Photo by Joost Crop on Unsplash.com

Kaleva Heritage Days

July 18th-19th, 2026

Kaleva, in the center of Manistee County, holds a festival in mid-July. The festival includes Kaleva School Reunion, food, softball tournament, car show, pony rides, games and contests, parade, arts and crafts, and fireworks. Kaleva was founded by Finnish settlers and many of its streets boast Finnish names. The Bottle House Museum, built with 60,000 glass bottles by John Makinen, is listed on the National Historic Register. It is owned and operated by the Kaleva Historical Society and houses historical displays. Another landmark in Kaleva is the RR Depot Museum which houses railroad artifacts and displays.

Here's the most updated event schedule:

*Events take place at Village Park in Kaleva unless other wise noted

Saturday, July 18th, 2026

9am-4pm – Arts & Crafts Show downtown along Walta Street, call Les at (231) 299-5392 for more info
TBA – Bounce Houses
TBA – Tractor Show, call Les at (231) 299-5392 for more info
TBA – Softball Tournament with ASA/USA rules.
TBA – The Spinning Mug Mobile Espresso Bar opens
TBA – Pancake Breakfast at the Kaleva Lions Club- 14361 9 Mile Rd., Kaleva
TBA – Car Show downtown along Walta Street, call Sean at (517) 554-6938 for more info
TBA – Kids Games & Face Painting
TBA – Meet Our First Responders
TBA – Open House at the Kaleva Community Center- 14361 9 Mile Rd, Kaleva
TBA – Pie-Eating Contest (three age divisions: 7 and under, 8-12, and 13+)
TBA – Finnish Wife Carrying Contest
TBA – Water Ball Match with the Fire Department
TBA – Spaghetti Dinner
TBA – Parade beginning at Village Park
TBA – Live music
TBA – Fireworks over Village Park

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

10am – Worship in the Park hosted by Bethany Lutheran Church with live music featuring the Salt City Dixie Jazz Band
11am-2:30pm – American Picnic Meal featuring fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans, roll, apple hand pie, and choice of drink at a cost of $15 for adults and $10 for ages 10 and under. Maple Grove Community Center-
9208 Kauko St.
12-4pm – Arts & Crafts Show, call Les at (231) 299-5392 for more info
TBA – Live music
TBA – Pasty Dinner by Kaleva Lions Club