Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society will present Rev. Robert Jones, Sr. – a Detroit-based musician, storyteller, educator and ordained minister, in concert Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Pemberville Opera House, 115 Main St.
The performance will not only be the last show of the Live! In the House Concert Series season, and for all intents and purposes, it will be finale of the long-running series.
“After 17 years, the Pemberville Opera House will no longer be presenting its annual concert series,” said Carol Bailey, artistic director for the opera house. “Audiences have dwindled over the past few years, and it is no longer financially prudent to continue on. Unable to recapture what was lost during COVID, and combined with rising costs, particularly the entertainers' expenses, the Pemberville Freedom Area Historical Society will stop the series.”
Bailey added that the opera house will host a silent movie Sept. 20 as part of the Ohio Goes to the Movies 250 Celebration and a bluegrass program in October, but other that those two programs, nothing further is planned at this time.
Tickets for Dr. Jones’ performance are $15 and are available at the door or in advance at Beeker’s General Store, 226 E. Front St., Pemberville, or by calling Carol at 419-287-4848.
Jones’ multifaceted career spans more than four decades. A nationally recognized blues educator and cultural historian, he uses his talents in music, storytelling, and ministry to inspire, entertain, and teach.
An award-winning multi-instrumentalist and recording artist, Jones plays guitar, harmonica, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, and ukulele. He has performed across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and has shared his knowledge through courses at Wayne State University and Berklee College of Music.
Visit www.pembervilleoperahouse.org for more details.
Historical Society plans paint class, historical teas
The Oregon Jerusalem Historical Society will present an Acrylic Paint Class Tuesday, April 14 at 6:30 p.m. in the OJHS Educational Wing at 1133 Grasser St., Oregon. Parking is available off the Ansonia Street entrance.
Artist and curator, Kathy Clark will teach the basics to paint the Marblehead Lighthouse on canvas. The cost is $40 per person. The class is limited to 12 people.
Tea with Mrs. Washington
OJHS will also present a pair of Ladies’ Formal Teas with First Lady Martha Washington on Thursday, April 16, and Tuesday, April 21, from noon-2 p.m. at Brandville School Museum, 1133 Grasser St., Oregon. The cost is $35 per person. Participation is limited to 50 registrants.
Use the online registration feature with the City of Oregon Rec Department to make a reservation for OJHS events. Visit www.oregonohiorec.com, click “online registration.” Those who prefer may call or text 419-902-5149 or email ojhs1963@email.com to make a reservation. The class is part of OJHS’s America250 Celebration.
‘Chapel Groans’ – April Foolishness
Actors Collaborative Toledo (ACT), in partnership with local improv troupe Smellybutton, will present “Chapel Groans – April Foolishness,” the spring follow-up to last fall’s inaugural festival.
This three-day event will run Friday, April 17, through Sunday, April 19, at The Chapel at Trinity Episcopal Church, 316 Adams St., downtown Toledo.
Audiences can expect a lively celebration of comedy, featuring short-form improv games, sketch comedy, and long-form performances by some of the region’s most talented improvisers.
Hosted and organized by Smellybutton—a troupe formed through Glass City Improv classes—the festival represents the continued growth and energy of Toledo’s comedy scene.
Tickets are $10 per night or $25 for a festival pass (all three performances). Seating is limited; advance reservations are recommended. Tickets are available at www.act419.booktix.com.
Toledo Library to host Romance-Con Author Fair
The Toledo Lucas County Public Library is accepting applications for the 2026 Romance-Con author fair, inviting independently and traditionally published romance writers from across the country to apply by July 15 or until space is full. The online application is available at toledolibrary.org/romance-con.
The convention returns to Main Library on Saturday, Nov. 7.
Romance-Con is a daylong literary celebration where romance readers connect with fellow fans and authors through workshops, panel discussions and an author fair featuring dozens of writers from across the country.
For updates, visit toledolibrary.org/romance-con.
Spring Events Guide
The 2026 Ohio Spring Events Guide is available now at Ohio.org and can be viewed digitally or downloaded for free.
Wood Co. Chocolate Crawl
The Wood County Chocolate Crawl: Sweets Around the World is returning Saturday, April 11, from 2-5 p.m., taking the streets of Downtown Bowling Green.
This unique event promises to be a delightful experience for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Individual Tickets are $20 and available now at unitedwaytoledo.org/events/
Every ticket purchased contributes to United Way’s Community Partners in Wood County.
Arts Council to welcome Speaker Dr. Mike Stone
The Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council (GPCAAC) will welcome Dr. Mike Stone on Wednesday, April 22 at 6 p.m. at The Arts Garage, 317 Perry St., Port Clinton.
Dr. Stone will share his experiences raising Belgian Show Horses at Oak Haven Belgians. which was established in 1992.
Dr Stone opened Oak Harbor Veterinary Hospital in 1992 and has served many pet owners since then.
The Arts Garage, typically open Thursday-Sunday, 11a.m.-4 p.m., showcases art from 17 studio artists. For more information, contact Barbara Radebaugh, 419-341-0930.
Hiking Challenge
The Wood County Park District’s new Hiking Challenge is under way through May 31.
Grab your passport from Park Headquarters or WCPD’s interpretive centers and hit the trails. Track your miles and experience nature at your own pace.
Think you can see all 21 WCPD parks and preserves? Be on the lookout for the All Parks Challenge signs around park kiosks or parking lot areas of each park, scan the QR code to “stamp” your passport. Scan all 21 park signs and win a grand prize - from quality walking sticks, exclusive Chessie T-shirts, custom vinyl bags or our hand-illustrated tote bags!
Learn more or get started here: https://wcparks.org/hiking-challenge/.
