Labor Day 2025 in Northern Michigan

14 events to explore this weekend

By Ellen Miller | Aug. 23, 2025

Labor Day weekend marks a seasonal shift Up North. The weather is still beautiful (we hope!), and “locals’ summer” is about to kick off. On the flip side, kids are headed back to school and the long summer days are fading. So take advantage of the holiday weekend by checking out one of the region’s fun, mostly free events!

FRIDAY, AUG. 29

1. Historic Bike Tours at Sleeping Bear
Historic Sleeping Bear | 9:45-11:45am | $25 per adult, $15 per child ages 8-17

Explore historic Sleeping Bear on two wheels with a close-up guided tour. Learn more about the area’s farming, logging, and maritime heritage, and check out the interiors of some of the historic buildings. As a bonus, you’ll be giving back—this program raises funds for historic preservation and interpretation in the park. BYO bike or rent from The Cyclery in Glen Arbor for a discount. Learn more: phsb.org/experience/programs/historic-bike-tours

2. Benzie County Players Presents Steel Magnolias
Mills Community House, Benzonia | 7pm nightly | $20

Mark your calendars for this rendition of the iconic Steel Magnolias. Directed by Rachel Higgins, this heartwarming story about love and friendship will play nightly from August 28-31. Learn more: facebook.com/BenzieCountyPlayers

SATURDAY, AUG. 30

3. Water Is Life Festival
Petoskey | 12-9pm | Free

This year will be the festival’s seventh iteration, held on the shores of Little Traverse Bay at 200 Wachtel Ave in Petoskey. The event features live music, a youth art area, food trucks, kayak rentals, and canoe rides. Plus, Northsky Raptors will be on-site to talk about birds of prey, while The Water Connection will be showcasing artesian water from across the state. There’s also a Friday night potluck “gratitude” dinner and open mic night. Learn more: waterislifefestival.org

4. Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm Day
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm | 10am-5pm | Free

This fun, free family event is an annual tradition! Walk through the alpaca pastures to meet this season’s babies and enjoy free animal park admission, food trucks, crafts, face painting, a bounce house, and other fun. Learn more: crystallakealpacas.com/events-calendar

5. Mushroom Foray
Pigeon River Discovery Center, Gaylord | 10am-1pm | Free

Dianne Farner of HeadWaters Land Conservancy will lead a mushroom identification tour in the PRC. The tour will start with a presentation about different types of mushrooms, followed by a hike where you can put your mushroom finding skills to work. Dress for the weather, with sturdy footwear. While free, registration is required. Learn more: pigeonriverdiscoverycenter.org/event/mushroom-foray

6. Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
Downtown Elk Rapids | 10am-4pm | Free (until you buy something)

Get to know over 60 arts and crafters in the heart of the Village of Elk Rapids on River Street. From fine art and jewelry to soap and candles, there’s something for everyone. Learn more: business.elkrapidschamber.org/events/details/elk-rapids-arts-crafts-show-46424

7. Barrel Proof Peach Release Party
Traverse City Whiskey Co. | 10am-1pm | Pay-as-you-go

Local distiller Traverse City Whiskey Co. is throwing their first ever Barrel Proof Peach release party to celebrate the spirit’s launch. There will be a peach-inspired brunch by Le Metro, handcrafted peach cocktails, and music by DJ Zeb on the patio. Learn more: traversecity.com/event-detail/barrel-proof-peach-release-party/23791

8. Laborfest & Annual Labor Day Parade
Manistee | Parade at 12:30pm, concerts begin at 1pm | $16.95 in advance

LaborFest is a celebration of the Manistee region’s rich industrial history and the laborers who support the salt, lumber, and sand industries. The 12-hour music marathon will be headlined this year by Manitou Truckin’ Co. All proceeds go to community projects; the current project is a state-of-the-art iconic amphitheater to be built on the shores of Lake Michigan. Learn more: saltcityrb.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, AUG. 30-31

9. St. Mary’s Annual Labor Day Quilt Show & Bake Sale
St. Mary’s, Lake Leelanau | 10am-6pm | Free (until you buy something)

St. Mary’s annual quilt show and bake sale benefits St. Mary School & Church. There will be over 100 quilts for sale and a variety of tasty treats. Raffle tickets will be available for $5 each to win a 90-inch-by-99-inch quilt (need not be present to win). Learn more: leelanauchamber.com/events/st-marys-annual-labor-day-quilt-show-bake-sale

10. Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival
Arcadia | Saturday 12pm - midnight, Sunday 1:30-10:30pm | $25 for Saturday, $35 for Sunday (presale, +$5 at the door); kids 12 and under free

This music festival highlights talented local bands that call northwestern Michigan home, from students who are just starting their music careers to the homestyle jamboree bands locals clamour to hear. “We believe that local acts deserve a spot in the limelight,” they say. Grab a ticket, BYO lawn chair (seating is limited), and come hungry—there will be food trucks! Performers include Adrian + Meredith, Whiskey Wolves of the West, Benzie Playboys, the Jim Cummings Band, and more. Acts are different Saturday and Sunday; check the website for details. (There’s also a 5k and 15k happening Saturday!) Learn more: music-moves-me.org

SUNDAY, AUG. 31

11. Thunder Over Waters
Downtown Waters | 8am - dusk | Free

This festival brings families and the community together to promote the village of Waters (just south of Gaylord) and all it has to offer. Come out early for a pancake breakfast, followed by a craft fair and a parade at 1pm; fireworks at dusk. Learn more: facebook.com/thunderoverwaters

12. Bad River Film Screening
Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey | 2 pm |Free

Bad River is a documentary film that chronicles the Wisconsin-based Bad River Band’s ongoing fight for sovereignty, including “a David vs. Goliath battle to save Lake Superior, the largest freshwater resource in America.” The film is offered in partnership with the Water Is Life Festival, Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Natural Resources Department, and 50 Egg Films. Registration is required. Learn more: crookedtree.org/event/ctac-petoskey/bad-river-film-screening-free-registration-required

MONDAY, SEPT. 1

13. Mackinac Bridge Walk
Mackinaw City | 7am-noon | Free

A Labor Day weekend list wouldn’t be complete without the annual Mackinac Bridge walk! Walk from either end of the bridge and turn around midway, or walk the whole way across. (Just be sure to arrange your own transportation to get back!) The bridge will be closed to public traffic from 6:30am to noon; walkers must start by 11:30am. mackinacbridge.org/events/walk

14. More Bridge Walks
Various locations and times | Free

If the Mighty Mac feels a bit overwhelming, you can make a shorter crossing with the Charlevoix Little but Mighty Bridge Walk or the State Street Bridge Walk in Cheboygan, both on Labor Day. For another bridge adventure, check out Boyne’s SkyBridge Michigan “Strings the Sky” concert on Aug. 29, featuring Jordan Hamilton and Dixon’s Violin.