Events in Manistee County
Search All Signature Events in Manistee County
These are some of our premier events in Manistee County that take place throughout the year. These events showcase our top attractions and encompass the “Pure Michigan” spirit! We hope you join us this year for one (or more) of our signature Manistee County events!
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Onekama Days
Sponsored by the Onekama Lions and the Portage Lake Association (PLA); activities include a Pancake Breakfast at the Lions' Den, 1 Mile Fun Run, 5KDownhill Screamer and Annual 5K Run/Walk, Vaughn Doubles Tennis Tournament, church bazaars, bake sales and luncheons, Arts and Crafts Show, township-wide garage sales, Saturday night Lions’ Club dinner, dances, parade and fireworks. PLA sponsors the popular Classic Car Show, Show and Sell Your Art, “Pig Out for Education” pig roast and Craft Beer Tasting.
Big Bear Butt Cruise
Welcome to the Big Bear Sportsman’s Club 6th annual “Big Bear Butt Cruise” taking place on Saturday, August 22nd, 2020. This 8th annual cruise is composed of four different rides: 60k, 130k, 170k and a 210k ride. All will take you across Tippy Dam and on some of Manistee County’s best roads across our beautiful rivers, through our scenic forests and out to the majestic bluff views of Lake Michigan. REGISTER here: Big Bear Butt Cruise Registration https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2-gVyA8wIU&t=24s
Brethren Days
Stay tuned for the 2020 Calendar of Events! The Village of Brethren is located in Dickson Township about 15 miles east of Manistee, in the Manistee National Forest. Brethren Days is held over Labor Day weekend. Events usually include bands, High Bridge Hustle 5k run/walk, arts and crafts show, cardboard boat race on Lake Elinor, coed softball tournament, and fireworks. All events take place in Dickson Twp. Park, unless otherwise stated.
Laborfest
Join us for an end of summer beach bash! Hosted by the Salt City Rock & Blues, non-profit organization, for the express benefit of constructing a public amphitheater between First Street Beach and Douglas Park. The LaborFest is a celebration of the region's rich industrial history and the laborers who support the Salt, Lumber & Sand industries. More details to come, stay tuned!! All donation proceeds directly benefit the 1st Street Beach Amphitheater.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
Step back in time as you take part in one of Michigan’s most unique holiday celebrations. An entire weekend of excitement including the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer meet and greet and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian style attire. The highlights of the parade are the draft horses pulling a 30 foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling, and the lighting of the tree. The entire Old Christmas Weekend…
Postponed until 2021: Manistee National Forest Festival
The Manistee National Forest Festival has been a signature event for over 80 years in our community. We understand the deep roots it has with the many traditions and favorite events. It’s a homecoming for our community that brings families, friends, and tourists together for this summer celebration. We regretfully inform the community that because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Manistee National Forest Festival has been postponed until July 1-5, 2021. This decision has not been easy for us or…