PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio – Ohio’s party island will be transformed into a rock & roll mecca next week as Put-in-Bay prepares for Kid Rock. Local officials are calling it the single most complicated and largest event in the history of Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island. And for good reason.

Rock & Roll Superstar Kid Rock will headline a five-act show, dubbed Bash on the Bay, on Thursday, Aug. 29th. As if headliner of Kid Rock wasn’t enough, the 3rd annual Bash on the Bay concert features a full schedule of performers, and the list is incredible! In addition to Kid Rock, this year’s Bash on the Bay will feature David Shelby Band, Davisson Brothers Band, Moonshine Bandits, and Uncle Kracker!

The sheer complexity of this event and execution is a feat unto itself stated Mark Mathys from the Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau and the islands largest hotel & resort operator. The event will be preceded by transporting over two dozen semi-trucks, dozens of tour busses food trucks, beverage trucks and over 15,000 estimated attendees all by the Put-in-Bay Ferry Boats. The Put-in-Bay Airport will close to all flight traffic by agreement with the Port Authority and the FAA. However, it must be cleared, cleaned and reopened the following morning after the event.

Pieces of the 40-ton stage will be transported by ferry early in the week; electricity will be routed to the airport’s grassy area, where the stage will be set up; portable toilets, vending operations, and fencing all need to be installed. Nearly 500 non-islanders will be brought in to work the event including a large number of Law Enforcement officers from Ohio including mounted patrols and area police departments. Local officials report Put-in-Bay Hotels and resorts have been sold out for months and campsites, dockage and other lodging options are at capacity.

Public Dockage and Marinas are expected to be filled to capacity and may do so as early as Tuesday, August 27th. Boaters may also try the Middle Bass Island Marina and utilize the Sonny S Ferry to get to Put-in-Bay. Information on dockage may be found at Put-in-Bay Visitors & Convention Bureau Website.

Officials are reminding concertgoers that no alcohol will be allowed inside the venue (it will, however, be for sale)and that security will be following the NFL’s bag policy of only allowing small colored bags and large clear bags. Additionally, these items are also banned:

  • Coolers
  • Blankets
  • Weapons
  • Large signs
  • Laser pointers
  • Umbrellas

The Offical Put-in-Bay Kid Rock Pre Party will be held at the Blue Marlin Bar & Grill the islands most popular swim-up pool bar located at the Put-in-Bay Resort all afternoon Wednesday, August 28th and from 10 AM to 3 pm the day of the event. One lucky winner will be chosen to enjoy 2 VIP tickets to the event hosted by popular Island DJ A Dubb.

Put-in-Bay Taxis & buses will be available to pick up and drop off passengers at the two main entrances at the north and south ends of the airport. Beach and folding chairs will only be permitted in section B, with all other sections standing room only.

The Put-in-Bay Ferry Boats will be running late into the evening transporting concert-goers staying in nearby communities back to the mainland.