The 10th annual Harbor Springs Car Festival is coming up Thursday, August 11. The Northern Michigan tradition brings visitors and locals alike to Harbor Springs for an evening marveling at incredible automobiles, live music and enjoying the downtown restaurants and shops.

We caught up with Harbor Springs Area Chamber Executive Director, Daniel DeWindt, and Dave Hinz, chairperson of the Harbor Springs Car Festival, to get the details about the popular Northern Michigan event.


What makes the Harbor Springs Car Festival standout?

“This show is unique in that we don’t charge registrants a fee to enter and so it affords us an extraordinary opportunity to see cars, motorcycles, trucks, and other automobiles not typically seen elsewhere. We also don’t judge the show, where as others might.”— Daniel DeWindt

“There is great diversity, where other shows might choose to grandstand sports cars, muscle cars, etc. We invite everyone, even new cars are welcomed. As a result, we get a great caliber of automobiles on display. There’s something for everyone. It’s also worth noting that each participant is given a commemorative dash plaque and poster, which are highly sought year to year.”—Dave Hinz

Are there any must-see cars in attendance this year?

“We’ll be spotlighting trucks this year, which tend to be the craze currently. In past years Porches and Rat Rods have been featured. However, it’s difficult to say what and who will show up until the night of. Yet, we guarantee there’s always a handful of must-see cars and something for everyone!” — Daniel DeWindt

For tourists coming into town for the show, what restaurants should they stop at for dinner beforehand?

“There are a plethora of exciting restaurants and eateries to choose from. In fact over 14 of them including fine dining, casual water view dining, take out, pizzerias, bistros, ice cream shops and food truck options. With the great number of guests in town on this night, there’s a great deal to draw from to handle the crowds. For more information and to make reservations, we encourage people to visit visitharborsprings.com for a full listing.” — Daniel DeWindt

Also check out MyNorth’s restaurant directory for more dinner inspiration!

Who is performing at the event?

“Street Musique, hosted by the Harbor Springs Chamber Foundation and supported through community contributions, proudly presents live entertainment each Thursday evening 7 to 9 p.m. throughout the summer. On the night of the Car Festival, August 11, the following performers will be live: Fauxgrass, Dunder Deefs, Peacemeal String Band, Pistol Whips, Duffy King, IDK, Magic Lady. Learn more by following Street Musique on Facebook.” — Daniel DeWindt

This is the 10th anniversary of the event. What does it mean to the community?

“This event has always been free to the community and everyone is encouraged to attend, and they do; year round residents, seasonal residents, day visitors, etc. Drawing in both the deepest of car enthusiasts and novices alike, this event is very family friendly and community minded. Friendships are forged or reunited around the event. It’s a time to slow down and reconnect with others, enjoy the surrounding beauty of our town, and take in another superb summer evening in Harbor Springs. Last but not least, we owe a great amount of thanks to the participants who travel from a far to be involved, the volunteers, and also our sponsors, all of whom make the event possible!” — Daniel DeWindt

Visit harborspringschamber.com for more details about the Harbor Springs Car Festival and event photos.


More in Harbor Springs

#2016 #Emmet_County #Harbor_Springs #Events #Live_Here #Everyday_Fun #Vacation

Photo(s) by Harbor Springs Area Chamber