Festivals, live music, farmers markets, outdoor adventures, and community gatherings across Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim, Benzie, Manistee, and beyond.
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Events happening across Northern Michigan in the next 30 days, featured listings shown first.
Santa sets up his winter cottage at Clinch Park in downtown Traverse City for a month-long residence. Bring the kids to meet Santa, share Christmas wishes, and capture unforgettable holiday photos. Running daily November 21 through December 24, 10 AM–10 PM. Free admission.
Festivals
Kick off the holiday season in style at Holly Jolly Boyne in downtown Boyne City. The evening celebration features a tree lighting, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers, hot cocoa, a visit from Santa, and festive shopping at local businesses from 5–9 PM. Free and family-friendly.
Community Events
Downtown Traverse City encourages residents to discover local shops, restaurants, and businesses during Shop Your Community Day — a celebration of the independent businesses that make Northern Michigan unique. Walk the shops, enjoy specials, and support local this November. Free event.
Community Events
Get ahead of the holiday rush with Boyne City's "Earlier Than The Bird" pre-Thanksgiving shopping event in downtown Boyne City. Local shops open early with special deals, giveaways, and a festive atmosphere. Enjoy coffee, chat with neighbors, and find unique gifts from 7–11 AM.
Coming up in 1 to 3 months. Book accommodations early for fall festivals, holiday markets, and winter events Up North.
Community Events
Gentlemen, this one's for you. Downtown Traverse City's annual Men's Night features extended shopping hours, unique gift ideas, special promotions from local shops, great food, holiday drinks, and festive cheer throughout the district from 5–9 PM. Find that perfect gift without the holiday chaos.
Community Events
Last-minute shoppers unite! Wrap It Up Night is downtown Traverse City's final big holiday shopping push before Christmas, with extended hours at local shops, festive specials, holiday drinks, and a lively downtown atmosphere from 5–9 PM on December 18. Support local and finish your list in style.
Live Music
Ring in the New Year with music, dance, art workshops, and theater at the Crooked Tree Arts Center. A terrific family event to close out the year.
Community Events
Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, and much more at this beloved winter celebration.
Northern Michigan is home to some of the Midwest's most beloved regional events. From the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City to the Interlochen Arts Festival, Chain of Lakes Triathlons, Petoskey Artisan Market, and hundreds of smaller community gatherings in towns like Boyne City, Bellaire, Elk Rapids, and Charlevoix -- there's something going on every weekend from May through October, and deep into winter for those who embrace the cold.
This calendar is built and maintained by local organizers. If you run an event Up North, you can list it here for free -- featured placement is available for a small sponsorship that helps keep the lights on.