Northern Michigan festivals are just good clean fun—unless you’re going to an event like the Buckley Old Engine Show, in which case it’s just good noisy, greasy, high-octane fun. Check out the following five Northern Michigan festivals and get your kicks in under the August sun. From food and drink, to Northern Michigan fishing or those cute rubber duckies, there’s a themed festival for every flavor.


Buckley Old Engine Show — August 14–17 in Buckley

Come see history in motion at the Buckley Old Engine Show! It’s pure vintage at this mecca of motorheads: no autos or tractors were built after 1970, meaning attendees witness a decades-long parade of carefully crafted, American-made machines at work during this 4-day festival. And don’t miss this: The Spirit of Traverse City, the train that circumnavigated Clinch Park, will be steaming around the Engine Show’s grounds. For more details, visit MyNorth’s Community Events Calendar.

Paella in the Park — August 15 in Traverse City

Traverse City’s ode to Spanish cuisine returns to the Traverse City Open Space. Paella—an anything-goes medley of rice, veggies and protein—will be the centerpiece of this delicious food and tunes festival. Music will be provided by Salsa band Grupo Ayo and local talent Ryan Mountbleu and Rootstand. Tickets to Paella in the Park are available at MyNorthTickets.com:

27th Annual Rubber Ducky Festival — August 16th in Bellaire

Thousands of Duckies will make their annual promenade down Intermediate River in Bellaire in what can only be described as a sight to see. A parade, sidewalk sale, movie matinee all round out this rubbery ritual. Learn more at MyNorth’s Community Events Calendar.

48th Annual Coho Salmon Festival — August 22–24 in Honor

Run to the run in Honor. Celebrating the Coho runs up the rivers of Benzie County, this annual festival features games for children, a flea market, fireworks and more. Get all the details at MyNorth’s Community Events Calendar.

Taste of Traverse City — August 29–31 in Traverse City

Three days and five individual events of pure epicurean bliss: On Friday the 29th, partake in the Grub Crawl through Traverse City’s eateries. On Saturday, check out the flagship Taste of Traverse City event at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, Dining in the Dark at Aerie, and The White House Dinner with former chef to the Presidents, Walter Scheib. Lastly—if you can stomach it—The Best of Brunch pits chefs, farmers and beverage companies against one another to create the perfectly assembled brunch. Tickets to all Taste of Traverse City events are available at MyNorthTickets.com:


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