Whether it’s the polished chrome and steel of the annual Kewadin Classic Car Show; the vendors, music and food of Folkfest, or stepping back into the past with Pioneer Day, the city’s calendar is bursting with ways to make your summer in Manistique unforgettable. From quiet walks along white-sand beaches on Lake Michigan to canoeing down a wilderness river to catching a crowd-pleasing summer festival, you can be sure you'll bring home memories that won't soon be forgotten.
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Manistique Farmers' Market
Seasonal Food, Farm & Artisan Market started in 2010
Wednesdays, May 28 - October 29
5-6:30pm at Triangle Park / Oak Street / Arbutus Ave
Visitors can expect an ever-changing array of seasonal fruits and vegetables sourced directly from local farms, ensuring freshness and quality. In addition to farm-fresh produce, we also feature artisanal foods such as homemade jams, honey, and baked goods. Beyond food and beverages, the market showcases the talents of local artisans and crafters, offering an eclectic selection of handmade jewelry, knitwork, and artwork.
On rainy days, the market moves indoors to Lake Effect Arts at 244 S. Cedar St.
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Summer Concert Series
Wednesdays 6:30pm | June 18 - Aug 13, 2025
Manistique Central Park Band Shell
This year’s Music in Manistique Summer Concert Series will be presented by Lake Effect Community Arts Center in partnership with the City of Manistique. The concerts are sponsored by Manistique businesses and organizations and by a mini-grant from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council. Concerts will be performed outside at the Manistique City Band Shell, located in beautiful Central Park, beginning at 7 p.m. In the case of inclement weather, concerts will be moved to Little Bear West Arena, located at 180 North Maple Street. Concertgoers are encouraged to bring a lawn chair.
Annual Events
Manistique Folk Festival
Downtown Manistique | 2nd Saturday in July
The most anticipated event of the year features vendors & crafters, food vendors, tasty treats, AND live music all day & night! Folk Fest is a celebration of life that takes place on the main street of Manistique, Michigan. Art and Craft Booths display their diverse wares on the second block continuing North on Cedar St while the aromas of Multicultural Food Booths tempt the participants down the street. Consistently ranked as a favorite small town getaway by visitors, Manistique's natural beauty provides the perfect setting for a day of antiquing and shopping.
Manistique Trout & Salmon Derby
Manistique, Michigan | last weekend in July
Manistique attracts anglers from all over the Great Lakes to take part in the annual Trout & Salmon Derby. Started in 1985 by local fishermen, the derby has grown every year to now regularly exceed 300 participants. The derby pays 1st-8th place in both Trout and Salmon categories based on largest fish, plus an optional 3-3-3 side tournament. Each year an average of $20,000 is paid out in cash and prizes. The Monday-Wednesday prior to the weekend, a pre-fishing tournament is run, and pays out the top three fish caught each of those days.
ManistiqueMI facebook
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Manistique Car Show
Downtown Manistique | Labor Day Weekend
The annual Manistique Car Show features an eclectic mix of custom cars, hot rods, and classics. In addition to the cars, guests can enjoy music, food, and more! Enjoy your Labor Day weekend in Manistique! Kick off the weekend with the Friday Night Cruise. The Car Show begins on Saturday morning. Come enjoy this great family event in Downtown Manistique's Social District! Check out the cars, browse the shops, and enjoy some good food and brews!
2026
January 3
Christmas Bird Count (Seney Circle Count)
Seney National Wildlife Refuge Temporary Visitor Center
1986 River Road - Germfask, MI
10am
This year marks the 126th annual Christmas Bird Count, an annual winter census of birds across the Western Hemisphere. You can participate in the field covering an assigned part of the circle, or at home watching your feeder, if you live within the circle. The time commitment is about two hours.
On the morning of the count, Seney Circle participants will meet at the Temporary Visitor Center (River Rd.) at 10am for a very brief orientation, distribution of forms, and territory assignments. New to birding? Tag along with someone more experienced or just give it a try! You can cover your field territory any way—staying in one place, on foot, in a car, or even on a dogsled or bike if you wish. Feeder watchers can choose their own two-hour time slot between midnight and midnight. You will need to register with a compiler and fill out specific data collection forms. The Seney Circle Compiler is Polly Sheppard - Phone/text: 810-938-3020, Email: Pollysheppard1@gmail.com
January 7
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Jan 7 - Introduction on how to ID bords with a focus on woodpeckers and nuthatches.
January 8-10
NAUI Open Water Diver Course
Manistique Middle & High School
100 N Cedar Street - Manistique, Michigan
Start your SCUBA Open Water Diver Certification and a lifetime of adventures with this NAUI® entry-level certification course, where you learn the fundamental knowledge and skills to safely dive in open water to a 60' depth. This Open Water Diver Certification Prep Course Includes: 3 Pool Sessions, 1 Classroom Session, NAUI® eLearning Online, Use of full scuba gear during training (excludes mask, snorkel, fins, boots, wetsuit)
January 9
Stas Venglevski & the Houston Accordion Orchestra Recording Project Concert
The Pine Performance Center
9224 Saw-Wa-Quato Street, Curtis, MI
7pm
The seventeen-member orchestra will travel to Curtis from across the United States and Japan. Stas Venglevski, bayanist, composer, conductor and teacher leads the orchestra of 9 adult musicians and 8 student musicians. This weeklong project will include morning and afternoon orchestra rehearsals and evening jam sessions open to local schools and the public before the concert by the Houston Accordion Orchestra with Stas Venglevski at The Pine Performance Center. Everyone is invited to the public concert where Stas with the orchestra will perform fifteen of their original compositions. All of these programs are open to the public at no cost.
January 9
Comedy Night at Big Spring Tavern
Big Spring Tavern
1263N M-149 - Manistique, Michigan
8pm
Join us at Big Spring Tavern for a great night of laughter on January 9, 2026 at 8:00pm! Pam Krugman will open for the very funny Mark Riccadonna. Tickets are $20. Get out of the cold and warm up with some jokes.
January 10-11
Free Snowmobiling Weekend
State of Michigan
Residents and out-of-state visitors legally can ride more than 6,000 miles of DNR-designated snowmobile trails, public roads and public lands (where authorized). The snowmobile trail permit and registration requirement is waived. All other snowmobile rules and regulations still apply.
January 11
ECA Family Fun Night "Luau Party!"
Erickson Center for the Arts (Upper Level)
9224 Saw-Wa-Quato Street, Curtis, MI
4 - 6pm
Join us for a WINTER LUAU! The Tahquamenon Area Homeschool Community is hosting a special Family Fun Night, complete with crafts, food, music, THE LIMBO, and a MOCKTAIL BAR. FREE! Fun for all ages! All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
January 13
Veteran Coffee Hour
VFW Post 4420
344 Maple Street - Manistique
9 - 10:30am
Come celebrate the new year with coffee and good company. Spouses are always welcome! Learn about new updates with VA Benefits and Claims.
January 14
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Jan 14 - How to attract birds to your yard with a focus on common birds coming to your bird feeder.
January 15
Open Mic Night
Lake Effect Community Arts Center
244 S Cedar Street - Manistique, Michigan
6:30 - 8pm
Lake Effect Community Arts Center is proud to present Open Mic Night! Calling all singers, songwriters, performers, poets, comedians, etc. Please join us Thursday, January 15th from 6:30-8pm. Contact Katie at Katie@LakeEffectArts.org, 906-286-4117, or by message to reserve your spot.
January 16
Paint and Sip with Shannon
LaTulip Brewing Co.
11858W US-2, Cooks, MI
6 - 8pm
oin Shannon for Friday Night Paint 🎨 and Sip. $30/per person
January 17
Winter Wonderland Auction
The Auction Block
5590w US Highway 2 - Manistique, Michigan
11am
Preview Fri. Jan. 16th, 2026 from 10am to 4pm. Partial List Only, Expect Surprises!! Phone & Absentee Bids welcome anytime!!! Concessions Available on Site. Sporting equipment, fishing gear and reels, knives, speakers, tools, collectibles, signs, glass bottles, 1960/70s toys, furniture, clocks, coins and much more.
January 21
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Jan 21 - Where to go birding with a focus on how to ID different birds that are black.
January 24 & 25
Indian Lake Ice Fishing Derby
Indian Lake
Manistique, Michigan
Fish Registration Station located on Evergreen Drive (Danielson's Landing)
39th Annual Indian Lake Ice Fishing Derby. Five cash prizes in two categories, 80% payback on registration fee ($10). Registration deadline is 9am on January 24, 2026, tickets available at Top O' Lake Sport Shop and Linda's Bread Box. Kids Category FREE!
January 24
Family Movie Night @ The Pine! "How To Train Your Dragon"
The Pine Performance Center
N9224 Saw-Wa-Quato Street, Curtis, MI
2pm
A misfit Viking teenager sees a chance to change the course of his clan's future when he befriends an injured dragon. This Family Movie Night event generously sponsored by Friend of the Erickson Center. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON is presented under licensing provided by Swank Motion Pictures Inc. Tickets $5, remaining tickets at the door $7.
January 24
Resin Pour Workshop
LaTulip Brewing Co.
11858W US-2, Cooks, MI
6pm
Our resin pour art class allows you to create a beautifully poured charcuterie board. You will start by picking your board from a variety of shapes and sizes. From there you can select your technique and color choices. You will be walked through step-by-step instructions on how to mix, pour and blend your colors to create your design! No experience necessary. All non-toxic materials/food grade safe.
January 28
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Jan 28 - Bird flight patterns with a focus on ducks with guest speaker Tony Block.
January 29
Resin Pour Workshop
The Boudrose Lounge
375 Traders Point Dr #5, Manistique, MI
6pm
Our resin pour art class allows you to create a beautifully poured charcuterie board. You will start by picking your board from a variety of shapes and sizes. From there you can select your technique and color choices. You will be walked through step-by-step instructions on how to mix, pour and blend your colors to create your design! No experience necessary. All non-toxic materials/food grade safe.
January 30
Valentine's Day Watercolor Class
Erickson Center for the Arts (Upper Level)
9224 Saw-Wa-Quato Street, Curtis, MI
6 - 8pm
Create an adorable winter mittens painting (white wooden 11 x 14 frame included) and four Valentine's Day greeting cards in this special watercolor collection class with Linda Paine. $50/person. All Supplies included. Spaces for this class are expected to fill quickly! Call 906.586.9974 to register before January 28th. Class fee due at time of registration, no exceptions. Class fee is non refundable.
January 31
Fayette Lantern Lit Ski, Snowshoe, Hike
Fayette Historic State Park
4785 II Road - Garden, Michigan
6 - 8pm
Spend an evening on snowshoes, boots, or cross-country skis around the 1.5 mile bluff trail lit with kerosene lanterns. After taking a lap (or more!) enjoy some hot chocolate and marshmallows around a warm campfire. Visitors are asked to park in the Visitor Center parking lot. From there, the fire will mark your starting point. No reservations are needed, and only a Michigan Recreation Passport is needed on your vehicle for entry into the park.
February 1
Buttons & Buckles: An Authentic British Afternoon Tea for Ladies and Gentlemen
Manistique Elks Lodge #632 (Upstairs)
213 Walnut Street - Manistique, Michigan
4pm
The North American Hill Sheep Show’s "Sip Society" presents "Buttons and Buckles" an Authentic British Tea for Ladies and Gentlemen. Traditional recipes, charming atmosphere, unique cultural experience, come and join us! Semi-formal, ladies are encouraged to wear dresses/skirts and hats and gloves. $30/Ticket. This is a fundraising event for this September’s UK-style festival experience in Manistique.
February 4
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Feb 4 - What we know about migration with a focus on Raptors.
February 7
Valentine's Couples Candle Pour
LaTulip Brewing Co.
11844 US-2, Manistique, MI
6 - 8pm
Join Of Curious Nature at The Boudrose Lounge for a Valentine’s Couples Candle Pour, designed as a shared experience for two. Each couple will create one candle together in a limited-edition pink glass vessel with lid — poured intentionally as a keepsake of the night. This is a date-night experience, not a typical candle class — cozy, intentional, and perfect for celebrating together. $55 per couple.
February 11
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Feb 11 - Migration timing and routes with a focus on Thrushes, Thrashers and Mimics.
February 12
Valentine's Couples Candle Pour
The Boudrose Lounge
375 Traders Point Dr #5, Manistique, MI
6 - 8pm
Join Of Curious Nature at The Boudrose Lounge for a Valentine’s Couples Candle Pour, designed as a shared experience for two. Each couple will create one candle together in a limited-edition pink glass vessel with lid — poured intentionally as a keepsake of the night. This is a date-night experience, not a typical candle class — cozy, intentional, and perfect for celebrating together. $55 per couple.
February 14
Long Riders 34th Relic Ride
Jack Pine Lodge
5350n M-94, Manistique, Michigan
8am - 5pm
34th annual Historic Long Riders Relic Ride for charity. Register Online today and preorder to reserve your event t-shirt online! In-person registration is still available Friday evening and Saturday morning. 1973 and older sleds to be judged. All Sleds are invited to come and participate. The relic ride will be starting from Jack Pine Lodge then to the Thunderbowl before returning to Jack Pine Lodge. Call 906-573-2414 or email moreinfo@jackpineup.com with any questions.
Billy Jo Mackie
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February 14
McDonald Lake Ice Fishing Derby
McDonald Lake Boat Access
Dixner Rd., Gulliver, MI 49840
8am - 5pm
Get ready to bundle up and drop a line—McDonald Lake is calling all anglers for the 27th Annual McDonald Lake Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, February 14, 2026! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just looking for a fun winter outing, this is your chance to reel in big catches, win prizes, and enjoy the camaraderie of the local fishing community. Prizes for the largest pike, perch, and walleye for adults. Kids receive registration gift and prizes available for any fish caught. Held on free fishing weekend, so no fishing license is required. Registration fee $10.
February 18
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Feb 18 - Gardening to attract birds with a focus on Sparrows.
February 21
Manistique Sno-Baller Youth Basketball Tournament
Manistique Middle & High School
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
8am
Emerald Elite Basketball Presents Manistique Sno-Baller Tournament on Saturday February 21st (Girls) & Sunday February 22nd (Boys). 5-on-5 Youth Basketball Tournament. 3rd-6th Grade Boys & Girls. Registration Fee - $175 per team.
February 21
2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off
Midway General Store
N251 Federal Forest Highway 13 - Wetmore, Michigan
12 - 5pm
Last years Chili Cook-off was a hit so we decided to do it again. Saturday February 21st 2026 starting at Noon! There will be 10 slots to fill so if you have a famous chili you would like to enter we will have the sign up sheet here at our store! Thanks and can’t wait!
February 22
Manistique Sno-Baller Youth Basketball Tournament
Manistique Middle & High School
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
8am
Emerald Elite Basketball Presents Manistique Sno-Baller Tournament on Saturday February 21st (Girls) & Sunday February 22nd (Boys). 5-on-5 Youth Basketball Tournament. 3rd-6th Grade Boys & Girls. Registration Fee - $175 per team.
February 22
Pearl Jewelry Workshop
LaTulip Brewing Co.
11858W US-2, Cooks, MI
2pm
Participants will be involved in all steps of the process to create a beautiful piece of pearl jewelry. Each participant picks their oyster to shuck and discover their pearl. Everyone will then be walked through the process of cleaning and conditioning their pearl, how to use a pearl drill and set their pearl in a setting of their choosing! Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms will be available while supplies last. You will leave with a beautiful piece of jewelry in .925 sterling silver to last a lifetime! Beginner Friendly. Ages 12 and up welcome.
February 25
UP Birding 101
Manistique School & Library
100 N Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
4 - 6pm
This eight-week beginner birding series led by Cheryl Hamant will cover basic birding ID and more! A new group of birds will be covered each week. Come to one, a few, or all classes. We will be meeting each Wednesday starting January 7 from 4-6 PM at the Manistique School & Public Library. These classes are free and open to the public! No registration required.
Feb 25 - Local bird organizations with a focus on Warblers, Vireos and Flycatchers.
February 26
Pearl Jewelry Workshop
The Boudrose Lounge
375 Traders Point Dr #5, Manistique, MI
6pm
Participants will be involved in all steps of the process to create a beautiful piece of pearl jewelry. Each participant picks their oyster to shuck and discover their pearl. Everyone will then be walked through the process of cleaning and conditioning their pearl, how to use a pearl drill and set their pearl in a setting of their choosing! Rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and charms will be available while supplies last. You will leave with a beautiful piece of jewelry in .925 sterling silver to last a lifetime! Beginner Friendly. Ages 12 and up welcome.
February 28 - March 1
Writing North Winter Book Fest
The Mill
216 S Cedar Street, Manistique, MI
Writing North is a weekend festival where stories, community, and the magic of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula come together. Meet celebrated authors from the Great Lakes region, discover new books, join intimate conversations, and warm up with creative inspiration during one of the quietest—and most beautiful—seasons of the year.
This community-centered event will be hosted by The Mill and take place at several locations including Paper Mill Books, Lake Effect Community Arts, and The Blue Mystique Inn. Programming will include a mix of free community events, ticketed panels and presentations, book signings, and the intimate Fireside Salon happening Saturday evening at the Blue Mystique Inn.
March 7
Elks Chili Cook Off
Manistique Elks Lodge #632
213 Walnut Street, Manistique
Chili experts get your recipes ready for the Elks Chili Cook Off! Open to the public, cooks get in for free. Public tasting after judging. $10 Entry. Drop off between 2-3, judging at 3:15. Also 50/50, Silent Auction, Raffles. Cash prizes and awards to the winners. Bring your chili in a crock pot. Questions call (906) 341-2536.
July 24 - August 2
Tour Da Yoop, Eh! Bicycle Tour
Manistique, Michigan
Tour Da Yoop, Eh! Bicycle Tour of the UP will begin and end in Manistique. Tour Da Yoop, Eh is a 1,200 mile bike tour around the perimeter of Michigan’s secret biking paradise, the Upper Peninsula, and you are invited! Our little peninsula is covered with expansive roads, free of dangerous traffic, and sprinkled with sparkling waterfalls, unique landmarks, and awe-inspiring lake views. Join us in riding and raising money for U.P. families battling childhood cancer.The tour is presented by Tour Da Yoop, Eh and U.P. Lions Serve raising money for families battling childhood cancer. Visit website for more information and to register.
August 1
Art On The Lake Festival
Erickson Center for the Arts
9224 Saw-Wa-Quato Street, Curtis, MI
10am - 7pm
For the 2026 season, the Erickson Center for the Arts is re-imagining our summer event, combining the best parts of the 906 Festival with the historic Art on the Lake event into an Arts and Music Festival focusing on Upper Peninsula arts and culture. Artists are invited to apply to be considered for this hand selected show of up to 70 artists.
