As summer returns in Northern Michigan, our weekends and evenings are filled with barbecues, bonfires and any excuse to enjoy a few brews in the sunshine. To celebrate the season’s start, we’ve rounded up 20Â local festivals and events.
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Concerts & Live Performances
June 7 | Drew HaleÂ
Kicking off the 2024 Summer Concert Series at Sojourn Lakeside Resort in Gaylord, Drew Hale returns for another rocking performance.
Photo by Music House Museum
June 8 | David ChownÂ
Acclaimed Northern Michigan Pianist David Chown will perform a solo concert at The Music House Museum, highlighting the great singers and songwriters of the ‘70s.
June 8 | Mike Mangione & Allie KesselÂ
Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter Mike Mangione and his new band will take The Alluvion stage; Northern Michigan’s own Allie Kessel will open for the evening.
June 10 | Summer Folk Concert Series: Boundary WaterÂ
Stop by the Charlevoix Public Library on Monday evening for a performance by Boundary Water—a new, acoustic trio that plays mostly instrumental tunes. The concert starts at 6:30 p.m.
June 11 | Arts on the Hill: Phoenix Boys ChoirÂ
Catch the Emmy-award-winning group The Phoenix Boys Choir at the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Beulah, as part of the Arts on the Hill program. This event is free, but donations will be accepted to support the continuation of the series.Â
Food & Wine Events
June 8 | 2024 Cheese FestÂ
Delight in the best of the best at Cheese Fest with Leelanau Cheese in Suttons Bay. Expect games, classes, kids activities, workshops and more cheesy fun.
Photo by Leelanau Cheese
June 14 | Ladies Night with Bubbles & Bites
Grab your gals for this fun evening at Black Star Farms with Millie & Pepper, celebrating our fantastic local wine and food scene.
June 15 | Pizza & PipesÂ
It’s back! This popular event at The Music House features gourmet pizza paired with music by Red Wings and Tigers Organist Dave Calendine.
June 22 | Goat Yoga at Black Star FarmsÂ
Get ready for a true farm yoga experience! Tickets include a cup of goat feed and a complimentary wine or drink voucher, which can be enjoyed at Bistro Polaris or the tasting room.
Festivals & Celebrations
June 7-9 | Love Ludington WeekendÂ
This year’s summer kickoff event in Ludington features new activities including a car show during the Friday street party, a new Mason County Historical Society exhibit unveiling, and a 100th anniversary celebration of the Ludington North Breakwater Light.
Photo by Mackinac Island Tourism
June 7-16 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Mackinac Island is celebrating its 76th annual Lilac Festival, featuring 10 days of fun on Michigan’s Jewel of the Great Lakes. Festivities include the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen, Lilac Poster reveal, daily walking tours, planting sessions, a run/walk, concerts in the park, a movie in the fort, a grand parade and more.
June 8-9 | Pictured Rocks DaysÂ
Mark your calendar for this year’s Pictured Rocks Days in Munising, one of the area’s largest festivals. Expect food trucks, vendors, live music and more. Pictured Rocks Cruises will also offer free cruises for Upper Peninsula residents (limited to 1,000 a day).
Photo by Allison Jarrell
June 13-16 | Indian River Old Fashioned DaysÂ
The Indian River Old Fashioned Days is a summer celebration for the whole family. From a craft show to live music, beach games and a car show, there’s plenty to enjoy at this small-town festival.Â
June 22 | Roots & Rays: Summer CelebrationÂ
Celebrate summer’s arrival with hands-on activities for all ages at the Boardman River Nature Center, hosted by the Grand Traverse Conservation District. The event will begin at 10 a.m.
Photo by Dave Weidner
June 27 | Sunset Beach Bonfire at Stearns Park & Beach
Live music, a bonfire and gorgeous sunset views set the stage for this free summer event in Ludington. Festivities begin at 8 p.m.
June 28 – July 6 | Interlochen Shakespeare Festival
Experience Shakespeare’s witty comedy with a modern twist at Interlochen Center for the Arts’ Shakespeare Festival, The Comedy of Errors. Get ready for a classic production with slapstick comedy, clever puns and witty wordplay.
June 28 – June 30 | 20 Year Shindig: Beryl Days
Join Sleeping Bear Surf & Kayak in celebrating its 20th anniversary—Michigan’s first full-service surf shop, family-owned and operated since 2004. The celebration also honors the shop’s co-founder, Beryl Lewis Skrocki, whose unparalleled joy and warm energy touched the lives of so many. Expect: a paddle-out, sand castle building contest, stone skipping competition, live music, and more. Check out the schedule of events here.
Fundraisers & Community Events
Photo by French Valley Vineyard
June 15 | Dancing Through the Decades: An Evening of ArtÂ
Enjoy a night of dancing, drinks, food and a live and silent auction at French Valley Vineyard, all in support of Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy.
June 8 | Comedy for a Cause with Damien Speranza
Join Damien Speranza and Traverse City Comedy Club for a fundraiser in support of the Traverse City Firefighters Historical Society.
June 26 | A Gala of GraceÂ
The Leelanau County Cancer Foundation is hosting a delightful evening of entertainment, food, drinks and a live and silent auction at French Valley Vineyard. Your support will help with day-to-day expenses for Leelanau County families facing cancer.
June 27 | Genuine Leelanau Fundraiser
Support the LIFT Teen Center with this fundraising event at The V Gallery in Omena hosted by Genuine Leelanau Board Members.Â