Photo by Joost Crop on Unsplash.com

Kaleva Heritage Days

July 19th-20th, 2025

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 schedule for the event:

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

Saturday, July 19th, 2025

  • Throughout the Day – Tractor Show, call Les at (231) 299-5392 for more info
  • 8:30am – 5k Fun Run beginning at the Community Center- 14407 Industrial Dr., Kaleva. Register at runsignup.com.
  • 9am – Softball Tournament with ASA/USA rules. Register at facebook.com.
  • 9am-3pm – Car Show, call Sean at (517) 554-6938 for more info
  • 9am-4pm – Arts & Crafts Show. Visit facebook.com to register.
  • TBA – Bounce Houses
  • TBA – Concession Stand open until fireworks begin
  • TBA – Flea Market Fundraiser for KND students traveling to Europe next to Kaleva Barber Shop- 14351 9 Mile Rd., Kaleva.
  • TBA – Kaleva Reads discussion on “Cold Victory” by Karl Marlentes at the Manistee County Library- 14618 Walta St., Kaleva
  • TBA – Kids Games, Hayride, Face Painting
  • TBA – Meet Our First Responders
  • TBA – Open House at the Community Center
  • TBA – Free Rides by Dial-a-Ride to Kaleva Park, Memorial Walkway, Bottle House, Art Gallery, & Bark Recycling. Parking available downtown and at the Community Center. Rides every 20 minutes.
  • TBA – Finnish Wife Carrying Contest
  • TBA – Pie-Eating Contest (three age divisions: 7 and under, 8-12, and 13+)
  • TBA – Corn Hole Tournament Check-in
  • TBA – Music by 1Wave DJ’s
  • TBA – Corn Hole Tournament Begins
  • TBA – Water Ball Match with the Fire Department 
  • TBA – Spaghetti Dinner at the Community Center
  • TBA – Kickball on the Baseball Field at the back of Village Park
  • TBA – Live music 
  • TBA– Parade beginning at Village Park
  • TBA – Live music
  • TBA – Fireworks over Village Park

Sunday, July 20th, 2025

  • 10am – Worship in the Park
  • 12-4pm – Arts & Crafts Show
  • TBA – Bounce Houses
  • TBA – Pulled Pork Lunch & Bake Sale
  • TBA – Live music featuring The Downtowners

Stay tuned for more information on Kaleva Days 2025!

For more information or tickets to Kaleva Days, please contact:

Manistee County Visitors Bureau

(877) 626-4783

facebook.com

What's going on now in West Michigan?

Discover more to do in West Michigan!

Scroll below for more articles about Activities & Attractions in the West Michigan area.
 

West Michigan Activities & Attractions

West Michigan Arts Scene

West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!

Value of Sports Museum

Visit the new Value of Sports Museum located at Historic White Pine Village just a short drive from Ludington.

West Michigan Museums

West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.