Labor Day Events in Northern Michigan
The last big weekend of Northern Michigan's summer.
Labor Day in Northern Michigan
Labor Day weekend in Northern Michigan is bittersweet. The summer crowds are still here but thinning, the temperature has dropped enough to be comfortable, early color change is starting in the hardwoods, and some of the best outdoor events of the year fall on this weekend. It is the last hurrah for seasonal businesses and the moment locals start to feel like the region belongs to them again. See upcoming Labor Day events ↓
List Your Labor Day Event →Types of Labor Day Events in Northern Michigan
Here is what you typically find on the calendar around Labor Day.
Art Fairs & Craft Shows
Labor Day is one of the best weekends of the year for outdoor art in Northern Michigan. The Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair is a long-running Labor Day tradition. Boyne City also hosts an annual art fair over the weekend. These draw juried artists from across the Midwest and serious collectors alongside casual browsers.
Boat Shows & Regattas
End-of-season boat shows and sailing regattas are a Labor Day weekend fixture on the Great Lakes and inland waters. Antique boat shows in Elk Rapids and Charlevoix and organized regattas on Grand Traverse Bay give the waterfront a festive feel through the long weekend.
End-of-Summer Concerts & Festivals
Outdoor music festivals and farewell-summer concerts fill the holiday weekend. Wineries on Leelanau and Old Mission still have full weekend programming. Music venues across the region book strong acts knowing it is the last high-attendance weekend before the shoulder season.
Early Harvest Festivals
The first harvest festivals of the fall season start appearing over Labor Day weekend. Sweet corn, tomatoes, early apples, and the first cider of the year are in play. Farms in Antrim and Leelanau counties and orchards on Old Mission Peninsula start fall-themed activities around this time.
Labor Day Runs & Races
Labor Day morning races take advantage of cooler September temperatures and scenic routes. Organized runs in Traverse City, Petoskey, and Charlevoix use routes along the waterfront or through neighborhoods that are especially pleasant this time of year.
Food, Wine & Beer Events
Restaurant weeks, winery harvest kickoffs, and food festivals coincide with the busy Labor Day weekend. Traverse City has hosted a food and wine weekend around Labor Day, and several restaurants run special end-of-summer menus before shifting to fall hours.
Upcoming Labor Day Events
No Labor Day events listed yet
Be the first to add one to the calendar. Or browse all upcoming events and find something by town.
Submit Your EventHosting a Labor Day Event?
List it on Northern Michigan Events and reach locals and visitors who are looking for something to do. Free to list. Check pricing if you want to feature your event at the top of results.
Tip: Labor Day is one of the highest-attendance weekends of the year. Plan ahead and include information about crowds and parking.