo and explore the many birding sites around the city.

6. Experience Doppelganger

Doppelganger is a 2019 artistic film by Stan Douglas. This unique piece of art is being shown at the Toledo Museum of Art through May 15. It offers two narratives on translucent screens that can be viewed from either side to display parallel stories of parallel universes.

7. See a Race at the Toledo Speedway

When summer comes, the Speedway is a hopping place. Plan a visit to see a stock car race, or book a Rusty Wallace Racing Experience to try your hand at going around the track.

8. Watch the Mud Hens

The Mud Hens are Toledo’s minor league baseball team, and a game at Fifth Third Field is a rite of passage for the summer months. Many dining options are available at the ball field too.

9. Shop the Toledo Farmer’s Market

Spring and summer hours for the Toledo Farmer’s Market begin in May. From 8 am until 2 pm on Saturdays, shop for artisan wares and fresh produce from local vendors.

10. Experience Kidsapalooza at the Toledo Zoo

On June 12, grab some kids and head to the Toledo Zoo for special activities and events as part of Kidsapalooza.

11. Bike at Oak Openings Preserve

The largest of the Metroparks in Toledo, Oak Openings Preserve has a 12-mile mountain bike trail you’re sure to love!

12. Sail on the Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise

On July 4, the Sandpiper hosts a Fourth of July Fireworks Cruise. Take advantage of the stunning views onboard the boat for the best seat in the house for Toledo’s fireworks.

13. Jazz in the Garden

Every Thursday from July 8 through September 9, head to the Toledo Botanical Gardens at 6:30 for Jazz in the Garden, live performances from local jazz artists.

14. Visit the Lucas County Fair

Nothing says summer quite like a county fair, and July 11 through 17, 2022, is the Lucas County fair. Animals, food, rides, and games are part of this annual event.

15. See Art on the Mall

Sunday, July 31, visit the University of Toledo for Art on the Mall. Explore the art of over 100 artists and experience activities for kids and live music along with food vendors.

16. Go Barefoot at the Beach

Barefoot at the Beach is a fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Toledo. This event provides families with a relaxing summer evening on the beach ending with fireworks on August 13, 2022.

17. Cheer on the Rockets

Fall is football season in Toledo, and University of Toledo rocket Football is a popular pastime. So get tickets for a home game to cheer on the local team as they charge toward victory.

18. Experience Apple Week at Sauder Village

Sauder Village is a 150-year-old cider mill, and in late September, they host Apple Week, a fall festival that brings out beautiful crafts and apple-themed treats and activities.

19. Visit the Toledo Lighthouse Festival

On September 10 and 11 at Maumee Bay State Park, you can experience the 18th annual Toledo Lighthouse Waterfront Festival. Live entertainment, boat rides around the lighthouse, and activities for the kids are all part of this experience.

20. Eat at Tony Packo’s

Made famous by M.A.S.H., Tony Packo’s is a Toledo tradition. Be sure to visit the original restaurant on Front Street for a famous hot dog.

21. Take in the Homecoming Parade

Though the 2022 dates haven’t been listed yet, the University of Toledo homecoming parade is a must-do fall event. So keep your eyes peeled for the dates when the school announces them!

22. Take a Sandpiper Fall Color Cruise

Hop on board the Sandpiper on an October weekend to see some of the stunning foliage along the Maumee River. The two-hour cruise is one of the best ways to take in the fall colors.

We love practicing law in the Toledo area and are proud to support our community. Have a safe and wonderful year!