Photo by Manistee Forest Festival

Top Events in Manistee

All year long, there are activities, festivals, and special events happening in Manistee County, located along the West Michigan lakeshore. 

Here we’ve condensed the most popular annual happenings, so you can see at a glance which time of year you may want to visit our wonderful area. Welcome to Manistee!

T.J.'s Pub
The Painted Lady

Tight Lines for Troops

Tight Lines for Troops is a charity fishing tournament for Michigan’s disabled veterans, held every May from the port of Manistee, Michigan. 

Manistee Forest Festival

The Manistee Forest Festival began as a way to celebrate and honor the Manistee Forest, which encompasses over 480,000 acres. It’s one of the largest July 4th celebrations in the state.

Nu 2 U Resale Shop

Hops and Props on the River

The Annual Hops & Props on the River focuses on the city’s rich boating history, plus the popularity of Michigan craft beer, cider and wine. The wooden boat parade is the highlight of the event. 

Manistee's Ghost Ship

One notable highlight of the Halloween season in Manistee is the popular Ghost Ship, otherwise known throughout the year as the S.S. City of Milwaukee, docked off Arthur Street in Manistee.

Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend

The highlight of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend is the Belgian draft horses that pulls a 30′ Christmas tree down River Street in downtown Manistee. 

Summer Music

Summer means outdoor music events, which include Concerts in the Village Park in Onekama, Roots on the River in Manistee, Music on Bear Lake, and more.

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West Michigan Activities & Attractions

West Michigan Museums

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

Manistee’s Riverwalk

The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.

West Michigan Lighthouses

A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.

North Country Trail

Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.

Lake Michigan Water Temperatures

Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.

West Michigan Arts Scene

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