Leelanau Maritime History

Sept. 5, 2026

Classic cars, wooden boats, live music, local business tents, free museum admission, and a whole lot of history awaits in Leland on Sept. 12. The festival—appropriate for all ages—is hosted by the Leelanau Historical Society & Museum and includes “sights, sounds, and stories of the Great Lakes while enjoying a day in one of the region’s most picturesque coastal villages,” per their website. The festival coincides with the 21st Annual Jim Wenstrup Wooden Boat Show (recently renamed in memory of Wenstrup, who coordinated the show for the past decade), along with a classic car show hosted by Van’s Garage. All of the above will be spread in the Leland Cultural District block, aka the Leland River boardwalk at 203 E. Cedar Street, and the waters of Lake Leelanau. Get all the details at leelanauhistory.org/maritime-history-festival.