We spent weeks planning a unique and family-friendly vacation to Mackinac Island. Then one night on our trip, as my family was finishing a wonderful evening bike ride around Mackinac Island, absorbing the sounds of gulls and loons over the lake and water lapping at the shore, we pulled into town for dinner on the water when we noticed people hustling toward Marquette Park.
This park is beautifully positioned in the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, at the base of historic Fort Mackinac. A prominent statue of Father Marquette, a Great Lakes explorer, stands tall at the center of the park, overlooking the harbor. What we saw and began to hear when we arrived at the park transformed a lovely day visiting Mackinac Island into a day that made my family feel like a welcomed part of the Mackinac Island community.
Blankets and lawn chairs covered the lawn surrounding the revered statue. Picnics had been spread, thoughtfully assembled by Mackinac Island restaurants or by Doud’s Market, America’s oldest grocery store. As if in a movie, the show started as the sun began to set. Music flowed – folk tunes with elements of rock, country and blues. True Americana. We sat on the lawn, immersed in the whole experience. We sang along to songs we knew and engaged in conversation with others.
We are overjoyed to know that Mackinac Island’s Music in the Park continues its tradition on Thursday evenings throughout the summer. The magic of Mackinac Island lives on from year to year, and we can’t wait to be a part of the fun again!
More Live Music on Mackinac Island
Not planning to visit Mackinac Island on a summer Thursday night? No problem! There are many other opportunities to see talented musicians in action from spring through fall. Here’s a look at five more places to find live music:
Live Bands at Mackinac Island Bars and Restaurants
You can catch live entertainment pretty much every night at both Horn’s Bar and the Pink Pony in downtown Mackinac Island. Several other places including Gate House, Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub and Round Island Kitchen often have live entertainment, while fine dining establishments such as the 1852 Grill Room and Carriage House have piano music. Grand Hotel hosts live music throughout the day with some of the finest vocalists and harpists in the country performing for lunch, afternoon tea, dinner and post-meal coffee in the parlor. Plus, the Grand Hotel Orchestra has nightly performances that set the tone for lovely evenings of ballroom dancing.
Check out the latest Mackinac Island calendar of events for details.
Sip ‘n Sail Cruises off Mackinac Island
From a Michigan Craft Beer Cruise to a Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bridge Tour, Sip ‘n Sail Cruises depart daily through the summer. Some trips such as the popular Sunset Cruise feature live music right on deck.
Performing Arts Series on Mackinac Island
The Mackinac Arts Council presents concerts throughout the summer featuring a diverse lineup of musicians playing at a variety of indoor and outdoor venues on Mackinac Island. Check out the schedule for this season’s Performing Arts Series.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Performances
In addition to garden tours, a queen’s coronation and a Grand Parade, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is renowned for live musical acts, too. See the full schedule of events to see who’s playing this year’s Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.
Groups Touring Mackinac Island
Sometimes Mackinac Island hosts special performances from touring groups such as the 2024 run of shows by The McCartney Years. Check out the latest calendar of events to see all the live music on Mackinac Island.
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