From the annual Polka Festival in Cedar to a Summer Wine Dinner Series at WaterFire Vineyards, here are the Northern Michigan events you’re not going to want to miss this weekend, selected just for you by our MyNorth Media Office Manager Extraordinaire Libby Stallman.

Events on Thursday, August 25 in Northern Michigan

August 25–28 | Cedar Polka Fest | Cedar
The Cedar Polka Fest celebrates the town’s rich Polish history. Lasting four days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend into town for family fun and entertainment with some of the best Polka bands in America! Enjoy plenty of Polish beer, sausages and pierogi.

August 25–28 | Country Fair | Petoskey
Don’t miss the 116th Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair taking place in Petoskey. Enjoy rides, games, concerts and a monster truck throw-down.

August 25 | Dave Dempsey & Jerry Dennis | Traverse City
Join the National Writers Series in Traverse City at the City Opera House for a conversation with authors Dave Dempsey (Great Lakes for Sale) and Jerry Dennis (The Living Great Lakes) where we’ll learn how we can help keep our Great Lakes great for generations to come.

August 25 | Arcturos Dining Series | Suttons Bay
Celebrate Northern Michigan’s late summer bounty while you dine al fresco at the next Arcturos Dining Series at Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay. Learn more about this dining series at the Inn + get your tickets before they sell out.

Black Star Farms winery in Suttons Bay.

Photo by Rachel Soulliere

Events This Friday, August 26

August 26–28 | Fudge Festival | Mackinac Island
While fudge is enjoyed as a delicious delicacy every day on Mackinac Island, the summer Fudge Festival celebrates the rich history of fudge, how the island has become the ‘Fudge Capital of the World,” and why island-dwellers and visitors alike love the tasty treat.

August 26 | Felix the Cat Short Film Accompaniment | Williamsburg 
Red Wings Organist Dave Calendine will accompany a classic Felix the Cat cartoon and two Buster Keaton shorts at this Music House Museum event in Williamsburg. Get tickets and learn more about this event.

August 26 | Benzie Fishing Frenzie | Benzie County
The Benzie Fishing Frenzie Tournament is one of the largest and most popular salmon fishing events in Michigan. The tournament starts with the Ladies’ Classic, then proceeds through the weekend with the Pro and Amateur Divisions.

August 26 | Erin Coburn Concert | Traverse City
Head to Encore 201 in downtown Traverse City for a concert featuring Erin Coburn, who is known for her prolific songwriting and modern approach to American Rock and Roll. Get tickets and learn more about this event here.

Events on August 27 & 28 in Northern Michigan

Now Through Labor Day | PBR-Themed Stay | Traverse City
Head to Grand Traverse Motel now through Labor Day for a unique Pabst Blue Ribbon experience where you can stay in one of three retro PBR-themed rooms: the Rec Room, the Dive Bar and the Arcade. 

August 28 | WaterFire Summer Wine Dinner Series | Kewadin
Head to WaterFire Vineyards in Kewadin for the next Summer Wine Dinner Series featuring a special menu with lamb barbacoa, marinated mozzarella and more. View the menu + get your tickets before they sell out.

waterfire vineyard

Photo by Carly Simpson

Photo(s) by Cedar Polka Fest