Festival of the Fish June 19th - June 21st
Register for Events Below
ATTENTION ALL vendor inquires:
Click on the application below and fill out completely, once approved an invoice will be emailed to you for payment. Your space is not secured until payment is received in full. Please direct all questions to info@vermilionohio.com
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Festival of the Fish has many opportunities available for sponsorship as we have several smaller events within the Festival. Click below the pictures to see how you can sponsor the Overall Festival, Crazy Craft Regatta, Fireworks, and the Lighted Boat Parade!
Vendors, Entertainment, Food
Exchange Park Market Place Crafts and Collectibles
Firefighters Water Fight
The History of the Festival of the Fish 
Since 1966, the Festival of the Fish has been a Vermilion tradition, celebrating our deep connection to the Vermilion River and Lake Erie, waters that have shaped our town and its people for generations. The festival began to honor the thriving local fishing industry, which was the backbone of our community for decades, and it has grown into a cherished celebration of heritage, family, and community spirit.
Originally a four-day event, the festival evolved into a three-day tradition held every Father’s Day weekend, bringing families, friends, and visitors together to enjoy parades, pageants, live music, local food, arts and crafts, and the unforgettable Crazy Craft Regatta/Race, a dazzling lighted boat parade filled with creativity and fun. The celebration culminates with fireworks over Lake Erie off the breakwall, a breathtaking finale that reflects the pride and energy of our town.
In June 2026, the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce will proudly celebrate 60 years of the Festival of the Fish. Six decades of memories, laughter, and generations coming together make this event truly unique, a living tradition that cannot be duplicated. Vermilion’s festival is more than just an event; it is a testament to our history, our community, and our enduring love for the river and lake that define us.
Join us June 19–21, 2026 in Vermilion, Ohio, and celebrate this one-of-a-kind festival. For more information, visit vermilionohio.com
The perch in this photo is Perky the Perch, and the artwork was kindly shared with us by Kendra Screen Printing. Some of you may remember this from past Festival of the Fish events! If you have any photos, stories, or memories from past festivals, we’d love for you to share them with us, it’s always fun to see how the festival has evolved over the years!
Festival Hours:
Friday: 3pm-11pm
Saturday: 10am-11pm
Sunday: 10am-4pm
Fireworks River Closure Information
Festival Location
Rt. 60 (Main St.) between Rt. 6 (Liberty Avenue) and Ohio Street, in the center of the historic downtown Vermilion, Ohio.
Discover Vermilion, Ohio
If the excitement of the Festivals isn’t enough then while you’re in Vermilion be sure to stroll around town and visit its quaint shops and stores offering everything from homemade chocolates to candles. There’s even an old-fashioned soda fountain in downtown Vermilion. Another unique feature of Vermilion is “The Lagoons” a prestigious residential area across the river from downtown. To get a water-level view of the town and the lagoons The Mystic Belle, a tiny sternwheeler cruise boat, will be operating during the Festival taking visitors on rides up and down the Vermilion River.