Petoskey Bayfront Festival August 14th & 15th
Summer is just starting to wind down here in Northern Michigan, yes, I know it’s hard to believe but sadly it will only be a matter of time (weeks!!) before August comes to an end. Summer festivals are all over the place to be enjoyed by young and old alike and several years ago, Petoskey’s Bayfront Festival was started to promote our lovely little town and gorgeous Little Traverse Bay. It started out fairly small from what I remember. My kids were infants at the time and I remember the midway and kids area. We weren’t really into the nightlife scene at the time but I do remember there being an entertainment tent but I’m sure I was long in bed by the time the music started. Fast forward to summer of 2015 and the Petoskey Bayfront Festival is a large, jam packed 2 days of fun and family entertainment for all ages. Now that our kiddos are a little bit older (5, 6 and 7) we can stay up a little bit later and enjoy the events!
(Photo Credit: Petoskey Festival)
The Bayfront Festival runs Friday August 14th & Saturday August 15th mainly at Petoskey’s beautiful Waterfront Park right below Petoskey’s historic Gaslight District. The weekend event draws thousands of locals, as well as out of towners. Parking is available at one of the Waterfront’s free parking lots, however parking is very limited and it fills up very quickly. To save your sanity, I suggest parking a few blocks up from downtown (to avoid the meter fees) and walk through the Gaslight District and under the U.S. 31 overpass on Petoskey Street below Grandpa Shorter’s. This year, you can also park for free at North Central Michigan College and catch the free shuttle to the park during select weekend hours.
(Photo Credit: WingedKreations Photography for Petoskey Festival)
The Bayfront Festival has tons of events and activities for everyone so check out the events calendar and make a weekend of it!
8:30am-1pm: Downtown Farmers Market on Howard Street
Noon-9pm: Enjoy the participating vendors along the Waterfront midway offering yummy food and local organizations
Noon-8pm: Kayak demos and rides on the bay
1pm-7pm Children’s Area: Face painting, bounce house, yard games, Michigan State Police ID kits and more.
9pm-11pm: Friday Night Jam Band for Teens 14-18 years old
7pm-midnight: Silent Disco
9:30pm/dusk: Movie in the Park – ‘Into The Woods’ starring Anna Kendrick and Meryl Streep
7:30am: YMCA Color Fun Run at the Waterfront Park
10am-9pm: Enjoy the participating vendors along the Waterfront midway offering yummy food and local organizations
10am: Chalk & Chocolate Festival at the Bayfront Park Arboretum. Enjoy creative sidewalk art and sample chocolates from around the world.
10am-5pm: The BIG Art Show in Pennsylvania Park (located in downtown Petoskey)
Noon-5pm: Paddle the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Jiimaan Canoe
11am-3pm: BBQ on the Bay Amateur Grilling Competition
10am-5pm Children’s Area: Stuff the Bus, book giveaway & lemonade stand, face painting, bounce house, yard games, Michigan State Police ID kits and more
2pm: Petoskey Department of Public Safety Waterball Competition. My husband competes in this and it’s a lot of fun to cheer the teams on!
5pm-8pm: Wine on the Water – sample various wines from 9 local wineries
9pm-11pm: Club Electro Sunset Dance Party for Teens 14-18 years old
7pm-midnight: Silent Disco
The Bayfront Festival also offers an entertainment tent both nights with adult beverages (as well as non-alcoholic choices) and various local Northern Michigan musicians. Children are welcome in the entertainment area until after 9pm when it is 21 and above only with valid ID.
Drive up north for the day or spend the weekend with friends here in Petoskey enjoying the local hospitality and leave feeling refreshed and ready to take on your week. Head over here to check out all the festival events in more detail and plan your weekend!
