Buckeye Lake Winterfest with Benny the Bass
Join Benny the Bass at Buckeye Lake on the last Saturday in January for one of the biggest parties of the year. The festivities are kicked off with a spectacular fireworks display at 6:30 am on January 31, 2026.
The event was started in 2015 by Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce to help local businesses during the off season. It was based on the ever popular Ground Hog Day celebration with Punxsatawney Phil.
On Saturday, join the crowd at North Shore Boat Ramp for Winterfest activities from 6:30am – February 1, 2:30 am. Watch to see if Benny the Bass in his heated tank will take the bait offered him at Buckeye Lake Village. Thousands of people show up no matter how cold it is to watch the event with music and dancing continuing throughout the day.
The event gets bigger and better each year. Now Benny the Bass has his own truck with new graphics, a custom boat tank and trailer. He even has his own song! In fact, Benny the Bass has become so popular that he appears at Buckeye Lake events throughout the year.
Benny, the star of the show, arrives on a boat in an aquarium. Minnows are added to the tank at 7:00am and a timer is set for three minutes. If Benny eats one of them in that time frame, it predicts an early spring. If he refuses breakfast, six more weeks of winter…or a fish fry! So, move over Punxsutawney Phil, Benny the Bass will make that decision. The crowd echoes the desire for spring by chanting, “Take the bait! Spring can’t wait!”
Afterwards, Benny the Bass is moved in his tank to the Buckeye Lake Brewery, where you can see him swimming all day. Perhaps you will also see the live mascot of Benny dancing throughout the day in area businesses to his own song.
Benny the Bass, Buckeye Lake’s Winterfest song, was written by David Spires. The Bennyettes dance to the music. It begins:
After Santa Claus has come to town
And New Year’s streamers are fallen down
The last Saturday in January
Buckeye Lake Region Chamber of Commerce
Throws a party
Where the mascot’s a fish
And we pray for an early spring.
Winterfest
Benny the Bass, Benny the Bass,
Take the bait, Spring can’t wait.
Regardless of the verdict, the party begins! Winterfest is celebrated with activities around the lake, live music, art shows, dancing, food and drink specials, food trucks and more. With street performers, costumed characters, and fire pits scattered around the town, it feels more like a winter carnival than a sleepy lake town. Visit over 40 local participating businesses in the Buckeye Lake Region. Wander around and see what the lake has to offer.
For more excitement, stay around for the next day, Sunday, February 1st for one of the most talked about lake traditions, the 12th Annual Polar Plunge at the Buckeye Lake Winery at 11:00am. Sounds like a shivering experience where brave souls jump into the chilly waters of Buckeye Lake. All proceeds from the event go to the United Way Foundation.
You’ll find a mix of first-time plungers, seasoned jumpers, and teams dressed in full costume. Past years have seen everything from superheroes and tutu-clad teams to clever group outfits. There are prizes for individual and team costumes while the live music, food, and wine continue.
If you don’t want to participate in the Polar Plunge, bundle up and watch Benny the Bass and the Polar Plunge while enjoying the party.
During Winterfest weekend, you can download the Escape to Buckeye Lake app to see all the participating Winterfest businesses, their events, live music, and food and drink specials. If you need a ride, many shuttle services will be available in the area to safely transport you and your party during the event.
Over the years, Benny the Bass has become a local legend. His likeness appears on shirts, hats, mugs, and even tattoos that people enjoy throughout the year. People cheer, take selfies, and toast the unofficial start of Buckeye Lake’s event season- even if it is cold and there is still snow on the ground.
Winterfest weekend has become a popular, growing tradition and is the perfect time to beat cabin fever and make lasting memories with friends. It’s the best cure for the Winter Blues and the warmest cold-weather event you’ll ever attend.
Gypsy Road Trip 