Summer is heating up in Northern Michigan! Kick-off your seasonal plans with these 24 events that will bring you sun, fun, wine and incredible dining experiences all June long.
Mission Point Daycation Packages // May 15–July 31
Start your day biking around Mackinac Island—a must—grab lunch at Mission Point Resort and then putt-putt around one of the state’s prettiest courses (it’s on the shore of a Great Lake).
Beer & Brats at Crystal Mountain // Weekends May 29–September 6
The Michigan Beer and Brat Festival has been reimagined for this year, a temporary move until it can resume its traditional operations in 2022. Rather than host a huge gathering of thousands of guests, the Thompsonville resort will instead feature individual specialty brat and beer pairings every Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Annual Morel Wine Dinner // June 3
Feast in Petoskey at City Park Grill’s fungi-infused Annual Morel Wine Dinner prepared by Executive Chef John Norman.
East Bay Drive Live & Streaming // June 4–11
East Bay Drive is a contemporary American jazz group. Their unique brand of entertainment fuses dynamic grooves with deep feel, and a friendly humble approach to music that will make you want to move with the groove. Williamsburg’s Music House Museum is hosting this virtual concert event.
Guided Alpaca Farm Tours // June 4
Take a guided alpaca tour at Cotton Creek Farms in Thompsonville and learn more about these amazing animals. Book in advance; multiple dates available.
Sip & Savor // June 4–6
Kick your summer off right and join us on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail for the annual Sip & Savor event! Enjoy some of Michigan’s most superb wine, paired with select cuisine options, from over 20 different and unique wineries along the Leelanau Peninsula region.
Love Letters // June 5–6
Grayling’s AuSable Artisan Village is kicking off its brand new community theatre program with a debut public performance – Love Letters. This Pulitzer Prize finalist by A. R. Gurney is a disarmingly humorous and emotional play about the power of love over time.
Americana! A Day for Music // June 5
“Americana! A Day for Music” in Petoskey marks the 20th anniversary of the Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra with a wide representation of composers and a collaboration with Gerber Strings students.
Historic Empire Walking Tour // Tues. & Thurs. in June
Step back into the past with a walking tour through historic Empire. The history of this Northern Michigan village goes back to the lumber days of 1884 and there are still remnants to see from that time. Hear about early settlers, how Empire got its name and what people did and where they came from.
Betsie Valley Trail Bicycle Tour // Wednesdays in June
Explore different habitats and hear about wildflowers, wildlife, the forest and the dunes. The trail takes you along a beautiful lake, wetlands and through the woods.
Catena Wine Dinner // June 10
This dinner kicks off the summer season at Palette Bistro in Petoskey with the world-renowned wines of Bodega Catena Zapata from Argentina. Special guest Pablo Piccolo of Catena, a native of Mendoza, was introduced to many world-class wines by his father oft to repeat, “No good cellar is complete without the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata.” Pablo will be pouring seven wines paired with lots of exciting summer-focused grilled dishes from Chef Dan.
Stroll the Streets in Boyne City // June 11–September 3
Visit Boyne City and “Stroll the Streets,” enjoying live entertainment, food, children’s activities and so much more on Friday evenings June 11-Sept. 3.
The Rush Tribute Project // June 12
The Rush Tribute Project is a homage to one of the most enduring and influential rock bands. Combining skilled musicianship with exciting performances, RTP brings the magic of Rush’s famous live concerts to music venues and festivals, including Ellison Place in Gaylord.
Free Fishing Weekend // June 11–13
Throughout the state, for two days twice a year, residents and visitors enjoy a free fishing weekend. All fishing license fees are waived and a Recreation Passport isn’t required for entry into state parks and boating access sites. Fishing regulations still apply.
The History of Tiger Stadium: A Love Letter to Baseball at Michigan & Trumbull // June 14
Author Doc Fletcher tells the history of and stories from Tiger Stadium. Doc has shared stories from his books at libraries on over 300 occasions since 2008 and was honored with the Michigan Library Association “Author Award” in 2017. Join him at The Pine Performance Center in Curtis.
Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show // June 18
Kick off boating season at the 17th annual Bay Harbor In-Water Boat Show, June 18-20, featuring the finest in watercraft from pleasure boats to mega-yachts and everything in between.
The Larry McCray Band // June 19
Blues powerhouse Larry McCray—a Michigan-based singer, guitarist, bandleader, songwriter, Orville H. Gibson Blues Guitarist of the Year and Top Guitarist by International Blues Matters award-winner—will be rocking downtown Grayling at the Paddle Hard container yard. Get ready for scalding hot, tasty blues this June!
Frankfort’s Annual Craft Fair // June 19
Frankfort’s Annual Craft Fair on Main Street takes place today with more than 75 booths.
Accelerate The Cure Drive // June 19
Accelerate The Cure is hosting its third annual drive, a socially distanced, car enthusiast journey to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s and money for caregivers. The day begins in Traverse City, takes drivers to gorgeous sites in Leelanau County and ends with a celebration and auction at the Traverse City Country Club.
‘Bubbles + Brunch’ Father’s Day with Schramsberg // June 20
Palette Bistro in Petoskey is hosting this special brunch event for Father’s Day with Schramsberg representative Rimple Nayyar in town to showcase their sparkling Californian wines. Celebrate Dad with some internationally recognized bubblies and cheese, plus charcuterie, steak and eggs and more. Cheers!
Houseplants 101 at North Central Michigan College // June 22
Houseplants 101: In this class offered through North Central Michigan College, students learn how to identify, select and properly care for houseplants using light, water, space, fertilizer and a little TLC.
Parallel 45 Theatre Benefête // June 24
Don’t miss this one-night-only celebration and fundraiser to support P45 Theatre’s cultural comeback as we return to the power and transcendence of experiencing performing arts together again. Join artists from the P45 Theatre Company and your fellow theatre lovers in Traverse City for a safe and socially distanced evening outdoors with delicious appetizers, bubbly drinks and a live cabaret of musical selections co-directed by Kit McKay and Nick Viox, and featuring the first look at the 2021 summer company.
“Accordion to Stas!” Classical Concert with Paul Lundin & Star Venglevski // June 28
The Erickson Center for the Arts is pleased to welcome back accordion extraordinaire Stas Venglevski and renowned violinist Paul Lundin of the True North Quartet. This amazing duo will captivate you with classical favorites, originals and even some tangos.Â
The Steelhead and Fishing Expo // June 30
The DNR survey vessel Steelhead will be docked in Elk Rapids, with crew and staff available to explain the research work they do and to answer questions. A Fishing Expo will begin immediately afterward.