Soak up every second of September at these Northern Michigan events. The month is full of local concerts, festivals, dinners, an art show and more.
B3 Festival | September 1
It’s going to be an evening full of beer, blues and BBQ as Eagle 101.5 presents the 2nd Annual B3 Festival on the slopes of Treetops Resort in Gaylord. Featuring Damon Johnson (of Thin Lizzy, Alice Cooper and Brother Cane), with special guests Justin Cody Fox, Jon Archambault Band and Hideous Business. Bring your folding chairs and blankets and get ready for a great time!
Summer Wind Down | September 1
You don’t need a ticket to join this Traverse City block party at The Little Fleet…But if you care about beer and the emerging beer marketing in Michigan, you need to reserve a seat at the Beer Table. The Beer Table is designed to feature Michigan’s most exciting small breweries, including Speciation Artisan Ales, Waypost Brewing, HOMES, Brewery Vivant, Barrel + Beam, Our Brewing, Drafting Table Brewing and many more!
Saros 145 Festival | September 1
Celebrate the third annual release of Saros 145 Belgian Dubbel at Rudbeckia Winery and Burnt Marshmallow Brewing in Petoskey with awesome music from the Galactic Sherpas, great food from Pigs Eatin’ Ribs and the best people.
The WHITE Party | September 1
The Parlor in Traverse City is transforming into an ultra lounge/nightclub for the evening. Come dance the night away! Dress to impress in your white attire as the summer fashion season comes to a close. 2Bays DJs, some of Michigan’s best DJs, will be spinning modern dance music all night.
Roy Zimmerman | September 3
Roy Zimmerman is a satirical singer-songwriter and guitarist based in northern California. He has a leftist political philosophy focused on social issues and believes with the current political climate, we need to laugh. And we need to hope. Experience Roy Zimmerman’s signature blend of heart and hilarity at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.
Solstice Soiree Dinner Series | September 5 & 12
Set in Ellsworth, Michigan, along Saint Clair Lake, Tapawingo enchants guests with its beautiful setting. The restaurant’s latest event series, the Solstice Soiree Dinners, are held on Thursday nights from 6:30–8:30 p.m. September 5 is sushi night and September 12 will bring Mexican street food to Northern Michigan.
Harvest Stompede | September 7 & 8
This annual weekend event kicks off the fall harvest season along the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail featuring crisp and bright cool-climate wines and culinary delights that reflect the season’s bounty. Head out on a self-guided wine tour along the trail, where you’re free to visit any of the 27 participating wineries in any order you choose on both Saturday and Sunday.
Keweenaw Brewfest | September 7
There will be more than 50 breweries represented with a total of 200+ beers, hard ciders and hard sodas. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Proceeds raised during the event will go toward promoting the Keweenaw Community Foundation’s mission to inspire giving that invests in the community’s quality of life.
The Garden Party Northern Michigan | September 7
Extravagant hats, chic eats and pleasant surrounds. The Garden Party Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing scholarships to young adults attending trade or culinary schools, will be hosting a fundraising event featuring signature dishes from 20 restaurants, more than 100 wines and classic cars.
Black Star Farms Harvest Dinner – Early Autumn | September 11
The events team at Black Star Farms invites you to an evening you’ll remember forever! These wine-paired culinary experiences are inspired by the best local, seasonal ingredients sourced from Northern Michigan farms.
How To Walk a Labyrinth with Beth Christiansen | September 12
Beth Christiansen, the education and outreach specialist at Lake Superior State University’s Center for Freshwater Research and Education, will share techniques for walking labyrinths for health, wellness and healing benefits. The free class is being held at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Registration requested and donations accepted.
The Importance of Being Ernest | September 13–28
See Oscar Wilde’s most renowned comedy at Old Town Playhouse in Traverse City. In this farcical comedy, two bachelors create alter egos named Ernest to escape their tiresome social obligations. When they attempt to win the hearts of two women who, conveniently, claim to only love men named Ernest, confusion reigns in this tangled tale that Wilde called “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People.”
Broadway & Disney with Red Wings Organist Dave Calendine | September 13 & 14
The Music House in Williamsburg is showcasing Red Wings organist Dave Calendine who will perform on the mighty Wurlitzer theater organ. Over his long career as a theater organist, Dave’s vast repertoire has come to include dozens of beautiful Broadway tunes along with many Disney favorites. The Wurlitzer theater organ allows him an entire orchestra of sounds at his fingertips (and feet).
Northern Home & Cottage Petoskey Home Tour | September 14
Join us in Petoskey on Saturday, September 14 for an inside look at six of the most stunning homes Up North! All ticket proceeds go to Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan. (Here’s a sneak peek inside all six homes.)
Joe Shields & Aaron Smith | September 14
Joe Shields is your average 58-year-old fly fisherman/award-winning cartoonist/animator that bought a guitar 10 years ago and became an award-winning singer songwriter. Aaron Smith is a man on a mission, but he’s no preacher. His songs never tell the listener what to think or feel, but rather hold a mirror to the mystery of human experience, searching for the meaning of home, love, family, aging, kindness, doubt, faith and grace. See the duo live at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.
2019 Leland Musical Arts Celebration | September 14
The initial idea for Leland Musical Arts Celebration was brought to us by local resident and oboist Mezraq Ramli. He envisioned an evening of classical music highlighting musicians from across the country and even the world. Now in its third year, the celebration at the Old Art Building in Leland is intriguing many other musicians who want to visit and play in this wonderful place. This year’s music will feature works by Music by Bach, Beethoven Mozart, Shultz.
Joshua Davis | September 14
A tried and true Michigan musician, Joshua Davis’s album, The Way Back Home is his latest full-length studio album and first since his 2015 appearances as a Top 3 finalist on NBC’s The Voice (season 8). The 11 original Americana songs featured on The Way Back Home reflect an honest, hardworking family man, scribing scenes of the cycle of life through dark, broken, hopeful and triumphant times. See Joshua Davis live at Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis.
Harvest of Harmony | September 14
The 53rd annual show at Central High School Auditorium in Traverse City will include performances by the Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus, Chapter Quartets and two special award-winning ensembles: Frontier, the 2018 BHS Next Generation Youth Quartet Champions, and the Grand Traverse Show Chorus, 2019 SAI Region 2 Small Chorus Champions.
Cocktail Class: Batching Cocktails | September 15
Join The Cooks House mixologist for a class teaching you how to make large batch cocktails. This is the perfect class for those of you who want to learn how to make your cocktail parties easier by pre-mixing drinks. In this class you will learn how to make oleo sacchrum, plus large ice molds, as well as the math behind the large batched cocktails. You will learn dilution, measurements and what makes a great punch at the popular Traverse City restaurant.
May Erlewine & Sawyer Fredericks | September 15
The Accidentals present May Erlewine and Sawyer Frederick at Fountain Point Resort in Lake Leelanau. Expect an intimate evening of songs and stories from the four prolific songwriters: Sawyer Fredericks, May Erlewine, Sav Buist and Katie Larson.
Coloring Between the Wines | September 17
Grab a friend and cool off at 123 Speakeasy in Traverse City! Relax with some wine (red, white or bubbly) and a good coloring book. We’ll provide the food, drinks, coloring supplies and a frame for your art. You bring your creativity, appetite and humor!
Water Stewardship in the Garden with Roberta Dow | September 19
Roberta Dow, MSU Extension educator, will discuss water stewardship and what we can do to protect both surface and ground waters. Roberta L. Dow began working for MSU Extension in 1995 as the northern district water quality educator. Dr. Dow has developed materials and provided agricultural and residential-oriented programming for the Michigan Water Stewardship Program. This free event will be at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City. Donations accepted.
Joshua Davis | September 18 & 19
On NBC’s The Voice, Joshua Davis performed duets with Sheryl Crow and Adam Levine and helped break the mold as the first artist to sing original compositions on the show. See Joshua Davis and his band during a two-night run at West Shore Community College in Scottville (near Ludington).
Rustic Heart | September 21
Kelly Shively and Norm Hausler are a pair of seasoned musicians who have played with many Northern Michigan musicians and also performed on their own as solo singers/instrumentalists. These two Northern Michiganders have combined their talents to form the duet, Rustic Heart. The harmonies of voice, instrument and spirit have surprised even the musicians of this group…but the feeling is one of “home” when they play together, and we know you’ll feel it too. See the duo live at Red Sky Stage in Bay Harbor.
Pentwater Solfest Music Festival | September 20–22
This music-filled weekend in downtown Pentwater features live bands and performers from all over Michigan. There’s also beer, wine and food tents outside, as well as local restaurants and bars within walking distance. Come for a day or for the whole weekend!
Hops & Props on the River | September 21
Set in Manistee’s historic downtown along the riverwalk, Hops & Props pairs Classic Century boats with Michigan craft beer, cider, wine and spirits. Why hops? Michigan has more than 250 craft breweries—that alone is reason to celebrate—and the state is also home to many craft cider mills, wineries and distilleries. Sample from 100 locally crafted beverages, grab a bite from one of the food trucks, play a game of corn hole and pull up a lawn chair to relax all while listening to live local music! The Century Boat Club show will start at 10 a.m. at Manistee’s Municipal Marina ending with a boat parade at 4 p.m. This portion of the event is free to the public.
Autumn on the Lake | September 21
Autumn on the Lake is a fundraising celebration to underwrite improvements in downtown Alden. Over the past 20 years, the Alden Volunteers have completed more than 500 community service projects to enhance and preserve this quaint village, the only one located on the shores of Torch Lake! Proceeds from this event are earmarked for the Alden Art Walk and renovations at Mrs. Smith’s Village Park.
The Violet Viola Concerto | September 21
Experience the season-opening concert presenting the world premiere of a newly commissioned work by composer David Lockington entitled The Violet Viola Concerto. This piece was written for the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra and Music Director and violist Libor Ondras and was inspired by the birth of Lockington’s granddaughter, Violet. Overture from II Signor Bruchino by Rossini and Variaciones Concertantes by Ginastera will also be on the program.
The Accidentals | September 26
Named among Yahoo Music’s “Top 10 Bands to Watch in 2017,” The Accidentals’ adventure began in their hometown of Traverse City when Larson, a sophomore cellist, and Buist, a junior violinist, were paired for a high school orchestra event. The gifted young musicians became fast friends and before long, bandmates. See the band live at City Park Grill in Petoskey.
TC Germanfest | September 27
Trinity Lutheran Church and School is thrilled to announce the 2019 TC Germanfest. Come celebrate all things German with a night of authentic foods, beer and wines, live music, entertainment and dancing. The Beer Garden will be open, featuring imported German beer and wines from the Hofbräuhaus in Munich. Wear your Lederhosen or Dirndl or just come as you are and enjoy a memorable evening.
Harvest Dinner + Francis Ford Coppola Wines | September 27
Enjoy a multi-course dinner for $26.95 with optional wine pairings at City Park Grill in Petoskey. Reservations required, call 231.347.0101. The Harvest menu will feature fresh, local produce from Bill’s Farm Market, Bear Creek Organic, Coveyou and others. Francis Ford Coppola Wines will be presented by Coppola District Manager Robin Tottis and Vintage Beverage Representative Mike Zagaroli.
- 1st Course – Butternut Squash Fritters
- 2nd Course – Pumpkin Soup & Roasted Squash Salad
- 3rd Course – Herb-Roasted Turkey, Sweet Potatoes, Brussels Sprout-Apple Hash
- 4th Course – Pumpkin & Apple Bread Pudding
Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival | September 28
Established in 2010, the Cadillac Craft Beer Festival has grown leaps and bounds to include the best in local libations, food and music. This year is expected to be the best yet with expansions in nearly every aspect of our celebration. There is something for everyone: beer, meade, cider, wine and back again this year, mixed spirits.
Veterans Inspirational Art Show | September 28
Veterans Inspiring Veterans invites you to the inaugural Veterans Inspirational Art Show, hosted by Casey and Dana Cowell at their beautiful home on Old Mission Peninsula. Thirty artists who are veterans, representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard, will have their work on display. With sculptors, wood carvers, painters, potters and more, it’s going to be an incredible show.
Igor & The Red Elvises | September 30
Evolving over the years, Igor’s music has been labeled “Siberian Surf Rock” which contains humorous lyrics and grooves that forces his audiences to dance. Over the past 20 years, Red Elvises have toured all over the world with occasional breaks to record new music and to participate in film and television projects. See them both at City Park Grill in Petoskey.
Find more Northern Michigan events at MyNorthTickets.com.