Baseball season is back, and the Toledo Mud Hens are ready to hit it out of the park in 2026! Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a first-time visitor, or just looking for a great excuse to enjoy a sunny day in the heart of Toledo, a trip to Fifth Third Field is a must-do this season.
Written by: Eric Strayer
What’s New This Season?
As the Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, the Mud Hens deliver high-level play in an atmosphere built for fun and unforgettable fan experiences. That all unfolds at Fifth Third Field, an award-winning downtown ballpark that’s become a signature part of Toledo summers since 2002. Anchoring the vibrant Hensville district in Downtown Toledo’s Warehouse District, Fifth Third Field places fans steps from dining, nightlife, and entertainment, allowing a night at the ballgame to become a full downtown experience.
Don’t Miss These Top Theme Nights
The 2026 season is packed with reasons to plan your visit around a game. From giveaways and special ticket offers to theme nights and postgame fireworks, there’s something happening nearly every home game at Fifth Third Field.
Tuesday, April 7 – Opening Day Festival kicks off the season with live music, food, and festivities in Hensville.
Friday, May 22 – Military Appreciation Night with giveaways and specialty jerseys.
Saturday, May 23 – The Paper Night celebrating the Toledo-set sitcom with a special appearance by Oscar Nuñez and postgame fireworks.
Sunday, May 24 – Kids Takeover Night featuring Bluey & Bingo and postgame Kids Run the Bases.
Saturday, May 30 – Boots & Baseball with cowboy hat giveaway, country-themed fun, and postgame fireworks.
Friday, June 12 – 80’s Night with neon trucker hat giveaway
Saturday, June 13 – WWE Night and postgame fireworks.
Sunday, June 14 – Backyard Baseball Night with special character appearances.
Friday, July 3 & Saturday, July 4 – Rock N Blast Weekend with giveaways and fireworks.
Friday, July 17 & Saturday, July 18 – Margaritaville Weekend with themed giveaways, live music, and postgame fireworks on Saturday.
Sunday, July 19 – Peanuts Night with Snoopy appearance.
Friday, July 24 – Harry Potter Night and postgame fireworks.
Saturday, July 25 – Christmas in July and postgame fireworks.
Saturday, August 2 – Toledo Jeep Fest Weekend with live music and fireworks.
Saturday, August 22 – 2006 Championship Celebration Night and postgame fireworks.
Friday, September 4 – Star Wars Night.
Saturday, September 5 – Postgame fireworks.
Friday, September 18 – Tigers Affiliate Night with appearance by former Tigers catcher Alex Avila.
Families will also love Sunday Family Days, featuring Kids Run the Bases and special character appearances, and special Tuesday Hens & Hounds dog-friendly games. For a full list of promotions, visit Toledo Mud Hens Promotions.
Before the First Pitch & After the Final Out
Fifth Third Field sits in the heart of downtown Toledo, surrounded by some of the city’s most walkable dining, bar, and entertainment options, making it easy to arrive early or keep the night going after the final out.
Right outside the gates, Hensville anchors the Warehouse District with a mix of live entertainment, drinks, and game-day energy. Pizza lovers have plenty of options for a pregame meal with PizzaPapalis, Home Slice Pizza, and M’Osteria all known for crowd-pleasing pies just steps from the ballpark.
For local brews, Maumee Bay Brewing Company is a longtime favorite, offering handcrafted beers and classic pub fare in a historic setting. Earnest Brew Works also serves locally brewed favorites just steps from the stadium. Families and groups looking for a relaxed sit-down option can head to Ye Olde Durty Bird, serving comfort food and cocktails in a welcoming atmosphere, Blarney Irish Pub for some casual pub classics, or Fricker’s, best known for their chicken wings and stadium views.
Postgame, downtown Toledo’s nightlife takes over. Celebrate the win with cocktails at First Base Lounge, or explore nearby favorites like Cock & Bull Tavern, The Bronze Boar, Migos, and Whiskey Red’s Saloon, where live music, craft drinks, and lively patios keep the energy going late into the night.
With baseball, Hensville festivals, great food, and downtown nightlife all within a few blocks, a Toledo Mud Hens game is more than just nine innings, it’s the centerpiece of a full Downtown Toledo experience.
Where Tomorrow’s Tigers Take the Field
The 2026 Toledo Mud Hens, led by returning manager Gabe Alvarez, promise an exciting season of baseball, blending veteran leadership with rising talent from the Detroit Tigers’ acclaimed farm system.
Among Detroit’s top prospects expected to catch the eye of Mud Hens fans are versatile infielder Kevin McGonigle, a top prospect known for his advanced bat-to-ball ability and on-base skill, and dynamic outfielder Max Clark, a high-ceiling defender with gap-to-gap power potential. Catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo and corner-infielder Josue Briceño bring offensive firepower and athleticism, while others in the Tigers’ system will surely be knocking on the door for a big-league call-up.
Whether it’s seasoned Triple-A regulars, future big leaguers climbing the organizational ladder, or top prospects getting key developmental time in Toledo, the 2026 Mud Hens are poised to deliver high-quality baseball and battle for an International League championship.
Plan Your Visit
Location: Fifth Third Field, 406 Washington St, Toledo, OH
Parking: Plenty of nearby lots and garages. Or make it easier with a ride on the Muddy Shuttle with Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA).
Tickets: Available now at mudhens.com.
