Experience the National Cherry Festival in the heart of Traverse City, explore wine country and hit up a local beach bash. We’re celebrating Fourth of July weekend at these Northern Michigan events.

MOOMERS DAIRY FARM AND ICE CREAM STORE TOURS | Thru August 31

Lemon Dream, Turtle Cheesecake and Bear Paw—oh my! Just five miles from downtown TC, Moomers is home to a working dairy farm and some of the best homemade ice cream in the north! With more than 160 unique ice cream, sherbet and sorbet flavors, even guests without a sweet tooth will find something they love. The Ice Cream Store Tour is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays, and the Dairy Farm Tour is available on Wednesdays and Sundays. Reservations required.

CHERRY FESTIVAL WINE EXCURSIONS | July 1–5

Get cherried-away to Leelanau Peninsula wineries. Your bus driver will head up M22 stopping at five wineries along the way. Tickets include wine tasting, transportation, lunch and a souvenir wine glass. Amongst the pours are internationally acclaimed rieslings, pinot grigios, chardonnays and more.

CHERRY ORCHARD TOURS & MORE | July 1–5

When in the heart of cherry country, visiting a local orchard is a must. Located in the spectacular Leelanau County, the Northwest Michigan Horticulture Research Station offers guided tours, exhibits and samples of the latest cherry products during the National Cherry Festival. Ride the shuttle to the 100-acre farm.

POP CAN FISHING AT SLEEPING BEAR DUNES | July 1–September 1

Ever wonder how to fish without a pole or reel? Learn how to make your own fishing reels, play casting games and catch a perch or two. The young and young-at-heart alike are welcome to join; children must be accompanied by an adult. Afterward, explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, one of only four national lakeshores in the US! Offered every Sunday through August 2 at 10 a.m.

TRAVERSE CITY PIT SPITTERS GAMES | July 3–6

Cheer on the Traverse City Pit Spitters, our hometown Northwoods League baseball team, as they compete in a four-game home series against the Lakeshore Chinooks and Battle Creek Bombers. (Pssst! Check out the ballpark’s new summer menu—it’s tasty.) View the schedule. 

32ND ANNUAL RUBBER DUCK RACE | July 4

Will your duck win the Grand Prize at this year’s race? Take a walk over to the Boardman River to witness the little quackers compete for glory. Top finishing ducks will win fun prizes, and the first one to cross the finish line wins the Grand Prize! Funds ($5 for one duck or $25 for a 6 quack of 6 ducks) support local youth groups. For information about how to get your ducks in a row, click here.

NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL CORNHOLE TOURNAMENT | July 4

Known to some as bags or bean bag toss, we call it cornhole here in Michigan, and we don’t mess around. This single-elimination tournament accepts 32 teams of two to show off their skills. Team sign-ups open 30 minutes before the tourney begins on a first-come-first-serve basis (costs $20). At registration, each team also receives two cherry dollars for the beer tent; 21 and up are eligible for this event. 

BAYOU IN THE BARN | July 5

Blues and zydeco musicians from across the nation are heading to Beulah, Michigan for the annual Bayou in the Barn. In addition to live music and lots of dancing, there will be silent and live auctions featuring kayaks and trips, yard games and food vendors who will be cooking up Southern cuisine from scratch with Michigan ingredients. Fundraising proceeds benefit Grow Benzie’s community center and youth and educational programs. 

MANISTEE BEACH BASH | July 5

Exclusive to guests 21 and up, the Manistee Beach Bash is a waterside celebration unlike any other. Live music from Clear Heels kicks off the night, followed by a fiery performance from Aloha Chicago, a traditional Polynesian dance group. Refreshments will be provided by Iron Fish Distillery and North Channel Brewing, and if you’re looking for a late-night bite, Taco ‘Bout It has you covered. All proceeds go to the Manistee Jaycees’ signature project, Stomp Out Cancer. 

IDYLL FARMS GOAT CHEESE TASTING | July 6

Idyll Farms is a state-of-the-art farmstead creamery crafting world-class renditions of French cheeses from the hills beyond Northport. Tours of the farm are 45 minutes and include a select tasting. 

THE ACCIDENTALS | July 6

NPR called the trio “the most emotionally compelling songwriters of our time.” See them live at Portage Point Resort in Onekama. 

FESTIVAL FIREWORKS FINALE | July 6

This extravaganza of light closes out the 2019 National Cherry Festival. (These towns also have awesome firework displays.

Need a designated driver for your 4th of July adventures? Check out Bay Life Getaways & Designated Driver TC.

How it works:

  1. We drive your car.
  2. You set the itinerary, or…
  3. We help create your custom itinerary based on your interests.

Book a driver here.

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner