Photo by the Charlevoix Venetian Festival
Charlevoix is a bustling community nestled between Lake Michigan and Round Lake and is simply beautiful. Their waterfront park is a jewel complete with a spectacular water fountain. In addition to it’s beauty, Charlevoix offers many fun events and festivals throughout the year.
July
For over 80 years, the Charlevoix Venetian Festival has been a Northern Michigan summer staple. With daily musical performances on two stages, Venetian Games (including kids and teens soccer, basketball, running, boarding, sailing, volleyball, golf, and tennis tournaments), a youth Battle of the Bands, Kids Day and even more, there’s something for everyone at this week long festival.
October
Northern Michigan orchards travel to Charlevoix’s Apple Fest to be represented and bring with them more than 30 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples. There’s also cider, baked goods, apple butter, and other fall produce. The annual arts and crafts show that’s part of the event boasts over 125 exhibitors. And it all takes place in downtown Charlevoix in East Park on the veautiful Round Lake waterfront.
November
Charlevoix kicks off the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with holiday crafts, visits with Santa, cocoa, and the main event- a Christmas parade at 5:30pm, and tree lighting at 6pm.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
Harris Gardens at North Central Michigan College is a spectacular sculpture garden filled with 26 pieces of vibrant art.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
Crooked Tree Arts Center is a place where artists from northern Michigan can display their talents and artwork to the public.
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.