The Art of Summer: 15+ Exhibits, Fairs, and Workshops in August

2025’s must-see art shows and must-try classes

By Abby McKiernan | July 26, 2025

Northern Michigan comes alive in the summer, and so does its art scene. From shoreline towns to downtown galleries, creativity blooms right alongside the wildflowers. Whether you’re looking to soak up a gallery show, wander through a lakeside art fair, or get your hands dirty in a creative workshop, there’s something waiting for you around every bend.

This year’s lineup offers a mix of old favorites and fresh finds: plein-air landscapes, hands-on abstract workshops, and festivals filled with local talent. Here’s your guide to this season’s exhibits, events, and creative opportunities.

EXHIBITS 

Immersed
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Petoskey, May 22–Aug. 31
Step into a multi-sensory journey exploring water through art, sound, and story. Featuring over 30 contributors, including members of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, this exhibit is a thought-provoking blend of culture, environment, and creative expression. The result is both reflective and refreshing—just like a dip in Lake Michigan. 

Paint Grand Traverse 2025 – Extended Exhibit
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City, June 24–Aug. 22
Relive the summer’s biggest plein-air festival with this extended show, featuring works by 33 artists from across the country. The exhibit captures northern Michigan in its peak season—full of shoreline light and downtown color. If you missed the main event, this is your second chance to catch the beauty! 

Summer Salon
Charlevoix Circle of Arts – Charlevoix, June 27–Aug. 30
This annual show turns the gallery into a vibrant sales space, showcasing work by local artists. From moody abstracts to bright landscapes, everything on the walls is up for grabs. It’s a great place to find a piece that speaks to your northern spirit.

Sailing Life
Oliver Art Center – Frankfort, July 18–Aug. 22
Sailboats, tugboats, and freighters—oh my! This lighthearted exhibit celebrates Michigan’s love of life on the water, with a colorful mix of styles and mediums inspired by the Great Lakes lifestyle.

Horizons
Oliver Art Center – Frankfort, Aug. 2–Sept. 5
Landscapes get reimagined in this group show featuring realism, abstraction, and everything in between. Six regional artists bring their unique views of the natural world into focus. Think beyond the postcard and into a personal perspective. 

The Originals: NAA Founders Showcase
Northport Arts Association – Northport, Aug. 23–Sept. 7
This retrospective honors the artists who helped launch the Northport Arts Association over a decade ago. It’s a heartfelt celebration of the roots that helped the community grow—and a reminder of how far it’s come. 

ART FAIRS

Suttons Bay Art Festival
Marina Park – Suttons Bay, Aug. 2–3
Set on the shores of the marina, this popular fair features 100 juried artists, live music, food vendors, and a children’s art tent. Bonus: It supports local arts programs and scholarships. Expect high-quality work in a laid-back setting.

Michaywé Arts & Crafts Fair
Michaywé Clubhouse – Gaylord, Aug. 8–9
This long-standing fair draws over 100 artists to a shady, pine-filled venue. Expect everything from jewelry and ceramics to lawn art and kettle corn. It’s one of Gaylord’s signature summer events for a reason.

Gold Coast Artisan Fair
Rotary Park – Ludington, Aug. 9–10
With more than 170 booths, this lakeside fair offers a little bit of everything: woodwork, textiles, paintings, gourmet snacks, and more, all under the trees of Rotary Park. Come for the art, stay for the people-watching. 

Frankfort Art Fair
Market Square Park – Frankfort, Aug. 15–16
Celebrate the 50th year of this beloved lakeside tradition with juried art, food vendors, family-friendly activities, and a classic car show. It’s one of Benzie County’s most anticipated weekends. 

Clothesline Art Show & Sale
Old Art Building – Leland, Aug. 20 (rain date Aug. 27), 1-4 pm
This outdoor show features plein-air paintings created across Leelanau County this summer. The artists will be on hand to chat and sell their work straight from the lawn. Bring a lawn chair and make an afternoon of it!

BECOME THE ARTIST 

Plein Air Weekend
Glen Arbor Arts Center – Glen Arbor, Aug. 1–2
Whether you’re painting or just watching, this two-day event is a creative whirlwind. Don’t miss the Quick Draw challenge, the new “Sunsetter” session, and the always-popular Paint Out. It’s equal parts inspiration and community celebration.

Botanical Printing on Silk
Northport Arts Association – Northport, Aug. 10, 10 am–5 pm
In this full-day workshop, artist Karin Rinke teaches students to use leaves, flowers, and natural dyes to create one-of-a-kind silk scarves. No experience needed—just curiosity and old clothes. Spots are limited, so sign up early.

Geometric Abstracts with Collage
Crooked Tree Arts Center – Traverse City, Aug. 16, 10 am–4 pm
Explore shape, color, and texture with artist Julie Tibus in this full-day collage class. Students will layer paper and paint to build unique abstract compositions for a great intro to mixed media. 

Acrylic: Big Skies and Wild Seas
Charlevoix Circle of Arts – Charlevoix, Aug. 19–20
Learn to paint dramatic skies and abstract seascapes in this two-day acrylic workshop. Perfect for beginners and experienced painters alike. Think bold brushstrokes, moody clouds, and plenty of creative momentum.

Squeegee Abstract Art with Heather Harrington
Old Art Building – Leland, Aug. 27, 1–3 pm
This quick, two-hour workshop is a joyful dive into abstract art using squeegees, bold color, and playful experimentation. Plus, you’ll walk away with handmade notecards and a canvas to keep.

Pictured: Artist Adam VanHouten captures The Mill in Glen Arbor in a plein air painting competition.