As much as I love all of the festivals and such that Columbus has to offer, there's just nothing quite like Ohio Bike Week, one of my favorite events of the year, held every June in Sandusky (where I grew up). My mom and I accidentally stumbled across Bike Week while it was being set up probably 6 or 7 years ago now. We were walking around downtown Sandusky and noticed all of the vendors prepping their tents, so we were curious about what was going on. We stopped back the next day, once everything was in full swing, and immediately fell in love. I should clarify here: I've never been on a bike, I don't own leather pants and I look ridiculous in a bandana, which is why I stick out like a sore thumb when I make my annual Bike Week appearance. I've never seen so much leather in one place, and this might be the best people-watching venue that has ever existed. The week-long event also features a ton of local bands, special events around town, bike parades, etc. but let's be honest, the people are definitely the highlight here. I'm sad to say that I don't think Bike Week will be returning next year (at least that's the rumor in Sandusky), but if it does I promise you will not regret checking it out. Oh, and did I mention midget wrestling? Yep, it happens. read more

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There are two sides to every fence, in this case it's the people who look forward to it and the people who do not. The downtown area is blocked off, there is bike parking only street side which is great. Row upon row of bike from straight standard to max custom. There is a variety of food and merchandise vendors that are happy to meet your needs. In addition to that there are two stages with Lube musical entertainment. Great for the family by day and I would say adults by night. If your in the area while this event is happening it's most certainly worth a visit! read more

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My experience living in town with a ten bike rally isn't good.1st the noise of the bikes and the crowd that comes.Ohio Bike Week to me isn't worth it.Its overpriced fair food and lack of diversity on the bands are whats not appealing to me.Sorry but this event just takes up space in downtown Sandusky for 10 days and brings nothing but traffic and noise.Sorry it draws a rough crowd and lacks cultural diversity even for bikers to me. read more

Ohio Bike Week - Vendor - Festivals Near Me - Sandusky, Ohio

Bike week has really taken a turn for the worse. Of course, for Sandusky it's a big event but it seems like the last couple years they either don't have, or won't put up the budget to get bigger bands on the main stage. It's either local bands that you could catch at Cabana's or some serious has-been. I hope they start putting more energy into bringing in fresh entertainment instead of the same ol formula that's getting old and tired. The one good thing this year was stumbling across a little duo out of Florida called Bungled and Botched. They were working it out playing a couple shows a day all around town and were SERIOUSLY refreshing. You can't even imagine my disappointment when I found out they weren't local. read more

OBW is a great experience. This year (2011) the festival seemed like it contracted a bit but it was still lots of fun. The weather cooperated on Saturday this year (last year it rained). The organizers always bring a nationally known band in (past acts have included Saliva, Asia, Ted Nugent and Buck Cherry). There are events and bands at the Erie County Fairgrounds and in downtown Sandusky. Even though this is a bike week the events downtown are usually kid friendly up until nightfall. There haven't been any really serious fights or anything that you might associate with bikers. Most of the people who come to OBW are weekend bikers and not hard core 1%ers who would kill their own mamas. The festival has been going on yearly for 10 years and it usually gets bigger and better every year. This year it was down a bit but it still drew tens of thousands of people and everyone had a great time. read more