Planning a trip to Traverse City for Labor Day weekend? There isn’t a better time to check out the town! Whether you enjoy the water, Northern Michigan beer (or both), eating, shopping or spending time with the kids, read on for events and activities taking place during the 2015 Labor Day weekend in Traverse City:


White Party at The Parlor

The first annual White Party at The Parlor will be a night to remember! Dress to impress in all white, soak up the nightclub environment and dance to the sounds of Michigan DJ Chris Coulston spinning some great dance mixes! Each ticket comes with a complimentary glass of champagne, a chance for a salon package courtesy of Salon Moxie and one lucky person will win a pair of diamond earrings from Miner’s North Jewelry!

Purchase tickets to the White Party at MyNorthTickets.com:

Microbrew Tasting on the Manitou

Enjoy a perfect Northern Michigan evening riding the tall ship Manitou on West Grand Traverse Bay. Pair that with samplings of local microbrews from Bravo Zulu, fresh hot pizza, some good friends, and you have the recipe for a great Sunday evening. The last microbrew tour is Labor Day weekend, so book your excursion today before the summer season ends. If you are looking for a more kid friendly option, the tall ship Manitou also runs Moomers cruises 7 days a week in the afternoons!

Sip & Dab @ Peninsula Cellars

Get your paintbrushes at the ready and start your Labor Day weekend off on an artistic note. More details here.

Take a Tour of the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

The former Traverse City State Hospital has transformed into a thriving community over the last couple of years and this tour gives an up close look at both the renovated and the unrenovated parts. The 90 minute tour takes you through some of the historic buildings as well as the underground tunnels. As an added bonus the tour guide will share tales throughout, but don’t forget to dress for the weather! The tours run in all weather and are mostly outside (this shouldn’t be a huge issue considering you are going on Labor Day of course). Experience a truly unique part of Traverse City! Ticket prices and the schedule can be found here.

Tapas Tours at Chateau Chantal

Go on an intimate tour (just 24 people in each one!) and spend two hours learning about and sampling wine and tapas pairings. Tempt your tastebuds with pairings like mushroom cap with caramelized shallots and Asiago cheese with Pinot Noir or the grilled asparagus on a baguette with house-made smoky French, scallions, golden raisin and feta cheese with Nice Red. Details and tickets here.

Catch a Flick

If you are seeking some downtime head to the State Theatre or the Bijou by the Bay for an afternoon filled with crunchy popcorn and great movies. Bring the kids on Saturday morning and for only 25 cents enjoy a 10 am matinee!

Stand on West Grand Traverse Bay

Throw on your suit and head down to The River in Clinch Park to rent some paddleboards for the day. It’s active family fun just waiting to happen!

Gypsy Market at Little Fleet

Take some time on Sunday to stroll through the Gypsy Market at Little Fleet and check out the plethora of handmade, vintage and local wares. Then if you’re hungry there’s no better place to be….

Dine in the Vines

The Boathouse is hosting a tasty and fun bash at Bowers Harbor Vineyards on Labor Day. Any lovers of a great time, Northern Michigan wine, and fresh and inventive food can’t miss out on this event! Find event details here.

Cycle to a Pub Near You!

Combine your daily work out with brewery visits during the TC Cycle Pub. This 14-passenger bike bar powered by you and your friends will take you on a tour of breweries around Traverse City including Rare Bird, The Little Fleet, Northern Natural Cider House, and many more. The tour begins and ends at The Filling Station Microbrewery. Schedule your tour today!


More Northern Michigan Events

Photo(s) by David Weidner