Mackinaw City Events
Mackinaw City hosts numerous events for residents and travelers throughout the year. Book your room in advance and join us for the sights, sounds and fun that Mackinaw has to offer! A list of the year’s events can be found below. You can find more information about these events at www.mackinawcity.com.
May
Annual Zoo-De-Mackinac Bike Bash
Join thousands of outdoor enthusiasts while you bike 51 gorgeous miles along Lake Michigan starting at Boyne Highlands Resort and ending on Mackinac Island. Parties, great friends and fun await. Learn more at http://www.zoo-de-mack.com/.
Annual Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race
Take advantage of a unique opportunity to run the Mackinac Bridge in this annual race. Register early and get ready to strap on your running shoes to enjoy this exciting event!
Memorial Weekend Pageant
Historic events of 1763 are re-created during the Fort Michilimackinac Pageant. The pageant is the longest running free Memorial Day performance in the United States. You will also enjoy the Grand Fireworks Display at dusk.
Memorial Day Observance
Come to Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery on Mackinac Island for a brief, informal tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac.
Memorial Day Service
Come to Conkling Heritage Park to honor our departed friends and relatives who have served our country.
June
Big Mac Shoreline Spring Scenic Bike Tour
Choose a 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile bike tour along the shores of Lake Michigan during this event that has become a tradition in Mackinaw City. Advanced registration is required so make sure you sign up early!
Annual Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island
Visit Mackinac Island during the Lilac Festival for days of fun and activities for the entire family. This event ends with one of the largest festival parades in Michigan. Reserve your room at the Riviera Motel during the Lilac Festival to take part in this fun-filled event.
Antiques on the Bay Auto Show
This annual auto show features original and restored antique and classic cars just minutes from Mackinaw City.
Annual St. Ignace Car Show
This event draws more than 2,000 classic cars and their owners along with tens of thousands of spectators. Just minutes from Mackinaw City, this event is not one to miss for the classic car enthusiast.
Mackinaw City Arts and Crafts Show
This arts and crafts show is located in Conkling Heritage Park on South Huron Avenue in Mackinaw City, in walking distance from the Riviera Motel! Come enjoy local and national artists and admire the talents and crafts available to purchase.
July
Music in Mackinaw
Enjoy free concerts in Conkling Heritage Park just two minutes from the Riviera Motel. Fun for the entire family! These concerts take place every Tuesday and Saturday evening through August.
Fourth of July in Mackinaw
The fun starts at 1:30 p.m. on the Marina Lawn. From 9 p.m. to dusk, the Straits Area Concert Band will perform in Conkling Heritage Park. Then, at dusk, the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan is shot off over the bay which you’ll be able to see right from the motel!
2nd Annual Ford Mustang Car Show
Join us to celebrate the Ford Mustang. This event includes local bands on stage, activities for the kids, a craft show, food and drinks. Don’t miss the parade of Mustangs across the Mackinac Bridge!
August
Rendezvous in Mackinaw and 18th Century Trade Fair
Get a taste of history when you explore this family-friendly event. The trade show will feature merchants and blanket traders sharing clothing and crafts from the 18th and 19th Century. Other attractions include a hawk and knife competition, musket firing demonstration and many other events.
Mackinaw Area Historical Society Festival
Celebrate summer like they did in the 1880s with this fun-filled festival that is perfect for the whole family. Join the Mackinaw Area Historical Society to experience live displays, music, dancing, historical tours and more.
Annual Antique Show and Sale
Whether you’ve been to numerous antique shows or are an antique novice, this show has something for everyone. The Mackinaw Women’s Club presents this show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ironworkers Festival
Join ironworkers from across the United States and Canada as they compete in multiple skilled events including knot tying, rod tying, rivet toss, spud throw and column climb.
Corvette Crossroads
This annual car show is a must-see for Corvette lovers. Hosted by the Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce, this event includes a parade of Corvette’s across the Mackinac Bridge.
September
Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk
Participate in this five mile walk across the Mackinac Bridge which has been held every year since 1958. Upon completion of the walk, you’ll receive a numbered Certificate of Completion. Walkers begin on the St. Ignace side of the bridge and end in Mackinaw City.
Owosso Tractor Parts Antique Tractor Parade and Show
Join us for a sight you don’t want to miss! Hundreds of antique tractors, at least 40 years old and older, get set to parade through Mackinaw City and across the Mackinac Bridge. It takes the tractors a total of 3 ½ hours to complete the parade from start to the finish in St. Ignace.
Annual Hopps of Fun
Choose to sample from over 50 award-winning beers and over 40 wines from around Michigan during this fun event. Located at Mackinaw Crossings in downtown Mackinaw City.
Richard Crane Truck Show
Semi trucks are customized with painted artwork and brilliant neon lights. They’ll travel across the Mackinac Bridge and through Mackinaw City for the Parade of Lights beginning at dusk.
Scenic Bike Tour
Join us for a fall scenic bike tour that begins at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center. Choose a tour of 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles along the Lake Michigan shore.
October
Annual Fall Colors Bridge Race
Take advantage of this opportunity to run the Mighty Mac during this fun race that will allow you to enjoy the beautiful fall views from atop the bridge. This is one event you won’t forget!
Fall Shoppers Festival
Mackinaw City stores offer excellent fall savings and deals during the Fall Shoppers Festival. You also have the chance to enter drawings for cash prizes. Take advantage of these great end-of-year bargains.