Summer Adventures Await: 22 Events Happening Up North This July

Slow down, skip the festivals, and experience some local fun

By Abby McKiernan | July 5, 2025

We all know about the big festivals happening around the North in high summer. So we skipped the obvious and dove into these 22 events that are perfect for art lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families across the counties of Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Benzie, Antrim, and beyond.

ONE-TIME EVENTS

1. Super Splash Day with the Pit Spitters – Traverse City
Date & Time: July 8, 2025, 11:05am
Location: Turtle Creek Stadium
Description: Cool off with the Traverse City Pit Spitters during their Super Splash Day! Bring your bathing suit for a fun-filled day game featuring water-themed activities and plenty of opportunities to splash.

2. Wine Down Wednesday: Read Between the Wines – Traverse City
Date & Time: July 9, 2025, 5pm
Location: Chateau Grand Traverse
Description: Join this scenic winery-meets-book club in partnership with Brilliant Books. Enjoy compelling literary selections, thoughtful discussion, and curated wine pairings. Attendees receive 20 percent off the featured book when purchased through Brilliant Books.

3. Summer Barn Dance – Traverse City
Date & Time: July 11, 2025
Location: Twin Lakes Park & Gilbert Lodge
Description: Join the Green Door Folk School for an evening of lively music and joyful dancing at the Summer Barn Dance. Learn contras, squares, and line dances, all accompanied by live fiddle and guitar music from Laurel Premo and Michael Beauchamp-Cohen. This family-friendly event is open to all ages and skill levels. A suggested donation of $10–$20 is appreciated.

4. Boyne Thunder 2025 – Boyne City
Date & Time: July 11–12, 2025
Location: Boyne City Marina
Description: Experience the thrill of Michigan’s premier powerboat poker run. Participants navigate a 150-mile course across Lake Charlevoix, Lake Michigan, and Grand Traverse Bay, collecting cards at five stops. The event culminates with a dinner and auction, benefiting Camp Quality Michigan, Challenge Mountain, and Boyne City Main Street.

5. Afternoon Tea at The Uncommon Ranch – Grayling
Date & Time: July 13, 2025, 1-3pm
Location: The Uncommon Ranch
Description: A delightful afternoon tea, Uncommon Ranch style, will be held in the enchanting greenhouse or new Retreat (once completed). Sample finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, fruit breads, and signature lavender shortbread cookies. Complement your treats with soothing lavender teas or cozy lavender lemonade.

6. Dining in Lavender at Lavender Hill Farm – Boyne City
Date & Time: July 15, 2025
Location: Lavender Hill Farm
Description: Need more lavender? Indulge in a unique four-course dining experience amidst the blooming lavender fields at Lavender Hill Farm. Guests will be seated at private pop-up tables surrounded by vibrant purple flowers. The evening includes a guided tour of the farm, insights into lavender cultivation, and a delectable meal crafted by Little Bay Gourmet. After dining, guests can stroll through the lavender fields.

7. Hike the Ridge! - Traverse City
Date & Time: July 16, 2025
Location: Ridge Nature Preserve, 5 Mile Rd
Description: Join the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy for a guided hike on “The Ridge,” a new conservation project aiming to protect water quality, wildlife habitat, and provide recreational opportunities. The hike covers 1.5 miles of moderately strenuous terrain, including a 200-ft elevation gain, offering breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay, Leelanau County, and Charlevoix.

8. Beaver Island Music Festival – Beaver Island
Date & Time: July 17–19, 2025
Location: Beaver Island Hideaway Campground
Description: Rock on with three days of music in the woods with a diverse lineup of artists, camping, and community activities on Beaver Island. The festival promotes nature, renewable energy, and artistic expression in a family-friendly atmosphere.

9. 2-Day Psychic and Holistic Expo – Gaylord
Date & Time: July 19–20, 2025
Location: Treetops Resort
Description: Discover a variety of spiritual and wellness vendors at the two-day Psychic and Holistic Expo. The event includes aura photography, Reiki energy sessions, and private psychic readings. Tickets include access to free lectures.

10. Ride Around Torch – Elk Rapids
Date & Time: July 20, 2025
Location: Elk Rapids High School
Description: This is one of Michigan’s most scenic bike tours. Choose from 26, 40, 63, or 100-mile routes that wind around the clear turquoise waters of Torch Lake, passing through charming villages like Alden, Eastport, Clam River, and Torch River. The event concludes with a catered picnic at Veterans Park in Elk Rapids, featuring live music and a beachside celebration.

11. Running Bear Run – Glen Arbor
Date & Time: July 22, 2025, 9am
Location: Cherry Republic
Description: The 18th Annual Running Bear Run features a 5K Run/Walk and a kids’ half-mile run. Proceeds from this event support scholarships for Glen Lake School seniors and local charitable organizations.

12. Westbound Lighthouse Cruise – Mackinaw City
Date & Time: July 24, 2025
Location: Shepler’s Ferry Dock
Description: Embark on a three-hour tour (pack an extra coconut phone!) through the Straits of Mackinac, passing by five historic Lake Michigan lighthouses. Learn about the region’s maritime history and lighthouse lore from expert guides with the Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association.

13. Michigan’s Raptors – Vanderbilt
Date & Time: July 24, 2025, 1-2:30pm
Location: Pigeon River Discovery Center
Description: Join the Pigeon River Discovery Center for an informative program on Michigan’s native raptors. Learn about the species found in the state, their habitats, and ongoing conservation efforts.

RECURRING EVENTS

14. Great Lakes Pastel Society Exhibition – Frankfort
Date & Time: Daily through July 12, 2025
Location: Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts
Description: This juried exhibition features works from the region’s top pastel artists. The show is open to the public, offering a unique opportunity to view and purchase original pastel art.

15. Traverse Area District Library Summer Storytime – Traverse City
Date & Time: Wednesdays - July 9, July 16, July 23, 2025
Location: The Dennos Museum Center
Description: Join the Traverse Area District Library Youth Services team for art-inspired storytime sessions at The Dennos Museum Center. Each session features a different artistic theme, followed by a related art project led by museum staff and volunteers.

16. Trip to Tuscany Dinner – Suttons Bay
Date & Time: Fridays, July 11, 18, and 25, 2025
Location: Bistro Polaris at Black Star Farms
Description: This culinary journey will transport you to Tuscany…without leaving Leelanau County. Chef John Korycki, Black Star Farms’ Estate Chef, brings his extensive experience from leading culinary tours in Italy to create authentic Italian dining. Guests can enjoy a multi-course dinner inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, with optional wine pairings featuring Black Star Farms’ estate wines.

17. Nibi: The Spirit of Our Water – Traverse City (pictured)
Date & Time: Daily, June 19 – Aug. 14, 2025
Location: Traverse Tall Ship Company
Description: Embark on a unique sailing adventure aboard the schooner Manitou, exploring the Anishinaabe connection to Grand Traverse Bay. Led by Tera John, Knowledge Carrier and Storykeeper of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, this cruise delves into traditional native values, legends, and the sacredness of water.

18. Movie in the Park at Dark – Petoskey
Date & Time: Fridays, July 18 – Aug. 15, 2025, 9:30pm
Location: Pennsylvania Park
Description: Catch free outdoor movies every Friday night in downtown Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park. Bring a blanket, grab takeout from local vendors, and watch the film under the stars.

19. Tapas Tours – Old Mission Peninsula
Date & Time: Recurring every three weeks on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, from June 16 to Aug. 19, 2025
Location: Chateau Chantal
Description: Wander the vineyards at Chateau Chantal as you sample a selection of Spanish-inspired tapas paired with their estate wines in a picturesque setting. This intimate tour offers a unique way to savor the flavors of the region.

20. Free Golf Instruction – Indian River
Date & Time: Thursdays, June 12 - Aug 21, 2025, 5-6pm
Location: Indian River Golf Club
Description: Enhance your golfing skills with free instructional sessions at Indian River Golf Club. Open to golfers of all skill levels, this clinic covers various aspects of the game to help you fine-tune your skills.

21. MAWBY’s Table for Two – Suttons Bay
Date & Time: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, July 2 – Aug. 29, 2025
Location: MAWBY Sparkling Wines
Description: Sit back and relax for an intimate wine tasting at MAWBY Sparkling Wines. For $85 per couple, indulge in a curated selection of sparkling wines paired with light bites. Secure your reservation with a $50 deposit; FIZZ Club members receive discounts.

22. Cold Bar Socials at Brengman Family Wines – Traverse City
Date & Time: Fridays and Saturdays through Sept. 27, 2025
Location: Brengman Family Wines
Description: Indulge in a fresh and flavorful fun at Brengman Family Wines’ Cold Bar Socials. Try award-winning estate-grown wines alongside a chilled raw bar featuring premium raw oysters, ahi tuna ceviche, salmon poke, and beef carpaccio. The event runs on a first-come, first-served basis until items sell out.