Soak up every second of summer at these Northern Michigan events. August is full of local concerts, festivals, dinners, free family fun and more.
It’s Showtime
Little Bunny Foo Foo: A Play | August 1–2
This brand new musical, based on the classic children’s song “Little Bunny Foo Foo hoppin’ through the forest…” and written by Anne Washburn, features the music of Tony-nominated composer Dave Malloy. The high-energy performance shows off a saucy bunny to the delight of children (4+) and their families at the new Civic Center Park Amphitheater in Traverse City.
HAIR: The American Tribal Love-Rock Muscial | August 1, 3
Celebrated as one of the most popular shows around the globe, HAIR brought the ’60s counter-cultural revolution to a mass audience. Recognizing HAIR as the theatrical breakthrough of its time, this production joyfully dissects an era when the thrill of rebellion became a powerful force against intolerance, subjugation and war. Parallel 45 Artistic Director Kit McKay directs, drawing a pointed comparison to our current socio-political atmosphere. Catch a performance at the new Civic Center Park Amphitheater in Traverse City.
Baroque on Beaver | August 1–3
Head to Beaver Island for beautiful classical music performances. There are three concerts left in August.
An Evening with Terry Barber: International Countertenor | August 2
Don’t miss internationally-acclaimed countertenor Terry Barber as he performs a special concert in Manistee to benefit The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and Michigan Legacy Art Park, two leading nonprofit arts organizations in Northern Michigan. With an extraordinarily broad vocal range and natural fluency in many musical styles, Barber has been featured on some of the world’s most storied stages and has worked with many of the music industry’s most prestigious figures.
Sips & Giggles featuring Dave Landau | August 2
This event pairs Leelanau Peninsula wine with nationally touring stand-up comedians. Dave Landau has been featured on Comedy Central, AXS TV, was a finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing Season 8, Bob & Tom Radio and is the new co-host of the Anthony Cumia Show in New York City. He’ll be at Leelanau Sands Casino Showroom in Peshawbestown.
Stupid ### Bird | August 2, 3, 4
Parallel 45 Theatre presents a funny, uber-contemporary remix of Chekhov’s The Seagull. Author Aaron Posner stages a timeless battle between young and old, past and present, tradition and revolution. Torrid love triangles, philosophical war-waging and foot-stomping hilarity will inspire raucous delight (ages 13+). See it at the Civic Center Park Amphitheater in Traverse City.
Summer Sounds Concert Series | August 3, 10
For more than 20 years, concert-goers have enjoyed the fresh air, relaxed atmosphere and great music of Summer Sounds, presented by and benefitting the local nonprofit Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville. These annual outdoor concerts are the perfect way to spend a midsummer night out with old friends and new. The Bootstrap Boys take the stage August 3 followed by The Ragbirds on August 10.
A Concert by Old Friends | August 8
Enjoy a very special evening of music, featuring three gifted singer/songwriters—Jim Crockett, Fred Ball and Mark Brown—at The Old Art Building in Leland.
Magic on the Rocks | August 8, 15, 22, 29
Drink, laugh and be amazed as Traverse Magazine’s 2018 Red Hot Best Comedic Entertainer Ben Whiting returns to the Northern Express Room at The Parlor in Traverse City. It’s a limited run of all new magic and mind reading right in front of your eyes. Limited to 30 seats!
The Jungle Book | August 10–24
The jungle is jumpin’ with a jazzy beat at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. Adapted from Disney’s beloved animated film and the works of Rudyard Kipling, Mowgli the “man cub” bounds through the jungle and learns what it means to be human.
The Lange Choral Ensemble | August 11
The Lange Ensemble, a beloved staple of the Lansing cultural scene for more than 30 years, will present a program of masterpieces for chorus and select instruments at Holy Rosary Church in Cedar. The program will include works spanning the centuries of sacred choral music from Gregorian chant, Palestrina and Haydn, to music for the church by living composers.
Follywood | August 14–15
The annual variety show is back in Curtis with all of your favorite live and “not so live” numbers! Sit back, relax and let the cast of multi-aged, local performers, entertain you, Curtis-style!
Showstoppers Revue | August 23–25
Serious. Fun. This annual musical revue featuring the best of Broadway has become an audience favorite. Featuring a small but elite cast of young adults, the talented Showstoppers ensemble will sing and dance their way into your hearts. Don’t miss this performance at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City.
Let’s Misbehave: An Evening of Cole Porter | August 23
Come and join Karen Curlee, Mark Stewart and a quartet of local musicians—Carrie Selbee, Jamey Barnard, Paul Erhard and Xavier Verna—as they explore the songbook of Broadway’s Cole Porter at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee. Songs include hits like You’re the Top, Too Darn Hot, Begin the Beguine, Night and Day and more.
Summer Festivals
Pick-A-Chew Feastival | August 2–4
If you love good music, good food and good time, you’ve come to the right place. This family-friendly three-day extravaganza at Mount Mancelona is jam-packed with artists, chefs and plenty of live entertainment for the big and little festival goers.
Short’s Fest 2019 | August 3
It wouldn’t be summer at Short’s without our favorite party of the season, Short’s Fest! It’s going to be one epic evening of Short’s Brews, Starcut Ciders, live music, delicious local food trucks, production facility tours and all of your best beer friends dancing into the night. This event will sell out. (Note, this event is at the Elk Rapids production facility.)
Northport Wine & Craft Beverage Festival | August 17
Head to the beautiful village of Northport and enjoy wine and craft beverages in the downtown marina while listening to awesome local bands. This festival is a special summer party showcasing area wineries and breweries.
Paint Grand Traverse Finale Celebration | August 17
Eat, drink, and shop in Traverse City. You’ll be able to view and purchase paintings created by more than 40 artists over the course of the Paint Grand Traverse week. Over 200 pieces will be available, depicting scenes from the Leelanau Peninsula, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Old Mission Peninsula, Downtown Traverse City and more. Enjoy fabulous food, wine and live music, and celebrate the second annual Paint Grand Traverse plein air festival! Ages 21+. (Your ticket includes strolling dinner and one drink ticket. Cash bar also available.)
Annual Lobster Fest | August 17
This annual event at the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport is always a favorite. Dinner includes Maine lobster (or chicken), boiled redskins, corn on the cob, rolls, a cherry dessert, cole slaw, coffee, lemonade, beer and wine. There will be entertainment and a silent auction. All proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the lighthouse.
Here Come the Mummies at Laborfest 2019 | August 31
LaborFest is an all-day event in Manistee. The car/bike show starts at 9 a.m., there’s a parade at 12:30 and the bands start at 1 p.m. There will be kids games, craft beer, spirits and food vendors throughout the afternoon. The evening event starting at 6:30 p.m., however, is 21+. At 5 p.m. the doors will close, but there will be a RE/MAX hot air balloon offering rides for all ages. The evening portion will feature two bands before the headliner, Here Come the Mummies.
Eat + Drink
Michael Chetcuti Foundation Cena di Abruzzo | August 11
Guest Chef Luciano DelSignore and Chef James Rigato will be joining Epicure Catering Chef/Owner Andy Schudlich at Cherry Basket Farm in Omena to offer a traditional, multiple course Abruzzese supper. This event is the third and final installment of the charity event series and includes all food and beverages by event sponsors Arbor Brewing and Baia Estate Leelanau.
A Traditional Indian Dinner with Chef Rajeev Patgaonkar | August 14
Chef Rajeev was born and lived in a city near Kolhapur, India, the seat of a Maratha Kingdom. During this evening of food and drink at Willowbrook Mill, guests will dine on several appetizers from different regions of India. Experience the flavors, colors and sounds of India…right here in Northport.
2019 Legacy Gala | August 16
Michigan Legacy Art Park will present Detroit artist Charles McGee with the 2019 Legacy Award in recognition of a lifetime of achievements and influences as an artist, teacher, advocate and global citizen. The Legacy Gala, at Crystal Mountain, features a video tribute to McGee, silent auction, cocktail hour, sparkling wine reception, locally-sourced dinner and live music. The gala is the signature fundraiser for the nonprofit Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville. Lyndsay McGee, daughter of the artist, will be in attendance to accept the award on behalf of her 94-year-old father.
Cocktail Class: Building a Home Bar | August 18
Join mixologist Katie Asher at The Cooks’ House in Traverse City to learn what is takes to build your own home bar. Katie will teach you how to stock your bar as well as how to entertain with it.
Taste of Boyne Highlands | August 24
Get to know Boyne Highlands and all the Harbor Springs resort has to offer. Guests will be given the opportunity to sample some of the property’s signature dishes, as well as taste a variety of select whiskey, bourbon and wine. While treating your taste buds, enjoy live music from local artists.
Idyll Farms Summer Tour + Goat Cheese Tasting | August 31
The Northport farm tour is approximately 45 minutes in length and includes a cheese tasting (and lots of cute goats!). Wear farm-appropriate, closed-toe shoes.
Family Fun
Run with the Cows 5K | August 3
This run/walk event is sponsored by the Chatham Lions Club and is being held in conjunction with the Alger County Fair and the Chatham Homecoming. The race will begin at the People’s State Bank in Chatham, follow the snowmobile trail across the Slapneck Creek, proceed past the cow-filled pastures of Michigan State University’s Upper Peninsula Research and Extension Center and finish at the parking lot of the People’s State Bank and Village Pub.
Colantha’s Garden Celebration | August 11
This free celebration at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City will have food trucks, a cake walk, wagon rides, live music, a craft fair, gardening and farming demonstrations, children’s activities and more!
Murder Mystery Dinner: Now You See It… Now You Don’t | August 11
The crowd was hushed as the museum proprietor got ready to unveil the prized display of the evening, the Stomach of the Ocean Diamond, only to find it had been stolen while the crowd mingled in ignorant bliss. Now it is up to you and the detective to find the thief and restore the diamond to its rightful place. Solve the mystery at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs.
The Buzz about BUGS! with Dr. Nate Walton | August 14
Come explore the amazing world of insects with MSU Extension Entomologist Dr. Nate Walton. Participants will learn what makes a bug, well, a bug. They will also have opportunities to get inside the mind of an insect and see the world from a bugs-eye-view. This free event is at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City.
Find more Northern Michigan events at MyNorthTickets.com.
