Northwest Ohio is heading into a packed September weekend! From community meals and outdoor adventures to live music, art, cultural festivals and family fun, Buzz Book advertisers and regional organizations are offering plenty of ways to explore, gather and connect.
Wednesday, September 9, and Friday, September 11 | 10–11 a.m.
St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 428 N. Erie St., Toledo
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a hot brunch, conversation and meaningful community connections in the Social Room at St. Paul’s. When weather permits, additional seating is available outside.
To volunteer or contribute to the café, email cafe@stpaulstoledo.org.
View Community Heart Café details
Thursday, September 10 | 6–9 p.m.
Wood County Museum, 13660 County Home Road, Bowling Green
Bring a chair or blanket for one final evening of free music on the lawn. The Pin Up Project performs at 6 p.m., followed by Distant Cousinz at 7:30 p.m. A beer garden and lawn games will also be available.
View Music at the Museum details
Friday, September 11 | 2–4 p.m.
Checkmate Games, 6725 W. Central Ave., Suite L, Toledo
Curious about Dungeons & Dragons? Checkmate Games welcomes new players to this weekly learn-to-play session. No previous experience or gaming materials are required—just bring a pencil and a willingness to learn.
Admission is $5 and space may be limited.
Explore Checkmate Games’ weekly events
Friday–Sunday, September 11–13
Main and Wooster streets, downtown Bowling Green
Downtown Bowling Green transforms into a celebration of creativity with more than 100 artists, free live music, food, Youth Arts, the Chalk Walk and interactive experiences.
The Juried Art Show runs Friday from 5–8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Festival admission is free.
Friday, September 11 | 11 a.m.–10 p.m.
Saturday, September 12 | Noon–10 p.m.
Sunday, September 13 | Noon–6 p.m.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 740 N. Superior St., Toledo
Enjoy Greek cuisine and pastries, traditional dancing, live music, cooking demonstrations, cultural presentations and tours of the Byzantine cathedral.
Admission is $5, with children 12 and younger admitted free with a parent. Friday admission is free from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
View the complete festival schedule
Saturday, September 12 | 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
The 577 Foundation, 577 E. Front St., Perrysburg
Celebrate the final Music in the Gardens concert of the season with Jeff Tucker, Sylvania Northview Tri-M and EZ PICKENZ. Visitors can also stop inside Virginia’s House to create an Artist Trading Card.
The event is free, family-friendly and held rain or shine. Bring a lawn chair or blanket for outdoor seating.
Plan your visit to Music in the Gardens
Opening Saturday, September 12
Toledo Museum of Art Glass Pavilion, Gallery 6, Toledo
Reconnect with familiar favorites and discover something new when TMA Forever opens at the Toledo Museum of Art. The exhibition brings together more than 40 works from the Museum’s collection and celebrates its enduring relationship with Toledo.
The exhibition runs through January 3, 2027. Admission and parking are free.
Saturday, September 12 | Activities begin at 10 a.m.
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium, 2 Hippo Way, Toledo
The Zoo is combining two special experiences in one activity-filled day. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel and hospital staff receive free admission with professional identification during Day of Honor.
Enrichment Day features animal feeds, keeper talks and demonstrations throughout the Zoo, plus hands-on activities in Skeldon Plaza from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Day of Honor details | Enrichment Day schedule
Wood County Park District offers three free weekend programs:
Saturday, September 12 | 5–11 p.m.
Downtown Fremont and Fremont Community Amphitheater
Downtown Fremont’s free car show runs from 5–8 p.m. with vehicles of every year, food, music and a 50/50 raffle. Afterward, Lords of the Highway and Madison Crawl bring rockabilly and blues to the Amphitheater from 8–11 p.m.
Both events are free. Bring chairs or blankets for the concert.
Car show details | Concert details
Saturday and Sunday, September 12–13
Lakeside Chautauqua, Lakeside Marblehead
Praise by the Lake brings nationally recognized Christian artists to Lakeside for a free weekend of inspirational music. The lineup includes Katy Nichole, David Leonard, Chris Byrd and Jabari Johnson, along with Sunday’s Sunset Praise.
Free advance ticket registration is requested.
View Praise by the Lake details | Reserve free tickets
Before heading out, check with each organizer for registration availability, weather updates and schedule changes. Follow The Buzz Book for more ways to explore Northwest Ohio and support the local organizations that help our community thrive.