From a hot air balloon festival in Bay Harbor to Traverse City’s annual Germanfest, here are the Northern Michigan events happening now through September 24, selected just for you by our Office Manager extraordinaire Libby Stallman.

Libby’s Picks is going to take a brief hiatus for the remainder of September and will return during the first week of October.

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Events on Thursday, September 15 & Friday, September 16

September 15 | Paddle Antrim Fest | Antrim County
The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the amazing waterways of Northern Michigan with a two-day paddle event through the Chain of Lakes Water Trail. This choose-your-own-adventure paddle provides the opportunity for you to go anywhere from 7-42 miles in all.

September 15-18 | Parade of Homes | Traverse City
The Grand Traverse Area HBA Parade of Homes runs through this weekend, Sept. 15-18.

September 16 | Harvest Days | Leelanau Peninsula
During the third annual Harvest Days event, locals, visitors, and existing wine club members alike, can experience how it feels to receive exclusive benefits at ALL of the wineries on the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail. For the month of September, and $35 per person, participants can take advantage of the exclusive wine club benefits unique to each winery. Benefits include everything from complimentary flights and tastings to case discounts. Get tickets here.

September 16 | Balloon Festival | Bay Harbor
The 3rd Annual Balloons Over Bay Harbor takes place in the Village at Bay Harbor, hosting some of the best pilots in the nation who compete in national festivals across the country. There will be a schedule of flight activity throughout the weekend, so keep your “eyes to the skies” to watch for these beautiful balloons. There will also be “night glows” where the balloons will light up while grounded on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

September 16 | Scottville Fall Celebration | Scottville
This second annual celebration kicks off with a bang this year, as multi-platinum alternative rock band The Verve Pipe opens the event with a free outdoor concert. The show starts at 8 p.m. but the tent will open starting at 6 p.m. The concert is made possible by West Shore Community College’s Performing Arts Series and the City of Scottville.

September 16 | Doc Probes & David Chown | Williamsburg
The Music House Museum presents “The Golden Voices.” Enjoy the velvet sounds of Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban and Dean Martin, captured by the incredible voice of Doc Probes while David Chown will set a piano groove for a smooth evening of crooning. Get tickets here.

Events on Saturday, September 17 & Sunday, September 18

September 17 | Scenic Chairlift Rides | Thompsonville
Enjoy panoramic views of three counties on Crystal’s Scenic Chairlift Rides! Crystal Clipper or Buck chairlift offer Saturday rides throughout September.

September 17 | 3-D 19th Century Tour | Upper Peninsula
Enjoy this special presentation at The Pine Performance Center closing our Curtis Heritage Cottage and Camp Weekend! Photographer Jack Deo uses antique stereo views taken in the 19th century as he takes you on a visit to iron and copper mines, Native American encampments, and many towns in Upper Michigan. Special 3D glasses will be provided to take you back in time!

September 17 | Cycling Class | Harbor Springs
The Harbor Springs Cycling Classic includes three routes with the Tunnel of Trees, one of the most scenic roads in Northern Michigan. You have a choice of 20, 45, or 60 miles to cycle. After your ride, stay for an awesome sack lunch, it’s included!

September 17 | Hops & Props | Manistee
Bring your family (including dogs) to downtown Manistee for an afternoon of fun! Drink your way through over 100 locally crafted beverages; grab a bite from a food truck; play a game of corn hole; or pull up a lawn chair to relax to the views of the Manistee River with classic wooden boats on display along the channel during the Hops & Props Festival. Get your tickets here.

Northern Michigan Events on September 23 & 24

September 23 | TC Germanfest | Traverse City
Everyone is German at this local festival held in support of Trinity Lutheran School. There will be dancing, German beer and wine, and plenty of Gemütlichkeit for all! Get tickets here.

September 24 | TC Familienfest | Traverse City
All ages are welcome at this family-friendly event! Spend the afternoon playing games and activities at Trinity Lutheran School. Plus, there will also be plenty of brats, pretzels and ice cream to go around. Learn more about this event + get tickets here.

Man with a beer and pretzel in hand

September 24 | Harvest Dinner | Bellaire
Welcome the harvest season Up North with Terrain! This exclusive dinner will celebrate the bounty of Northern Michigan farmers. Optional wine pairings will be available the night of as well as a full bar menu. Get tickets + learn more about this event.

September 24 | Beacco, Berchem and Cahoon in Concert | Upper Peninsula
Vocalists Tony Beacco and Ann Berchem will bring strong and beautiful voices to The Pine Performance Center stage, while accompanist Keith Cahoon rounds out this ensemble with his masterful skills on the piano. Get your tickets here.

Photo(s) by Bay Harbor Arts Festival