Up Nort h Events

SAT 7/1

The National Cherry Festival returns with outdoor concerts, parades and air shows featuring the legendary United States Air Force Thunderbirds. July 1–8. cherryfestival.org

TUES 7/4

Celebrate Independence Day on Mackinac Island with a stone skipping contest for professionals and amateurs alike, followed by fireworks at dusk. mackinacisland.org

FRI 7/7

At Blissfest Music Festival, bluegrass, blues, zydeco, Celtic, folk, jazz, Latin, world and dance music all share the stage July 7–9. blissfestfestival.org

SAT 7/8

The Accidentals—a female-fronted, multi-instrumental trio with Traverse City roots—heads to the U.P. for an evening of pop, rock and indie folk music at the Erickson Center for the Arts’ Pine Performance Center. MyNorthTickets.com

July Jubilee

by ALLISON JARRELL

Savor these sweet summer days.

SAT 7/15

Charlevoix’s week-long Venetian Festival is filled with a carnival, fireworks, parades and games. July 15–22. venetianfestival.com

THUR 7/20

SAT 7/8

Head to Jacob’s Farm for Traverse City Shop and Sip, a handmade market featuring local artwork, pottery, jewelry, textiles and woodworking, with many vendors featuring cherry-inspired designs and themes. MyNorthTickets.com

TUES 7/11

Gaylord’s Alpenfest honors the city’s heritage and partnership with its sister city, Pontresina, Switzerland. Expect five days of festivities including a parade, carnival, kids’ activities and live entertainment. July 11–15. gaylordmichigan.net

SAT 7/15

Join Otsego Resort for a Starlight Wine Walk, including a tour through the Sturgeon River Valley at dusk. Enjoy three wine stations along the trail, leading to a bonfire at The Beaver Dam. A nearby meadow at the final station provides a perfect star gazing location. MyNorthTickets.com

The Friendly Garden Club of Traverse City hosts their 40th Annual Garden Walk, celebrating the history and gardens of the city (and the club’s 100th anniversary!). The walk features two historic neighborhoods: Boardman and Central. MyNorthTickets.com

FRI 7/21

Indian River Summerfest takes place the third week of July. Live music on the festival stage, craft show, classic car and truck show and more. July 21–23. irchamber.com

FRI 7/21

Arcadia Daze celebrates the heritage of this sweet lakeside community. July 21–23. townshipofarcadia.org

FRI 7/21

Grayling’s AuSable River Festival is home of the annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon, plus loads of family-friendly events. July 21–29. ausableriverfest.com

THURS 7/27

The Northern Michigan Antique Flywheelers Club is hosting the 36th Annual Tractor, Engine and Craft Show in Boyne Falls. July 27–30. walloonlakeflywheelers.com