TOLEDO, Ohio — Toledo is home to many things. From a world-class art museum, to a nationally-recognized zoo lights display, Toledo is both Glass City and Frogtown. But it's also the home of the Jeep. And, since 2016, it's been the site of the Toledo Jeep Fest, a celebration of the vehicle's storied history in the city.
Beginning Thursday, Aug. 1 and lasting through Sunday, Aug. 4, Jeep enthusiasts from Toledo and beyond (think across the country and internationally) will flock downtown for the seventh annual Toledo Jeep Fest, marked with a multitude of events, including the famous All-Jeep Parade.
Here's what you need to know about Toledo Jeep Fest, including events, road closures and more.
Things to do
Thursday, Aug. 1
Off-road course and welcome party: Festivities kick off on Thursday in Monroe, Michigan at the Monroe Superstore, located at 15160 S. Dixie Hwy. from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
This event includes an off-road course and welcome party. Take your Jeep on a ride through an off-road course with 18 obstacles. Mud provided. Getting muddy is encouraged. The welcome party will include food trucks, a DJ and more.
Friday, Aug. 2
Indoor exhibit and vendors: Back in downtown Toledo, the party continues. Visit the Glass City Center and check out nearly 100 unique Jeeps from numerous historical eras. This indoor exhibit will also feature Toledo Jeep Fest merchandise for sale.
This event will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Glass City Crawlers Block Party: From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Glass City Crawlers will take over the 400 block of Adams Street downtown with car crushing, vendors, music and more.
Vendor Midway: This main attraction event features a variety of automotive industry vendors for everything you need to outfit your vehicle. This multi-day event is open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to noon Sunday.
Saturday, Aug. 3
All-Jeep Parade: The main event of Toledo Jeep Fest is the Jeep Parade! 1,400 Jeeps will drive through downtown Toledo, beginning on Monroe Street and north on Huron Street. WTOL 11's Jeep "Defender" will be in attendance. Be sure to say hi! The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m.
Outdoor Park-N-Shine: To see the best of the best Jeeps, check out Madison Avenue and North Superior Street near the Huntington Center, where rare and customized Jeeps will be lined up. This runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Family Zone at Hensville Park: Something for the entire family - check out inflatables, games and more at Hensville from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., located at Monroe and North St. Clair streets. This will also be open from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday.
Kids' Zone at Imagination Station: For more family fun, go to Imagination Station for science, hands-on activities, a Jeep Power Wheels course and more. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Official Program and Commemoration: Toledo's Jeep Fest will be officially commemorated at the Glass City Center at 4 p.m. During this event, contest and auction winners will be announced.
LAST YEAR'S COVERAGE: 'It's a Jeep thing': 50K ducks distributed, 72K attendees at 2023 Jeep Fest, officials say
Sunday, Aug. 4
Mobis 1-Mile Walk: Enjoy the sights of downtown Toledo with a walk along the Maumee River and Promenade Pavilion at 9:15 a.m at 310 N. Summit St.
Med1Care Jeep 4-Miler: Prefer to run? This 4-mile run is open to the whole family and includes unique swag for participants. Kicks off at 9:30 a.m. at 310 N. Summit St.
There's plenty more to do and see in the 2024 Toledo Jeep Fest. For a full list of events and activities, click here.
Eats and sips
Enjoying the sights and sounds of Toledo Jeep Fest will definitely give you an appetite. And with warm conditions forecasted, you're also likely to get pretty thirsty. Here are some options for food and drink during the downtown events.
Food trucks: Toledo has platoons of food trucks at the ready to provide unique and delicious meals and treats. Here's where you can find them this weekend:
- Thursday: Monroe Superstore Welcome Party, 15160 S. Dixie Hwy, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Friday: Glass City Crawlers Block Party, 403 Adams Street, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 300 N. Summit Street, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday: 300 N. Summit Street, 9 a.m. to noon
Beer Garden: Enjoy a cold one and a variety of drinks at Promenade Pavilion at 400 Water Street. The Beer Garden will be open on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In addition, be sure to check out downtown Toledo's many restaurants.
Parking and road closures
Due to vendors, the parade and other events, some parts of downtown streets will be closed. However, parking lots are available throughout downtown.
The city of Toledo announced in a media advisory Wednesday the following road closures, beginning noon on Aug. 2 until mid-day Aug. 4:
- Adams Street from Summit to Superior streets
- Jefferson Avenue from Summit to Superior streets
- Madison Avenue from Summit Street to the end
- St. Clair Street from Adams Street to Jefferson Avenue
- Summit Street from Adams to Monroe streets
Due to the parade Saturday, traffic will be restricted beginning at 8 a.m. in the areas bounded by Erie, Jackson, Summit and Lafayette streets, also including the Owens Corning parking lot and Washington Street east of Summit Street.
After the parade, traffic will be allowed on Washington Street, with access to the garage on Monroe Street and Summit Street up to Washington Street. Parking will be restricted. For full information on road closures and parking rules in downtown Toledo, click here.
Check out this map below to see where everything's happening and more.
What's the deal with ducks?
You may have heard of the Jeep tradition of "ducking". This involves placing a rubber duck - often a unique one - onto a Jeep you like. Look for WTOL 11's Big Board Friday-themed ducks this weekend.
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