Spring is a season of renewal: the smiling sunshine, the bursting blooms, the social acceptability to finally wear white … Here are five Northern Michigan festivals that celebrate the season’s revitalizing power. Oh, and there’s one for chocolate, too.
1). Spring and All Music Festival in Manistee
Celebrate Springtime in Northern Michigan at Manistee’s Historic Ramsdell Theatre on Saturday, March 22nd. The festival features a day full of concerts by renowned Northern Michigan acts—including favorites Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, and Joshua Davis. The Ramsdell Ballroom will host a farmer’s market throughout the day, where environmental experts and artisans will offer educational opportunities related to the Manistee River and Northern Michigan waterways and natural resources—all to the taste of locally sourced food and beverages.
Admission to the farmer’s market is free. For tickets to the music festival, please visit MyNorthTickets.com
2). Traverse City Trail Running Festival
On Friday, April 11th and Saturday, April 12th, hit the trails at the Pere Marquette Forest with the TC Trail Running Festival, the area’s foremost celebration of off-road running. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete and can tackle a 50k run without a wince, or prefer a jog of a more modest distance, the trails are open to all—both kids and adults.
For more information, visit EnduranceEvolution.com
3). 79th Annual National Trout Festival in Kalkaska
From Wednesday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 27th, head upstream to Kalkaska for trout fishing contests, special breakfasts, a family entertainment tent, queen coronation, Kalkaska Idol, children’s fishing contest, parades, special dinners, Taste of Trout, craft show, flea market and fireworks.
For more information, visit NationalTroutFestival.com
4). Traverse City Chocolate Festival
On Sunday, April 27th, indulge your palate at the Traverse City Chocolate Festival: lots of chocolate from Northern Michigan’s finest chocolatiers, chefs and caterers, with music and live demonstrations to boot. Event takes place at the City Opera House in downtown Traverse City.
Visit MyNorth’s Community Page for more information
5). 55th Annual Mesick Mushroom Festival
Hands down, the best morel picking happens in the little town of Mesick. Drive 40 minute south of Traverse City for the Mushroom Festival’s Grand Parade, carriage rides, antique car cruise, plenty of good music and even more delicious food. Festival runs from Friday, May 9th to Sunday, May 11th.
Visit Mesick-Mushroomfest.org for more information