Photo by Manistee National Forest Festival

Manistee Forest Festival

July, 2023

The Manistee 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.

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Here’s a List of Events That Typically Take Place:

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

  • Fourth of July Kick-Off Party at Wagoner Community Center- 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee.
  • 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.
  • Scottville Clown Band Performance at Lions Pavilion- 1037 Preuss Rd., Manistee. Sponsored by Manistee Ford.
  • Ice Cream Eating Contest at Downtown Delights- 457 River St., Manistee. Three age categories: 11 and under, 12-17, and 18 and up. Trophies to winners of each age group. Free entry. Each participant will have 7 minutes to eat as much ice cream as they can. The participant that eats the most ice cream, wins. The winner of each category will win a trophy and gift card to Downtown Delights. This is a free event and limited to 15 participants per age category. 
  • Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Division/River St.
  • Independence Day Parade on River Street. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestival.com/parade.
  • Fireworks over Lake Michigan.
  • Anderson Midway Carnival
  • Festival Marketplace. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestival.com/marketplace.
  • Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc.
  • Outdoor Book Sale behind the Manistee Library- 95 Maple St., Manistee
  • World of Arts & Crafts at Red Szymarek Park- 106 Charter Ct., Manistee. For an application, visit manisteeforestfestivalcom/world-of-arts-crafts.
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Events are listed according to the information available at the time of the most recent update to this event. Check back for more updated information.

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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