Mackinac Island doesn’t need a special event to make it worth visiting. It’s a destination that’s great any time of the year! However, if you’re looking for a little something extra during your stay, why not visit during one of our annual Mackinac Island events? Click on the links below for specific dates and more information for each event!
MAY EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
FORT 2 FORT 5-MILE CHALLENGE
Kick off the start of the new season with a 5-mile run! The Fort 2 Fort 5 Mile Challenge begins at Fort Mackinac and winds its way through the trails and bluffs to the top of Fort Holmes and back down and ends at Fort Mackinac. Proceeds from this event support the Mackinac State Historic Parks and all participants get free entry to Fort Mackinac as well as discounts for family members.
ZOO-DE-MACK BIKE RIDE
Enjoy a bike ride along scenic Northern Michigan! Zoo-de-Mack is not a race, but instead a gathering of outdoor and bicycle enthusiasts. The bike ride starts at Boyne Highlands Resort in Harbor Springs and makes its way north to Mackinaw City where participants ferry to and end the event on Mackinac Island.
DETROIT CHAMBER POLICY CONFERENCE
This event brings together policy makers from Michigan and across the country to hear nationally recognized speakers and political leaders discuss the future of Michigan’s economy.
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JUNE EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
MACKINAC ISLAND LILAC FESTIVAL
Take a deep breath in….and out. Smell the sweet scent of lilacs and probably horses too! The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest Island event spanning 10 days of fun. If you plan a trip for early June, you might experience dancing in the street, a Lilac 10K run and walk, crowning of the Lilac Queen, walking tours with a lilac expert and everyone’s favorite, the Grand Parade.
RELATED: Why there are so many beautiful lilacs on Mackinac Island
JULY EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
4th OF JULY
What does Mackinac Island look like on the 4th of July!? A celebration of Independence Day highlighted by a stone skipping competition and fireworks. The W. T. Rabe Stone Skipping Contest draws professionals to try their craft in the mighty Lake Huron. At the end of the day, stake your spot on the west side of Mackinac Island and enjoy a stunning firework display!
CHICAGO YACHT CLUB RACE TO MACKINAC
The longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world ends right here on Mackinac Island! Sailors from Maine to California and as far away as Hong Kong and Australia test their endurance, strength, and strategy on this 289.4 nautical mile race. The first Mac race was held in 1898 with five boats and begins just past Navy Pier in Chicago and finishes near the Round Island Lighthouse.
VINTAGE BASE BALL GAME
Barehanded and by gentleman’s rules, the way “base ball” was meant to be played! The oldest continually used ball field in Michigan is just behind Fort Mackinac. Join in the fun with classic cheers, uniforms, and some good old-fashioned rivalry fun!
BAYVIEW MACKINAC RACE
More than 250 racing yachts make their way from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. This event, hosted by Bayview Yacht Club began in 1925 and is an exciting and challenging adventure for all participants.
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AUGUST EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
MACKINAC ISLAND FUDGE FESTIVAL
A trip to Mackinac Island isn’t complete without fudge! Enjoy this 3-day event of fudge-making demonstrations, fudge-inspired dinners and cocktails, outdoor movies, slow bike race, concerts, and more! The Mackinac Island Fudge Festival is typically held the last weekend in August.
RELATED: Many colors of Mackinac Island: Fudge Festival is a feast of flavors
SEPTEMBER EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
GRAND HOTEL LABOR DAY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Surround yourself with a weekend of beautiful jazz music. From Q&A sessions to stunning performances, this Grand Hotel event is one to remember!
EIGHT MILE RUN & WALK
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Mackinac Island with this eight mile race. Participants run clock-wise around the perimeter past Victorian homes, harbor, downtown shops and hotels, along the shoreline with views of the Mackinac Bridge, Round Island, historic rock formations and ends on the lawn of Mission Point.
RELATED: 4 races to run (or walk!) on Mackinac Island this year
OCTOBER EVENTS ON MACKINAC ISLAND
MACKINAC ISLAND’S HALLOWEEN WEEKEND
Celebrate the closing of another season in style with Mackinac Island’s Halloween weekend. Join in the fun with the Great Turtle Trail Run & Half Marathon, trick-or-treating for the kids through downtown, and costume parties for adults throughout the evening.
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