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(Scroll down to see more events in August.)
The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held at the fairgrounds on Charlevoix Avenue, and is a mix of carnival rides, food, exhibits, and more.
You can find performances almost any night of the week in Northern Michigan with music by area musicians as well as professionals.
Each August, the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates this delight with music and activities throughout the weekend.
Northern Michigan grows the best. Our Farmers Markets are open from late spring to fall, from cherries, to potatoes, to sweet corn, and more.
Music in the Park
Live music featuring The Whiskey Charmers. Free and open to the public. Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island)
Street Musique
Live performances featuring Rhett & John, Katherine Ryan, the Elizabeth Landry Trio, Eliza Thorp, and The Painted Lady.at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District.
Charlevoix Live on the Lake Concert Series
Live music featuring Pocket Watch at East Park Odmark Performance Pavilion- 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix.
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Owen James in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
Music in the Park
Free and open to the public. Live music featuring the Mackinac’s Got Talent Second Auditions at Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island)
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Mike Ward in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music featuring Crosscut Kings in Veterans Park- 207 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Music in the Park
Live music featuring The Mickeys. Free and open to the public. Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island)
Street Musique
Live performances featuring Greg Vadnais with Sounds of Africa, the Owen James Trio, Deep Blue Water Samba School, Dave Cisco, and Magic by Jania at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District.
Charlevoix Live on the Lake Concert Series
Live music featuring Pocket Watch at East Park Odmark Performance Pavilion- 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix.
Boyne City Pirate Festival
Annual event with fun for the whole family. For more information, visit boynecitypiratefest.com.
Lighted Boat River Parade
Indian River. For more info, visit irchamber.com.
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Jeff Pagel in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
St. Ignace Heritage Festival
Discover St. Ignace’s rich history. Experience life as it was in the 1760’s, learn the traditional methods of making birch bark baskets or the art of hand drum making. Special presentations, live music, traditional foods and a variety of other events will all occur during this celebration. Museum of Ojibwa Culture- 500 N. State St., St. Ignace. For more info, visit stignace.com.
Michaywe Arts & Crafts Fair
Friday from 11am-5pm and Saturday from 10am-4pm at Michaywe Clubhouse & Grounds- 1535 Opal Lake Rd., Gaylord. This fair features one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, distinctive indoor and outdoor décor, original artwork, creative natural products, beautiful jewelry, and unique foods. There are more than 100 booths both inside the clubhouse & around the pond. Booth fees are $115 or $125 and can be reserved at michayweartfair.com. For more information, email Karen at artfair@michaywe.com.
Lumberjack Festival
Indian River. Visit irchamber.com for more info.
Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair
Considered one of the most visually exciting art fairs in the country, this juried art fair has a reputation with critics and collectors alike for the quality of the work exhibited and the unparalleled location. East Park- 307 Bridge St., Charlevoix. For more info or an application, visit charlevoixwaterfrontartfair.org.
Great Lakes Surf Festival
This event is a celebration of Great Lakes surf culture and is open to all types of board sports disciplines that enjoy the surf. For more info or tickets, visit greatlakessurffestival.com.
Top of Michigan Outboard Races
Indian River. For more info, visit irchamber.com.
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Tai Jaxx Drury in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music featuring the Lavender Lions Duo in Veterans Park- 207 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Music in the Park
Live music featuring Djangophonique. Free and open to the public. Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island)
Street Musique
Live performances featuring Eric Dane Jacqua, Crosscut Kings, Cold Leather Seats, Kevin Johnson, and The Painted Lady at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District.
Charlevoix Live on the Lake Concert Series
Live music featuring Ryan Curtis at East Park Odmark Performance Pavilion- 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix.
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music featuring Holly Keller Thompson in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair
Annual fair held at the Emmet County Fairgrounds- 1129 Charlevoix Ave., Petoskey.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music featuring Delilah DeWilde in Veterans Park- 207 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Blazer Bash
Kalkaska Public School students and families are invited to visit their new classrooms, meet teachers, and get a schedule of classes for older students. Local businesses, organizations, and clubs/groups will also have informational booths and there will be food, refreshments, and a kids carnival. Kalkaska Middle School- 1700 Kalkaska Rd., Kalkaska. For more information, contact Heather at hreust@kpschools.com or by calling (231) 499-7814.
Music in the Park
Live music featuring Mackinac’s Got Talent Finals. Free and open to the public. Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island)
Street Musique
Live performances featuring the Hazel James Band, Shouting Bones, Radio Vision, Lou Thumser, and Magic by Jania at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District.
Corvette Crossroads Auto Show
On Friday, Corvettes arrive and cruise the area and on Saturday, they are on display from 10am-2pm in downtown Mackinaw City. There is also a parade of Corvettes at 7pm. Cost for show participants is $25-$35 and can be paid by calling (231) 436-5574. Spectators are free.
Mackinac Fudge Festival
Annual festival celebrating the island’s most famous treat. Events include fudge-making demonstrations, fudge inspired food and cocktails, an outdoor movie, family games, and more. For more information, visit mackinacisland.org.
Corvette Crossroads Auto Show & Parade
Hundreds of Corvette enthusiasts gather at this annual event to celebrate the All-American Classic at Straits State Harbor/Mackinac Island Ferry Co. parking lot- 409 S. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City. Award winners will be selected from several categories by “registered participant judging”. This is not intended to be an intensely competitive event, but rather an annual tradition for enthusiasts. The award presentation begins at 3pm with the Corvette procession lining up from the Odawa Casino parking lot (1050 S. Nicolet St., Mackinaw City) starting at 6pm. The procession will cross the Mackinac Bridge at 7pm. Cost to enter a car is $30-$40 and pre-registration is online at mackinawchamber.com. For more information, contact the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce at (231) 436-5574 or info@mackinawchamber.com.
Mackinaw City Arts & Crafts Show
Saturday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 10am-3pm. Conkling Heritage Park- 335 S. Huron St., Mackinaw City. For an application, visit mackinawcity.com.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music featuring Nelson Olstrom in Veterans Park- 207 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Muskegon Polish Festival
This festival is all about Polish traditions, education, music, and cuisine. Hackley Park- 350 W. Webster, Muskegon. For tickets or more information, visit muskegonpolishfest.com.
Shay Days is a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community.
Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it’s own set of awesome festivals and events.
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
This 28-mile scenic highway running between Atwood and Boyne Falls known as the Breezeway draws visitors because it is gorgeous.