Community Signature Events

Coming to Manistee this Summer, Fall, and beyond!

Summer isn’t over yet!

Hello Chamber investors and businesses,

Whether you are a merchant on River Street or a restaurant in Onekama, the Chamber is excited to share with you this year’s list of signature events. There are still a number of festivals, concerts, tourist attractions, and live music almost every night of the week. From family-friendly concerts to beer tasting at breweries, it's guaranteed lakeshore fun!

Mark your calendars for the following signature events:

Visit the Manistee County Visitors Bureau website for a complete

August 5 - 8 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

There is something for everyone! Come and have fun with family and friends and enjoy the beautiful Two Lake Town during mid summer before school starts. Some popular events include the Classic Car Show, Arts & Crafts, Cornhole Tournament, Parade, and so much more!

August 12 - 13 | 10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Summer may be winding down fast, but the savings are just beginning! You'll find fantastic bargains on just about everything....housewares, antiques, outdoor equipment, jewelry, toys, and apparel for the entire family.

August 13 | 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Not only are you and your friends/family outside getting exercise and fresh air during the nicest time of the year in Michigan, but you are contributing to a charitable event that focuses on raising funds for local causes. Plus the race day will provide an additional opportunity to potentially increase commerce to the downtown district through added attention, foot traffic and tourism.

August 17 - 22 | TBD 

Come visit the 2022 Manistee County Fair at the Manistee County Fairgrounds on 1st Street in Onekama Michigan, right off M-22. There will be rides, games, vendors, animals, exhibits, barrel race, horse pull, demo derby, and so much more!

August 19 - 21 | TBD 

Hoxeyville is the midwest's premier Americana and Roots festival. With two stages featuring national touring artists, and the best and brightest Michigan talent with an intimate capacity of 4,000. We are proud of our incredibly supportive community, safe, family-friendly camping (and playground!), excellent kids' tent programming, unbelievable food, and an easily traversable site.  

August 27 | VARIES 

Welcome to the Big Bear Sportsman’s Club annual “Big Bear Butt Cruise,” a one-day road bike ride throughout scenic Manistee and Benzie Counties. This annual cruise is composed of four different rides: 60k, 130k, 170k, and 210k ride. All will take you across Tippy Dam and on some of Manistee County’s best roads across our beautiful rivers, through our scenic forests, and out to the majestic bluff views of Lake Michigan.

September 2 - 3 | VARIES

The festival will highlight the talented local bands that call northwestern Michigan home, from students who are just starting their music careers to the homestyle jamboree bands of music lovers. The centerpiece stage will be supported by a collection of other homegrown favorites, like local food trucks and a tasting sponsored by regional breweries. Stop by for the Minnehaha Brewhaha 5k & 15k, music, food, and fun!

September 2 - 4 | 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Celebrate the heritage of Brethren during the multitude of events help over Labor Day weekend! Some key attractions include Fireworks over Lake Elinor, Craft Vendors, Cornhole Tournament, Dragster Car Show, and an extensive linup of bands and singers. Follow the Brethren Days Facebook page for more updates.

September 3 | TBD

Presented by the Salt City Rock & Blues, a non-profit organization, for the express benefit of constructing a public amphitheater between First Street Beach and Douglas Park. The LaborFest is a celebration of the region’s rich industrial history and the laborers who support the Salt, Lumber & Sand industries. Here Come the Mummies and Jake Kershaw have been confirmed for this year's Laborfest lineup! 

September 17 | 1:00 - 6:00 pm

Drink your way through over 100 locally crafted beverages from Michigan’s best breweries, wineries, cider houses, and distillers; grab a bite from one of the food trucks; play a game of corn hole; or pull up a lawn chair to relax to the views of the Manistee River Channel!

October 8 | 8:00 am

You’ll pedal through the Udell Hills formed 10,000 years ago by immense glaciers, cross the Big Manistee River at High Bridge, and grind through the countryside to Iron Fish Distillery in Thompsonville. After a short reprieve, turn around and see what you missed on the way back to the start. You’re invited to experience these 100 miles of quality and pleasurable riding featuring a cool 2,700 ft of elevation.

December 1 - 4 | TBD

Step back in time as you take part in one of Michigan’s most unique holiday celebrations. An entire weekend of excitement featuring the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse-drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer meet and greet, and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian-style attire. The highlights of the parade are the draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling, and the lighting of the tree.