Events in Manistee County
Manistee National Forest Festival
June 29-July 4
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.
Bear Lake Days
July 7-9, 2023
The village of Bear Lake plays host to “Bear Lake Days” celebrating the rich heritage and history of this beautiful community in Manistee County’s North Coast Region. BLD is always held the second weekend in July, and features a grand parade, fireworks spectacle over Bear Lake, food vendors, entertainment and much more!
Kaleva Days
July 15-16, 2023
Kaleva, in the center of Manistee County, holds a festival in mid-July. The festival includes Kaleva School Reunion, food, softball tournament, car show, pony rides, games and contests, parade, arts and crafts, and fireworks. Kaleva was founded by Finnish settlers and many of its streets boast Finnish names. The Bottle House Museum, built with 60,000 glass bottles by John Makinen, is listed on the National Historic Register. It is owned and operated by the Kaleva Historical Society and houses historical displays. Another landmark in Kaleva is the RR Depot Museum which houses railroad artifacts and displays.
Arcadia Daze
July 21-23, 2023
Find yourself in the quaint coastal community this summer during the Arcadia Daze celebration. This festival is a great local event that celebrates the heritage of Arcadia Michigan.
Onekama Days
August 4-7, 2023
Onekama Days is a fun event that celebrates the heritage of Onekama, Michigan.
Hoxeyville Music Festival
August 18-20, 2023
Hoxeyville is the midwest’s premier Americana and Roots festival. We boast two stages featuring national touring artists, and the best and brightest Michigan talent with an intimate capacity of three thousand. We are proud of our incredibly supportive community, safe, family friendly camping (and playground!), excellent kids’ tent programming, unbelievable food, and an easily traversable site.
Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival
September 1-2, 2023
Minnehaha Brewhaha Music Festival is coming back bigger and better! This two day event features tastings of the best of our region’s brews and spirits! Join us for great music, brew, and food.
Brethren Days
September 1-3, 2023
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 and celebrates the heritage of Brethren. See their facebook page for details.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
December 1-3, 2023
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.