Editor’s note: This article was published in Grand Traverse Scene magazine’s Summer II 2026 issue. Pick up a free copy at area hotels, visitor’s centers, chambers of commerce or at the Record-Eagle building at 1764 Forest Ridge Drive in Traverse City. Click here to read GT Scene in its entirety online.
Lakeside Shakespeare Festival
July 23 to Aug. 1
Frankfort
The World’s a Stage presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” from 7-9 p.m. July 23, 25, 30 and Aug. 1 at Tank Hill, 188 Park Ave. and “Macbeth” July 24, 26, 29, and 31. A Shakespeare in the park-style celebration. Pay-what-you-can tickets with a suggested price of $30, 12 & under: $10.
Yoga on the Beach
Tuesdays/Thursdays through Sept. 3
Traverse City
Gentle flow with a tranquil, natural setting overlooking East Bay from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at East Bay Park, 220 E. Bay Blvd S. Whether you’re a beginner, beyond, prenatal, or postnatal, it’s all about good vibes and stretching out. $10 minimum donation. Check Yogi Nomi Facebook page for cancellations or changes.
AuSable River Festival
July 18-25
Grayling
Organized by the Grayling Regional Chamber of Commerce, the week-long festival includes a car show, kids’ games, an art fair and more. Both the Manistee and AuSable rivers run through the area, Canoe Race, 234 E Michigan Ave. Grayling, MI 49738 989-348-292, or visit www.ausableriverfest.com.
Pickle Fest the Sequel
July 24-25
Honor
Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater presents an “endless dill-light” of all foods pickled, deep fried, chocolate-dipped, speared, sliced and more, pickle merch, pickle games, pickle costume contests, Pickle Queen & Pickle King Coronation and movies at night on the big screen at the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater, 9812 Honor Hwy.
Coastal Caravan Art Fair
July 25
Frankfort
Oliver Art Center fair features paintings, photography, ceramics, woodworking, fiber art and more curated by more than 30 artists across the region. Enjoy live music, food and drinks. For more information, call 231-352-4151.
Elk Rapids Arts & Crafts Show
July 29 and Aug. 31
Elk Rapids
More than 60 artisans and crafters will sell their works 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the heart of downtown on River Street. This is a pet and family friendly event, rain or shine and will feature handmade toys, fine art, sculptures, pottery, photography, paintings and more. For more information, call 231-264-8202, or visit elkrapidschamber.org/arts-crafts-show/
Suttons Bay Art Festival
August 1-2
Suttons Bay
Crooked Tree Arts Center Traverse City presents an annual juried art fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along the waterfront in downtown Suttons Bay near the marina. Featuring more than 100 artists, plus a community library book sale, kids art tent, and local community organizations and more.
Concerts on the Lawn
Aug. 6, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20
Traverse City
Grand Traverse Pavilions hosts Concerts on the Lawn at 7 p.m. on the lawns at 1000 Pavilions Circle. Remembering Patsy Cline/ Featuring Judy Harrison performs Aug. 6, Backroom Gang plays Aug. 13 and K Jones and the Benzie Playboys play Aug. 20. Free will donations supports the Grand Traverse Pavilions Foundation.
Downtown Street Sale
August 7
Traverse City
A tradition since 1958, the merchants will set up displays right on the street, for all-day outdoor sales shopping from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in downtown TC. Friday Night Live runs from 6-9 p.m. adding music, entertainment, community organizations, performers and more.
Port Oneida Fair
August 7-8
Maple City
Learn basket weaving, butter-making and spinning, try crosscut sawing or observe more than 60 demonstrations as rural crafts and activities take you back in to the late 1800s-early 1900s farmstead life. Visit selected historic sites in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore organized by Port Oneida Farms Heritage Center, 3164 W. Harbor Hwy. Learn more: 231-334-6103 or phsb.org/port-oneida-fair
Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit
August 9
Traverse City
See botanical creation and inspiration at the Ikebana Pop-Up Exhibit from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Dennos Museum Center, Northwestern Michigan College Campus, 1410 College Drive. The local Ikebana International chapter presents original floral arrangements in the sculpture court and galleries. Museum admission for entry.
Traverse City Food and Wine
Aug. 19-23
The second course of the celebration of local flavors. Festival showcases the bounty of the Traverse City region’s amazing agriculture, craft, and creativity. Tickets and more at https://www.traversecity.com/food-wine/
Ironman 70.3
Sept. 20
Frankfort
Racers rank this race among the best by athletes, as the course blends Lake Michigan’s natural beauty and small-town warmth. Learn more at https://www.ironman.com/
Mackinac Island Fudge Festival
Oct. 2-3
Various places throughout the island
Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates all the delicious fudge with a three-day event of hands-on fudge making, free fudge at various shops, Fudge-O-Lympics, a bike race, movie and more.