Events

Events

Bluffton is host to many great community events. From parades to a fishing derby there is surely something here everyone will enjoy. Take a look at the events listed below for the annual Bluffton happenings. Dates and event information will appear as events get closer. 

FEBRUARY

 

 

APRIL

  • Good Friday Procession of the Cross:  Bluffton Area Ministerial Association provides a walk for persons observing Holy Week. The walk progresses through the community stopping at several churches, concluding with a Good Friday worship service.

 

MAY

 

  • May Day celebrations:Bluffton University
  • Trout Derby:  Bluffton Sportsmen’s Club offers fishing in the Buckeye quarry with 250 tagged trout, each offering prizes. The annual derby recently celebrate 75 years. It takes place on the first Sunday in May.
    Bluffton Sportsmens Club
  • Memorial Day Parade : American Legion Post 382

 

JUNE

 

  • Arts & Crafts Festival:  On the second Saturday of May, downtown Bluffton is the setting for an arts and crafts show featuring over 60 artists. Musical entertainment, pony rides and other family-oriented activities take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (VIEW FLYER)
    Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
  1. Festival of Wheels:  The second Friday in June attracts over 200 antique vehicles for an all-day downtown festival. A cruise-in completes the festival, sponsored by the Bluffton Lions Club Foundation. Bluffton Lions Club
  • Relay for Life:  The third Friday in June provides an evening of pie auctions, silent auction, entertainment, a glow run and other activities raising funds for the American Cancer Society.
  • Shirley’s Birthday Celebration & 5K : Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Co., headquartered in Bluffton, celebrates the birthday of its namesake each second weekend in June. The birthday bash closes Main Street with lots of family-oriented games and activities. All proceeds go to reading-related organizations. 
    Shirley’s Gourmet Popcorn Company
  • Swiss Day:  In late June, celebrating Bluffton’s Swiss and German heritage, the Swiss Community Historical Society opens its restored 1840s Swiss homestead to tours. Earlier in the afternoon is a carry-in potluck and program focusing on Bluffton’s early pioneers. 
    Swiss Community Historical Society

 

JULY
  • Ride to Remember:
    On a Saturday in mid-July over 200 bicyclists make Bluffton the bicycle capital of Ohio. The ride offers several routes from 2 miles to 112 miles over well-paved roads through farmland and past area historical sites. It serves as a fund-raiser for the Bluffton Pathways program, which is creating a pathway to encircle the village.  
    Bluffton Lions Club
AUGUST
  • National Night Out:
    In early August Bluffton puts on a summer party at the Community Swimming Pool, which attracts over 2,000 visitors. Free food, free swimming and lots of family-orientated activities take place, sponsored by the Bluffton Police Department. The event concludes with a free fireworks display.
    Bluffton Police Department
SEPTEMBER
  • Fall Festival:
    The community opens its doors on the fourth Saturday in September with horse-and-wagon rides plus family-oriented events at the Bluffton Hospital, Mennonite Memorial Home, Maple Crest Senior Living Community, downtown Bluffton and Swiss homestead. Event includes pony rides, farmers’ market, antique tractor show, animal displays and inflatables for kids. 
    Bluffton Fall Festival
NOVEMBER
  • Blaze of Lights:
    Watch a 100-unit parade and see 10,000 Christmas lights turn on in downtown Bluffton. The holiday nightly display continues through New Year’s. It is the Ream holiday folk art display, which includes historical holiday cutouts.
    Bluffton Area Chamber of Commerce
DECEMBER
  • Handel’s Messiah Community Chorale:
    The Bluffton Choral Society presents Handel’s “Messiah” at Bluffton University on the second Sunday in December. This is the long-standing classical musical tradition in the community, with over 124 previous performances.
    Bluffton University
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