Photo by Aliko Sunawangon Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in July.)
People come from all over to celebrate the July 4th in Harbor Springs for the gorgeous setting along the water and many great activities.
This 3-day festival in Boyne City begins with a run along Lake Charlevoix and ends with fireworks, with food, fun, and more in between!
You can find performances almost any night of the week in Northern Michigan with music by area musicians as well as professionals.
Hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club, the Ugotta Regatta brings together some of the best sailboat racing in the country.
The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years.
Shay Days is a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community.
An amazing array of activities like parades, fireworks, and more, make the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.
This annual event includes live musical performances, workshops, vendors, and more all in beautiful Harbor Springs, Michigan.
Northern Michigan grows the best. Our Farmers Markets are open from late spring to fall, from cherries, to potatoes, to sweet corn, and more.
Petoskey Steel Band performs followed by the Bay Harbor Fireworks
Live music featuring the Petoskey Steel Band followed by fireworks at Bay Harbor, Petoskey.
Nancy Adams Art & Craft Fair
Veteran’s Memorial Park- 207 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Boyne City July 4th Celebration
Two days of activities including a run, kid’s activities, parade, fireworks and more takes place in Boyne City.
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. Harbor Springs.
Indian River Independence Day Celebration
Parade at 10am on South Straights Hwy and Fireworks at Dusk. Visit irchamber.com for more information.
Alanson Fourth of July Parade
Beginning at M-68 at Banwell Rd., Alanson.
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.
4th of July on Mackinac Island
Festivities begin with a Stoneskipping Competition at Windermere Point, followed by fun family games in the afternoon, and two fireworks displays that will go off simultaneously at dusk. For more information, visit mackinacisland.org.
Boyne City Duck Race
Ducks race down the Boyne River and the first 10 ducks to finish win a cash prize. Hosted by the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce. Old City Park- 29 N. Park St., Boyne City. For more information, visit facebook.com.
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 Fourth of July Parade
On the Bay View Campus- 111 Bayshore Dr., Petoskey.
Boyne Thunder Friday Night Street Show
Downtown street show amazing boats, listen to music, enjoy entertainment, children’s activities and so much more. Downtown Boyne City. For more information, click here.
Blissfest Folk & Roots Festival
Annual festival featuring live music, vendors, workshops, and more. Festival Farm- 3695 Division Rd., Harbor Springs.
The Sweaty Yeti Race 5K run/walk and Make a Memory Mile
This run/walk is held in memory of two amazing women, sisters, who both lost their battle with cancer in 2014. The in-person race is professionally timed and starts at 8 am and there is also a virtual option. Cost is $30 for 5K, and $15 for Make a Memory Mile. All 5K racers may run the Memory Mile for free. Register at runsignup.com and for more info, contact Geri Roberts at (231) 350-6008 or sweatyyetirun@gmail.com. Run takes place at Bowell Field at East Jordan High School- 101 Maple St., East Jordan.
Charlevoix Art & Crafts Show
This show has a mix of acrylic and oil paintings, sculpture, hand-blown glass beadwork, pottery, baskets, furniture, clothing & accessories, hand-woven rugs, quilted works, and more. Saturday from 10am-6pm and Sunday from 10am-4pm. For more information or an application, visit charlevoix.org.
Bayview Mackinac Race
Annual yacht race traveling from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. Hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club. For more information, visit mackinacisland.org.
Indian River Lobsterfest
Cooperation Park- 5323 S. Straights Hwy, Indian River. For more info, visit irchamber.com.
Beaver Island Music Festival
Promoted by the Patrons of the Arts in Rural Communities, this annual music festival provides fun for the whole family. For tickets or more info, visit bimf.net.
Up North Busker Festival
This two-day event features street performers, kid’s activities, vendors, food trucks, and a beer tent in downtown East Jordan. Visit facebook.com for more info.
Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
The world’s longest freshwater sailing event, recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world. For more information, visit mackinacisland.org.
Street Musique
Live performances at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District. Click here for the lineup.
Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park
Live music in Pennsylvania Park- 411 E. Lake St., Petoskey.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music in Veterans Park- 201 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Boyne City Food Truck Rally
Food trucks, local brews, and live music in Veterans Park- 217 N. Lake St., Boyne City. Benefits proceed the Boyne City Farmers Market. Click here for more info.
Performance by the Jordan Valley Community Band
Memorial Park Bandshell- 101 Spring St., East Jordan
Little Traverse Yacht Club’s Ugotta Regatta
Hosted by the Little Traverse Yacht Club (LTYC), the Ugotta Regatta brings together over 100 sailboats for this race on Little Traverse Bay.
Friday Night Music in the Park
Live music at Marina Park- 250 E. Bay St., Harbor Springs. Performer TBA.
Music in the Park
Live music at the Memorial Park Bandshell- 101 Spring St., East Jordan.
Shay Days in Harbor Springs
Family friendly event with something for everyone. 349 E. Main St., Harbor Springs.
Mystical Gardens Flower Show
Over 50 entries, vote for your favorite. Free admission. East Jordan City Hall- 201 N. Main St., East Jordan.
Bay Harbor Arts Festival
This “boutique” event features a variety of fine artists, as well as an artisan market, live music, and a children’s activity tent. For more info, visit bayharbor.com. Village at Bay Harbor- 4000 Main St., Bay Harbor.
Sunday Music in the Park
Live music at Marina Park- 250 E. Bay St., Harbor Springs.
Pavilion Summer Concert
Live music in Veterans Park- 201 N. Lake St., Boyne City.
Music in the Park
Live music. Free and open to the public. Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St., Mackinac Island. (Rain Location: Mission Point Theater- 6639 Main St., Mackinac Island.
Charlevoix Live on the Lake Concert Series
Live music at East Park Odmark Performance Pavilion- 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix.
Traverse City Dance Project Summer Tour Performance: Charlevoix
The Traverse City Dance Project presents this free show featuring new works performed by professional dancers. Free pre-kids dance class at 6:30pm and a Q&A session after the performance. Odmark Performance Pavilion- 400 Bridge St. For more info, visit tcdanceproject.org.
Calendar of Events for Northern Michigan- Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Boyne City, Mackinac Island, Mackinaw City, and more!
You can find performances almost any night of the week in Northern Michigan with music by area musicians as well as professionals.
The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held at the fairgrounds on Charlevoix Avenue, and is a mix of carnival rides, food, exhibits, and more.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!
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 history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
When visiting Northern Michigan, be sure to ride one of the local Lake Michigan ferries. It’s an adventure that should be on every travelers’ Up North bucket list!