Take a day trip to Mackinac Island, explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, enjoy music outdoors, tour a vineyard … these August events offer a variety of ways to have fun in Northern Michigan.
Please act safely and responsibly—remember to practice social distancing by staying 6 feet away from others, and wear a cloth mask or other face-covering while in enclosed areas or near others.
Mission Point Daycation Packages // Daily Thru August
Featuring all the essentials for a great day trip to Mackinac Island, this vacation package includes one Shepler’s ferry ticket, one half-day Mission Point bike rental, one round of putt-putt at The Greens of Mackinac and one $25 food/beverage voucher to enjoy dine-in or carry-out at any Mission Point restaurant.
Black Star Farms Estate & Wine Tours // Daily Thru August
Go behind the scenes and experience Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay in a whole new way. Private groups can join the winery team for a 45-minute guided walking tour through the breathtaking property. Tour highlights include a centennial barn, vineyard and wine cave. Your tour concludes with an informative tasting including a flight of three premium wines hosted by your guide—logo souvenir glass included.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours // Weekly Thru August
Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes like a local on one of these three tours. The Historical Empire Walking Tour brings you the history of Empire all the way back to the lumber days of 1884—there are still remnants to see from that time! The Guided Bicycle Tour will explore wildlife, wildflowers, geology and the history of the area, and the Look and Listen Evening Bike Ride will meet in Empire and take you along changing habitats and meadows for bird and wildlife watching.
Louie’s Farm Jam // August 8
Spend the day at the farm in South Boardman (near Traverse City) with friends and family. Enjoy food from Waffle Stix food truck, get creative with a Henna tattoo By Ivy Hart and jam out to live entertainment from Kenny and the Classics, Stonehendz, Scarkazm and Kevin B. Klein.
Tapawingo Thursday Night Solstice Dinner + Guitar + Art Series // August 13
A Matter of Taste at Tapawingo in Ellsworth is serving up weekly specialty dinners all summer long; this week’s theme is Mexican Street Food. Indulge in assorted tacos including beef, sweet potato and chicken, Fustini cilantro-lime avocado rice, Mexican street corn and a Mexican chocolate cake.
Annual Lobster Fest // August 15
Be a part of the 16th Annual Lobster Fest Fundraiser at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport. A nautical silent auction will have many lighthouse- and maritime-related items, and all proceeds from this fundraiser benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Dinner options include fresh/live Maine lobster, filet mignon or chicken along with boiled redskins, corn on the cob, rolls, cherry dessert, coleslaw, coffee, lemonade, beer and wine.Â
Mackinac Island Fudge Festival Cornhole Tournament // August 29
Mackinac Island Tourism and Michigan Cornhole are partnering for a fun day filled with fudge, food, drinks, cornhole and an all-around great time during The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival. This is a tournament for all skill levels. Whether you are a social or competitive player, this event is for you. The tournament will be held on the lawn at Mission Point Resort.
