Festivals & Events

Throughout the year, weekend events all over the region highlight and celebrate the communities, the love of local wines, arts and crafts, and fine food.  Each weekend is filled with events, many of them outdoors and with free admission. Here are a few examples of what you will find in northern Michigan:

Local festivals abound!

One of the largest and oldest celebrations in Michigan is the National Cherry Festival. It's held every year in July in the "Cherry Capital of the World"-Traverse City, Michigan. Thousands of visitors come from all over the world to enjoy the festival and, of course, eat cherries.  Festivals bring to life cultures and traditions like the Annual Spirit of the Harvest Powwow in Houghton, the Bellaire Harvest Festival or the chainsaw carving, axe throwing and wood chopping events at the Great Lakes Timber Show in Iosco.

From zero to eighteen, these wheels and tracks are bound to delight!

From antique and classic automobiles to snowmobiles, trucks and motorcycles - if it's on four wheels, Northern Michigan hosts a special event to celebrate it. Expect the unexpected from these car lovers who host truck-car-toy shows and swap meets. The Bay Harbor Concours d’Elegance joins motor lovers on land and sea together for an elegant celebration of motorcars, and motorboats. Both cars and motor boats are judged by “drive by” judges. And the car that defined American style, the Chevrolet Corvette, has it own day in Mackinac City with the Corvette Crossroads Auto Show. None are outdone by the annual Richard Crane Truck show with its nine-mile Parade of Lights across Mackinac Bridge featuring 18-wheelers. In the Upper Pennisula, the snowmobile gets its day in the sun with Tahquamenon Valley Cruisers Antique Car Show featuring vintage and custom cars, trucks, hot rods, motorcycles and snowmobiles. Car lovers: Start your engines and head to Northern Michigan.

Music festivals galore!

Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Classical, Folk, Jazz, Christian and more - northern Michigan music festivals and concerts offer it all!  Blissfest Music Festival, one of the largest in northern Michigan is a celebration of music, culture, art and community featuring a world of diverse and innovative folk and roots music and dance.  It is truly a blissful musical weekend to be shared with families, friends and music-lovers of all ages. 

See the Calendar of Events for current and upcoming festivals, shows, and events!