
Thanksgiving Week Kicks Off the Holidays
Thanksgiving week in Northern Michigan is packed with several special events kick off the holiday season in style.
Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
(Scroll down to see more events in June.)
Indian River celebrates summer in Northern Michigan with Old Fashioned Days, an event with five days of family fun.
East Jordan's Freedom Festival has food, music, fun, entertainment, carnival, dancing, and more. Fun for the whole family!
Northern Michigan grows the best. Our Farmers Markets are open from late spring to fall, from cherries, to potatoes, to sweet corn, 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 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is filled with events and the celebration of the Island's many varieties of lilacs.
Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles take part in the internationally acclaimed St. Ignace Car Show Weekend.
A unique event featuring a variety of one-of-a-kind exhibitors offering everything from yachts to boating goods for sale.
Mackinaw Steel Car Show
Event includes a display of rare and historic cars, live music, vendors, swap meet, food vendors, beer tents, and more. Mackinaw Crossings- 248 S. Huron Ave., Mackinaw City.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The island’s most historic and popular festival includes the Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, performance by the Scottville Clown Band, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and more.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The island’s most historic and popular festival includes the Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, performance by the Scottville Clown Band, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and more.
Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show
This event gives attendees the opportunity to check out the latest in watercraft, boating accessories, and more. There are also on-land displays, an obstacle course for kids, and live music. Bay Harbor Marina- 4000 Main St., Bay Harbor.
Indian Art Show & Summerfest
Annual festival with fun for the whole family. Marina Park- 3471 Club Rd., Indian River. For more information, visit facebook.com.
St. Ignace Car Show Weekend
Annual multi-day event with fun for the whole family.
Charlevoix Summer Art Show
A mix of fine art and fine crafts displayed on the shores of scenic Round Lake in downtown Charlevoix. For more info, visit visitcharlevoix.com.
Great Lakes Pirate Festival
This event includes a day of food & drinks, live music, and pirate contests on the island. The Mackinac Pirate Adventure Tour with the Good Fortune pirate ship will feature water cannons for the kids as well as a bar for adults. Festival admission is free but ferry tickets must be purchased to cross to the island. Mackinac Island Main Dock #1- 7271 Main St., Mackinac Island. For more information, visit greatlakespiratefestival.com.
The King’s Birthday Celebration
Join the interpretive staff at Michilimackinac as they celebrate the birthday of King George III with artillery fire, drinks and treats, and other special programs. Colonial Michilimackinac- 800 N. Huron St., Mackinac Island.
Bronco the Mac
Owners of classic and custom model Broncos are invited to cross the Mackinac Bridge and enjoy a fun weekend of Bronco-themed events. For more information or to register (by May 23rd, 2025), visit stignace.com.
McGulpin House Opening Day
For more information, visit mackinacparks.com. 1575 Fort St., Mackinac Island.
Annual Bellaire Golf Outing
Prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, first place, and last place. Reception following the round. To register or for more information, visit bellairechamber.com. Antrim Dells Golf Course- 12352 Antrim Dr., Ellsworth.
East Jordan Freedom Festival
Annual multi-day event with fun for the whole family.
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.
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.
Street Musique
Live performances at various locations throughout the Harbor Springs Business District. Click here for the lineup.
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, email events@mackinawcity.com or call (231) 436-5664.

Thanksgiving week in Northern Michigan is packed with several special events kick off the holiday season in style.

Shay Days is a celebration of inventor Ephraim Shay and his contributions to the Harbor Springs community.

Boyne City’s Harvest Festival is held each September and fills the downtown with music, crafts, and fall produce.

The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.

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.

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!

Visit the Deer Park in Harbor Springs to see deer up close. Fun for the entire family.

The many ski resorts in Northern Michigan have winter activities for the entire family including sledding, sleigh rides, tubing, and more.

Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.