2025 Event Schedule

The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is the host and coordinator of the Manistee National Forest Festival. Events are individually run and operated by local organizations and businesses.

If your business or non-profit is hosting an event during the Festival (July 2 – July 6), please submit it and fill out the online form before June 6th to be included in the digital brochure. Any events submitted after June 6th will only be listed below.

Please check back for more information!

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Anderson Midway Carnival: 4:00 PM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

Purchase tickets ahead of time online!

Join your family and friends at the Anderson Midway Carnival this festival: enjoy rides, games, food, and fun!
More information here.

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Whispering Pines Petting Zoo: 10:00 AM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

A petting zoo from Whispering Pines and a variety of fun animals to view! It’s a great experience for the whole family and completely free.
Sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc and Manistee Tire Service

Sandcastle Story Time at 5th Ave Beach: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 5th Avenue Beach, 108 Lakeshore Drive, Manistee MI

Kids and their families can listen to a few stories and play with our extensive collection of beach toys! Meet at 5th Avenue Beach, near the shore–look for Miss Angie! No RSVP required.

Hosted by the Manistee County Library

Anderson Midway Carnival: 1:00 PM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

Purchase tickets ahead of time online!

Join your family and friends at the Anderson Midway Carnival this festival: enjoy rides, games, food, and fun!
More information here.

“Birds of America” Page Turning and Tea Party: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM, Manistee County Library, Manistee MI

The Manistee Main Library is the proud caretaker of a pre-civil war, double-elephant folio of “The Birds of America.” This event begins with a history talk covering the origin of this artistic treasure including the story about its printing and how this copy came to Manistee. Then, we’ll don our white gloves and unlock the case for a live page turning. Ice tea and lemonade will be served following this event.

Intended for adults, this event is free and open to the public. No registration or library card required. Space is limited.

Campfire Stories at the Story Park (For Adults): 7:00 PM – 7:45 PM, Manistee County Library Story Park – 95 Maple Street, Manistee MI

Pack your camp chairs and blankets for Campfire Stories in the Story Park! It’s like an outdoor storytime for history enthusiasts! During these monthly events, we’ll regale you with tales of Manistee’s past. We remind you that the vast majority of campfire stories are traditionally told to provide thrills and chills.These stories are not for the faint of heart!

July’s Campfire Stories event focuses on the deep roots of Forest Festival history. In fact, we’ll be going way back to the year 1917, when the summer festival was celebrated as homecoming. Some of the stories that we’ll cover include the Orchard Beach trolley disaster and the life and death of the tallest man in the world.

There will be a very limited supply of chairs, so we encourage you to bring your own lawn chairs, camp chairs or comfy blankets. Please note that the library building is closed during this event. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be cancelled. Check the library’s Facebook page for up to date information.

Intended for adults, this event is free and open to the public. No library card or registration required.

Fireworks over Lake Michigan: Dusk (~10:30 PM), First Street Beach, Manistee MI

Enjoy a traditional fireworks show located at First Street Beach!

In the event of inclement weather, the Fireworks show will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 5.
Sponsored by Little River Casino Resort.

Friday, July 4, 2025

Whispering Pines Petting Zoo: 10:00 AM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

A petting zoo from Whispering Pines and a variety of fun animals to view! It’s a great experience for the whole family and completely free.
Sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc and Manistee Tire Service

 

 

Independence Day Parade: 10:00 AM, River Street, Manistee MI

Celebrate your Fourth of July in Downtown Manistee! The Independence Day Parade has been a yearly tradition since the 1930s, and this year is no exception. The parade route begin at the corner of Division St. and River St., follows River St., and concludes at the Armory Youth Project parking lot.
Sponsored by 4Front Credit Union, and Spicer Group, Inc.

Roots on the River – Kickoff Bash!: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Veterans Memorial Park, Manistee MI

Head on over to the Veterans Memorial parking lot (right across Maple Street bridge) after the 4th of July Parade to join Music Sparks Meaning in a full day of live music and fun! There will be a beer tent featuring local brews, lawn games, food trucks, live music all day, and so much more! This event is the kickoff for the Roots on the River concert series, running on Thursday evenings throughout July and August.

Manistee Arts & Crafts Show: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Armory Youth Project, Manistee MI

Join us for a vibrant celebration of creativity at the 2025 Manistee Arts & Crafts Show! Presented by the Armory Youth Project and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, this event brings together talented artisans and crafters from all over, showcasing a wide variety of handmade works, from intricate jewelry and fine art to unique home decor and personalized gifts. Whether you’re looking for something special for yourself, a gift for a loved one, or just a fun day out, there’s something for everyone!

What to Expect: over 70 artisans displaying their handmade creations; opportunities to meet the makers and hear their stories; live music performances throughout the day; food trucks and local vendors offering delicious treats.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a collector, or someone just looking to enjoy the creativity of others, this show is a must-visit! Don’t miss out on the chance to support local artists and discover something truly unique.

 

Anderson Midway Carnival: 1:00 PM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

Purchase tickets ahead of time online!

Join your family and friends at the Anderson Midway Carnival this festival: enjoy rides, games, food, and fun!
More information here.

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Forest Festival Family Day: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM, The Tabernacle – 77 Hancock Street, Manistee MI

The Forest Festival Family Day is an event put on by the Tabernacle church in Manistee. Family Day is a great opportunity for families to enjoy actives put on by The Tabernacle, and get to know participating vendors. There will be food, prizes, and lots of fun to be had!

Manistee Arts & Crafts Show: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Armory Youth Project, Manistee MI

Join us for a vibrant celebration of creativity at the 2025 Manistee Arts & Crafts Show! Presented by the Armory Youth Project and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, this event brings together talented artisans and crafters from all over, showcasing a wide variety of handmade works, from intricate jewelry and fine art to unique home decor and personalized gifts. Whether you’re looking for something special for yourself, a gift for a loved one, or just a fun day out, there’s something for everyone!

What to Expect: over 70 artisans displaying their handmade creations; opportunities to meet the makers and hear their stories; live music performances throughout the day; food trucks and local vendors offering delicious treats.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a collector, or someone just looking to enjoy the creativity of others, this show is a must-visit! Don’t miss out on the chance to support local artists and discover something truly unique.

Whispering Pines Petting Zoo: 10:00 AM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

A petting zoo from Whispering Pines and a variety of fun animals to view! It’s a great experience for the whole family and completely free.
Sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc and Manistee Tire Service

Anderson Midway Carnival: 12:00 PM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

Purchase tickets ahead of time online!

Join your family and friends at the Anderson Midway Carnival this festival: enjoy rides, games, food, and fun!
More information here.

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Manistee Area Public Schools (MAPS) Traditional Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Manistee Middle/High School, 525 12th Street, Manistee MI

$10 per person

Traditional pancake breakfast (entry includes all-you-can-eat pancakes & sausage served with butter & syrup; coffee or juice available) served at the Middle/high school. Proceeds will go to benefit the MAPS Fine Arts Boosters.

Whispering Pines Petting Zoo: 10:00 AM – Dusk, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

A petting zoo from Whispering Pines and a variety of fun animals to view! It’s a great experience for the whole family and completely free.
Sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc and Manistee Tire Service

Benzie Area RC Club Air Show: 12:00 PM, Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee MI

Join us on the softball field for a show in the sky with the Benzie Area RC Club! A wide variety of Radio Control Model Aircraft will be displayed and flown in the softball field by Douglas Park. Free admission and a fun occasion for the whole family!
More info: https://www.benziearearc.com/

Anderson Midway Carnival: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Douglas Park, Manistee MI

Purchase tickets ahead of time online!

Join your family and friends at the Anderson Midway Carnival this festival: enjoy rides, games, food, and fun!
More information here.
Scottville Clown Band Concert: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Lions Pavilion, Douglas Park, Manistee MI
It’s time to bring in the clowns! Bring your chair and refreshments to watch the humorous Clown Band perform. It is a free, must-see show! Sunday, July 6 from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach.
Sponsored by Wyatt Ford and Wyatt Chevrolet.