Winter by the lake: One other degree of enjoyable

Cleveland Burning River Brass performs at a Musical Arts Series Port Clinton live performance. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – Local year-round residents know a secret that the vacationers usually miss – Lake Erie is simply as scenic within the winter, and there are nonetheless numerous enjoyable issues to do within the space, even when it’s chilly. A stroll by the frozen lake could also be totally different, but it surely’s simply as stunning, and there are nonetheless fish to catch underneath the ice and treasures to be discovered alongside her frigid shore. And there are simply as many treasures to be discovered in the neighborhood for these searching for a bit despite-the-cold leisure.

The Musical Arts Series Port Clinton has been entertaining winter audiences for years. Each season attracts a singular mix {of professional} abilities from throughout the nation and past for intimate concert events inside Firelands Presbyterian Church, the place musicians carry out amidst stained-glass-filtered streams of daylight, and at different locales within the metropolis. The concert events have featured everybody from Cleveland Burning River Brass to internationally acclaimed pianist Adam J. Brakel.

The subsequent Musical Arts Series efficiency will characteristic Gene Waldron, a bassist with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, on Sunday, March 29. For extra data on concert events, go to www.musicalartsportclinton.com/2025-2026-concert-season/.

Renowned conductor, Carl Topilow, leads the Firelands Symphony Orchestra. (Submitted photograph)

Music lovers may also take pleasure in internationally acknowledged artists at Firelands Symphony Orchestra (FSO) concert events. The standard orchestra is led by conductor Carl Topilow, and most of the concert events additionally characteristic the FSO Chorale underneath the course of Michael Shirtz. FSO concert events spotlight a broad mixture of music, together with classical, patriotic, and standard.

The subsequent FSO live performance, “Symphony Rocks,” shall be held on Saturday, March 14, at Sawmill Creek Convention Center. Guest vocalists Lauren Berry, Connor Bogart O’Brien, and Natalie Green will carry out a symphony-infused night time of rock ‘n’ roll that includes the music of Elvis, Michael Jackson, and extra. For extra data on FSO, go to www.firelandssymphony.com.

Playmakers Civic Theatre provides a number of distinctive performances yearly. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Some of Northwest Ohio’s most distinctive actors might be seen on the Playmakers Civic Theatre (PCT) stage. PCT provides a number of performances annually, together with comedies, musicals, and satire. In March, PCT will carry out “Just Words,” the debut of a rare play by native playwright Ron Hill.

In addition to performances, PCT provides theater courses for youth and adults. For extra data, go to www.pcplaymakers.org.

Artist Rebecca Booth paints at The Arts Garage. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Several years in the past, members of the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council had the sensible concept to rework the previous metropolis storage into an artwork middle, and in the present day, The Arts Garage (TAG) is among the most inventive gems of Northwest Ohio. TAG was created to help native artwork and native artists, and its imaginative and prescient far exceeded the hopes of its founders. TAG is house to about 20 resident artists, and, every month, it hosts rotating artwork displays and artwork courses for adults and youth.

March occasions embody a Life Drawing Experience, a lecture collection, a Sip N Paint Wine Glass class, and the “Cousins” artwork exhibit. Art courses are supplied totally free to youngsters who stay in Ottawa County. For extra data, go to www.gpcaac.org.

Burning Snowman – and it’s Family Freeze – have grow to be iconic Port Clinton traditions. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Locals don’t have to attend lengthy to expertise considered one of Port Clinton’s most iconic winter occasions, Burning Snowman, on Saturday, Feb. 28. Join hundreds of individuals on the seashore for Northwest Ohio’s hottest winter social gathering. The occasion options stay music, meals, drinks, and the burning of a 40-foot snowman. The occasion isn’t solely enjoyable, but it surely additionally serves as a fundraiser for native charities. Last yr, Burning Snowman donated almost $59,000 to native organizations.

Each yr, the kid-friendly Family Freeze is held on the Friday earlier than the occasion. At Family Freeze, children have their very own social gathering on the seashore and may take pleasure in a stay hearth present, stay ice carving demonstrations, face portray, and s’mores. For extra data on Burning Snowman and Family Freeze, go to www.burningsnowmanfest.com.

And, as all the time, Port Clinton is crammed with a wide range of charming outlets, advantageous and informal eating choices, and distinctive bars that stay open all yr lengthy. Each week’s Beacon options commercials from a few of the hottest companies within the space.