Northern Michigan’s largest event calendar, the MyNorth Calendar, highlights amazing things going on across the North—from Frankfort and Glen Arbor to Traverse City, Charlevoix and Grayling. Each week, we pick our favorite events to share with you. Curated by MyNorth’s Calendar Editor, Libby Stallman, here’s what’s happening Up North!


July 14 | Blake Elliot & The Robinson Affair
Enjoy Blake Elliot & The Robinson Affair in the unique setting of a forest amphitheater. Michigan Legacy Art Park, Thompsonville. Tickets available online at MyNorthTickets.com.

July 14 | Kaleva Days
The festival includes music, food, car and tractor show, games, parade, beer tent, poker run, crafts, 5K run/walk, bake sales and more. 231.398.9355, kalevami.com.

July 14–15 | Madagascar, Jr., A Musical Adventure
Alex the lion is the king of the urban jungle, the main attraction at New York’s Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty the zebra lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape, with the help of some prodigious penguins, to explore the world. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar Jr. will leave you with no choice but to “Move It, Move It!” Old Town Playhouse MainStage, Traverse City. 231.947.2210. Tickets available online at MyNorthTickets.com.

July 14–16 | Music in the Park: New Third Coast (Americana/Folk)
Enjoy free, lively music and beautiful views of Northport Bay at G.M. Dame Marina Park. Bring chairs, blankets and a basket full of your favorite local goodies. Socialize, picnic and mingle while live music comes your way from some of the most loved talent in the region. 7–9 p.mnorthportomenachamber.org.

July 15 | Leelanau Peninsula Wine on the Water Festival
Delicious pours from local wineries, a distillery and a brewery as well as great food from local restaurants. Enjoy drinks, food and all-day musical entertainment along Grand Traverse Bay in Suttons Bay. 231.271.3051.Tickets available online at MyNorthTickets.com.

July 15 | Wood Shaving Days
Wood carvers, blacksmiths and other artisans demonstrate how they make their crafts; steam-powered sawmill will be operating. Finishing touches will be put on our hand-made dugout canoes. 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Hartwick Pines State Park, Grayling. 989.348.2537, grayling-mi.com.

July 15–22 | 87th Annual Venetian Festival
A week-long flurry of color and pageantry that highlights the summer season and attracts thousands of visitors. The festival offers a wonderful variety of events geared to delight and entertain every age group. Most events take place within waterfront parks, Round Lake Harbor and Lake Charlevoix. Find the complete schedule online at venetianfestival.com.

July 17 | 26th Annual Michigander Bicycle Tour
The bicycle tour rolls through beautiful Traverse City, Leland and Frankfort this week. michigantrails.org.

July 17 | Leland Township Library Event
“Written on the Water: An Evening with Jerry Dennis and Glenn Wolff.” Longtime collaborators, Jerry Dennis and Glenn Wolff will share some thoughts on art, literature, and life in Northern Michigan. The event is free and open to the public. 231.256.9152, lelandlibrary.org.

July 18 | An Evening for the Great Lakes to benefit FLOW
An event to benefit FLOW (For Love of Water) featuring Mario Batali, Blake Mills and Mike Delp. Sponsored by Epicure Catering, The Workshop Brewery and Baia Estate Leelanau. Cherry Basket Farm, Omena. 231.360.0042. Tickets available online at MyNorthTickets.com.

July 19 | Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre
Brimming with battles of both weapons and words, Shakespeare’s Coriolanus weaves an epic tale of duty, identity and loyalty. Tank Hill, Frankfort. lakesideshakespeare.org.

July 20 | Music on the Mountain Concert
Bugs Beddow & the Good Stuff serve up the best rock & soul music from the last four decades—you know, the Good Stuff! With Bugs on trombone, Motown legend Jose Hamilton on vocals, The Dougie on guitar, Rick Thompson on percussion and Steven Backus on bass. From Bruno Mars to Stevie Wonder, Bon Jovi to the Temptations, this is a great mix of feel good, toe tapping music. Transportation via chair lift or six-passenger golf cart begins at 6 p.m. Cash bar and snacks are available for purchase. Chairs provided. Coolers are not permitted. In the event of inclement weather, the concert will be held in Mountain Flowers Lodge. The Homestead, Glen Arbor. $15 in advance or $20 at the door, 231.334.5000. Tickets available online at MyNorthTickets.com.


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Photo(s) by Linsey Wuepper