Festivals & Events in Mackinaw City
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it’s own set of awesome festivals and events.
Photo by Gunnar Ridderstrom on Unsplash.com
The Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show kicks off the summer season in northern Michigan as it’s typically held in mid-June over Father’s Day Weekend. This event gives attendees the opportunity to check out the latest in watercraft, boating accessories, and more. The show times are generally Friday from 12-7pm, Saturday from 10am-7pm, and Sunday from 10am-3pm.
In addition to the in-water exhibitors, there are diverse land displays featured on the lawns in the Village. Many marinas and boat shops display a variety of watercraft. In 2023, on-land exhibitors included LSV’s from True North Golf Cart, Moke Vehicles from Charlevoix Auto, luxury RVs from Terry Town RV, and even a helicopter.
The event is family friendly as kids can take a spin on the Tiki Island obstacle course and live music will be provided. Admission and parking for the boat show are free of charge.
Bay Harbor Lake Marina
4000 Main Street, Bay Harbor, MI, 49770
(888) 229-42-7267
While it may be the gateway to Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City offers it’s own set of awesome festivals and events.
Thanksgiving week in Northern Michigan is packed with several special events kick off the holiday season in style.
Apple Fest. Held each year on the second weekend of October, Apple Fest turns downtown Charlevoix into a festive and fun place to be.
The Headlands, just west of Mackinaw City, is one of six International Dark Sky Parks in the U.S. and one of nine in the world.
This 36 acre, 1.5 mile long Bear River Valley in Petoskey is truly spectacular and filled with natural beauty and things to do.
Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Northern Michigan has many varied settings for kayaking- whether it by river, one of the inland lakes, or Lake Michigan,
Charlevoix has beaches on Lake Michigan and also offers the warmer swimming waters of inland lake beaches on Lake Charlevoix.