30+ Northern Michigan Events You Can’t Miss This July

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June 29–July 6 | National Cherry Festival

From live performances to parades and more than 150 family-friendly activities, the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is one of the best summer celebrations in the nation. Don’t forget to pick up fresh cherries during your visit!

Read Next: Fourth of July Fireworks and Celebrations

July 2–30 | Walking Tour of Historic Empire

Did you know Empire was once a booming lumber town? Join Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours for a walking tour of this historic Michigan village. 

July 3–September 1 | The McCartney Years

Summer’s hottest show at Mackinac Island’s Mission Point Resort will take you back in time with the greatest hits from Paul McCartney. 

July 6 | Full Cord

When it comes to bluegrass, Full Cord is a supergroup on the rise. Catch their upcoming show at Northern Natural Cider House.

July 7 | Elizabeth Minor

Spend your Sunday at Fountain Point Resort with music by Elizabeth Minor and A to Z, hosted by The Accidentals.

July 7 | Looking Forward: Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Tribute

Enjoy an evening of timeless hits by one of the greatest folk-rock supergroups at French Valley Vineyards.

July 9–13 | Gaylord Alpenfest

This Alpine-inspired celebration honors Gaylord’s heritage and beautiful downtown area. Don’t miss the carnival, live music, Die Groeste Kaffe Pause (World’s Largest Coffee Break), and more fun activities for all ages. See the schedule here. 

July 9 | Mulebone

Catch this blues duo in concert at the beloved Music House Museum in Williamsburg. 

July 10 | Dig a Pony

Here comes the sun(set)! Spend a summer evening at Sojourn Lakeside Resort for a rockin’ Beatles tribute concert. 

July 11 | HeyMan

The Alluvion continues its mission of bringing high-level jazz musicians to Traverse City. Next up: Heyman, a group of innovative improvisers.

July 12–13 | Copper Country Strawberry Festival

Nothing says summer like biting into fresh fruit! Held in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Copper Country Strawberry Festival is packed with fun for all ages including kids games, a fish boil, a parade, queen competition, and you can’t leave without trying the famous strawberry shortcake. 

July 12 | Huckleberry Groove

If you haven’t spent a Friday night at City Park Grill in Petoskey, you’re missing out. This funk-loving, dance-floor-packing band returns for another performance.

July 14 | Ani Mari and Company

Fountain Point Resort continues its summer series with Ani Mari and Company, who will perform her debut solo album, Girlfriend.

July 17 | May Erlewine

May Erlewine split her heart wide open—and she isn’t afraid to share what’s inside. Don’t miss this intimate performance at Northern Natural Cider House.

July 18–20 | Beaver Island Music Festival

Head into the woods for this fun festival that combines great music with nature on a small remote island. Beaver Island Music Festival also has activities like yoga and games and crafts for kids. 

July 18 | Summer Open House

Get an inside look at life on Idyll Farms during this walking tour of the creamery, goat barns, milking parlor and pastures. Close-toe, farm-appropriate shoes are required.

July 18–20 | Annie the Musical

The sun will come out tomorrow! Erickson Center for the Arts is bringing back a musical favorite, Annie. Get your tickets before they’re gone.

July 19 | Herb Garden Cocktail Class

NanBop Farms and Iron Fish Distillery are teaming up for this herb cocktail-making class. You’ll learn how to create flavorful cocktails with herbs straight from your garden.

July 19 | Djangophonique & Cabaret Boreale

Djangophoniqe returns to The Alluvion with their exciting side project, Cabaret Boreale.

July 20–23 | Bayview Mackinac Race

This year marks the 100th consecutive Bayview Mackinac Race, hosted by the Bayview Yacht Club. The first fleet included nine yachts that took on tough winds, but only three finished. Today, around 250 racing yachts will trek from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. 

July 20 | Organist Dave Calendine

This event series is a Music House Museum favorite, pairing live music with silent films. Coming up: Detroit Tigers Organist Dave Calendine will play alongside the silent film, Casey at the Bat.

July 20–23 | Northern Michigan Lavender Festival

Four lavender farms will team up for one festival in Wolverine, Michigan. Awakening Lavender Farm, Gaylord; Lil Lavender Acres, Rudyard; McCormick Farmz, Wolverine; and Uncommon Ranch Lavender & Herb Farm, Grayling. Don’t miss: the pop-up market, cocktails, live music and u-pick lavender stations.

July 21 | Grace Thiesen Band

Head to Fountain Point Resort for a live performance by Americana artist Grace Thiesen.

July 23 | Peter Bergin

Hail! Hail! The Gang’s All Here…. The Pine Performance Center presents a riveting performance by Peter Bergin.

July 25 | Abra Berens & Women in Wine

Treat yourself to an amazing evening of food, wine and fun at Willowbrook Mill. Chef Abra Berens will bring her food magic to the kitchen, accompanied by Kasey Wierzba of Shady Lane Cellars and Giordana Sobel of American Wine School & Veritas Wine Distributors.

July 26–27 | Fair Ground Festival

The Fair Ground Festival returns for its second year with a hot lineup: The War and Treaty, The Accidentals, Hannah Wicklund, BAILEN, Alanna Royale, and The Rebel Eves.

July 26 | Marquette Blueberry Festival

During the Blueberry Festival, downtown Marquette comes alive with sidewalk sales, blueberry delights (pies, pizzas, brews and more), and local vendors. Come for the blueberries, stay for the welcoming vibes in a beautiful destination. 

July 26 | Hail Your Highness

This high-energy show at The Alluvion is perfect for alt, emo and punk rock fans. The lineup: Hail Your Highness, Guardrail, Ghoul for a Goblin.

July 27 | Erickson Center Annual Summer Fundraiser

Support Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis at the annual wine and cheese tasting and auction fundraiser. There will be raffles, a cash bar and barbecue from Styes Guys. 

July 28 | The Rebel Eves & Joy Clark

Performing their latest single First Place, The Rebel Eves will join Joy Clark for another great summer show at Fountain Point Resort.

July 28 | The Accidentals

The Accidentals will wrap up July Up North with a show at Northern Naturals Cider House. This event is perfect for folks who missed the Cherry Festival performance or prefer a low-key vibe. 

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