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Gaylord Alpenfest
Starts: 07/08/2025 - Ends: 07/12/2025
Come to Gaylord for one of their biggest weekends of the year! Ever heard of "The Burning of the Boog?" There will be traditions, music, and food you have never heard of before as downtown Gaylord puts on an Alpine-inspired celebration that honors the city's heritage and partnership with sister city, Pontresina, Switzerland. The entertainment is top-notch and includes Rolling Stones and Katy Perry tribute bands, 80's rock, classic rock, country, polka and German music, and to further honor the theme, a 14-piece Bavarian style band. There will also be two parades (a walking parade and a grand parade), carnival rides, Queen and Princess pageants, a car show, a craft show, food vendors...do I need to say more? Oh, there is more! If you like to run or walk, sign up for the half marathon, 10k, 5.9k or 1-mile fun run. Grab your lederhosen (yes, you'll see those there too) and join in the fun!
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Snowmobiling in Michigan
Starts: 12/01/2024 - Ends: 03/31/2025
Northern Michigan is considered the perfect spot for your next getaway with an area average of over 180 inches of snowfall annually making for some of the best snowmobiling conditions you can find. State-designated trails are open Dec.1-March 31 and trail grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
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National Cherry Festival
Starts: 06/28/2025 - Ends: 07/05/2025
Traverse City boasts The National Cherry Festival that offers over 130 events throughout the eight-day celebration, including all time favorites like air shows, Bay Side Entertainment, parades, daily kids events, the Festival of Races and, of course, Cherry Pie Eating and Pit Spitting competitions for every age.
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The AuSable River Canoe Marathon
Starts: 07/26/2025 - Ends: 07/27/2025
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a.k.a. “The Marathon”, is a non-stop 120-mile, C-2 (two-person) canoe race held annually on the last full weekend in July. The race starts at night with a thrilling LeMans-style running start to the river in Grayling, MI, and ends the next day on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda, MI. The marathon is not a recreational canoe float. It is an ultra-competitive race that attracts professional paddlers from across the United States, Canada, and often teams from outside North America. Contestants must be in peak condition to compete in the race within the allotted time and endure the grueling and strenuous physical and mental strains that the marathon demands of the paddlers. ~from the AuSable River Canoe Marathon website.
If you are not ready to compete but want to watch, head over to the Spectators page of the website; you can watch the start, the bridges, the dams, and the finish!
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AuSable River Festival
Starts: 07/20/2025 - Ends: 07/27/2025
Grayling's biggest event includes a week's worth of entertainment and events that include a car show, an arts and crafts show, and kids events. The theme of the HUP Race is "anything but canoes" and is always a fun time. There is a 5k and 10k at Hanson Hills Recreation Area and a "street eats" festival that lines Michigan Avenue. Music acts start Thursday and go through Saturday, and of course the week ends with the AuSable River Canoe Marathon! There truly is something for everyone at the AuSable River Festival!
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Kalkaska National Trout Festival
Starts: 04/23/2025 - Ends: 04/27/2025
The Kalkaska National Trout Festival celebrates trout and fishing and those who love the outdoors and UpNorth Michigan! Come to Kalkaska and celebrate the start of fishing season with fishing contests, music, parades, eating contests, a car show and so much more.
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Kirtland's Warbler Festival
Starts: 06/06/2025 - Ends: 06/07/2025
Come experience the Kirtland Warbler Festival! Held the first weekend in June each year, you will learn about the Kirtland Warbler and its habitat. Take a tour to view the warbler, witness its rituals and listen for the Warbler's distinct song. Additional activities that weekend include bird-banding and a scavenger hunt throughout the Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve. Saturday's festivities also include vendors and various animal displays. This truly is an event for all ages!
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Foraging Event at the Gaylord KOA
Starts: 05/03/2025 - Ends: 05/03/2025
Join local Herbalist Sierra LaRose for an experiential herb walk getting to know our area edible and medicinal plants. More details to come in 2025!
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Memorial Day Parade in Gaylord
Starts: 05/26/2025 - Ends: 05/26/2025
Everyone loves a parade! And when the parade honors our military, it makes the experience a little richer. The parade begins and marches East down Main Street to the Memorial. VFW Post 1518 will lead the Parade, community members will carry the 20'x30' American Flag. At the Memorial, the VFW will ceremoniously fold the flag, place it on display and proceed with the ceremony. Come and be a part of this special day.
