Summer’s last hurrah! We’re taking advantage of every second of these sun-shining, vacation-filled days in Northern Michigan with 20+ local events happening this August across the region. Be sure to check back! We will continue to update this post throughout the month.
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August 2 | Traverse City Dance Project Garden Soirée | Traverse City
Head to the Botanic Gardens at Historic Barns Park for an outdoor party and benefit for the Traverse City Dance Project. Take a stroll in the garden, sip on a beverage, and mingle with friends while you enjoy hors d’oeuvres as well as live dance and musical performances.
August 2-5 | Elk Rapids Harbor Days | Elk Rapids
Elk Rapids Harbor Days has a full lineup of events, including a car show, art & craft show and carnival. The festival runs through Saturday evening, concluding with spectacular fireworks over East Grand Traverse Bay.
August 2 | Luke Winslow-King | Kaleva
Playing at Northern Natural Cider House and Winery, Luke Winslow-King is a New Orleans-based guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has an eclectic vibe that combines Mississippi delta blues, folk music, traditional jazz, and roots rock & roll.
Photo by Farm Club
August 3 | Garden Grown and Gathered Workshop | Traverse City
Get crafty with this bouquet-making workshop with IndieGrow Flowers where you will work beside master gardener and designer Alissa Thomson. You will select, harvest and condition your flowers so they are fresh and easy to work with, and then arrange them into a gorgeous, long-lasting hand-tied bouquet. Bring pruners/snips and a vase or wide-mouthed mason jar.
August 3 | Magic Bus: A Musical Journey to Woodstock | Curtis
Take a psychedelic ride with the Magic Bus! This concert at Erickson Center for the Arts will take you back in time to the Haight-Ashbury District of San Francisco in 1967. The concert runs from 7-9 p.m.
August 5 | Gem & Mineral Show | Ishpeming
The 47th annual Gem & Mineral Show in Ishpeming brings together rock and mineral enthusiasts and more than 50 vendors showing off gemstones, jewelry, crafts and more. Over the weekend, enjoy two field trips for mineral collection and a treasure hunt for families.
August 5 | Hooked on Harmony | Traverse City
Back for its first show since 2019, the Cherry Capital Men’s Chorus returns with “Hooked on Harmony,” also featuring the Four Man Fishin’ Tackle Choir. This show will take place in Fellowship Hall at the Presbyterian Church of Traverse City. Doors open at 7 p.m.
August 6, 11, 13, 14, 20, 27 | Sunday Brunch on the Farm | Suttons Bay
Have Sunday brunch at Black Star Farms in this series, inviting guests to enjoy a new three-course, farm-fresh menu at Bistro Polaris. Brunch will include beverages such as coffee, juice, mimosas, and wine by the glass/carafe (for an additional cost). This all-new menu highlights Estate Chef John Korycki’s years of experience with global cuisine while featuring local ingredients.
August 6 | Northwestern Michigan Fair | Traverse City
From harness racing and livestock auctions, to prize-winning roses and exotic chickens, it’s all a part of the fun at the Northwestern Michigan Fair, a Traverse City tradition since 1908.
August 6, 20 | Yoga by the Bay | Suttons Bay
Enjoy a yoga session by the bay at Two K Farms! Take in breathtaking views of the orchard and West Grand Traverse Bay while you unwind and sip on a glass of cider or wine.
August 9 | Dreamy Summer Evening Gala | Northport
Get ready for the Northport Arts Association’s Dreamy Summer Evening Gala, featuring a cocktail party and silent auction at Willowbrook Mill.
Photo by 45 North Vineyard and Winery
August 9 | Dinner in the Vines | Lake Leelanau
45 North Vineyard & Winery will put on a delish menu featuring food and wine pairings such as ceviche with 45 Bubbly, squash blossom with Oaked Chardonnay and more. Get the full menu at the button below!
August 12 | Herb Bouquet Class | Traverse City
Join Megan Gilger of Fresh Exchange in this upcoming workshop at Farm Club teaching you how to create a bouquet for drying to enjoy later as tea or for cooking this winter.
August 13 | Natural Dyeing with Marigold’s | Traverse City
Immerse yourself in the world of marigold dyeing with Meghan Navoy of Rosemarine Textiles at Farm Club. You will be dyeing a pair of socks, a bandana and your own item of choice from home.
August 17-18 | Follywood: The Final Odyssey | Curtis
Follywood is coming to an end! Erickson Center for the Arts presents “Follywood: The Final Odyssey” at The Pine Performance Center. There will be a cash bar available; doors open at 6:30 p.m.
August 19 | Annual Lobster Fest Fundraiser | Northport
Don’t miss the 18th Annual Lobster Fest Fundraiser held from 5-8 p.m. at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Northport. All proceeds will benefit the continued restoration and preservation of the historic lighthouse and its surrounding property.
August 23 | Earth Radio Live | Gaylord
Sojourn Lakeside Resort’s Summer Concert Series is coming to an end with this final show presenting Earth Radio, a Michigan-based band that creates a unique blend of soulful jazz, pop and indie music.
Photo by Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail
August 23 | Small Plates | Leelanau Peninsula
Small Plates is back! Get a glass of wine paired with a gourmet tapas dish in the tasting rooms of up to three wineries along the Leelanau Peninsual Wine Trail during this unique event that only happens twice per year.
August 24 | James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash | Curtis
This show walks the line! For the past 15 years, James Garner and his band have recreated Johnny Cash’s biggest hits with stunning accuracy. Go back in time with this special concert featuring hits like “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line” and many more.
August 24-27 | Polka Fest | Cedar
Lasting four days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend into Cedar for family fun and entertainment with some of the best Polka bands in America. Plus, plenty of Polish beer, sausages and pierogi.
August 27 | Fair Ground Festival | Hastings
This new annual concert comes to Southwest Michigan’s Barry County Fairgrounds for a lineup not seen anywhere else: Joseph, The Accidentals, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Patty Pershayla, and Kyshona.
August 30 | The Accidentals | Kaleva
Close out the summer season in Northern Michigan with The Accidentals at Northern Natural Cider House. Have a drink and enjoy this relaxing outdoor show with friends and family.