10 Ways to Spend Your Fourth of July Weekend in Northern Michigan
Festivals, farmers markets, foot races, and so much more!
Do you like to spend Independence Day going to a traditional, small-town parade during the day and a fireworks display in the evening? Or perhaps you prefer something more low-key, like a 5k and relaxing morning perusing local produce at the farmers market? We compiled 10 events happening across northern Michigan to suit any preference.
1. Crystal Mountain’s Star Spangled Celebrations
July 2-July 5
Prices vary
All Ages
Thompsonville
Crystal Mountain is pulling out all the stops for Fourth of July weekend. In addition to a slew of daily family activities, you can catch fireworks on July 2; a family golf scramble, sidewalk sales, a bike and golf cart parade, and a BBQ on July 3; and a fun run 5k on July 4.
crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/event-calendar/star-spangled-celebrations
2. America 250 Hometown Block Party
July 3, 5pm-8pm
Free
All Ages
Downtown Petoskey
Kick off the weekend at this community celebration featuring a picnic, live entertainment, and games for the whole family. Look forward to summer treats like ice cream, watermelon, and smores, as well as live performances from The Charlie Millard band and stunt performer Clark Lewis.
petoskeyfourth.org/schedule/america-250-block-party
3. Fort Michilimackinac Fire at Night
July 3, 9pm
Free with ticket
All Ages
Head to Colonial Michilimackinac for a bright sight—weapons from the fort lighting up the night! Rifle firing will start at dusk, and cannon firing will be after dark. Tickets to the fort are $17.50 ages 13 and up; $10.50 ages 5-12; 4 and under free.
mackinacparks.com/event/michilimackinac-fire-at-night-4/2026-07-03/
4. Central Lake Victory4Veterans 5K
July 4, 9am
$35-$45
All Ages
Downtown Central Lake
This road race is an out-and-back course. All proceeds support the Central Lake Veterans Center AmVets, Post 6986. Packet pickup and same day registration will be at the downtown pavilion 7:30-8:30am the morning of the race. Early registration closes July 3 at 8am, and it’s $45 to register on race day (cash only).
centrallakevictory4veterans5k.itsyourrace.com/event.aspx?id=15159
5. Boyne City Farmers Market
July 4, 8am-12pm
Free
All Ages
Stock up on picnic and grilling provisions at the Boyne City Farmers Market in Old City Park. Some of northern Michigan’s most talented farmers, bakers, entrepreneurs, and artists create a market unlike any other in the region. Live music brightens up the morning, starting at 10am.
boynecityfarmersmarket.org/event/outdoor-farmers-market-at-old-city-park
6. Great Lakes Piping Plover Tour
Daily, 10-11:30am
$60
All Ages
Experience Michigan’s only Great Lakes Piping Plover Tour in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Led by an expert naturalist guide and former park ranger, this guided wildlife walking experience offers respectful viewing of a federally protected endangered species. $10 from your tour aids Great Lakes Piping Plover conservation.
sleepingbeartourco.com/plover
7. 90th Annual Manistee National Forest Festival
July 1-5
Free
All Ages
Manistee’s Forest Festival spans five days and includes a festival marketplace, midway carnival, Independence Day parade, lumberjack show, sandcastle story time, fireworks over Lake Michigan, and more.
manisteeforestfestival.com/manistee-national-forest-festival-event-schedule-manistee-michigan
8. Johannesburg 4th of July Fireworks and Parade
July 4
Free
All Ages
Johannesburg, located just a short drive east of Gaylord, boasts a dazzling fireworks display and annual parade. The parade will be at 3pm and fireworks will begin at 10pm (dusk) in downtown.
gaylordmichigan.net/event/johannesburg-4th-of-july-fireworks-and-parade
9. World’s Largest Cherry Pie Eating Contest
July 4, 1-4pm
Free
All Ages
Charlevoix
Celebrate 50 years since Charlevoix set a world record for the largest cherry pie with an event featuring the original chef and other participants from the record breaking that day! Along with the pie eating contest, the event will feature a best-in-pie judging, music, historical photos, and more.
visitcharlevoix.com/events/cherry-pie-anniversary
10. Vineyard Vibes at Aurora Cellars
July 5, 6-9:30pm
Free
All Ages
Unwind on Sunday with a family-friendly evening at Aurora Cellars winery. One Hot Robot, a 13-year Grand Traverse favorite known for genre-blurring dance-rock and high-energy parties, will provide the entertainment. Aurora wine and cider by the glass, non-alcoholic drinks, mini charcuterie boards, and ice cream treats will be available for purchase.
leelanauchamber.com/events/vineyard-vibes-music-event-at-aurora-cellars