From Michigan Legacy Art Park’s Summer Sounds Series to the return of the Traverse City Film Festival, here are the 25 Northern Michigan events you won’t want to miss this July. There’s something for everyone!
Summer Sounds Series // Thompsonville // July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
The Michigan Legacy Art Park once again kicks off its Summer Sounds Series, starting with American rock icon Cary Morin. The art park will also feature other popular artists throughout the month including The Bootstrap Boys, The Timebombs and more.
Mark Farner’s American Band // Curtis // July 1, 2
Don’t miss a rockin’ show at the Pine Performance Center featuring Mark Farner, who was one of the founding members, lead singer and lead guitarist of the Grand Funk Railroad. From his soulful voice and power rock riffs, his stage presence is one you will surely remember.
Cabaret // Traverse City // July 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Parallel 45 Theatre opens the 2022 Summer Festival with a fun and contemporary theatrical experience of Kander and Ebb’s Cabaret, bursting at the seams with sparkle, feathers, brilliance and heart.
Live Performances at Encore 201 // Traverse City // July 2, 7, 9, 10, 14, 16, 22
Catch live music at Encore 201 in downtown Traverse City all month long, including bands and artists such as Tyler Roy, Gasoline Gypsies, James Armstrong Band and much more.
Historic Walking Tours // Empire // July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
Have you ever wondered what Empire, Michigan was like back in its heyday? Or maybe you just like to explore cool Northern Michigan towns. This walking tour with SBD Tours is the perfect way to explore this iconic area in Leelanau County.
Top-Tier Wine Tasting // Suttons Bay // July 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26, 28
Get a taste of only the best! Join this premium tasting at Black Star Farms and try five of their top-tier wines, including a traditional method bubbly, limited-production reds, and an ice wine-inspired treat as the grand finale.
TACKLE Golf Tournament // Gaylord // July 6
Whether you like golf or just want to enjoy time with friends on the course, take on this golf outing and benefit at Otsego Resort during the Fourth of July week. Rain or shine, this outing will include a cookout immediately after and plenty of outdoor fun.
Master of Variety Comedy Magician Mike Bliss // Curtis // July 7
Head to the Erickson Center for the Arts to see Mike Bliss, who has been performing his award-winning comedy and magic shows for over 30 years all across the country.
Huckleberry Groove // Petoskey // July 8-9
Ready for live music? Plan a night out to this show at City Park Grill featuring Huckleberry Groove, a high-energy, slightly unpredictable, inside joke-telling band that’s always having more fun than anybody else in the room.
Blissfest // Harbor Springs // July 8-10
Showcasing many music styles from folk to bluegrass and many more, plan a trip to Harbor Springs for the annual Blissfest Folk & Roots Music Festival.
Outdoor Yoga on Old Mission Peninsula // Traverse City // July 9, 16, 23, 30
Get ready to relax! Bonobo Flow by Dharamsala TC is an all-level vinyasa flow designed to help you kick off the weekend with the perfect balance of self-care and fun.
Yoga By The Bay // Suttons Bay // July 10, 24
Taking place Sundays from 11 a.m. to noon, head to Two K Farms for “Yoga By The Bay” followed by delicious drinks. Enjoy panoramic views of West Grand Traverse Bay, vineyards, and orchards.
Alpenfest // Gaylord // July 12-16
Honoring Gaylord’s rich heritage, catch this cherished festival featuring plenty of family fun including a parade, carnival and live entertainment.
The Crucible // Traverse City // July 14, 15, 17, 20, 24,
A group of teenage girls fall ill and no earthly cause can be identified… is something larger to blame? UK-based Director Michael Burditt Norton (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) brings Arther Miller’s The Crucible to life in a compelling and irreverent spin on this central work in the American canon. The show is performed and hosted by Parallel 45 Theatre.
A “Toppermost” Beatles Tribute // Petoskey // July 16
Celebrate iconic ‘60s and ‘70s music, dust off your bell bottoms, and enjoy this local, popular Beatles tribute act hosted by Rudbeckia Winery and Burnt Marshmallow Brewstillery.
Lyrics ‘Round The Lake // Lake Leelanau // July 20
Fountain Point Resort welcomes Chris Barron, Shawn Mullins, and Steve Poltz for an intimate, outdoor music experience. Together, the three artists will perform in a traditional writers’ round, as they take turns sharing original songs and the stories behind their lyrics.
39th Annual Garden Walk // Traverse City // July 21
Get ready for floral fun! The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City presents their Between the Bays 39th Annual Garden Walk on Old Mission Peninsula. The garden tour features four private gardens and the First Congregational Church’s Garden of Remembrance.
Wine & Cheese Tasting Fundraiser // Curtis // July 23
It’s the event of the summer for this U.P. arts center. Support Erickson Center for the Arts at Chamberlin’s Ole Forest Inn with a fundraiser featuring a silent and live auction, wine and cheese tasting, and live music.
Arts Festival // Bay Harbor // July 23-24
A two-day festival for artists, locals and visitors alike, this yearly event provides a beautiful backdrop set upon the stunning lake shoreline in Bay Harbor.
Traverse City Film Festival // Traverse City // July 26-31
Returning this summer, the Traverse City Film Festival is a local favorite. Plan on six days, 40-plus incredible films and filmmakers making an appearance throughout the week.
Dig a Pony: A Beatles Tribute // Gaylord // July 27
Sojourn Lakeside Resort’s beloved Summer Concert Series is back! Enjoy a night of fun featuring this Beatles tribute concert that will have you out of your seats and singing all night long.
Josh Martin // Petoskey // July 27
A night of music and arts awaits! Held at Crooked Tree Arts Center, musician Josh Martin will take you on a musical journey. He has brought together the ultimate all-star cast of Nashville’s finest roots musicians to create an electrically charged acoustic string band.
Oliver! // Curtis // July 28, 29, 30
Catch the show of the year hosted at The Pine Performance Center. Oliver! is a musical twist by Lionel Bart based on a classic Charles Dickens novel.
Benzie Bayou: Blues & Zydeco Fundraiser // Elberta // July 29
Internationally renowned musicians will perform blues, jazz and zydeco music at this Grow Benzie fundraiser, featuring food vendors cooking up southern-style cuisine from mostly Michigan ingredients. All are welcome, rain or shine.
Photo by Grow Benzie
ALICE: A Rock Musical // Traverse City // July 28, 29, 30, 31
Parallel 45 Theatre is will end its summer festival with ALICE: A Rock Musical, an original parody production created and performed by P45’s Youthquake Company and directed by Daniel Lendzian.