2026 Event Schedule
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce is the host and coordinator of the Manistee National Forest Festival.
Events listed under ‘Signature Festival Events’ are directly coordinated by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, including sponsored events. Additional 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 1 – July 5), please submit it and fill out the online form before June 5th to be included in the digital brochure. Any events submitted after June 5th will only be listed below.
This page is updated regularly, so be sure to check back for the most up-to-date schedule!
- Signature Festival Events
- Wednesday, July 1
- Thursday, July 2
- Friday, July 3
- Saturday, July 4
- Sunday, July 5
Signature Festival Events
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: July 1 – 5
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves. Free to attend!
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
💥 Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag
Time: July 1 – 4: 11:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located at Douglas Park! $5 per game per person.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: July 1 – 5
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎠 Anderson Midway Carnival
Time: July 1 – 2: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM, July 3 – 4: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, July 5: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Kick off the festivities with rides, games, food, and family fun at the Anderson Midway Carnival!
🎟️ Tickets will be available to purchase online.
🐐 Whispering Pines Petting Zoo
Time: July 1 – 5: 10:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly petting zoo with animals from Whispering Pines. Free to attend!
Sponsored by: Dr. Shrink, Inc. & Manistee Tire Service
🎆 Fireworks over Lake Michigan
Time: July 3: Dusk (~10:30 PM)
Location: First Street Beach, Manistee, MI
Celebrate Independence Day with a classic fireworks show over Lake Michigan!
Sponsored by: Little River Casino Resort
Rain Date: Sunday, July 5th
🇺🇸 Independence Day Parade
Time: July 4: 10:00 AM
Location: River Street, Manistee, MI
Celebrate a tradition dating back to the 1930s! The parade begins at Division Street and travels along River Street, ending at the Armory Youth Project. The United Veterans Council will hold a flag raising ceremony prior to the Independence Day Parade at 9:45 AM.
Sponsored by: 4Front Credit Union & Spicer Group, Inc.
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: July 3 & 4
Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI
Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family. This is a free performance.
Sponsored by: Filer Credit Union, Airbnb
🏖️ Manistee Beach Bash, featuring The Downtowners
Time: July 3: 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: First Street Beach, Manistee MI
Come rock out at the 2026 Manistee Beach Bash with The Downtowners! This is a free event, and is BYOB.
Sponsored by: Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce
🤸♀️ Arstov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: July 2-5
Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI
A high-energy, family-friendly acrobatic show featuring world-class stunts, strength, and skill. With a background performing on stages around the world, Arestov delivers an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat experience you won’t want to miss.
🤡 Scottville Clown Band Concert
Time: July 5: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Lions Pavilion, Douglas Park (First Street Beach), Manistee, MI
A local favorite! Bring your chairs and refreshments for this humorous and energetic performance. This is a free concert and for all ages!
Sponsored by: Wyatt Ford & Wyatt Chevrolet
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Manistee, MI
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
💥 Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag
Time: 11:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎠 Anderson Midway Carnival
Time: 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Kick off the festivities with rides, games, food, and family fun at the Anderson Midway Carnival!
🎟️ Tickets will be available to purchase online
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
Thursday, July 2, 2026 – Manistee, MI
🐐 Whispering Pines Petting Zoo
Time: 10:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Enjoy a fun, family-friendly petting zoo with animals from Whispering Pines. Free to attend!
Sponsored by: Dr. Shrink, Inc. & Manistee Tire Service
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
💥 Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag
Time: 11:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎡 Anderson Midway Carnival
Time: 1:00 PM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Rides, games, food, and fun for the whole family!
🎟️ Tickets will be available to purchase online
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎆 Fireworks over Lake Michigan
Time: Dusk (~10:30 PM)
Location: First Street Beach, Manistee, MI
Celebrate Independence Day with a classic fireworks show over Lake Michigan!
Sponsored by: Little River Casino Resort
Rain Date: Sunday, July 5th
Saturday, July 4, 2026 – Manistee, MI
🎨 Artisian Fair
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Red Szymarek Park, Manistee, MI
Discover handcrafted goods from talented artisans.
🐐 Whispering Pines Petting Zoo
Time: 10:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Meet friendly animals at this free, family-friendly petting zoo.
Sponsored by: Dr. Shrink, Inc. & Manistee Tire Service
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
💥 Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag
Time: 11:00 AM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI
Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.
Sponsored by: Filer Credit Union
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎡 Anderson Midway Carnival
Time: 12:00 PM – Dusk
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee MI
Enjoy a full day of rides, games, and treats at the carnival!
🎟️ Tickets will be available to purchase online
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI
Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.
Sponsored by: Filer Credit Union
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🤸♀️ Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
A high-energy, family-friendly acrobatic show featuring world-class stunts, strength, and skill. With a background performing on stages around the world, Arestov delivers an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat experience you won’t want to miss.
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Shows every day of the festival, located at Douglas Park. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.
Sponsored by: Edward Jones: Reau Wealth Management Group, DTE Energy Foundation
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI
Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.
Sponsored by: Filer Credit Union
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: TBD
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking