From Petoskey to Mackinaw City, these Northern Michigan towns host fabulous festivals that celebrate summertime up north.
This vibrant town overlooking Little Traverse Bay is home to a bustling marina, lots of green space, and a great collection of independent boutiques and galleries in its historic Gaslight District.
Historic Festival & Taste of the North, June 15
Art in the Park, July 20
Festival on the Bay, August 16–17
A picturesque summer paradise and harbor town on the northern shores of Little Traverse Bay, with an authentic soda fountain, fine antiques shops, casual and fine dining, and great galleries and boutiques.
Fine Art Gallery Tour: June 27
Waterfront Wine Festival: June 29
Pellston:
A point of local pride: This rugged town is one of the coldest places anywhere in the Lower 48. Come summer, though, it’s pure bliss, home to sweet shops and a renowned biological station.
Summerfest: June 12–16
Cross Village:
One of Michigan’s oldest settlements, this tiny Lake Michigan town is nestled between the scenic Tunnel of Trees and the gorgeous beaches of Sturgeon Bay.
Blissfest: July 12–14
Alanson:
A pint-sized town on the banks of the Crooked River, along the Inland Waterway, with historic charm and stalwart shops in its downtown.
Alanson Riverfest: Aug. 9–11
Bay Harbor:
World-class shopping, golf, a spa, and an equestrian center are just a few of the highlights at this resort between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
In Water Boat Show: June 14–16
Vintage Car & Boat Festival: June 22
Bay Harbor Arts Festival: July 27–28
Mackinaw City:
The gateway to Mackinac Island is a destination in itself, with more than 100 shops, a historic fort, and, of course, killer views of the Bridge.
Antiques on the Bay Auto Show: June 21–22
Arts & Craft Show: Aug. 24–25
Beer & Wine Festival: Sept. 6–7
Not just a ski town, this village on the shores of Lake Charlevoix has destination-worthy shopping and dining, plus a welcoming community full of energy and warmth.
SOBO Arts Festival: June 28–29
For more summer vacation ideas in Northern Michigan, grab the 2013 MyNorth Vacation Guide!
Your Guide to Traverse City, Mackinac Island, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Leelanau, Benzie & More
From the same people who produce Traverse, Northern Michigan’s Magazine, this is a colorful, easy-to-use guide to Northern Michigan vacation ideas from Ludington to Traverse City, from Charlevoix to Mackinac Island and everything in between. It is filled with ideas, tips and hundreds of websites that connect you to fun, food, activities, lodging and recreation in every part of Northern Michigan.
- More than 140, full color pages with stunning photography and travel stories
- Maps of each region
- Hundreds of resources
Be sure to also check out our free online area-specific vacation guides!
Traverse City
Ideas for your ultimate vacation in Traverse City, Acme, Fife Lake, Interlochen, Kingsley, and Williamsburg
Petoskey
Ideas for your ultimate vacation in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor, Mackinac Island, and Boyne Country
Charlevoix & Chain of Lakes
Ideas for your ultimate vacation in Charlevoix, Alden, Beaver Island, Bellaire, Central Lake, Easst Jordon, Elk Rapids, and Torch Lake
Leelanau
Ideas for your ultimate vacation in Cedar, Empire, Glen Arbor, Lake Leelanau, Leland, Maple City, Northport, Peshawbestown, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Suttons Bay, and Omena
Benzie & West Shore
Ideas for your ultimate vacation in Benzie, Manistee, West Shore, Beulah, Benzonia, Crystal Lake, Frankfort, Ludington, Onekama, and Pentwater