The final ode to summer! August welcomes everything from festivals and craft shows to concerts in the park. Don’t miss the last full month of summer fun in Northern Michigan by checking out these 30+ exciting events.

Yoga Workshops | Traverse City | August 2-30

Get ready to relax! Immerse yourself in nature, connect with your mind and body, and work on building healthy habits with Dharamsala TC. This month, they’re holding several yoga classes including SUP on the bay, a Yoga Yin Series, an arm balance workshop and more.

Jeff Hobson | Traverse City | August 3, 10, 17 & 31

Jeff Hobson is happy to be back in his home state to make Traverse City audiences laugh. Originally from Detroit, Hobson is one of the most in-demand comedic magicians working today. Catch him at The Lotus Room all month long.

Elk Rapids Harbor Days | Elk Rapids | August 3

Don’t miss this annual Elk Rapids festival! Get ready for a full lineup of events for 2022, including an arts and crafts show, car show and carnival.

Carriage & Wine Excursions | Suttons Bay | August 4

For more than 20 years, guests have enjoyed viewing the many horses boarded at Black Star Farms. Now, the winery and farm is inviting guests to learn more about these equines with new, one-of-a-kind Carriage and Wine Excursions. Tour scenic wine country and enjoy locally-made wine while you’re at it.

Walking Tour | Empire | August 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25 & 30

Want to learn more about Empire? Go on this historic walking tour with Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours to see what this once booming lumber town was like in its heyday.

Paella Night | Petoskey | August 4

Rudbeckia Winery and Burnt Marshmallow Brewing invite you to enjoy Paella Night, featuring delicious paella, appetizers and your choice of sangria, beer or wine. Bonus: The paella will be prepared Al Fresco!

Comedy Night | Traverse City | August 4 & 25

Head to Traverse City’s newest live music and entertainment venue, Encore 201, to enjoy a night of comedy, delicious drinks and good company.

Gem and Mineral Show | Ishpeming | August 5

The 46th Annual Gem and Mineral Show in Ishpeming will bring together rock and mineral enthusiasts to explore more than 50 vendors showing off a wide variety of gemstones and jewelry.

Antiques Show | Petoskey | August 6-7

More than 140 antique dealers from across the United States will converge in Petoskey, bringing their best items for one exciting show.

Arts Festival | Suttons Bay | August 6-7

This annual art fair takes place the first weekend of August, bringing together one hundred artists, community groups and food vendors.

Straights Brew Bash | St. Ignace | August 6

Sample dozens of dockside brews at the St. Ignace Marina. Top it all off with a night of live music and fireworks!

Yoga By The Bay | Suttons Bay | August 7, 21

Join Two K Farms on Sundays for “Yoga by the Bay” followed by delicious drinks. Enjoy panoramic views of West Grand Traverse Bay, as well as the vineyard and orchard, while you go through a relaxing yoga session.

Northwestern Michigan Fair | Traverse City | August 7-13

From harness racing to livestock auctions and prize-winning roses to exotic chickens, it’s all part of the fun at this Traverse City fair.

I.am.james. | Curtis | August 9

Born and raised on the coast of Lake Michigan, singer-songwriter Sierra Cassidy grew up in a small and thriving arts-driven community. With the immersion in the local folk and roots festival scene, Sierra found inspiration for self-expression through song. Now you can see her play with her band, I.am.james., at the Erickson Center for the Arts in the Upper Peninsula.

Starry Night Gala | Northport | August 10

Join the Northport Arts Association for its second annual Starry Night Gala fundraiser featuring live music by North Coast Trio, charcuterie-style food and beautiful views from The Ridge at Verterra. Don’t miss the cash bar featuring a delicious selection of Verterra Wines.

Farm Fest | Johannesburg | August 12-14

This festival is a must-do, featuring performances by Michigan artists Oh Brother Big Sister, Steel & Wood, Hey Cuz, Kirby and more.

100th Birthday Celebration | Gaylord | August 13

Happy birthday, Gaylord! 100 years means a whole lot of reasons to celebrate, including a parade, refreshments and an open house at the city hall.

Waterfront Art Fair | Charlevoix | August 13

The second oldest juried art fair in Michigan, this summer event has a reputation among critics and collectors alike for its quality of work exhibited in a stunning location.

Broadway Workshop | Traverse City | August 15-19

Students join professional Broadway artists for a unique experience in Traverse City. The week-long event will end with a performance at the City Opera House.

Dancing at the Music House with the Kiogimas | Williamsburg | August 19

Get ready to dance the night away! The Music House Museum is excited to welcome the Kiogimas back for another one of their popular dance events. Experience is not necessary and there will be dance partners available if you don’t have one.

Hoxeyville Music Festival | Wellston | August 19-21

Be sure to head to Wellston this August for the Midwest’s premier Americana and Roots music festival held in the Manistee National Forest.

Annual Lobster Fest | Northport | August 20

Lobster Fest is back! The Grand Traverse Lighthouse at Leelanau State Park is hosting a special dinner this month, including fresh lobster (or filet mignon), potatoes, corn, cherry dessert, drinks and more. There will also be a silent auction. All proceeds will help to restore and preserve the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

Serious Moonlight: Bowie Tribute | Petoskey | August 20

Put this upcoming Bowie Tribute on your list! Serious Moonlight is a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience honoring David Bowie’s music, featuring accurate costumes, custom-made wigs and one seriously talented band.

The Striplin Duo | Curtis | August 20

Legendary Detroit Symphony Orchestra violinist (since 1972!) Joseph Striplin is joined by his wife Dana on the Steinway in this exciting performance at The Pine. 

Seth Bernard Concert & Fundraiser | Traverse City | August 21

Protect and celebrate the water at this intimate concert featuring Seth Bernard at Civic Center Park. Plus, 100 percent of ticket sales benefit FLOW (For Love of Water) and TC Tritons High School Girls Swim/Dive Team.

Seth Bernard standing in a field of flowers

Photo by Seth Bernard

Triathalon | Traverse City | August 21

Calling all athletes! Take on this summer Triathalon where participants will run, swim and bike their way to the finish line on Old Mission Peninsula.

Cedar Polka Fest | Cedar | August 25-28

Lasting four days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend on the tiny town of Cedar for family fun and entertainment with some of the best Polka bands around.

Erin Coburn | Traverse City | August 26

Coming to Encore 201, Cincinnati native and perpetual misfit Erin Coburn is known for her prolific songwriting and modern approach to American rock and roll. She is unafraid to be authentically herself, always delivering a high-energy performance.

Benzie Fishing Frenzy | Frankfort | August 26-28

Take on this three-day salmon fishing tournament, and try to take home a big prize! Hundreds of fish are weighed daily at this summer fishing multi-day event.

Summer Wine Series | Kewadin | August 28

WaterFire Vineyards is introducing their 2022 Wine Dinner series in August. This year, they are featuring Chef Susan Patterson of Savour + Nourish. Susan is focused on locally-sourced ingredients and providing guests with an interactive experience.

Leelanau Grown | Lake Leelanau | August 31

Supporting the Leelanau Children’s Center, taste delicious, locally-made wine at this year’s Leelanau Grown benefit at Aurora Cellars. Plus, attendees can listen to live music while enjoying the best wines of the north, signature cocktails by Tonic & Lime, and hand-crafted mocktails by Audacia Elixirs.

A collage of pictures of children

Photo by Leelanau Children's Center

Luke Winslow-King | Gaylord | August 31

Don’t miss the last event in the Sojourn Summer Concert Series! Luke Winslow-King will play alongside Jake Allen and Dig a Pony.

Photo(s) by Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair