The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island.

THIS IS NOT A RACE!! The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts (2,200+ last year) who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. The bike ride starts Saturday morning at Boyne Highlands Resort and spans 51 miles along Lake Michigan on a paved road with very little automobile traffic. Riders pedal through rolling countryside and trillium covered forests, along sandy beaches, and are surrounded by breathtaking views of Lake Michigan from 400' high bluffs. We stop approximately half way, at a unique place called the Legs Inn for a leisurely lunch and to swap stories. The ride continues on to Mackinaw City, where Arnold Ferry boats have been chartered for the ride over to Mackinac Island. Once on the magical island, check into your hotel and stroll into town to forget the aches and pains from the day’s ride. As the evening wears on, the island comes alive with The Gatehouse (formerly The French Outpost), Pink Pony, and Horns hosting post ride parties with incredible live bands!

Location: Harbor Springs to Mackinaw City

GEAR UP for an Active Summer with the Mackinac Bridge Memorial Weekend Race. The only time of year that runners are allowed to run the Mackinac Bridge will be this year on May 24th. Advance registration for the race will begin starting January 1st, 2008. Must register in advance and be able to run a minimum of 12 minutes per mile pace to race in the event.

Event: Foot Race
Time: 6:00 am
Location: Headquarters at Mackinaw City Recreation Complex/Ice Arena
Contact Information: Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
E-Mail: info@mackinawcity.com
Phone: 231-436-5664

Mackinaw City, MI: Over 400 cast members will re-create events that took place between the French, British and Indian tribes, on June 2, 1763. This historically rich event will take place for the 43rd consecutive year. The Fort Michilimackinac Pageant is the longest running, free historical Memorial Day performance in the Nation. Visitors will meet famous Indian Chiefs: Minavavans and Matchekewis of the Ojibwa tribe and will Wawatam who becomes a blood brother to Alexander Henry and later saves his life.

Event: Memorial Weekend
Time: Saturday, May 24, 2008 & May 25th, & May 26th, 2008
Location: Colonial Michilimackinac
Contact Information: Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant
E-Mail: kvieau@nmo.net
Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
Detailed Highlights

Free. A brief and informal Memorial Day observance at Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery, to pay tribute to the soldiers who served at Fort Mackinac. Soldiers will assemble at 8:30a.m. at Fort Mackinac. They will march to the cemetery, perform a short ceremony and salute, and return to the fort. Open to the public.

Event: Observance
Time: 8:30 a.m.
Location: Fort Mackinac Post Cemetery on Mackinac Island
Contact Information: MSHP
Phone: 1-231-436-4100

This festival features days of activities and ends with one of the largest festival parades in Michigan.
See over 100 different species of lilacs throughout the splendor of Mackinac Island. A day on Mackinac Island during the Lilac Festival is the perfect Spring getaway.

Event: Lilac Festival
Time: Various Times
Location: Various Places On Mackinac Island
Contact Information: Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 1-800-454-5227

National Trails Day and The Grand Opening of the Gaylord-Cheboygan-Mackinaw City Trail will be held Saturday, June 7 with simultaneous ribbon- cuttings in Gaylord, Vanderbilt, Wolverine, Topinabee, Cheboygan and Mackinaw City at 8:30am. Select your starting point and then ride, walk or run. Lunch and trail dedication at Marina Park in Indian River from noon until 2:00pm.

Location: Gaylord-Cheboygan-Mackinaw City Trail Event
E-Mail: info@trailscouncil.org
Phone: 231-348-8280

Antique Roadshow beginning at 10:00am in the Mackinaw Crossings on the outdoor stage. Appraisers will be on hand to price all of your treasures from 10:00am until 10:00pm.

Live music at the Depot patio from 3:00pm-10:00pm.

Time: 10:00 am. to 10:00 pm.
Location: Mackinaw Crossings
E-Mail: sarah@mackinawcrossings.com
Phone: 231-436-5030

Join us for a one of a kind bike tour, that has become a tradition for many bikers in Michigan and in surrounding states. On Saturday, June 14th, over 400 participants celebrate a 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile bike tour along the shores of Lake Michigan. The routes are clearly marked and a number of rest areas dot the course. SAG Safety Wagons also circle the route to ensure safety for riders.

Event: Biking
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Contact Information: Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
E-Mail: kelly@mackinawchamber.com
Phone: 231-436-5774 or 888-455-8100
Detailed Highlights

One of Michigans Largest Festival Parades.

Event: Parade
Location: Main Street
Contact Information: Mackinac Island Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 1-800-454-5227

The first of three auto-related events, this show features original and restored classic and antique vehicles on display along the downtown waterfront. Period clothing, entertainment, and a Mackinac Bridge rally all add to the festivities.
21st - Registration, Mackinac Bridge Rally
22nd - Vehicles on Display

Event: Auto Show
Time: Various
Location: St.Ignace

Ladies don't miss out on this spectacular weekend in Mackinaw City during "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" Red Hat Extravaganza on June 20-22, 2008.  There is a party going on just for you featuring Live Entertainment, Food, Ice Cream Social, Tea & Crumpets Cruise, Popcorn & a Movie Night, & lunch at the Grand Hotel!!!

Time: 4:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: Mackinaw City
Contact Information: Courtney Kolatski
E-Mail: courtney@mackinawcity.com
Phone: 1-800-750-0160
Detailed Highlights

The Mackinaw Kite Festival is scheduled for the weekend of June 21st & 22nd at the Conkling Heritage Park on the waterfront in Mackinaw City, where the skies will be filled with brilliant colors, with many shapes and sizes of kites.


Event: Kite Festival
Time: Various Times Throughout the Weekend
Location: Conkling Heritage Park
Contact Information: Mackinaw Kite Company
E-Mail: steve@mackiteco.com
Phone: 231-436-8051
Detailed Highlights

One of the largest all-make, all-model shows in the country! Over 3,000 antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles take part in this internationally acclaimed event.

Event: Auto Show
Time: Friday - 7:00p.m. - Parade, Saturday - throughout the day
Location: Downtown St.Ignace
Contact Information: St.Ignace Chamber of Commerce
Phone: 800-970-8717
Detailed Highlights

Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau to host the Mackinaw City Arts and Craft Show on June 28th and June 29th at Conkling Heritage Park on South Huron Avenue.
The Show is Juried and will feature many artists from around the country. Exhibits to include paintings, woodwork, hand-crafted jewelry, hand-designed clothing, and much more.

Event: Art Fair
Time: 10:00 a.m. till 7:00p.m. on Saturday, and 10:00a.m. till 3:00p.m. on Sunday
Location: Conkling Heritage Park
Contact Information: Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
E-Mail: info@mackinawcity.com
Phone: 1-800-750-0160
Detailed Highlights

Join us in celebrating Canada's Birthday! Entertainment & fun for all ages. Interactive displays, uniquely themed venues and travel opportunities are available for everyone to take part in.

For more information please contact: 1-800-263-2546. 

Event: celebration
Time: Various Time
Location: Mackinaw Crossings
Contact Information: Mackinaw Crossings
E-Mail: info@mackinawcrossings.com
Phone: 800-263-2546
Detailed Highlights

Celebrate an all American 4th of July in Mackinaw City.

Scheduled Events

• 1pm to 3pm - Enjoy games on the Marina Lawn (Fun for all ages)
• 9pm to Dusk - Straits Area Concert Band to perform at Conkling Heritage Park
• At Dusk -  the largest fireworks display in Northern Michigan (Shot off over the bay)

Event: July 4th
Time: - Fireworks at Dusk
Location: Conkling Heritage Park, Mackinaw Crossings, Marina Lawn
Contact Information: Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
E-Mail: info@mackinawcity.com
Phone: 231-436-5664 or 1-800-666-0160
Detailed Highlights

Skippers may choose to race north on Lake Huron from Port Huron, race the 235-mile Shore Line Course up the Michigan coastline, or the 290-mile Southampton Course, which directs sailors toward Southampton Ontario, and then to the finish line at Mackinac Island.

The fastest boats will usually finish Sunday evening.

 

Yachts in the Chicago to Mackinac Yacht Race should begin crossing the finishing line in the Mackinaw City area ~ noon on July 20^th   The fastest boat on record came in at 23 hours, 30 minutes, and 34 seconds in 2002.

Time: 12:00pm
Location: Boats will pass under the Mackinac Bridge heading East
Contact Information: Greg Miarecki
E-Mail: racecoordinator@chicagoyachtclub.org

The Mackinaw Area Historical Society invites everyone to an old-fashioned celebration of summer, 1880's style, on Saturday, August 2nd, 2008 at their historical village site on Wilderness Park Drive.  The event will feature fun, food, music, vintage baseball, and tours of our restored one-room, Freedom School and Pest House Infirmary.

Event: celebration
Time: 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location: Historical Village in Mackinaw City
Detailed Highlights

Area Antique Shops display and sell antiques.

Event: Antique Show
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 4:30p.m.
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Contact Information: Nancy Campbell
E-Mail: riccamp@sbcglobal.com
Phone: 231-436-5504

The International Ironworker Festival is an annual event held each summer Mackinaw City. It attracts ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition. It is open to the General Public, although only ironworkers and retirees can compete in the skilled events. These events include knot tying, rod tying, rivet toss, spud throw, column climb (Field Event), and the World Championship Column Climb.

Event: Ironworkers
Time: Various Times Throughout the Weekend
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Contact Information: Ken Dumas
Phone: 269-962-8511
Detailed Highlights

Mackinaw City, Michigan is the site for the annual Corvette Crossroads event held August 23rd and what a fun place to be. This event hosted by the Greater Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce and supported by the area businesses is definitely a must for Corvette vacationers.

Event: Auto Show
Time: Auto Show starts at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday
Location: Mackinaw Crossings Parking Lot
Contact Information: Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
E-Mail: kelly@mackinawchamber.com
Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
Detailed Highlights

Friday, August 29:  50's Sock Hop in Mackinaw Crossings

Saturday, August 30: Fireworks Extravaganza, Conkling Heritage Park

Sunday, Augsut 31: Live evening entertainment, Conkling Park Band Shell

Monday, September 1: 50th Labor Day Bridge Walk

The Mackinac Bridge opened to traffic on November 1, 1957. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held in late June of 1958. The Governor G. Mennen Williams and several hundred dignitaries walked across the bridge after the ribbon cutting.

In 1959, the first Labor Day bridge walk was held, establishing a tradition that has been enjoyed by millions over the years. Thus, 2008 marks the 51st anniversary of the Mackinac bridge and 50th anniversary of the Labor Day bridge walk.

Join thousands of pedestrians as they participate in a long standing tradition, the LABOR DAY BRIDGE WALK. The walk begins at 7:00 a.m. on Labor Day and concludes at 11:00a.m. This is the only day of the year that walking the "Mighty Mac" is allowed.    

Event: Bridge Walk
Location: Mackinac City and Mackinac Bridge
Contact Information: Mackinaw Area Visitors Bureau
E-Mail: info@mackinawcity.com
Phone: 800-666-0160
Detailed Highlights

On September 5 and 6th, 2008 Mackinaw Crossings will host “Hopps of Fun Beer & Wine Festival.” This unique event will feature an extensive sampling of 50 plus award winning Michigan microbrewed beers and over 40 wines from Michigan’s four internationally recognized wine regions. Brewmasters and winemakers will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the brewing and winemaking process.

Event: Beer & Wine Festival
Time: 5:00 p.m. till 11:00 p.m. on Friday, and 1:00p.m. till 11:00 p.m. on Saturday
Location: Mackinaw Crossings
E-Mail: sarah@mackinawcrossings.com
Phone: 231-436-5030
Detailed Highlights

Shop downtown Mackinaw City and the Mackinaw Crossings for bargains galore!

Event: Shoppers Festival
Location: Shopping Districts

The Parade of over 500 Antique Tractors will begin in Mackinaw City September 12th, at 3:00pm., parading across the Mackinac Bridge and end at the Kewadin Casino in St. Ignace.

Event: Parade
Time: 3:00pm to approximately 4:00pm
Location: Mackinac Bridge

See these awesome semi trucks - customized cabs, extraordinary paint/art work and neon light displays.

Location: St.Ignace Downtown / Parade through Mackinaw City Downtown
Detailed Highlights

Join us for a one of a kind bike tour, that has become a tradition for many bikers in Michigan and in surrounding states. On Saturday, September 13th, over 300 participants celebrate a 25, 50, 75, or 100 mile bike tour along the shores of Lake Michigan. The routes are clearly marked and a number of rest areas dot the course. SAG Safety Wagons also circle the route to ensure safety for riders.

Event: Biking
Time: 7:00 a.m.
Location: Mackinaw City High School
Contact Information: Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
E-Mail: kelly@mackinawchamber.com
Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
Detailed Highlights

Michilimackinac to Turn into "Fort Fright" October 10th & 11th.

On October 10th and 11th, Colonial Michilimackinac will be transformed into a haunted habitat where werewolves, witches, and other legendary characters roam. Operating under the name “ Fort Fright ” for these two nights, the 18^th-century fort and fur trading village will be open from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., with admission set at $15 for families, $5 for adults, $3 for youth (5-17), and free for children 4 and under.

The characters that will be seen and talked about throughout the evening are drawn from a book called Were-Wolves and Will-o-the-Wisps: French Tales of Mackinac Retold, which was authored by Dirk Gringhuis and published by Mackinac State Historic Parks in 1974. “The book describes the best-known legends in French-Canadian folklore,” explained Brisson, “like the man who can change into a wolf, the ghostly light known as ‘will o’ the wisp,’ and the good and bad goblins called ‘lutins.’” Many of these legends spread to other countries, Brisson noted, and some are still believed in today—with a twist. “For instance, Gringuis’ book tells us that black cats—now thought of as bringing bad luck—were originally considered the best of the good lutins.”

Priced at $6 a copy, the softbound Were-Wolves and Will-o-the-Wisps will be available for purchase at the Visitor’s Center on the nights of the event.

Information is available at 231-436-4100 or on the web at www.MackinacParks.com.

Event: celebration
Time: 06:30PM to 09:00PM
Location: Colonial Michilimackinac

Celebrate the fall colors in Mackinaw, during the Fall Shoppers Festival. 

Event: Shoppers Festival
Location: Area Retail Shops
Contact Information: Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce
E-Mail: kelly@mackinawchamber.com
Phone: 231-436-5574 or 1-888-455-8100
Detailed Highlights