Get your groove on all summer long in Northern Michigan with these outdoor concert series, festivals and live performances taking place through August 2023.
This is a MyNorth.com exclusive. Want more? View our print subscription and digital subscription options.
June 21-August 2 | Concerts on the Steps | Marquette
Get ready for summer concerts at the Peter White Public Library, running from 7-8 p.m. The lineup includes Syria Project on June 21; Chris Valenti on June 28; The Ogeas on July 19; and Charlie Millard on August 2.
June 22-August 24 | UpBeat Cadillac | Cadillac
Experience the best in jazz, blues, soul and rock on the lakeshore with the UpBeat Cadillac summer series, taking place rain or shine at the Cadillac Rotary Performing Arts Pavilion on Lake Street. Catch artists like Sunset Groove and Organissimo in this 10-concert series.
June 23-25 | Sol of the Lost Tamarack | Wolverine
Gear up for the 10th annual Sol of the Lost Tamarack music festival, hosted at the Lost Tamarack Lodge. This year’s three-day event features Funky Uncle, Killer Diller, Eliza Thorp, Jon Archambault Band, Scott Pellegrom Trio, Michelle Chenard, Bootstrap Boys and more must-see artists.
June 26-August 14 | Monday Night Concerts in the Park | Onekama
Join the Portage Lake Association for concerts in the park on Monday nights all summer long. Music will kick off at 7 p.m., with a great lineup of local favorites including Awesome Distraction, The Benzie Playboys, Whispers of the North, The Handstanders and more.
Photo by Sojurn Lakeside Resort
June 28, July 26, August 23 | Sojourn Summer Concert Series | Gaylord
Sojourn Lakeside Resort is once again hosting its Sojourn Summer Concert Series, starting with the band Dig a Pony on June 28; Charlie Millard Band on July 26; and Earth Radio on August 23. Bring lawn chairs, sunglasses, and your favorite food and beverages.
June 28 | Rejoice! Leelanau Summer Music Festival | Cedar
Leelanau Summer Music Festival returns after a three-year hiatus with a program featuring Schumann’s ebullient Piano Quartet in Eb Major performed by violinists Walter Verdehr and Michael Ouzounian, cellist Carl Donakowski, and pianist Young-Hyun Cho. The program also includes works by Sofia Gubaidulina with violinist Sarah Plum, Heitor Villa-Loboos and J.S. Bach.
June 29 | Sue Huber Evening of Piano featuring Neil Donato and Ken Pesick | Curtis
Enjoy improvised selections from the American Jazz, Popular and Songbook repertoire at this evening of piano at Erickson Center for the Arts. Neil Donato and Ken Pesick met in the Upper Peninsula during the summer of 2016 while playing with separate bands. They quickly discovered their shared affinity for improvised music, and since, have played together across the state.
July 3 | The Accidentals at Jacob’s Farm | Traverse City
Jacob’s Farm welcomes The Accidentals for a Fourth of July celebration, with Patty Pershayla & The Mayhaps as the opening act. The farm will be closed to the public. Doors will open at 5 p.m.
July 3 | Luke Woltanski and his Dangerous Music Men | Maple City
Check out this album release party for Luke Woltanski the Dangerous Music Man, who is publishing his fifth studio record. To send it off, he and his studio band are coming together for a special release concert at Broomstack Kitchen and Taphouse. Doors open at 5 p.m.
July 7-9 | Blissfest Folk & Roots Festival | Harbor Springs
Head to Harbor Springs for the annual Blissfest Festival, a celebration of music, culture, art and community featuring diverse and innovative folk, world and roots artists. In addition to music, be sure to check out the various workshops in dancing, storytelling, poetry and children’s activities.
July 8 | Harry Goldson Memorial JazzFest | Suttons Bay
Celebrate the legacy Harry Goldson brought to American Classic Jazz with this year’s JazzFest event, showcasing performances by talented musicians who played alongside Harry. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy local food and wine, while internationally-acclaimed pianist, composer and producer Bob James headlines the event.
Photo by The Accidentals
July 8 | The Accidentals | Curtis
The Accidentals will make a stop at Erickson Center for the Arts in the Upper Peninsula this July 8. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and VIP tickets are available.
July 12-August 30 | Summer Concerts at Northern Natural | Kaleva
Spend your summer evenings with a cold beverage in hand and live music at Northern Natural Cider House & Winery. The lineup includes Peter ‘Madcat’ Ruth & the C.A.R.Ma Quartet, The Handstanders, May Erlewine, Luke Winslow-King, Full Cord and The Mark Lavengood Trio, and closing the season, The Accidentals.
July 19, 20 | Lyrics ‘Round the Lake | Lake Leelanau
This intimate music experience features a trio of performers who will participate in a traditional writers’ round, taking turns in sharing original songs and the stories behind their finely-crafted lyrics. Sit back and relax at Fountain Point Resort, as you enjoy music by Marc Broussard, Brian Vander Ark, and Emerson Hart.
July 21-23 | Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival | Marquette
The Hiawatha Festival is one of the largest events in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. From bluegrass to Cajun, acoustic blues and folk, don’t miss a full slate of performances by nationally-known artists as well as regional and local favorites.
July 28 | Benzie Bayou: Blues & Zydeco Fundraiser | Elberta
Benzie Bayou is back for 2023! Spend an afternoon listening to nationally-known blues, jazz, and zydeco musicians while you get a delish bite of local food vendors cooking up southern-inspired cuisine.
August 3 | Magic Bus: A Musical Journey to Woodstock | Curtis
Get out your best ’60s attire and journey back into the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco in 1967. Magic Bus is equipped with both outstanding musical abilities and an authentic look that’s sure to spark some memories or, if you’re too young to remember, it’ll give you the Woodstock experience of a lifetime.
Photo by Thornapple Arts Council
August 27 | The Fair Ground Festival | Hastings
Put this new festival experience on your calendar! The Barry County Fairgrounds will host a series of musicians including The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Patty Pershayla and many more artists. Doors will open at 2 p.m.