July is the heart of summer in Northern Michigan. The lakes are warm, the days are long, and nearly every town has something happening.
It is the kind of month where you can plan a trip around a single event or simply follow the calendar and see where it takes you. From large festivals to small town gatherings, July offers endless ways to experience the region.
🎇 Northern Michigan Fourth of July Celebrations
Communities across Northern Michigan will celebrate Independence Day with parades, fireworks, live music, and family friendly events. With the United States marking its 250th birthday this year, many towns are planning even more ways to gather and celebrate
👉 View our full Fourth of July guide
🏖️ Northern Lower Peninsula
July 1 to July 5, 2026
Manistee National Forest Festival, Manistee
This long running festival brings together carnival rides, local vendors, live entertainment, and fireworks along the Lake Michigan shoreline. It is a great way to kick off July with a mix of community energy and lakeside views.
July 4 to July 11, 2026
100th National Cherry Festival, Traverse City
One of the most iconic events in Northern Michigan, the Cherry Festival fills Traverse City with parades, live music, air shows, and plenty of local food. The 100th celebration makes this year especially memorable.
July 9 to July 12, 2026
Bluegill Festival, St. Helen
This classic summer festival includes carnival rides, parades, fishing contests, and live music. It is a family friendly event with something happening throughout the weekend.
July 10 to July 11, 2026
Boyne Thunder, Boyne City
This high energy powerboat event brings excitement to the waters of Northern Michigan. Along with the poker run, visitors can enjoy waterfront gatherings and evening events throughout the weekend.
July 10 to July 12, 2026
Bear Lake Days, Bear Lake
This family focused festival includes a car show, fireworks, live music, and a variety of activities throughout the weekend. It is a great option for a relaxed summer getaway.
July 10 to July 12, 2026
Blissfest Folk and Roots Festival, Cross Village
Set on a scenic festival farm, Blissfest brings together music, art, and community. With multiple stages and a welcoming atmosphere, it is a favorite for those who enjoy live performances in a natural setting.
July 10 to July 12, 2026
Tawas Bay Summerfest, Tawas
This waterfront festival offers live music, games, and family friendly activities. It is a lively way to spend a summer weekend along Lake Huron.
July 11, 2026
Sweaty Yeti Run, East Jordan
This fun and welcoming race includes a 5K and a shorter family friendly run. The course winds through wooded trails, making it a scenic and enjoyable experience.
July 14 to July 18, 2026
Gaylord Alpenfest, Gaylord
Inspired by Swiss heritage, Alpenfest features parades, music, and traditional events. It is one of Gaylord’s biggest celebrations and a fun way to experience its unique identity.
July 16 to July 18, 2026
Beaver Island Music Festival, Beaver Island
This festival blends music, art, and nature in a beautiful island setting. It is a great choice for those looking for a unique and immersive experience.
July 16 to July 18, 2026
Cadillac Festival of Arts, Cadillac
Held along the lake, this event features art displays, food vendors, and live entertainment. It is a relaxed way to enjoy creativity and community in Cadillac.
July 17 to July 18, 2026
Up North Busker Fest, East Jordan
Street performers from around the world bring energy and entertainment to this unique festival. Expect interactive performances, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere.
July 17 to July 18, 2026
Shay Days, Harbor Springs
This family friendly event celebrates local history and innovation through hands on activities and demonstrations. It is both educational and fun for all ages.
July 17 to July 18, 2026
McBain Days, McBain
A simple and welcoming community festival that celebrates local history and connection. It is a great way to experience small town Northern Michigan.
July 17 to July 26, 2026
Michigan Brown Trout Festival, Alpena
This extended festival includes fishing competitions, live entertainment, and family friendly activities. It is a great mix of outdoor fun and community celebration.
July 18 to July 19, 2026
Kaleva Heritage Days, Kaleva
Celebrate Finnish heritage with parades, crafts, and unique events. It is a fun and memorable way to experience the culture of the area.
July 18 to July 25, 2026
Charlevoix Venetian Festival, Charlevoix
A long standing summer tradition, this festival includes live music, sporting events, and activities for all ages. It is one of the highlights of summer in Charlevoix.
July 19 to July 26, 2026
AuSable River Festival, Grayling
Centered around the famous canoe marathon, this festival includes a wide range of events from races to live music. It is a great way to experience the energy of Grayling in summer.
July 23 to July 26, 2026
Tractor, Engine and Craft Show, Walloon Lake
This unique event showcases antique engines and equipment alongside crafts and demonstrations. It offers a glimpse into the area’s history and traditions.
July 24 to July 26, 2026
Arcadia Daze, Arcadia
This small town festival celebrates local heritage with events held in a scenic lakeside park. It is a relaxed and welcoming summer gathering.
July 24 to July 26, 2026
Ugotta Regatta, Harbor Springs
Sailboats gather on Little Traverse Bay for a weekend of racing and waterfront events. It is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Harbor Springs.
July 24 to July 26, 2026
Dunesville Music Festival, Interlochen
This music festival offers a welcoming and laid back atmosphere with performances, camping, and community. It is a great option for a full weekend experience.
July 25, 2026
Peace, Love and Hippies Festival, Houghton Lake
A colorful and fun event filled with music, vendors, and activities. It brings a playful energy to a summer day in Northern Michigan.
July 27 to August 1, 2026
Iosco County Fair, Hale
A traditional county fair experience with rides, food, competitions, and entertainment for all ages. It is a great way to enjoy a classic summer outing.
July 30 to August 1, 2026
Boyne Falls Polish Festival, Boyne Falls
Celebrate Polish heritage with music, food, and community events. It is a lively and welcoming festival with deep local roots.
☀️Upper Peninsula
July 9 to July 12, 2026
Lions Club Bass Festival, Crystal Falls
A mix of fishing tournaments, live music, and community gatherings makes this a well loved summer tradition. It is a relaxed event that reflects the local spirit of Crystal Falls.
July 10 to July 11, 2026
Copper Country Strawberry Festival, Chassell
Celebrate summer with fresh strawberries, live music, parades, and family activities. It is a sweet and simple way to enjoy a weekend in the Upper Peninsula.
July 10 to July 11, 2026
Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo, Iron River
This long running rodeo brings together traditional events and a lively crowd. It offers a different kind of Northern Michigan experience with a strong sense of community.
July 10 to July 11, 2026
Manistique Folk Festival, Manistique
Live music, local food, and community spirit come together in this welcoming downtown event. It is a great way to experience the charm of Manistique.
July 12, 2026
Drummond Island Golf Classic, Drummond Island
Spend a day on the course surrounded by Northern Michigan scenery and lake views. This event combines great golf with a relaxed island setting.
July 15 to July 18, 2026
Festival Ironwood, Ironwood
This downtown festival brings together music, markets, and local history. It is a welcoming event that highlights the character of Ironwood.
July 17 to July 19, 2026
Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival, Marquette
This long running festival focuses on traditional music and dance, bringing together performers and audiences in a scenic outdoor setting.
July 24 to July 25, 2026
St. Ignace Heritage Festival, St. Ignace
Step into the past with demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, and food. It is a hands on way to experience the history of the region.
July 25, 2026
Marinafest, Escanaba
Enjoy a day of live music along the water with beautiful views and a relaxed setting. It is a simple way to enjoy a summer day in Escanaba.
July 31, 2026
Blueberry Festival, Marquette
Downtown Marquette comes alive with blueberry themed food, local vendors, and a festive atmosphere. It is a fun and flavorful way to spend the day.
July 31 to August 1, 2026
Humongous Fungus Festival, Crystal Falls
This quirky and fun festival celebrates one of the largest living organisms in the world. Expect a mix of education, entertainment, and local flavor.
July 31 to August 2, 2026
Alger County Fair, Chatham
This family friendly fair includes agricultural events, competitions, and entertainment. It is a relaxed and welcoming way to wrap up July.
🎆 July Festival and Events
With so many events happening throughout the month, July is a great time to slow down and explore. You might find yourself planning around one festival and discovering several more along the way.
Take your time, enjoy the scenery, and make the most of the long summer days. Northern Michigan really shines this time of year.
Discover What’s Happening Throughout the Year
If you enjoy discovering what’s happening around Northern Michigan, we update and share new event guides like this throughout the year as each season unfolds. You can check back each month for the latest, or follow along on social media to see what’s coming up next.
Looking for other months? View our full Northern Michigan events guide or jump to another month:
May • June • July • August • September • October • November • December
Events are added and updated as new information becomes available.
