Let's Celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Sylvania style!
The State of Ohio has developed a commission to help communities plan a year filled with exciting events, engaging activities, and meaningful reflections on our nation's growth over the past 250 years.
Sylvania knows how to celebrate history. In 1976, our community went all out for the Bicentennial with tree plantings, downtown window displays, a commemorative book and quilt, a wagon encampment and parade, an arts and crafts festival, a time capsule burial - and even a Bicentennial dance!
Now, as we begin our celebrations of the Semiquincentennial (250), our goal is to go even bigger. We'll revive some of those beloved traditions while introducing new favorites, including community baseball games, picnics, dances, movie nights, and an epic time capsule unveiling and reburial.
Let's party like it’s 1776!
Get Involved
Whether you want to roll up your sleeves and help plan one of these incredible events, volunteer during the festivities, or support the celebration through event sponsorship, we’d love to have you involved!
Our planning committees are already underway, but there’s still plenty of room to join in. If you’re interested, click the button below and complete the form—we’ll make sure you’re included in all future communications. While volunteer roles and financial needs are still taking shape for some events, filling out the form lets us keep you updated as details are finalized.
These once-in-a-generation celebrations will require both time and resources, and every contribution—big or small—makes a meaningful difference.
Be part of this once-in-a-lifetime milestone!
Sylvania Event Calendar
All
Year
250 Scavenger Hunt
Free to participate
Can you find all 250 sites throughout Sylvania?
Follow along each month and join us as we hunt for 250 sites around Sylvania. Answer the challenging questions about each and submit your finds to Heritage Sylvania for the chance to win a prize! A new set of images will be released each month starting in March, giving you 10 changes to win! Each entry you submit will also enter you into our drawing for the grand prize! Can you find all 250 by year's end?
Good luck and happy hunting!
Presented By
All
Year
History Tours
Tickets Required
Join Heritage Sylvania for a fascinating walk through downtown and discover the stories that shaped our community. Learn how Sylvania came to be, explore its triumphs and challenges over 143 years, and hear the remarkable - and sometimes wild - tales that give downtown its charm today.
This 90-minute guided tour takes you along Main Street between Erie and Monroe.
Tickets are $20 per person with a minimum of 10 guests. Bring your friends and take a stroll through time with us. Tours must be scheduled in advance through Heritage Sylvania. To book, call 419-517-5533 or visit heritagesylvania.org
Perfect for all ages, this tour offers a rich look into Sylvania’s past — and is separate from our Haunted Brew Tours, which are offered only in October and are 21+.
Presented By
Apr
3
Murals Across Ohio
Free to attend
Join us as we honor one of Sylvania's most beloved landmarks - the Roots of Sylvania Mural, painted by local artist Dani Fuller in 2015. This vibrant work has been officially recognized by the AM 250-OH Commission's Murals Across Ohio initiative, putting Sylvania on the state's mural map!
Come celebrate this achievement, hear Dani share her inspiration behind her stunning mural, and take pride in the art that reflects our community's story.
The event will take place in front of the mural which is located behind Interrupt Marketing at 6622 Maplewood Ave. This will happen during the April Red Bird First Friday.
Presented By
Apr
27
Heritage Tree Planting
Free to attend
As part of America 250–Ohio, a white oak tree will be planted in each of Ohio’s 88 counties to honor our state’s role in the nation’s founding and to commemorate the history of the communities where they take root. By planting these trees in meaningful locations, Ohioans are preserving local heritage while also investing in environmental sustainability for generations to come.
Lucas County has selected Sylvania as the planting site for our county’s Heritage Tree. Join us for this special celebration as we plant a native white oak on the lawn of Sylvania City Hall. City officials from across Lucas County, along with local leaders, will be invited to participate in this countywide event—hosted right in the heart of our community.
Join us on April 27 (time to be announced) and be part of this memorable occasion. The event will feature remarks from Mayor Frye, Commissioner Sobecki, Destination Toledo, and more. Several vendor tables will also be on site, offering resources and information from environmentally conscious organizations.
Presented By
May
16
Community Vintage Baseball Game
Free to attend
Play ball!!
This spring, step back in time as past and present clash in a spirited game of old-fashioned baseball played just as it was in 1860s. Cheer on Sylvania's own Black Swamp Frogs as they take on a line up of familiar Sylvania celebrities in a one-of-a-kind matchup you won't want to miss.
This game will be played in the grassy field in Veterans Memorial Park, so grab your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in for an afternoon of vintage American fun. Classic ballpark snacks will be available for purchase to complete the experience and make you feel like you've truly stepped back through time.
First pitch is at 12:00pm sharp - don't be late!
Presented By
May
25
Memorial Day Parade
Free to attend
Presented By
Jun
18
Ohio Goes to the Movies: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
Free to attend
Ohio Goes to the Movies™ (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state. A Signature Event of America 250-Ohio, OGTTM will start mid-February 2026 and run through October 2026 – about 250 days of Ohio movie magic showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking. Movies will include independent film, Hollywood blockbusters, and industrial/special interest films, from rare archival footage to contemporary works.
Come out to Mayberry Ice Cream on June 18th for a special viewing of Captain America: Winter Soldier, which was partially filmed in our very own Cleveland, Ohio!
Presented By
Jul
1-15
Time Travelers Passport
Free to participate
Northwest Ohio’s historic sites are joining forces to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a brand-new event inviting residents and visitors to step back in time. Time Travelers Passport will take place July 1-15, 2026, offering a rare opportunity to explore the region’s most treasured museums, landmarks, and heritage sites.
Time Travelers Passport brings together 12 venues across Northwest Ohio — each offering special programs, tours, or exhibits.
Participants can pick up a Time Travelers Passport at any participating venue or download it from the website www.timetravelerspassport.org. As participants visit each site, they’ll collect stamps in their passport. Completed passports can be turned in for a commemorative coin.
From frontier forts and canal towns to the industrial era and beyond, Time Travelers Passport highlights the people, places, and events that connect Northwest Ohio to America’s broader story.
Presented By
Jul
3
Red, White and Brew Red Bird First Friday
Free to attend, tickets required for drinks
Come pre-celebrate America’s birthday all day long with Red Bird Sylvania!
This First Friday is an all-day event from 12:00–8:00p.m. Head downtown and grab a punch card to celebrate in true American style—by sipping on some great local beer!
Enjoy samples or pints from Sylvania favorites Upside Brewing and Inside the Five, and be sure to check out other local brews along the way. Shop downtown while you sip, then wind down by grabbing your lawn chair and heading over to Pacesetter Park for fireworks to cap off the night.
With construction phase two beginning shortly after this event, now is the perfect time to come downtown, support local businesses, and celebrate with friends and neighbors as we toast to America’s birthday—one (or two) beers at a time.
Presented By
Jul
3
Star Spangled Celebration
Tickets Required
More details to come!
Presented By
Jul
3
Fireworks Display
Free to attend
More details to come!
Presented By
Jul
4
Reading of the Declaration of Independence
Free to attend
Presented By
Jul
4
1976 Time Capsule Unveiling
Free to attend
On July 4, 1976, Sylvania came together in a big way to celebrate the American Bicentennial. The capstone of that celebration was a remarkable community effort: residents and students contributed personal items that were carefully placed into a vault and buried in Burnham Park. The burial site was marked with a monument, instructing future generations to return and open the time capsule 50 years later.
Well… that time is now! On July 4 at 10:00 a.m., we will unearth the time capsule and unveil its contents for the first time in half a century. You’ll have the opportunity to view the items inside and relive memories from your own past—or connect with the stories of your parents, grandparents, and ancestors.
Guests are encouraged to bring a meaningful item that represents life today to place back into the vault. The capsule will be buried once again, to be reopened in 2076. We’re even expecting Sylvania alumni to travel from as far away as Arizona to be part of this unforgettable moment!
Join us as we step back in time, celebrate our shared history, and create lasting memories for generations to come.
Presented By
Jul
4
Ohio Homecoming Picnic
Free to attend
We’re excited to invite you to Burnham Park at 12:00 p.m. for a community homecoming picnic! With exciting events happening all weekend, this is the perfect opportunity to get outside, enjoy time with your neighbors, and indulge in delicious food from your favorite food trucks.
Bring the whole family and take part in fun, family-friendly games and activities—guaranteed to get you in the patriotic spirit as we celebrate the official birthday of our nation.
Presented By
TBD
Summer Concert in the Park
More details to come!
Presented By
(Outdoor Sylvania)
Sep
4
Ohio Goes to the Movies: Best in Show
Free to attend
Ohio Goes to the Movies™ (OGTTM) is a statewide celebration of movies showcasing Ohioans: actors, directors, writers, composers, locations, and topics, shown in cities and towns across the state. A Signature Event of America 250-Ohio, OGTTM will start mid-February 2026 and run through October 2026 – about 250 days of Ohio movie magic showcasing Ohio’s contributions to America’s film industry and moviemaking. Movies will include independent film, Hollywood blockbusters, and industrial/special interest films, from rare archival footage to contemporary works.
Join us for the September Red Bird First Friday Art Walk in the Sylvania Historical Village for a special showing of Best in Show! With this month’s Paw Parade theme, downtown Sylvania will be filled with adorable doggo's—perfect for getting your furry-friend fix. Wrap up the evening with a cozy movie night set against the charming backdrop of the historical village. It will be a a paws-itively fun night you won’t want to miss!
Presented By
Oct
17/18
Fall Festival
Free to attend
More details to come!
Presented By
Nov
21
Founders Ball
Tickets Required
More details to come!
Presented By
Ohio Monthly Celebration Themes
Each month, the state of Ohio will focus on a different theme that reflects Ohio's unique impact.
Please use these as inspiration to host your own event and submit to us to be added to our event list.
January
Ohio's Firsts
& Originals
February
Ohio Works
Innovation & Industry
March
Ohio Entertains
Music & Entertainment
April
Ohio Moves
Transportation
May
Ohio Creates
Arts, Culture & Literature
June
Ohio Outdoors
Exploring Natural Resources
July
Ohio Gathers
Homecoming & Picnics
August
Ohio Goes to the Fair
County Fairs & Festivals
September
Ohio Plays
Sports & Wellness
October
Ohio Grows
Food & Farms
November
Ohio Serves
Remembering Veterans, First Responders & Front-Line Heroes
December
Future Ohio
Projecting Ohio in 2076
Thank you to our committee
and celebration supporters!
