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 – 2: 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 6:00PM; July 3-5: 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM
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 2 – 5: 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM
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 available to purchase online here
🐐 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: 1:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 5:30PM
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, Will Zoscsak Logging & Trucking, and Airbnb
🏖️ Beach Jam, featuring The Downtowners
Time: July 3: 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Location: First Street Beach, Manistee MI
Come rock out at the 2026 Beach Jam with The Downtowners! This is a free event, and is BYOB.
Sponsored by: Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce
🤸♀️ Arstov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: July 2-4: 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM; July 5: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
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
💥 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.
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 2:00 PM
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
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 4:00 PM
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
🎠 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 available to purchase online here
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 6:00 PM
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
🖌️ Beach Vibes Platter ~ Bubble Painting Technique Class
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: 338 River Street, Manistee, MI
Create a one-of-a-kind beach-inspired ceramic tray in this guided bubble painting class hosted by The Purple Paintbrush. For $35, participants will explore step-by-step glazing techniques including bubble glazing, with finished pieces fired and ready for pickup by 7/5/26; reservations are required and can be made on the website.
⛴️ Sunset Cruise
Time: 8:15 PM – 9:45 PM
Location: 428 River St., Manistee, MI – On the Boardwalk
Enjoy a breathtaking evening on Lake Michigan with Manistee Harbor Tours’ Sunset Cruise.
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
💥 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
📖 Sandcastlle Storytime at 5th Avenue Beach
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: 108 Lakeshore Drive, Manistee, MI
Join Miss Angie from the Manistee County Library for a fun morning of stories and sandcastle building at the beach! This free, family friendly event is perfect for young children ages 1 and up, but all kids are welcome.
🎉 Annual Kick Off to the 4th of July Party
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee, MI
Celebrate with the Manistee Senior Center for a festive kickoff to the holiday weekend featuring live music by Virgil Baker and the Just 4 Fun Band, a catered lunch by Jerry Zupin, and plenty of dancing and fun. Admission is $15 per person and includes a full meal with chicken, brats, sides, and strawberry shortcake.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: 12:00 PM
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 available to purchase online here!
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 2:00 PM
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
🎂 America’s 250th Brithday Celebration
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St Manistee MI 49660
Join the Manistee County Library at Story Park outside the library for a free community celebration featuring cake, crafts, and yard games for all ages to enjoy.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: 3:00 PM
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: 4:00 PM
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
🖌️ First Street Beach ~ Sip & Paint Party
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee, MI
Create a handmade keepsake inspired by Manistee’s most beloved landmarks in this guided sip & paint experience hosted by The Purple Paintbrush. For $20, participants will paint an 8×10” canvas of First Street Beach, with step-by-step instruction; all ages are welcome and reservations are required through the website.
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 6:00 PM
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: 6:00 PM
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎤 Kanin Wren’s “Taylor Swift Experience”
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee, MI
Saturday, July 4, 2026 – Manistee, MI
👟 Manistee Firecracker 5K Run/Walk & 1K Fun Run
Time: 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Location: Manistee Middle / High School, 525 12th Street, Manistee, MI
Take part in a 5K run/walk or 1K fun run hosted by the Manistee High School Track & Field. Registration is $30 by June 27 ($35 after), with the Fun Run at $20 ($25 after); both include a T-shirt, and proceeds support the Manistee Area Community Track along with awards for 5K participants.
🥕 Manistee Farmers Market
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Wagoner Community Center, 260 St Mary S Pkwy, Manistee, MI 49660
Shop local at the Manistee Farmers Market, featuring fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artisan crafts, and live music. This community favorite is celebrating 25 years of supporting local growers, makers, and small businesses!
🍿 Floats & Popcorn
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River St., Manistee, MI
Enjoy Floats & Popcorn at The Vogue Theatre, featuring classice root beer and orange floats along with fresh popcorn served for a donation. Stop by for a sweet, nostalgic treat and a fun community experience.
🇺🇸 Flag Raising Ceremony
Time: 9:45 AM
Location: Corner of River Street and Division, Manistee, MI
The United Veterans Council will provide a flag raising ceremony prior to the Independence Day Parade.
🎆 Independence Day Parade
Time: 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.
Sponsored by: 4Front Credit Union & Spicer Group, Inc.
🦆 Duck Race Raffle
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Maple Street Bridge & Manistee River Channel, Manistee, MI
A Forest Festival favorite returns! Watch as 1,500 yellow rubber ducks are dropped from the Maple Street Bridge and race down the Manistee River Channel to the finish line near the Elks Lodge. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, with the event beginning immediately following the Independence Day Parade.
Presented by: Mariner Band Boosters
🎨 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
🔍 Red, White, and BOOM Scavenger Hunt
Time: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee, MI
Join Pure Manistee for a fun, free community activity. Ten tokens will be hidden around the store each day, and finding one wins a prize, with one prize per family.
💥 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.
🌭 American Legion’s Post 10 Annual “Red, White & BBQ”
Time: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: 10 Mason St Manistee, MI 49660
Join American Legion Post 10 for an afternoon of live music, a cornhole tournament, raffles, activities for kids, and a delicitious BBQ meal. Donations are welcome as the community comes together to celebrate 250 year of freedom.
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 12:00 PM
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: 12:00 PM
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 available to purchase online here
🤸♀️ Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: 1:00 PM
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.
💃 Great Lakes Cloggers dance performance presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
Time: 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Park Amphitheater
This lively dance showcase features a variety of music and an energetic performance the whole commuinity can enjoy.
🍽️ Fourth of July Recovery BBQ and Online Silent Auction Fundraiser
Time: 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: Lyons Pavilion, First Street Beach
Enjoy a free community BBQ and online silent auction fundraiser hosted by Saged Recovery and Wellness Collaborative. This pre-launch event introduces a new nonprofit focused on recovery services for Manistee and Mason counties while offering a welcoming opportunity to gather, connect, and support their upcoming work in the community.
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: 1:30 PM
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, Will Zoscsak Logging & Trucking, and Airbnb
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 2:00 PM
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
🤸♀️ Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: 3:00 PM
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.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: 3:00 PM
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: 3:30 PM
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, Will Zoscsak Logging & Trucking, and Airbnb
🌊 Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel
Time: 4:00 PM
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
🤸♀️ Arestov’s Acrobatic Extravaganza
Time: 5:00 PM
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.
🪚 Lumberjack Show
Time: 5:30 PM
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, Will Zoscsak Logging & Trucking, and Airbnb
🎸 Outside at The Outsider
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee, MI
Kick off the 4th of July with free live music on the patio hosted by The Outsider, featuring The Erly and presented by Forest Trail Music. Enjoy an evening of music, food, drinks, pinball, and summer vibes as part of the first season of Outside at The Outsider.
🪵 Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival!
Sponsored by: Zoscsak Logging & Trucking
🎶 Live Music in The Backyard
Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Location: Manistee National Golf & Resort, 4797 Grand Highway, Manistee, MI
Enjoy free live music on the back lawn at Manistee National Golf & Resort featuring a performance by Paddock. Relax outdoors and take in a laid-back evening of music in a scenic backyard setting.
⛴️ 4th of July Cruise
Time: 9:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Location: 428 River Street, Manistee, MI – On the Boardwalk
Celebrate the Fourth of July aboard Manistee Harbor Tours with a Lake Michigan shoreline cruise from Manistee to the iconic Big Sable Point Lighthouse.