Annual Events

Experience the magic of the season in Downtown Bowling Green during Merry & Bright! Enjoy twinkling lights, festive shopping, and heartwarming moments with family and friends. From concerts and local markets to Santa visits and cheerful celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we light up the holidays and make Downtown BG merry, bright, and full of holiday cheer!

Join us for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration & Concert on Friday, November 21! Celebrate the start of the season with family, friends, and the glow of holiday lights in downtown Bowling Green. Enjoy festive music, warm drinks, holiday cheer, and a joyful performance at the Wood County District Public Library from 6:00 to 8:30 PM.

Join us for the annual Bowling Green Community Holiday Parade on Friday, November 22! Experience the magic of the season at Northwest Ohio’s largest holiday parade, featuring festive floats, marching bands, holiday music, plenty of candy, and a special appearance by Santa himself. The parade will take place from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM in downtown Bowling Green along Main Street.

Join us in Downtown Bowling Green for Firefly Nights, a summer street festival series that celebrates community, music, and local fun! Enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, unique vendors, and family-friendly activities under the glow of the lights. Each festival brings Main Street to life with energy, laughter, and connection—showcasing the vibrant spirit that makes Bowling Green shine all summer long.

Experience the thrill of the National Tractor Pulling Championships in Bowling Green! As the largest outdoor tractor pull in the nation, this iconic event brings together powerful machines, skilled drivers, and cheering fans for three unforgettable days of excitement. Hosted by the Northwestern Ohio Tractor Pullers Association, it’s a tradition rooted in community pride and horsepower that has kept audiences coming back for decades.

Celebrate community and Falcon pride at Rally BG on Main! Held each August in Downtown Bowling Green, this free festival welcomes BGSU students and residents alike for an evening of fun, music, and connection. Enjoy live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, and DORA drinks as Main Street transforms into a lively celebration of all things BG, bringing together the campus and community to kick off the new school year in style.

Celebrate creativity and community at the Black Swamp Arts Festival in Downtown Bowling Green! Held the first weekend after Labor Day, this award-winning, free event features a juried art show, live music, local vendors, and delicious food and drinks. Experience three days of art, music, and fun as the streets come alive with energy and talent at Ohio’s largest free live music festival!

Celebrate the spirit of Bowling Green at BGSU Homecoming! Each fall, Falcons from near and far return for a weekend full of excitement, tradition, and pride. Enjoy events like the Welcome Back Party, 5K Run/Walk, Falconland, Tailgate Park, and Falcon Football, plus live music and family fun. From the marching band to campus reunions, Homecoming brings together the heart and energy of Falcon Nation!

Rev up for the annual BG 4x4 Fest this October in Bowling Green! This family-friendly event brings together off-road enthusiasts, local vendors, and community members for a full day of excitement and adventure. Enjoy the 4x4 convoy, Park & Shine, mud pit, sled pulls, kids’ activities, and more. With food, fun, and action for all ages, BG 4x4 Fest celebrates the thrill and community spirit of Bowling Green!