Festivals & Events on Mackinac Island
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
Photo by the Charlevoix Venetian Festival
The volunteers who host each July’s week-long Venetian Festival in Charlevoix like to say that the event is only missing thing: a cost for admission. Free music, parades, children’s activities and fireworks are all free.
The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years. During the Festival, there are daily music performances on two stages in Charlevoix’s East Park. Venetian Games include kids and teens in soccer, basketball, running, boarding, sailing, volleyball, golf and tennis tournaments.
Water activities include a night boat parade–with boats decorated, animated and lit–and an AquaPalooza boating party take place on Round Lake in Charlevoix.
The Charlevoix Venetian Festival queen is crowned in special festivities. The street parade is the place to be for fun, music, and craziness and thousands of people line the street to watch the floats. Two nights of fireworks? Yes, two!
The sight of this bustling community nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake is simply beautiful. The waterfront park is a jewel complete in Charlevoix with a spectacular water fountain. Read the stories below or go to the Charlevoix destination page.
Charlevoix is a bustling community with activities and attractions that include their waterfront park and fountain.
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
Charlevoix is a bustling community nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake and hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.
A group of professors visited Charlevoix after the Civil War and formed a summer association. More followed and it became a resort town.
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix's rich history.
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
Fisherman's Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
Charlevoix Venetian Festival
309 Petoskey Ave., Charlevoix, MI, 49720
(231) 547-3872
Referred to as the “Jewel of the Great Lakes”, Mackinac Island has many special festivals and events that go on during their prime season.
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is filled with events and the celebration of the Island’s many varieties of lilacs.
The Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant in Mackinaw City is the U.S.’ longest running free Memorial Day historical program.
The Harbor Springs Festival of the Book is a gathering of nationally known presenters for a celebration of their books and the stories.
Shay Days is a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community.
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With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
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.
Young State Park outside Boyne City is a ‘year round delight for campers, hikers, snow lovers, swimmers and nature lovers.
Just a short drive from Harbor Springs or Petoskey are more than a dozen Northern Michigan cross country ski trails in Emmet County.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.
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.
Fisherman’s Island State Park has more than 2,600 acres and miles of gorgeous Lake Michigan beach and is located just south of Charlevoix.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.