June 29 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms / 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

June 29  – Festival Marketplace 9:00 AM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

June 29 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St.

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

June 29 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

June 29 – Manistee National Forest Open House 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

1170 Nursery Rd, Wellston MI 49689

The headquarters sits on the historic Chittenden Nursery where guests are invited to come say hello to Smokey Bear, visit our gift shop and interact with our district staff. Want to see how your local Forest Service district is helping to save the American Elm tree? Exhibits will include a tour of an active seed bed where the Forest Service is planting copies of surviving American elm that will be included in a Dutch Elm Disease Tolerance Trial. Our firefighting unit will also have some equipment on display and talk about wildland fire management in our local area. District Botanists will be showing off the districts native plant and pollinator garden and there will be additional presentations from our Recreation, Wildlife and Timber management programs. Upon departure visitors can pick up a self-guided tour map of recent forest management projects containing the location and information about the different stages of forest management.

June 29 – Revival: A Tribute to the Allman Brothers 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts

Detroit’s “A” list musicians featuring guitar wizards Brett Lucas and Kris Kurzawa. Experience classic hits such as “Midnight Rider,” “Ramblin Man,” and “Whipping Post,” as well as deeper cuts that made the band rock legends.

Cost: $20 – $50

June 30 – Forest Festival Golf Outing presented by Little River Casino Resort 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Manistee National Golf & Resort | 120 County Line Rd, Manistee, MI 

June 30 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms | 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

June 30  – Festival Marketplace 9:00 AM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

June 30 – Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo 10:00 AM – Dusk

Douglas Park | First Street Beach, Manistee

A mobile exhibit that has a variety of animals to view from around the world! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and it’s FREE. Proudly sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc. 

June 30 – Pop-up Sale (featuring small business Peachy Frog) 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Port City Emporium Gift Shop | 354 River Street, Manistee

Join us for a pop up sale featuring local small business Peachy Frog. Candles, body butter, scrubs, lip balms & more. All made in Manistee!

June 30 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St.

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

June 30 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

June 30 – Wine on the River 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Fricano’s Manistee River | 440 River Street, Manistee

Kick off the Forest Festival with a wine tasting on our deck, with charcuterie snacks provided! Tickets will be on presale June 15th at Fricano’s, as well as at the door. Brought to you by Fricano’s Manistee River and Great Lakes Wine & Spirits.

Cost: $3 per ticket, per pour.

June 30 – Manistee Lions Fish Boil 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Lions Pavilion | First Street Beach, Manistee

Fish boil (lake trout and salmon) served with boiled potatoes and onions, coleslaw., roll and butter. Strawberry shortcake will be available for purchase.

Cost: $15 Adults, $7 kids 3-11 years old

June 30 – Opening the Mary Wahr Manistee A-Z Exhibit 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

ruddiblush | 321 River Street

Meet the artist and sip some wine, as you enjoy the fabulous art of Mary Wahr! All are welcome.

June 30 – “American Pride” Sip & Paint Party 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The Purple Paintbrush | 338 River Street

Join us for a sip & paint party to create your own patriot canvas art! Reservations are required. Call or text 231-747-9430, or sign up on our website.

Cost: $35

June 30 – Jaycees Beach Jam 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

First Street Beach

Cost: Free

July 1 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms | 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

July 1 – Manistee Firecracker 5K Run/Walk & 1K Fun Run 8:00 AM

Manistee Middle / High School (525 12th Street)

Competitive road race to raise funds for the Manistee Area Community Track. Click here to register today!

Cost: $27 by June 24th, $32 afterward 

July 1 – Rosie Solberg’s Annual Fourth of July Bake Sale 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM

North West Corner of Hastings & 5th Ave, Manistee

July 1 – Manistee World of Arts and Crafts 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Red Szymarek Park / Fifth Avenue

Artists from all over the United States apply for the juried show to sell their wares. The show is held in the Red Szymarek Park on Fifth Avenue where people can stroll in comfort to view the booths, enjoy the excellent food and musical entertainment. 

July 1 – Summer Book Sale hosted by the Friends of the Manistee County Library  9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sale of thousands of used books for all ages, as well as recorded books, DVDs, CDs, and puzzles.

Cost: Free

July 1 – Festival Marketplace 9:00 AM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

July 1 – Family Day hosted by The Tabernacle 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Armory Youth Project – Parking Lot 

This is a FREE family friendly event. Please come enjoy games, prizes, hotdog lunch, cotton candy, snow cones, bounce houses and so much more. Yes, ALL FREE. See what some of our local businesses and agencies have to offer. You can expect to see experiments, games, arts and crafts, tug of war, and even a dunk tank! Keep your eyes open for Smoky The Bear. blow bubbles with “The Bubble Lady”, and even take a seat in a drag race car. Look forward to winning raffle prizes from some of our favorite downtown businesses. Family Day is all the fun that you can imagine.

Cost: Free 

July 1 – Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo 10:00 AM – Dusk

Douglas Park | First Street Beach, Manistee

A mobile exhibit that has a variety of animals to view from around the world! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and it’s FREE. Proudly sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc. 

July 1 – Pete The Cat 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Happy Owl Bookshop | 358 River Street

July 1 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St.

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

July 1 – 17th Annual 4th of July Cigar Event 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Surroundings | 423 River St.

This event is open to the public, featuring CLE and Asylum cigars. Special Guests Tom Lazuka, owner and operator of CLE and Asylum cigars and brand representative Lucas “Nook” Mercer. We will be offering “event only” specials and collectable cigar swag, with a tent out back if you would like to stay for a smoke and visit with Tom. Must be 21 or older to attend.

July 1 – Half off Firing Fees 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

The Purple Paintbrush | 338 River Street

Cost: Prices Vary

July 1 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

July 1 – The Little Big Shots Talent Show 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts | 101 Maple Street, Manistee

Children ages 4 – 16 will be on stage at the Ramsdell Theater displaying their talents of singing, dancing, gymnastics, playing the piano and other musical instruments, and even a stand-up comedy performance. This is such a heartwarming and uplifting event to see children allow their inner talents to shine. There are about 20 performances. Everyone will enjoy the Little Big Shots Talent Show.

July 1 – Manistee Summer Sunsets Concert Series ft. Abbie Thomas 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Rotary Gazebo | First Street Beach

The free-to-attend concert will feature independent singer-songwriter, Abbie Thomas. Indiana native mixes soulful vocals with pop melodies and hints of R&B, Jazz, and a vibe from the songwriters of the 70’s. Her music is great for fans of Carole King, Norah Jones, Adele, Lake Street Dive, Brandi Carlile, and more! New Manistee-based nonprofit organization, Music Sparks Meaning, provides local students the opportunity to collaborate and perform with professionally touring musicians.

 July 2 – “You’ll Flip Over This!” Traditional Pancake Breakfast 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM

The Commons @ Manistee Middle/High School | 525 Twelfth Street, Manistee

You, your family, friends, and neighbors are invited to start your day with this “Forest Festival Flapjack Feast!” We’re serving stacks of flapjacks and other yummy, delicious items. Service with a smile and a promise that you won’t walk away hungry! All proceeds will benefit the Paine Aquatic Center.

 Cost: Adults: $8, Children Ages 5-12: $6, Children Under Age 5: Free

July 2 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms | 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

July 2 – Manistee World of Arts and Crafts 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Red Szymarek Park / Fifth Avenue

Artists from all over the United States apply for the juried show to sell their wares. The show is held in the Red Szymarek Park on Fifth Avenue where people can stroll in comfort to view the booths, enjoy the excellent food and musical entertainment. 

July 2 – Festival Marketplace 9:00 AM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

July 2 – Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo 10:00 AM – Dusk

Douglas Park | First Street Beach, Manistee

A mobile exhibit that has a variety of animals to view from around the world! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and it’s FREE. Proudly sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc. 

July 2 –  “A Yooper’s Tale: Death by Wendigo” Book Signing 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Happy Owl Bookshop | 358 River Street

Author, Robert Williams, will be at the bookshop to sign copies of his book “A Yooper’s Tale: Death by Wendigo”

July 2 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St.

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

July 2 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

July 2 – Scottville Clown Band Concert 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Lions Pavilion Manistee | First Street Beach

Bring your chair and refreshments to watch the humorous Clown Band perform. It is a must-see show! Proudly sponsored by Manistee Ford.

June 2 – Manistee Fireworks and Sunset Cruise 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Princess of Manistee | 426 W River Street

The Princess’s annual Fireworks and Sunset Cruise starts boarding at 7:30 pm and Leaves the dock at 8:30 to watch the fireworks while cruising the Lake Michigan shoreline. Click here for more. 

Cost: Adults $65, Children $45

July 2 – Fireworks Over Lake Michigan sponsored by Little River Casino Resort 10:30 PM (Dusk)

First Street Beach | Douglas Park

July 3 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms | 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

July 3 – Festival Marketplace 9:00 AM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

July 3 – Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo 10:00 AM – Dusk

Douglas Park | First Street Beach, Manistee

A mobile exhibit that has a variety of animals to view from around the world! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and it’s FREE. Proudly sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc. 

July 3 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St.

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

July 3 –  “A Yooper’s Tale: Death by Wendigo” Book Signing 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Happy Owl Bookshop | 358 River Street

Author, Robert Williams, will be at the bookshop to sign copies of his book “A Yooper’s Tale: Death by Wendigo”

July 3 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

July 4 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM

Lake Bluff Farms | 2890 Lakeshore Rd (just north of the State Park)

Lake Bluff Farms (2890 Lakeshore Rd, Manistee, MI 49660) is the home of the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. The biggest of three trees, a.k.a the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. Since the “natural” distribution of the Giant Sequoias is a limited area in the western Sierra Nevada in California, the Lake Bluff sequoias are one of a kind. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. It is nearly one-half the size of the biggest known sequoias in the world. During the Manistee National Forest Festival, Lake Bluff Farms will be open for tours from 10:00 AM – 3 PM, highlighting one of Manistee’s hidden treasures of the forest. 

July 4 –  City2Shore Port City Associates Real Estate 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

340 River Street, Manistee

City2Shore Port City Associates team will have a greeting table set up & will be giving away Parade Bags & goodies to the public attending the parade festivities on River Street.

July 4 – Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony 9:45 AM

Division & River Street (prior to the parade)

Kick off your 4th of July celebration with a traditional Flag Raising event before the Forest Festival Parade. 

July 4 – Independence Day Parade 10:00 AM

Division | River Street

Travels west on River Street from Division Street to the Armory Youth Project parking lot, providing a view of  all of the floats, marchers and other fun parade participants as we recognize our Independence as a nation! Proudly sponsored by Edward Jones: Financial Advisor – Jeff Reau and Spicer Group, Inc.

July 4 – Annual 4th of July Sloppy Joe Luncheon 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Manistee Elks Lodge #250 | 432 River Street, Manistee

Sloppy Joes, baked beans, coleslaw, potato salad, potato chips, watermelon. We will have bloody Mary’s and mimosas available before the parade and during the luncheon for $5 each. Public Welcome! 

Cost: $10 Adults, $5 5-12 yrs old, Free under 5yrs

July 4 – SS City of Milwaukee Tour 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM

SS City of Milwaukee | 99 Arthur St., Manistee

Tour the beautiful historic national landmark, and learn the important part railroad car ferries played in transportation, commerce, and Michigan history.

Cost: $12

July 4 – Anderson Midway Carnival 12:00 PM – Dusk 

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!

Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband

July 4 – Festival Marketplace 12:00 PM – Dusk

First Street Beach / Douglas Park

Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!

July 4 – 338th Army Band Country & Rock Concert 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Manistee VFW | 1211 28th Street, Manistee

Rock and country music and celebration of our veterans! Stop by to learn more about local veterans groups, meet with Miss Sawyer (unconfirmed), and support our Manistee VFW. Food will be available for purchase. 

Cost: Free

July 4 – 4th of July Cruise 7:45 PM – 10:30 PM

Princess of Manistee | 428 River Street

Celebrate the 4th with a special 2 Hour sunset cruise on the Manistee waterfront. While the main Fireworks will be displayed on the 2nd, there will be plenty to see as the celebration continues. Weather permitting the Princess will travel south towards Big Point Sable and view the shoreline fireworks along the way. Cash Bar. Complimentary 4th of July Swag for the children. Boarding begins at 7:45 and the princess leaves the dock at 8:30. Click here. 

Cost: Adults $55, Children $30