It’s time to celebrate America’s birthday and to plan ahead for your Northern Michigan vacation. Grab a picnic basket and fill it with Northern Michigan food and drink, pack a few blankets, and head down to one of these towns for a fireworks show or parade on this Northern Michigan 4th of July. Traverse City’s firework display is best enjoyed down on the beach while the Mackinac Island show should be viewed on the water. Make sure to save a seat for yourself before the parades start and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Find a full list of 4th of July events and activities at MyNorth’s Community Events Calendar


Traverse City

Catch one of the biggest firework shows in Northern Michigan over West Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City. Show starts at dusk on July, 4th, coinciding with the National Cherry Festival. Head down to the bay early to snag a spot on either West End or Clinch Beach. Or, find a secret spot upon one of the many hills or up the peninsula for a “private viewing” of this amazing display.

Click for More Information from CherryFestival.org

Mackinac Island & Mackinaw City

Enjoy one of the most memorable fireworks displays in all of northern Michigan. Rivaling Traverse City’s display in size, the Mackinac Island fireworks show can be viewed on the shores near the Grand Hotel. Or, for an even more exclusive experience, head out onto the water aboard one of the many island ferries.

Click for More Information from MackinacIsland.org

Leland

Celebrate the fourth in the beautiful town of Leland. Fireworks display will be on July 3rd at dusk. Watch them at Hancock Field and Park. Donations are recommended. Then on Friday the 4th, return to Leland for a star spangled parade. Head over to the Old Art Building at 1 pm to decorate your bike while listening to Northern Michigan’s ‘Red Hot Best’ the Accidentals, and then camp out on Main Street and watch the parade go by at 3 pm.

Click for More Information from LelandMi.com

Crystal Mountain

Enjoy a week full of celebrations at the Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa near Traverse City. There will be a bike parade on July 3rd at 8 pm.  Watch the fireworks shoot up over the mountains and into the open sky. The show will follow the bike parade and start at dusk. Don’t forget to sign up for the Crystal Mountain 4k and other events happening at Crystal Mountain during the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Festival.

Click for More Information at CrystalMoutain.com

Boyne City

Boyne City’s 4th of July Festival is filled with activities from fun runs to bounce houses. The festival is held July 3rd and 4th with July 5th being reserved as a rain date in case the fireworks are cancelled. Catch the parade on July 4th at 10 am on Water and Lake street. Then head down to Lake Charlevoix and find a spot to catch the fireworks. Bring some snacks, pack a cooler, and enjoy the beautiful display unfold over the water. Make sure to check out all the other events happening at the Boyne City 4th of July Festival.

Click for More Information from BoyneChamber.com

More Northern Michigan Towns

All events on the 4th unless noted.

  • Bay Harbor — Parade: 11 am-noon, Fireworks: July 3rd @ Dusk
  • Beaver Island — Parade: 2 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Bellaire/Shanty Creek — Fireworks: July 5th @ Dusk
  • Beulah — Parade: 1:30 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Cadillac — Parade: 10 am, Fireworks: July 5th @ Dusk
  • Central Lake — Parade: Noon, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Cheboygan — Parade: 10 am, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Cross Village — Parade: July 5 @ 1 pm
  • Fife Lake — Parade: 2 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Frankfort — Parade: 10 am, Fireworks: 10:30 pm
  • Gaylord Otsego Lake — Fireworks: July 5th @ Dusk
  • Glen Arbor — Parade: Noon
  • Grand Marais — Parade: 1 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Grayling — Parade: 11 am, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Harbor Springs — Parade: 1 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Indian River — Parade: 11 am, Fireworks: July 5th @ Dusk
  • Ludington — Parade: July 3, 5 pm Children & Pets
  • Ludington — Parade: 2 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • Mackinaw City — Fireworks: Dusk
  • Manistee — Parade: 10 am, Fireworks: 10:30 pm
  • Pentwater — Bike Parade 10 am, Fireworks: July 3 @ Dusk
  • Petoskey — Parade: 6 pm, Fireworks: Dusk
  • St. Ignace — Parade: 1 pm, Fireworks: Dusk

Find more 4th of July events and activities at MyNorth’s Community Events Calendar


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