Photo by Manistee National Forest Festival

Manistee National Forest Festival

June 29th-July 4th, 2023

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 the 2023 schedule of events:

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

Thursday, June 29th, 2023

See “Events Happening Over Multiple Days”

Friday, June 30th, 2023

  • 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.

Saturday, July 1st, 2023

See “Events Happening Over Multiple Days”

Sunday, July 2nd, 2023

  • 10:30pm – Fireworks over Lake Michigan. Best seen at First Street Beach.
  • 1pm – Scottville Clown Band Performance at the First Street Beach Beer Garden.

Monday, July 3rd, 2023

See “Events Happening Over Multiple Days”

Tuesday, July 4th, 2023

  • 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.

Events Happening Over Multiple Days

  • 9am-8pm from July 29th-July 4th, 2023 – 75th Birthday of the Lake Bluff Farms Giant Sequoia. 2890 Lakeshore Rd., Manistee. Free event.
  • 9am-Dusk from July 29th-July 4th, 2023 – Festival Marketplace at First Street Beach. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestival.com/marketplace.
  • 12pm-Dusk from July 29th-July 4th, 2023 – Anderson Midway Carnival at First Street Beach.
  • 9am-5pm on Saturday, July 1st and Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 – World of Arts & Crafts at Red Szymarek Park- 106 Charter Ct., Manistee. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestivalcom/world-of-arts-crafts.

Events Yet to Be Scheduled

  • Forest Festival Golf Outing at Manistee National Golf & Resort- 4797 Grant Hwy, Manistee. Register at business.manisteechamber.com/events.
  • US Forest Service Bus Tour through the National Forest, Free but bring your own lunch and drinks. Meet at Manistee Dial-a-Ride Parking Lot- 180 Memorial Dr., Manistee.
  • Lions Famous Fish Boil at the Lions Pavilion- 1037 Preuss Rd., Manistee. Includes locally caught fish, boiled potatoes, onions, coleslaw, and rolls. Hot dogs will be available. Desserts and drinks are available for an additional cost. Proceeds benefit the  Armory Youth Project and Habitat for Humanity. 
  • Summer Crush Middle School Dance at the Armory Youth Project- 555 First St., Manistee. Free.
  • Jaycees Beach Jam featuring live music.
  • Manistee Firecracker 5k Run/Walk at Manistee Middle/High School- 525 12th St., Manistee. Registration is $25 in advance or $30 on race day. 
  • Family Day at the Armory Youth Project- 555 First St., Manistee. Includes costume contest, scavenger hunt, community booths, and family competition (potato sack race, tug of war, pie-eating). Free admission for all. Free lunch is provided for kids up to age 16.
  • 25-Cent movies at The Vogue Theatre– 383 First St., Manistee. $1.00 kids popcorn & juice boxes.
  • Sidewalk Chalk Competition at Ruddiblush- 321 River St., Manistee. Chalk provided. Limited to the first 30 artists. Judges will pick one winner at 4:45pm.
  • Little Big Shots Talent Show at the Lions Pavilion- 1037 Preuss Rd., Manistee. Non-competitive talent show for kids ages 3-16. Free to enter. Enter by emailing manisteelilbigshots@gmail.com or calling (313) 478-5347.
  • You’ll Flip Over This Pancake Breakfast at Manistee Area Public Schools- 525 12th St., Manistee. Cost for adults is $7, $5 for children 5-12 years, and children under 5 are free. All proceeds will benefit the Manistee Community Track Project.
  • Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc.
  • Outdoor Book Sale behind the Manistee Library- 95 Maple St., Manistee

Stay tuned for the most updated information on the 2023 Manistee Forest Festival!

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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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