2010 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 Nub, and Carnival at Boyne Mountain, all in March.
Here are some of the events that make Northern Michigan special. See our Calendar of Events for complete details on all that there is to see and do Up North.
Morel Fest, Boyne City If you love morels and love to hunt for morels, then Boyne City is the place for you in early May each year. 2010 marks the 50th anniversary of the celebration of the wild mushroom. With everything from food, to music, to morel hunting contests, to a carnival for the kids, Morel Fest is a great kick off to a spring and summer. May 13-16, 2010. For more information, visit MorelFest
Blissfest Music Festival is a celebration of music, culture, art and community featuring a world of diverse and innovative folk and roots music and dance at the Festival Farm in picturesque rural northern Michigan. The annual event is a showcase of the many musical styles that define American roots and world music. Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Ethnic, World music and dance all share the stage. July 9-11, 2010. For more information, visit Blissfest Music Festival.
Venetian Festival in Charlevoix began 79 years ago as a simple candle-lit boat parade and has grown into a week-long flurry of color and pageantry that highlights the summer season and attracts tens of thousands of visitors. July 18-24, 2010. For more information, visit
National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a week of celebrations surrounding the sweet and tart cherries. Nationally recognized as a summer treat! July 3-10, 2010. For more information, visit National Cherry Festival
Festival on the Bay on Petoskey's waterfront is filled with food, fun, entertainment and activities galore. August 20-21, 2010. For more information, visit Festival on the Bay.
Alanson Riverfest in Alanson is a weekend that includes an art/craft show, flea market, raffles, music and some new events this year, too! August 13-15, 2010. For more information, visit Alanson Riverfest.
The Polish Festival in Boyne Falls is a northern Michigan tradition you don't want to miss. Polish food, Polish music, carnival, rodeo and lots of fun! Bring your polka shoes and plan on having a blast. August 5-8, 2010. For more information, visit Polish Festival
The Ironworkers Festival in Mackinaw City attracts ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition. It is open to the General Public, although only ironworkers and retirees can compete in the skilled events. These events include knot tying, rod tying, rivet toss, spud throw, column climb (Field Event), and the World Championship Column Climb. August 13-15, 2010. For more information, visit Iron Workers Festival.
In addition to wonderful festivals in Northern Michigan, during the summer months, many communities host art fairs. There's not a better way to spend a summer day than to peruse the work of talented artists and craftspeople from around the U.S. Many visitors to Northern Michigan plan their summer vacations around specific art fairs because the quality of art here is so spectacular.
For more information on these art fairs, Click on the Calendar of Events (on the left) and find details in the month of each of these events.
Harbor Springs July 4th Art Fair In 2010, the July 4th Art Fair, held in picturesque Zorn Park will be on July 3 because July 4th is on a Sunday and the Art Fair would be an inconvenience to nearby Holy Childhood Church.
Women's Club Art Fest hosted the Northern Michigan Women's Club is held at Nub's Nob on July 7.
The Arts & Crafts Show in Charlevoix is unique because of the quality crafts exhibited. This year, visit the show July 10-11.
Art in the Park in Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park has terrific art and includes a children's tent. This year, the event is July 17.
Bay Harbor Art Fair is held in the waterside community of Bay Harbor on August 7.
