Northern Michigan July 4th Events

Happy 4th of July weekend! Our biggest summer holiday is finally here and only a day away! With the summer months being busy here in Northern Michigan and the July 4th holiday is no exception. If you’ve ever been Up North for this annual celebration, you know how much fun it can be!

We have so many little towns in our area and each celebrates the 4th of July in it’s own unique way. Most, if not all towns, have a parade. Some have fireworks and others have family friendly activities throughout the 4th. Today on the blog, I’ve put together a fun list of July 4th activities around the area. Enjoy Northern Michigan to the fullest and have a safe holiday!!

Harbor Springs – Between the 4th of July Art Fair at Zorn Park, a 3 mile and/or 10 mile run and the annual 4th of July Parade that takes place at 1pm on Main Street downtown Harbor Springs, there is something for everyone. Harbor Springs Fireworks start at 10pm (dusk). For more information head over here.

Petoskey – The annual 4th of July Parade begins at 6pm and winds it’s way through Mitchell and East Lake Street downtown Petoskey, ending at The Perry Hotel on Bay Street. Ours is the last parade in the area, which means you can attend other local parades and events during the day and then head to Petoskey in the evening. The Petoskey parade lasts about 1 hour. After the parade ends, you can still enjoy downtown and then walk down to the Waterfront Park below the Gaslight district and snag a seat for fireworks. Fireworks start at 10pm (dusk).

Both Harbor Springs and Petoskey have amazing 4th of July fireworks and you can watch both from one location! Make sure you hit Bay Harbor fireworks at dusk on July 3rd! 

• Bay Harbor – July 4th events start on Monday July 3rd at 8pm in the village of Bay Harbor with the Petoskey Steel Drum Band. Fireworks start at dusk over Lake Michigan. Fast forward into Tuesday, July 4th and Bay Harbor’s annual parade starts at 11am on Main Street in Bay Harbor.
• Boyne City – July 4th events kick off on Monday July 3rd at 10am with Inflatable Alley bounce houses, craft show and more in Boyne City. events continue through Tuesday July 4th with the Grand Parade at 10am downtown Boyne City and fireworks at 10:30pm (dusk), over Lake Charlevoix.
• Mackinaw City – Enjoy games throughout the afternoon on the Marina Lawn starting at 1pm (located next to Shepler’s Ferry) on Tuesday July 4th. Fireworks start at 9pm (dusk) over the State Dock.