Spending this upcoming Memorial Day Weekend in Northern Michigan? Then look no further than this list of local events taking place from May 26-28. Hosting an event? Let us know! info@mynorth.com.
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May 26-28 | Cherry Captial Comic Con | Acme
Spend your holiday weekend at Northern Michigan’s largest comic book and pop culture expo, taking place at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. At Cherry Capital Comic Con you can connect with more than 100 exhibitors, artists, and creators and explore great deals on comics and collectible merchandise, as well as take part in a costume contest for both adults and kids.
May 26-27 | 14th Annual Garage Sales Across The Breezeway | East Jordan
A surefire way to enjoy your holiday weekend, exploring 26 miles of scenic beauty and garage sales along “The Breezeway,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. While many of the sales are dotted across “The Breezeway,” be sure to check for signs and more opportunities at local businesses.
Photo by Old Art Building
May 27 | Leland Air: Plein Air Exhibition | Leland
This art exhibition features fresh scenes created by artists earlier in the day en plein air, capturing the natural beauty of Leland and beyond. Close to 40 artists are slated to take part in this year’s 11th annual event, and art will be on display during the opening reception on May 27. From May 28-31, the public is invited to view and purchase any remaining works at the Old Art Building.
May 27 | Laying of the Lilacs | Benzonia
Benzonia’s annual Laying of the Lilacs ceremony is a time-honored tradition—held at 11 a.m. in Benzonia Township Cemetery. The ceremony honors the area’s Civil War veterans at the mushroom-shaped monument made by the E.P. Case Grand Army of the Republic Post 372 veterans in the late 1880s. This year’s ceremony also honors Senator William Case, author of The Tragedy of Crystal Lake, and his family with a program presented by Benzie Area Historical Society Curator and historian Jane Purkis. Following the program, Purkis will lead a headstone cleaning workshop starting at noon. If you’re planning to help, be sure to bring a bucket, natural stiff brush, toothbrush, towel, trash bag and plastic or wood scraper.
May 27 | 5K Color Run/Walk | Manistee
Head to Trinity Lutheran School in Manistee for a 5K Color Run/Walk starting at 8:30 a.m. for children and 9 a.m. for adults. Stop by for vendors and activities in the parking lot including a bouncy house, face painting as well as the Detroit Coney Dog cart.
May 27-28 | Arts and Crafts Show | Tawas City
Explore local and handmade items from more than 100 vendors at this Memorial Day Arts and Craft Show in Tawas City. The show starts at 10 a.m. and will be located in the recently renovated Shoreline Park, positioned along Lake Huron.
May 27 | Elk Rapids Arts and Crafts Show | Elk Rapids
Spend the day in Elk Rapids with the 29th annual Arts and Craft Show, taking place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. right in the heart of downtown on River Street. Explore 70 different artisans and creators, and visit local businesses and restaurants in the area.
May 27 | Northport Cars in the Park | Northport
Check out Leelanau County’s longest-running auto show this weekend starting at 10 a.m. at Haserot Park in the village of Northport. Since 1998, this car show has showcased unique vehicles and local fun for all ages.
Photo by TCTC Bayshore Marathon
May 27 | Bayshore Marathon | Traverse City
The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K has become a Memorial Day Weekend tradition for running enthusiasts who want to experience the beauty of the Grand Traverse region and Old Mission Peninsula.
May 27 | Made in Cheboygan Craft Show | Cheboygan
Support local crafters and small businesses at Made in Cheboygan, featuring a large assortment of goods such as jewelry, home decor, pottery, clothing, toys, kitchen essentials, custom-printed shirts and more.
May 27 | Houghton from the Ground Festival | Houghton
Celebrate the coming of spring in the Keweenaw! This Houghton-based event will host local food, arts vendors and live music, all held in partnership with Ride the Keweenaw. The festival starts at noon at Houghton’s Waterfront Pier.
May 27 | Michigan Beer and Brat Festival | Thompsonville
The 16th annual Michigan Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain offers live music while you sample an array of Michigan microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine, liquor and gourmet brats. General admission begins at 4 p.m.
May 27 | Native American Festival | St. Ignace
The 2023 Native American Festival will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace, recognizing and celebrating the rich culture and contributions of the area’s Anishinaabe people. During the festival, you can go on a guided museum and grounds tour with a cultural interpreter or a historic walking tour with a local historian.
May 27 | Walloon Lake Memorial Day Weekend Celebration | Walloon Lake
Kick off Memorial Day Weekend in Walloon Lake with a Blessings of the Boats ceremony, a craft show open on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., a best-dressed boat competition, food trucks, and more.
Photo by Rachel Haggerty
May 27 | Star Party at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore | Glen Arbor
View Northern Michigan’s breathtaking, starry skies from an iconic destination. This Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore stargazing party will take place at 9 p.m. at the Dumb Climb, free for anyone to join (but also requiring a park entrance pass). Telescope and information stations will be ready for use, and be sure to stop by the ranger greeter table in the parking lot for more information. Bring a flashlight, bug spray, your own binoculars, beverages, beach chairs and anything that will make your evening a more comfortable experience.
May 28 | Light Up the Sky 5K Run/Walk | Presque Isle
Returning for a 7th year, Presque Isle’s Light Up the Sky 5K Run/Walk is slated for Sunday starting at 9 a.m. for children and 9:30 a.m. for the main run/walk. Both events kick off at the New Presque Isle Lighthouse Park. All net proceeds support the annual Fourth of July fireworks held at the Presque Isle State Harbor on July 2.