Must-Dos for Harbor Days

July 30, 2022

Elk Rapids’ hometown festival, Harbor Days, kicks off Wednesday, Aug. 3. There are a million things to do—or, at last count, at least 50—and you can find the whole schedule at elkrapidsharbordays.org. But there are a few events we at Northern Express recommend you don’t miss. Thursday, Aug. 4, catch the Harbor Days Car Show by the Bay starting at 4pm or get out on the water with Paddle Antrim for the evening Paddle at Rotary Park at 6:30pm. Friday, take the kiddos to Arnold’s Amusements (open 3pm to 11pm) and watch the Fireman’s Waterball Contest at Veterans Memorial Park at 7pm. Saturday is the Grande Parade (noon), the Sand Sculpture Building Contest (2pm), the Swan Race (4:30pm), and the stunning firework show (10pm). Unaffiliated but conveniently timed for beer lovers, Short’s Fest will be held at the brewery’s Pull Barn in Elk Rapids, featuring drinks, food truck fare, live music, and more. (Tickets: $35-$65 at eventbrite.com.)