2012 Festivals, Events and Celebrations
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. Click here for complete details on all that there is to see and do every month: Calendar of Events
JANUARY
The Martin Luther King weekend in mid-January brings skiers and snow lovers from around the midwest to celebrate in Northern Michigan. Learn more here: Martin Luther King Holiday Ski & Snow Weekend
The Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival celebrates winter with ice carving competitions, a chili cook off, and much more.
In Mackinaw City, Winterfest includes a fishing tournament, outhouse race,and more.
Indian River celebrates winter with the Sprint Sled Dog Race.
Click here for the January Calendar of Events.
FEBRUARY
The President's Day weekend holiday in mid-February is a celebration of snow and more in Northern Michigan. Learn more here: President's Day Weekend Activities Up North
Petoskey celebrates winter with the Downtown Petoskey Winter Blues Festival, a week filled with food, fun and family events.
Click here for the February Calendar of Events.
MARCH
Crazy! Yes, that's March in Northern Michigan when the ski resorts celebrate the end of the ski season in style. Nub's Nob's Mardi Gras is an annual spring fling filled with zaniness. Boyne Highland's hosts Krazy Daze and Boyne Mountain celebrates with Carnival Weekend. Fun, fun!
Click here for the March Calendar of Events.
MAY
MorelFest If you love morels and love to hunt for morels, then Boyne City is the place for you in early May each year. 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.
In Mackinaw City, the Fort Michilimackinac Pageant at Colonial Michilimackinac includes a reenactment of the 1763 battle between French, Native Americans, and British, over the Memorial Day weekend.
Click here for the May Calendar of Events.
JUNE
Pellston kicks off summer with Summerfest, June 13-17, including a Taste of Pellston, crafts show, flea market, and children's activities.
East Jordan's Jordan Valley Freedom Festival includes family activities, fireworks, and a parade, June 14-17.
Petoskey celebrates its history with the Historic Festival and Taste of the North June 16.
SoBo Arts Festival takes place in Boyne City, June 29-30.
Wolverine hosts the Lumberjack Festival June 22-24.
Waterfront Wine Festival The waterfront area of Harbor Springs is transformed to a setting filled with a variety of wines to taste in this annual event. June 23, 2012.
Click here for the June Calendar of Events.
JULY
Up North Fourth celebrates the July 4th weekend with an Up North Fourth celebration, July 7.
National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a week of celebrations surrounding the sweet and tart cherries. Nationally recognized as a summer treat! July 7-14.
Harbor Springs July 4th Art Fair is held in Zorn Park and attracts artists from around the country.
Ellebration! takes place July 5-8 in Ellsworth.
Blissfest Music Festival is a celebration of music, culture, art and community at the Festival Farm in picturesque rural northern Michigan. July 13-15.
The Arts & Crafts Show in Charlevoix is unique because of the quality crafts exhibited. Visit the show July 14-15.
Indian River Summerfest, July 10-15, includes a duck race, lobster roast, sport events, and more. Don't miss the Indian River SummerFest.
Children of the World Harmony Festival, July 10-15, includes young singers and dancers from many countries: Children of the World.
Women's Club Art Fest hosted the Northern Michigan Women's Club is held at Nub's Nob on July 11.
Venetian Festival in Charlevoix began 80+ 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 21-28, 2012. For more information, visit Venetian Festival.
Art in the Park in Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park has terrific art and includes a children's tent on July 21.
The Antique Flywheelers Show, July 26-30, has demonstrations, a petting zoo, music, dancing, and more.
Click here for the July Calendar of Events.
AUGUST
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 2-5.
Bay Harbor Art Fair is held in the waterside community of Bay Harbor on August 3-4.
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 10-12.
The Ironworkers Festival in Mackinaw City attracts ironworkers from across the US and Canada to compete in friendly competition. August 10-12.
The Odawa Homecoming, August 10-12, features drumming, dancing, and music.
Festival on the Bay on Petoskey's waterfront is filled with food, fun, entertainment and activities galore. August 17-19.
Click here for the August Calendar of Events.
SEPTEMBER
So much to do in September! Walk across the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day, the Bay Harbor Fishing Tournament, September 8-9 and the Taste of Harbor Springs, September 22, are just a few of the events that are waiting for you.
Click here for the September Calendar of Events.
OCTOBER
Fall is perfect for fall foliage tours in Northern Michigan and also for Apple Fest, the BEST celebration of the apple anywhere, October 12-14.
Click here for the October Calendar of Events.
NOVEMBER
The holiday season begins Up North with the Stafford's Holiday Parade in Petoskey and the Tree Lightings in Harbor Springs and Cross Village. A great way to get in the holiday spirit! Learn more here Holiday Celebrations in Northern Michigan.
Click here for the November Calendar of Events.
DECEMBER
The Christmas holiday season Up North includes merchant open houses in Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Harbor Springs. Learn more here: Christmas Celebrations.
Click here for the December Calendar of Events.
