This weekend we are heading outdoors for local festivals, concerts and culinary adventures across Northern Michigan. Here are 15 local events to check out from June 8-11. Hosting an event? Let us know! info@mynorth.com.
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June 8 | Wild Orchids and Other Rare Plants | Traverse City
Venture off-trail to see rare orchids and other plants with Grass River Natural Area Education Director James Dake. Space is limited and wearing muck boots is highly recommended. The event kicks off at 10 a.m.
June 8 | Live on the Plaza: Redux | Ludington
Celebrate summertime in Ludington with free concerts all season at Legacy Plaza on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. For this concert, you’ll listen to live music by Redux.
June 9 | Music in the Park | East Jordan
Head to Memorial Park in East Jordan for a Friday concert with Todd Michael & the Ghost Town Marshalls. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m.
June 9-11 | Love Ludington Weekend | Ludington
Don’t miss this 150th celebration street bash packed with fun events including live music, a fireworks display, a lakeside half marathon, House of Flavors Guinness World Record attempt for the longest sundae, putt-putt golf, and a Sesquicentennial Ball.
Photo by Nicole Steffen
June 9-18 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival | Mackinac Island
This year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival marks its 75th celebration! This 10-day, event-filled festival honors the beautiful lilacs on the island and its history. Take part in a 10K run or walk, the coronation of the Lilac Queen, lilac walking tours, planting seminars, cornhole tournaments, live music and the Grand Parade.
June 10 | Highlander Festival | St. Ignace
This Highlander Festival in St. Ignace features traditional Scottish Highland competitions including caber toss, hammer, sheaf, and stone games–hosted by Michigan Highlanders and the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau. Events kick off at 10 a.m. at the Little Bear East Arena. Be ready for live music, a beer tent, food trucks, and more.
June 10 | U.P. Rainbow Pride Fest | Marquette
Celebrate Pride in the Upper Peninsula! The 8th Annual U.P. Pride Festival takes place from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in Marquette with a day of activities to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community including beer and wine, a drag show, vendors, and more.
June 10 | Leland Wine and Food Festival | Leland
This start-of-summer celebration highlights Northern Michigan’s winemaking and culinary scene in the heart of Leelanau County. Stop by for summer sips and wine pairings, and explore the area in Leland’s beautiful Fishtown.
Photo by Leland Wine & Food Festival
June 10 | Discover Fishing at the Pier | Traverse City
Take your little ones to this free fishing session at the Discovery Center & Pier in partnership with Inland Seas Education Association, Michigan United Conservation Clubs and Northwest Michigan Fishing Club. This program will focus on teaching ages 9-14 about Great Lakes food webs and basic fishing techniques. Two sessions will be offered: 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-4 p.m. Registration is required.
June 10 | Short’s Fest | Elk Rapids
Summer starts at Short’s Fest! Enjoy an evening of Short’s Brews, Starcut Ciders, live music, and tasty snacks from local food trucks. There are two ticket options available, and they’ll go fast. Events take place from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Short’s Pull Barn.
June 10 | World Knit and Crochet in Public Day | Traverse City
Celebrate the joy of knitting and crocheting (in public!) at this all-ages program at Traverse Area District Library. Meet on the front lawn, weather permitting, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring your own chairs, needles, hooks and a project to work on.
June 10-11 | Pictured Rocks Days | Munising
Explore the beauty of Munising at Pictured Rocks Days, one of the largest festivals in the area with over 100 vendors, food trucks, bands and more. Pictured Rocks Cruises will host free cruises to U.P. residents–limited to 1,000 a day.
June 10 | Downtown Alpena Drive-In & Dine | Alpena
Downtown Alpena is hosting the first annual Drive-In & Dine Car Show from 5-8 p.m., welcoming all types of unique vehicles. Pre-registration is not necessary. Stop by and vote for your favorites, and enjoy live music and good eats from local food trucks.
June 10 | Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra Opening Concert | Petoskey
The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra presents “From Bohemia’s Woods & Groves” at 7 p.m. at the John M. Hall Auditorium, featuring works by Czech composers: Antonín Dvořák’s 8th Symphony and Bedřich Smetana’s Moldau. Also, hear from award-winning violin virtuoso Dylana Jenson, performing Samuel Barber’s Violin Concerto.
June 11 | Yoga by the Bay at Two K Farms | Suttons Bay
This relaxing event pairs West Grand Traverse Bay views with yoga and Northern Michigan wine. Join Mickey Boomer for a relaxing yoga session, and stay for a beverage after the event.
Photo by Allison Jarrell