20 Northern Michigan Events to Check Out in July

This July, get out and experience these Northern Michigan events.

Wine & Dine in Style

BLACK STAR FARMS HARVEST DINNER | July 10

In the spirit of the National Cherry Festival, Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay is featuring cherries and honey for an alluring evening of fine dining, nestled in the hillside estate vineyard. Seasonal, locally sourced ingredients will be paired with succulent pours. Relax and indulge in an evening overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. 

SHRIMP ON THE BARBIE | July 12

Steelhead Café food truck is serving up dinner and Barefoot Music is bringing classic and acoustic tunes with soulful vibes. Benzie Area Zonta Club’s summer fundraiser also features a silent auction, cash bar, Aussie photo booth and games. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of music, great food and a beautiful view at Crystal Lake Golf Course Event Center in Beulah.

MICHAEL CHETCUTI FOUNDATION SUMMER COCKTAIL PARTY | July 12

SUNSET SATURDAY HAPPY HOUR AT ROVE ESTATE | Thru September 28

After a long day of work, play or a healthy mix of both, a refreshing drink atop the highest point on the Leelanau Peninsula at sunset is an ideal way to unwind. Rove Estate offers unmatched views of Northern Michigan, and the signature Summer Spritzer is sweet, satisfying and sunset-drenched. Need we say more? 

COCKTAIL CLASS: MIXOLOGY 101 | July 14

Looking to up your hostess with the mostess status? All skill levels are welcome at The Cooks’ House in Traverse City to learn how to master the classics and confidently create your own concoctions. Your mixologist for the evening will be using seasonal fruits and veggies for the basics and more daring syrups and juices for unique drinks. 

LEELANAU PENINSULA WINE ON THE WATER FESTIVAL | July 20

All the best Leelanau Peninsula has to offer will be in one spot at the annual Wine on the Water Festival in Suttons Bay. Enjoy tastes from local wineries, cideries and breweries, fare from local restaurants and live tunes with views of Grand Traverse Bay. Guests receive a commemorative wine glass and three tasting tickets. Additional tasting tickets are available for purchase. 

DINING IN THE VINES | July 27

Hosted by Boathouse Restaurant, this intimate, starlit night features a hand-crafted, five-course meal overlooking rows of chardonnay grapes. Dining in the Vines has garnered a reputation for being one of the most unique dining experiences on Old Mission Peninsula. View the menu and register.

15TH ANNUAL WINE & CHEESE TASTING AUCTION & FUNDRAISER | July 27

Run, Ride & Recharge

THE FRIENDLY GARDEN CLUB GARDEN WALK | July 18

Tour five beautiful gardens in Traverse City’s Holiday Hills area. Before or after your tour, enjoy homemade refreshments and floral and education displays at Unity of Traverse City. In addition, a native plant sale will be held at the refreshment center, and garden-related educational seminars will be held in four of the gardens.

RIDE AROUND TORCH 2019 | July 21

Rumored to be one of Michigan’s most scenic bicycling tours, the Ride Around Torch is a surefire opportunity to marvel at centuries-old forests, wind through sweet towns like Alden and gaze over the dazzling Caribbean-blue Torch Lake. Food stops and watering holes litter the 26, 40, 63 and 100-mile rides; your pick. Stretch your legs at the post-ride party at Elk Rapids Village Beach.

2019 GWINN FUN DAZE 5K | July 27

The Walk, Run, Roar 5K, a Christmas in July parade, beats and treats—Gwinn Fun Daze has it all in Gwinn, Michigan. Proceeds from the 5K race benefit Bay Cliff Camp, a non-profit therapy and wellness center for children and adults with disabilities. And once you’ve gotten in your steps for the day, take a tour of the antique cars, tractors, snowmobiles and chainsaws while enjoying the sweet swills of a Northern Michigan summer. For more information about the festival click here. For race registration, click here.

PADDLE ANTRIM ELK RAPIDS COMMUNITY PADDLE | July 31

Take it slow down the Elk River and soak up the last few weeks of summer. This paraded evening of paddleboarding, kayaking and/or canoeing welcomes the start of Elk Rapids Harbor Days. And get this—the event is free! Just remember to BYOG (Bring Your Own Gear). That means boats, paddles and life jackets. 

Catch a Show

NINA AND THE BUFFALO RIDERS, SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES | July 5

LAST GASP COLLECTIVE, SUMMER SOUNDS CONCERT SERIES | July 12

This Kalamazoo troupe blends hip-hop and jazz with R&B, soul, and classical. Catch them at Michigan Legacy Art Park.

JOAN SHELLEY IN CONCERT | July 14

An intimate early show featuring Louisville based singer-songwriter Joan Shelley with a special opening set from Michael Beauchamp-Cohen. Located next to Traverse City’s Filling Station Microbrewery, The Way Station Theater (or Old Town Playhouse Studio Theater), is an ideal listening room to enjoy an afternoon of music from two exceptional songwriters.

OLD TOWN PLAYHOUSE PRESENTS MARY POPPINS, JR. | July 19 & 20

Traverse City’s Old Town Playhouse Young Company is sharing the story of London’s Banks family, who just can’t seem to keep a nanny. Then Mary Poppins arrives. This family musical is supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

BOOGIE, BEEHIVES & BEYOND! | July 20

Francesca Amari and Mary Rademaches of the Boogie Woogie Babies are double the fun together. Performing everything from favorite jazz-era girl groups and boogie-woogie of the ’40s, to the Rat Pack, Linda Ronstadt, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Broadway and so much more at The Erickson Center for the Arts in Curtis. 

JOSH WILSON AT NEW HOPE COMMUNITY CHURCH | July 21

The Texas-native who started playing piano at nine years old is returning to Traverse City. Since signing his first record deal with Sparrow in 2006, Wilson has become a radio staple, amassing multiple top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot Christian Songs chart. 

THE FOREIGNER AT RAMSDELL REGIONAL CENTER FOR THE ARTS | July 25–28

ART LEELANAU BENEFIT EXHIBIT AND SALE | July 26

These are just a handful of events happening throughout Northern Michigan this July. For more local events in your area, check out MyNorth’s community calendar.