Enthusiasts of the film 'Tommy Boy' converge in Ohio to commemorate the comedy's 30th anniversary
Celebrating 30 Years of "Tommy Boy" at the Tommy Boy Fest in Sandusky, Ohio
The city of Sandusky, Ohio, is hosting a three-day celebration from August 7 to 9, 2025, in honour of the 30th anniversary of the classic comedy film "Tommy Boy." The Tommy Boy Fest is a packed event filled with activities and attractions that pay tribute to the film and its local heritage.
Key Highlights and Schedule
The festivities kick off on Thursday, August 7 with the Party at the Pier at Jackson Street Pier, featuring a concert by Ohio rock band The Menus and a guest appearance by Chris Farley’s brother, Kevin Farley.
On Friday, August 8, the Tommy Boy Fest Movie Classics Car Show takes centre stage, showcasing classic TV and movie cars, including the 1967 Plymouth Belvedere II GTX convertible from the film, presented by director Peter Segal. The day also includes the opening of Big Tom’s Market at Jackson Street Pier, double-feature movie screenings of 50 First Dates and Tommy Boy, and a group photo opportunity for locals named “Tommy” or “Richard.”
Saturday, August 9, is packed with events such as the Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown, a wing-eating contest benefiting Ability Works, Inc., and the Fat Guy in a Little Race (0.5K), inspired by a famous running scene from the movie. Finishers receive medals and T-shirts. The day continues with Big Tom’s Market reopening, live music by My So Called Band performing 90s covers, and Tommy Boy Trivia hosted by Mary Beth White. The evening ends with a live concert featuring Dave Paulson & the Holy Schnikes, performing a Tommy Boy-inspired rock album.
Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy a classic car show downtown, outdoor screenings of "Tommy Boy" on a giant screen at Jackson Street Pier, character look-alike contests, a Sandusky-themed scavenger hunt, and more.
Attractions and Special Guests
Director Peter Segal’s Q&A session and his restored 1967 Plymouth Belvedere convertible for photo opportunities are major attractions at the festival. The event runs alongside the Small City Taphouse’s CLAG Brewing festival on Friday and Saturday, featuring live music and street parties nearby.
Farley's brother, Kevin, made a trip to Sandusky for the 30th anniversary of "Tommy Boy" celebration. Kevin stated that his brother lived a great life, and it's nice to see people still remember him.
Pete Segal believes "Tommy Boy" is a generational film with a sweetness to it, and he considers it the most talked-about movie of his career. The Tommy Boy Fest is organised by the City of Sandusky, Greater Sandusky Partnership, and Shores & Islands Ohio. The full detailed schedule and event information can be found at TommyBoyFest.com.
Despite two individuals arriving with objects resembling bombs strapped to their torsos, the event in Sandusky, Ohio, was not concerning, and local authorities handled the situation promptly. The festivities in Sandusky continue to honour the legacy of "Tommy Boy" and provide a fun-filled weekend for fans of the film.
- The Tommy Boy Fest in Sandusky, Ohio, not only offers a packed schedule filled with events like the Tommy Want Wingy Throwdown and movie screenings, but also attracts special guests such as Chris Farley’s brother, Kevin Farley, who visited for the 30th anniversary celebration.
- In addition to activities paying tribute to "Tommy Boy," the festival also features a classic car show, character look-alike contests, and a Sandusky-themed scavenger hunt, making it a perfect blend of entertainment and pop-culture homage.
