Mega Fest List for Art-and-Craft Fair Fanatics

Your summer art festival calendar

By Al Parker | June 9, 2018

If you’re glad to see winter finally leave and planning a summer full of art-related fun, you’ll want to check out the wide variety of shows and fairs held from now until Labor Day across northern Michigan.

Here’s a glimpse at some of the region’s most popular art events:

Celebrating its 20th year, The Summer Art Show in Charlevoix’s East Park is widely known for its quality art displayed on the shores of Round Lake. Looking for oils, watercolors, acrylics, sculpture, pottery, photography, furniture or jewelry? You’ll find all of those, and more, at this popular show. It’s set for June 23–24. For information, visit Charlevoix.org.

The annual National Cherry Festival Arts and Crafts Fair is scheduled for July 1 along Union Street in Traverse City. More than 100 artisans from across the Midwest will offer works at this juried event, just a short stroll from Grand Traverse Bay. It’s one of the highlights of the annual Cherry Festival. To learn more, visit downtowntc.com or call (231) 922-2050. 

Celebrate the Fourth of July with a visit to the Harbor Springs Art Fair at the city’s Zorn Park. This one-day event features artisans from across the country and is one of the standout activities always held on the holiday. For details, call (231) 526-7999.

Also on Independence Day, Frankfort’s annual Art In The Park will be held at Mineral Springs Park and feature works from Michigan artists on the shores of Lake Michigan. For details, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.

The Beulah Art Fair is traditionally held the first Saturday after Independence Day. This year that’s July 7. There is always an interesting assortment of works shown by talented regional artists at this juried show. For details, go to visitbenzie.com.

The annual Leland Artist’s Market is scheduled for July 14. It features almost 100 booths on the lawn and inside the venerable Old Art Building. You’ll see paintings, sculptures, photography, pottery, tiles, glass, woodcarving, basketry, fiber arts, folk art and gourmet food items. For information, call (231) 256-2131 or visit oldartbuilding.com.   

The 35th annual Harbor Springs Women’s Club Art Fest is set for July 11 at Nub’s Nob. This event is juried and attracts more than 100 quality artists from across the country. Admission is $3 for adults, free for children 12 and under. For information, visit nmwomensclub.org/annualartfair.

Charlevoix’s East Park is the setting for the 50th annual Arts & Crafts Show on July 14-15. This venerable show offers an impressive assortment of fine art and hobby crafts. With more than 150 artists from across the nation, this event offers something for almost everyone. For details, call (231) 547-2101 or visit charlevoix.org.

More than 130 artists will be featured at Petoskey’s 33rd annual Art in the Park on July 21. Guests can view paintings, photographs, pottery, jewelry and more.  Whether you’re a newbie to the art world or a seasoned collector, this show always offers tempting treasures. To learn more, visit petoskeychamber.com.

The Bay Harbor Fine Art Fair marks its 19th anniversary on July 27-28.  Situated right on the shore of Lake Michigan, this show draws thousands of visitors each year to Bay Harbor, which has added interactive elements to the festival and broadened the type of arts and crafts displayed. The festival offers both a high-quality art experience and broad exposure to art. It also celebrates the talents and creativity of those who create one-of-a-kind food and similar items. It offers a non-juried “green market” component for artisan items such as soaps, lotions, beads, essential oils, specialty food mixes and similar items. For info, visit bayharbor.com.

Northwestern Michigan college will host the 58th annual edition of the Traverse City Outdoor Art Fair on July 28. Always a summer tradition, this venerable event features more than 100 vendors annually. There’s always an impressive assortment of works, including sculpture, jewelry, paintings, glass, fibers, metal works and more. Admission and convenient parking are free. For details, visit crookedtree.org.

The Suttons Bay Art Festival will be held at the village’s Marina Park on Aug. 4-5. More than 100 artists will display an impressive array of works along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. One highlight is the annual pancake breakfast, always held on Sunday morning. This year the music will be provided by The North Carolines, a traditional music duo who offer their unique twist to bluegrass and more. For details, visit suttonsbayartfestival.org.

Charlevoix will host the 60th annual Waterfront Art Fair on Aug. 11. It’s the second-oldest juried art fair in Michigan and is always one of the top art events of the summer. It features more than 150 artisans chosen from more than 1,000 submissions and offers a stunning variety of works. To learn more, visit charlevoixwaterfrontartfair.org or call (231) 547-2675. 

The 42nd annual Frankfort Art Fair will be held in Market Square Park on Aug. 17-18. Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, this summer mainstay attracts almost 200 artists and is known for offering items in almost every media and price range. To learn more about this juried show, visit Frankfort-elberta.com.