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July 4th Up North

July 2025

An Up North Fourth is full of activities! The Norman Rockwell backdrop of Northern Michigan combined with great weather and an amazing array of activities makes the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.

Here's a list of Independence Day celebrations that are currently scheduled:

Friday, July 4th, 2025 – Indian River Independence Day Parade and Fireworks. Visit irchamber.com for more information.

Here's a list of Independence Day celebrations that typically take place:

Petoskey Steel Band performs followed by the Bay Harbor Fireworks
Boyne City July 4th Celebration – Two days of activities including a run, kid’s activities, parade, fireworks and more takes place in Boyne City.
Alanson parade
Village at Bay Harbor Parade on Main St.
Mackinaw City Fourth of July Celebration- Scheduled events include games on the Marina Lawn and one of the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan. Visit mackinawcity.net for more detailed info.
Petoskey 4th of July Celebration – The parade is followed by music on the waterfront and the evening concludes with a fantastic fireworks display. For more details, visit petoskey4th.org.
Bay View parade on the Bay View Campus- 111 Bayshore Dr., Petoskey
Harbor Springs 4th of July Festivities – Includes a morning run, all day art show, music on the waterfront, parade, and fireworks shot from a barge on the harbor.
Mackinac Island 4th of July – The day includes Stoneskipping Competition at Windermere Point, followed by fun family games in the afternoon, and two fireworks displays that will go off simultaneously at dusk. Visit mackinacisland.org for more detailed info.
Walloon Lake Independence Day Celebration, includes face painting & kids activities from 10am-5pm, live music, and fireworks at 10:30pm. Check out facebook.com for more info.
Indian River Independence Day Parade and Fireworks. Visit irchamber.com for more information.

What's going on now in Northern Michigan?

Discover Northern Michigan Events throughout the year!

Blissfest Folk & Roots Festival in Harbor Springs

This annual event includes live musical performances, workshops, vendors, and more all in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan.

Easter Egg Hunts & Activities in Northern Michigan

There are many Easter Egg Hunts and activities to be enjoyed by families throughout Northern Michigan each spring.

New Year's Eve at Crooked Tree Arts Center

New Year’s Eve at the Crooked Tree Art Center

Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.

Scroll below for more articles about Activities and Attractions in Northern Michigan.

Explore Activities and Attractions of Northern Michigan

Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs

The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.

National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods in Indian River

The National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods is a 55′ x 22′ redwood cross cut from one redwood tree and with a 28′ tall bronze crucifix.

Maple Syrup Season

Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.

Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs

Wildlife sanctuary Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located 3 1/2 miles north of Harbor Springs, between Lower Shore Drive and Lake Michigan.

Petoskey State Park

Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

Inland Water Route Historical Museum

The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.