Festivals & Events in Northern Michigan

(Scroll down for upcoming festivals and events.)

Throughout the year, Northern Michigan is the place to find fabulous festivals and special events. Based around history, the arts, outdoor activities and special celebrations such as the Venetian Festival in Charlevoix or the Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, Northern Michigan’s many special events offer something for everyone.

While many of the celebrations are in the warm weather months when so many visitors and summer residents are in Northern Michigan to enjoy all that we have to offer, don’t miss some special events in the Ski Season such as Krazy Days at Boyne Highlands, Mardi Gras at Nub’s Nob, and Carnival at Boyne Mountain, all in March.

The events listed on this page are just the highlights of what's happening in the months to come. Click the "View All Events" button for our full monthly calendar with time and date details.

May 2026

Zoo-de-Mack Bike Ride – This 51-Mile Leisurely bike ride goes from the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands, to Harbor Springs, to Mackinaw City.
Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant – The longest running free Memorial Day historical program in the U.S. takes places in Mackinaw City each Memorial Day weekend.

June 2026

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival – The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is filled with events and the celebration of the Island’s many varieties of lilacs.
Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show – This event kicks off the summer season in northern Michigan as it’s typically held in mid-June over Father’s Day Weekend.
East Jordan Freedom Festival – With food, music, entertainment, a carnival, dancing, and more, this Festival is packed with activities for the entire family.
St. Ignace Car Show Weekend – Features a Cruise Night, live music, fireworks, and more.

July 2026

Charlevoix Venetian Festival – The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix, in existence for more than 80 years, has music, children’s activities, fireworks and many more free events.
Little Traverse Yacht Club Ugotta Regatta – LTYC’s Ugotta Regatta is a fun celebration on the gorgeous waters of Little Traverse Bay.
Indian River Summerfest – With a parade, lobster fest, duck race and kayak event, there is something for all ages at the Indian River Summerfest.
July 4th Up North – The Norman Rockwell backdrop of Northern Michigan combined with an amazing array of activities makes the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.

August 2026

Mackinac Island Fudge Festival – This festival celebrates the island’s signature treat with music and activities.

September 2026

Boyne City Harvest Festival – This annual festival fills the downtown with music, crafts, and fall produce including a variety of apples and other harvest items. There’s also more than 30 arts and craft vendors onsite.
A Taste of Harbor Springs – Visitors and residents alike enjoy the best of the areas restaurants, food and beverage retailers, and wine distributors.
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book – This three-day gathering includes nationally known presenters for a celebration of books and the stories that make them great. The annual literary event brings authors and readers from around the country to downtown Harbor Springs.

October 2026

Halloween Parties & Trick or Treating in Northern Michigan – There’s plenty of ghoulish fun for all ages in Northern Michigan!
Charlevoix Apple Fest – Dozens of Northern Michigan orchards are represented and they bring more than 30 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples along with cider, baked goods, and more.
Skitoberfest at Boyne Mountain – Skitoberfest celebrates the best of fall’s family offerings in an Oktoberfest style setting.

November 2026

Thanksgiving Events in Northern Michigan – Thanksgiving is a busy weekend in Northern Michigan as several special events kick off the holiday season in style.
Christmas & Holiday Activities – Between lots of Christmas shopping options, tree lightings, parades, and more- Northern Michigan has plenty of good cheer!

December 2026

Christmas & Holiday Activities – Between lots of Christmas shopping options, tree lightings, parades, and more- Northern Michigan has plenty of good cheer!
New Year’s Eve at the Crooked Tree Arts Center – Music, dance, art workshops and theater all come together for a terrific family event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.

January 2027

Mackinaw City Winterfest Celebration – Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, and lots more at this annual festival!

February 2027

Downtown Petoskey Winter Carnival – Celebrate the winter at Petoskey’s Winter Carnival in downtown Petoskey.
Indian River Winterfest – The weekend event is packed with fun things to do for this annual event including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, kid’s events, and more.
East Jordan’s Sno-Blast Winter Fun – The winter festival brings up to 1,200 people to East Jordan each year for many fun events for the whole family.

March 2027

Events at Up North Ski Resorts – March in Northern Michigan is when the ski resorts celebrate the end of the ski season in style. Nub’s Nob’s, The Highlands, and Boyne Mountain all have special events to enjoy.
Easter Egg Hunts & Activities – Don’t miss these Easter egg hunts or other fun, Easter-themed activities!