Events in Manistee County
Manistee National Forest Festival
July 2 – July 6, 2025
Each year, the Forest Festival boasts events such as the Festival Marketplace, Manistee Arts & Crafts, Carnival, Fireworks over Lake Michigan presented by Little River Casino Resort, and much more!
Big Bear Butt Cruise
August 23, 2025
This 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.
Bear Lake Days
July 11 – 13, 2025
Bear Lake Days is an annual community event filled with over 30 family fun events, including fireworks, parade and horse pull!
Rusty Fish
October 4, 2025
The Rusty Fish was designed to show Manistee County that off the beaten path gravel and trail-ways can interconnect to a much broader Northern Michigan Trail system. The Rusty Fish routes showcase our beautifully wooded forest areas and scenic rivers.
Arcadia Daze
July 25 – 27, 2025
This festival is a great local event that celebrates the heritage of Arcadia Michigan and includes live music, fireworks, kids activities and the Scottville Clown Band.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
December 5-7, 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.
Onekama Days
August 1 – 4, 2025
Live music, car show, arts & crafts fair, parade and more!
Run the Pier 5k
July 26, 2025
Not only are you and your friends/family outside getting exercise and fresh air during the nicest time of the year in Michigan, but you are contributing to a charitable event that focuses on raising funds for local causes.