We’ve got a three-day weekend coming up, and we’re planning on taking full advantage of that extra day. Fill your President’s Day weekend vacation with these awesome Northern Michigan events and festivals. There’s even a winter carnival! Planning a more romantic getaway? Check out these cozy vacation ideas.
Free Fishing Weekend
February 18–19, Statewide
All fishing licensing fees will be waived for the weekend. Ice fishing tips here.
Songs, Stories & S’moresFebruary 18, The Homestead, Glen Arbor, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Local folk musicians and storytellers host an evening of sing-a-long songs and story time at Mountain Flowers Lodge. Outdoor fireplace for s’mores. Adults: $12; Children $9; Children under 5 years old free.
Sleeping Bear Dunes Waiving Entrance Fees
February 20, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Fees waived include entrance fees and commercial tour fees. Other fees such as reservations, camping, and concession fees are not included.
Glen Lake Winterfest
February 18, Downtown Glen Arbor, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.
Festivities kick off with the Perch Fishing Contest at 7 a.m. with prizes for 1st–4th place catches. All participants will bring their biggest catches from Big and Little Glen Lake to the Sportsman Shop. The Chili Cook-Off starts at noon at Boonedocks.
The Vineyard Race at Forty-Five North
February 19, Forty-Five North Vineyard, Lake Leelanau, 10 a.m.
The Short’s Brewing Fat Bike Series heads into the vines for a spectator-friendly race. Cheer on your favorite racers then enjoy a glass of wine inside the cozy tasting room.
A Whole Brunch of Art
February 18, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Traverse City, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
A strolling brunch featuring Scandinavian-themed food, morning cocktails, artist and woodworking demonstrations throughout the building, live music, and the “Hygge: A Winter’s Glow” art exhibition. Tickets are $30 for CTAC members, $35 for non-members, and include two drink tickets. Order by February 15. Ages 21 and up.
President’s Day Weekend Sale
February 17–18, Downtown Traverse City
Shop great deals at participating stores downtown.
Snowshoe, Wine & Brew
February 19 (every Sunday through March 5)
Park at Jolly Pumpkin to board the TC Brew Bus and start your snowshoe trek (rentals available at Brick Wheels). The bus will take you to Brys Estate Vineyard and Winery. From there, follow a flagged snowshoe trail across Old Mission Peninsula to Bowers Harbor Vineyards, then snowshoe back to where you parked at Jolly Pumpkin. Tickets are $20 and include shuttle service, five wine/beer samples at each location, and 10% off purchases. Reserve your spot.
Fresh Pasta Making with Chef Myles Anton
February 19, The Franklin, Traverse City, 3–5 p.m.
The class includes 3–5 food tastings, paired beverages, recipes to take home and hands-on experience. Limited to 9 participants. Cost is $100. Call The Franklin to purchase tickets, 231.943.2727.
Italian Adventure Series – Toscano Centro
February 19–25, Trattoria Stella, Traverse City, 5 p.m.
The Italian Adventure Series features a different four-course tasting menu ($35) each month with an optional wine flight ($15). The tasting menu is offered in addition to the regular dinner menu. Reservations recommended but not required, 231.929.8989.
Romancing the Riesling
February 18, Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula
Special Riesling tastings served in a commemorative glass and perfectly paired delicious dishes. Riesling bottle discounts. A number of peninsula businesses are joining the party with special deals and samplings of their own for event guests. Tickets are $25 ($20 in advance) plus processing fee. Buy online at MyNorthTickets.com.
Winterlochen
February 18, Corson Auditorium, Interlochen, Starts at 10 a.m.
Winterlochen is Interlochen’s annual family-friendly festival featuring a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, performances and workshops. This year Magician Scott Green, known throughout the Chicago area as The Great Scott, will perform at 1 p.m. in Corson Auditorium. Free.
Betsie Bay Frozen 5K
February 18, Frankfort, 10 a.m.
A 5K run/walk for crazy runners who are willing to face 10-degree temperatures and 30-mph gusts off Lake Michigan. The course starts at Elberta’s lookout then heads into Frankfort via M22. Pre-registration fee $20; Race-day $24. Register online here.
Grand Rapids Ballet at the Ramsdell
February 18, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, Manistee, 7:30–10 p.m.
Michigan’s only professional ballet company will perform scenes from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Black & White: Swan Lake,” a startling new interpretation of the 100-year-old classic. Tickets available at MyNorthTickets.com.
Skiable Feast
February 18 (ongoing event), Treetops Resort, Gaylord, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
This Gourmet Winter Adventure takes you to Treetops’ Project Nature property for a 3.8-mile intermediate cross country ski excursion with five gourmet food and beverage stations along the way. $89, lodging packages available.
Higgins Lake-Roscommon Chamber of Commerce Winterfest
February 17–18, Higgins Lake/Roscommon
A $5 Winterfest Badge includes admission to all events including night skiing and snowshoeing, Higgins Lake fishing derby, crazy cardboard classic, broomball competition, kid’s games, snowman contest and more. Full list here.
Petoskey Winter Carnival
February 16–19, Downtown Petoskey
The weekend is full of events including a wine dinner, chocoholic frolic, 5K fun run, ghost walk, kids carnival day, ice sculptures, and more. Full list here.
Labatt Blue UP Pond Hockey Championship
February 16-19, St. Ignace
Michigan’s largest adult pond hockey tournament (174 teams competed in 2016). The weekend features a beard contest, of course, ice tennis, and a Detroit Red Wings alumni game. Three team spots are still available (as of Feb. 7). To register a team or to find lodging options, go to www.stignace.com.
President’s Day Weekend at Shanty Creek Resorts
February 17–18, Shanty Creek Resorts, Bellaire
Presidents Weekend Ski Package includes one night’s lodging at Shanty Creek’s Lakeview Hotel, one breakfast, one Superticket lift ticket, and complimentary skiing the night of arrival (based on slope hours). Based on double occupancy, taxes and fees apply, this package is as low as $183 per person. For more information, and to make a reservation, call 866.695.5010.
Summit to Stein’s Snowshoe Supper
February 17 & 18 (every Friday and Saturday evening through March 11), Boyne Mountain
Guided snowshoe hike to Stein Eriksen’s for a three-course meal with live entertainment. Cost is $55 and includes chairlift ride, hot beverages, snowshoe rental, and dinner. Departs at 6 p.m. Reservations are limited, call Bobbie Jo at 231.549.6854 to book.
Boyne Mountain Fireworks
February 18, Boyne Mountain, 9:15 p.m.
Fireworks display and torchlight parade on Hemlock. Best viewed from the base area in front of Clock Tower Lodge.
Annual Demo Ski Sale
February 19, Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs
Take advantage of discounted prices on slightly used but not abused 2016/17 demo ski fleet. All skis come fully tuned by Nub’s Wintersteiger Mercury machine and include a binding adjustment to fit your boots and a release test. Arrive early as the skis go fast! Check out available skis here.
Ski & Stay Three Days
February 20–24, Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs
Discounted package starts at $259 per person and includes 3 nights lodging, 3 open-to-close lift tickets and the breakfast buffet. Use promo code LOVESKI17.
Harbor Springs Chili Cook-Off
February 19, Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club, Harbor Springs, 12–3 p.m
Amateur chefs and food service professionals prepare their best chili for a chance to earn the “People’s Choice” award for best recipe. Admission is $12. Kids up to 12 years old are free. Pay at the door.
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