Photo by Manistee National Forest Festival

Manistee National Forest Festival

July 3rd-7th, 2024

The Manistee National Forest Festival began as a way to celebrate and honor the Manistee National Forest, which encompasses over 480,000 acres. This is truly a “don’t-miss” event for the entire family, and a great venue for making some wonderful summer memories.

The annual Manistee National Forest Festival promises fun for the entire family. It’s one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the state, presented by the Manistee Chamber of Commerce since 1936.

The Painted Lady

Here's what happened last year:

Events take place at Douglas Park/First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee, unless otherwise noted.

Thursday

See “Events Happening Over Multiple Days”

Friday

  • 8am-12pm – Forest Festival Golf Outing at Manistee National Golf & Resort- 4797 Grant Hwy, Manistee. Register at manisteechamber.com.
  • 10:30am-3pm – Pop-up Sale (featuring small business Peachy Frog) at Port City Emporium- 354 River St.
  • 3-5pm – Wine on the River at Fricano’s Manistee- 440 River St. Wine tasting with snacks. $3/taste. Tickets available at Fricano’s beginning June 15th and at the door.
  • 4:30-7pm – Lions Famous Fish Boil at First Street Beach. Includes locally caught fish (lake trout and salmon), boiled potatoes, onions, coleslaw, and rolls. Desserts and drinks are available for an additional cost. Cost is $15 per person and $7 for children ages 3-11.
  • 5-8pm – Opening of the Mary Wahr Manistee A-Z Exhibit at ruddiblush- 321 River St.
  • 6-9pm – American Pride Sip ‘n Paint Party at The Purple Paintbrush- 338 River St. Cost is $35. Purchase tickets by calling/texting (231) 747-9430.
  • 7-11pm – Jaycees Beach Jam at First Street Beach featuring free, live music by the Downtowners. Bring chairs and beverages.

Saturday

  • 8am – Manistee Firecracker 5k Run/Walk at Manistee Middle/High School- 525 12th St. Registration is $27 in advance or $32 after June 24th, 2023. Register at michianatiming.com.
  • 9am-2pm – Rosie Solberg’s Annual Fourth of July Bake Sale at the North/West Corner of Hastings & 5th Avenues. 
  • 9am-5pm – Outdoor Book Sale behind the Manistee Library- 95 Maple St.
  • 10am-2pm – FREE Family Day at the Armory Youth Project- 555 First St. Includes games, prizes, hotdog lunch, cotton candy, snow cones, bounce houses, booths of local businesses and agencies, arts and crafts, and more. For more info, visit manisteeforestfestival.com.
  • 11am-1pm – Pete the Cat will be at the Happy Owl Bookshop to meet his fans and pose for pictures at Happy Owl Book Shop- 358 River St.
  • 11am-6pm – Half Off Firing Fees at The Purple Paintbrush.
  • 11am-7pm – 17th Annual Fourth of July Cigar Event at Surroundings- 423 River St.
  • 1-3pm – Little Big Shots Talent Show at the Lions Pavilion- 1037 Preuss Rd. Non-competitive talent show for kids ages 4-16. Free to enter. Enter by emailing manisteelilbigshots@gmail.com or calling Shirley at (313) 478-5347.

Sunday

  • 8am-1pm – You’ll Flip Over This Pancake Breakfast at Manistee Area Public Schools- 525 12th St., Manistee. Cost for adults is $8, $6 for children 5-12 years, and children under 5 are free. All proceeds will benefit the Paine Aquatic Center.
  • 1pm – Scottville Clown Band Performance at the First Street Beach Beer Garden.
  • 10:30pm – Fireworks over Lake Michigan. Best seen at First Street Beach.

Monday

See “Events Happening Over Multiple Days”

Tuesday

  • 9am-12pm – City2Shore Port City Associates Booth. They will have a greeting table set up & will be giving away Parade Bags & goodies to the public attending the parade festivities. 340 River St.
  • 9:45am – Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Division/River St.
  • 10am – Independence Day Parade on River Street. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestival.com/parade.
  • 2-4pm – Live music featuring the 338th Army Band at the Manistee VFW- 1211 28th St.

Events Happening Over Multiple Days

  • All Week – Festival Marketplace at First Street Beach. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestival.com/marketplace.
  • All Week –  Anderson Midway Carnival at First Street Beach.
  • Saturday & Sunday – World of Arts & Crafts at Red Szymarek Park- 106 Charter Ct., Manistee. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestivalcom/world-of-arts-crafts.
  • Various Times- Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo at First Street Beach, sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc.

Stay tuned for updated information on the 2024 Manistee National Forest Festival!

Experience Manistee

There’s so much to see and do in Manistee! Read the stories below or go to the Manistee destination page.

For more information on the Manistee Forest Festival, please contact the event organizer:

Manistee Chamber of Commerce

11 Cypress St., Manistee, MI 49660

231-723-2575

manisteeforestfestival.com

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