| July |
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| Ongoing |
Over 100 years old, the Michigan Governor's Summer Residence has functioned as a summer home for nine Michigan governors and their families dating to 1943. Enjoy a rare look inside the 1902 cottage on this free tour overlooking Mackinac Island's harbor. The tour runs from 9:30am-11:00am and is free to all each Wednesday. |
| July 1-31 |
Pulling Their Weight: Draft & Carriage Horses in Fine Art
The American Academy of Equine Art and the Mackinac Arts Council will showcase America's finest Equine painters and sculptors at this month long exhibition. This is a must see exhibition that celebrates carriage and draft horses, which is a theme near and dear to our hearts here on Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island Public Library, free |
| July 1 |
Pulling Their Weight: Draft & Carriage Horses in Fine Art
American Academy of Equine Art opening preview and reception.
The American Academy of Equine Art, Inc. was established in 1980 by a group of ten distinguished artists, individually famed for their work on equine subjects. Their aim was to maintain a degree of excellence within the genre, and to promote the academic representation of the equine form in drawing, painting and sculpture. Loosely based on the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the AAEA serves to educate and encourage a broad awareness and appreciation of contemporary equine art as a specific and distinctively worthy segment of fine art in America. Presented by the Mackinac Arts Council.
4-6pm, Mackinac Island Public Library |
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Michelle Chenard p resented by Radio Mackinac & Mission Point Resort
Singer/Songwriter Michelle Chenard performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre. Michelle Chenard's connection with her audiences is powerful. Regionally, she's established herself as a solid songwriter and performer throughout northern Michigan restaurants, pubs and festival circuits. We are pleased to pull Michelle out of the pubs and onto a larger stage for this evening of her music and her music alone.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Nervous But Excited
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| July 4 |
Mackinac Island's Old Fashioned Fourth of July
Brunch at Hotel Iroquois
Brunch at Hotel Iroquois featuring jazz pianist Darryl Dybka, 10am-2:30pm
Annual Stoneskipping Tournament
The 46th Annual Stoneskipping Tournament will return to the Island at Windermere Point across from Windermere Hotel and next to Hotel Iroquois on the Beach. Each 4th of July at 10am, folks come from around the country to skip stones in the amateur and professional divisions. All are welcome to attend, be prepared to have some fun and be amazed at those who can skip 20 or higher...
Fort Mackinac
Military demonstrations and gun salutes abound all day with patriotic music amidst the charm of an original Revolutionary War Fort. A most fitting place to celebrate our Independence.
All American Picnic
Nourish your inner patriot with Grand Hotel’s all-you-can-eat tangy BBQ baby-back ribs, grilled chicken breasts, hamburgers, hot dogs, turkey burgers, corn on the cob and a slew of salads, fixings and desserts – all served on Fort Mackinac's parade ground. Spread a festive red-and-white-checkered tablecloth and enjoy the fun and food. Make sure and leave room for dessert!
Fireworks
The greatest fireworks in the straits at dusk over Round Island Lighthouse courtesy of the city of Mackinac Island |
| July 5 |
A Day at the Park
2nd Annual Mackinac Island Recreation Celebration. Enjoy a fun filled family day at Great Turtle Park, inflatables, strolling circus and the Great Turtle Dunk Tank! Refreshments, hot dogs, et al, available at the concession stand. |
| July 8 |
Jill Jack presented by Great Turtle Festivals
Singer/Songwriter and Detroit Music Award winner Jill Jack performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.Jill Jack is one of those canny and original singer/songwriters who’s flown under the radar, quietly building herself a huge and loyal following in her home state of Michigan. Along the way, she has amassed a recorded catalog of uncommon depth, passion, and vision, winning 24 Detroit Music Awards in the last decade across three different genres (Acoustic/Folk, Country, and Pop/Rock) for vocalist, songwriter, album, and artist.
"Jill Jack has all the makings of a major talent. She's got the stage presence, the voice, the ability to interpret songs passionately ... there's a lot of soul in what she does" -- Billboard Magazine
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Pato
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| July 10-12 |
Grand Hotel Wine Appreciation Weekend
Enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of Grand Hotel while you learn about wine and selecting vintages during this great weekend. Grand Hotel is continually recognized for the quality of its hospitality.
The April 2008 issue of National Geographic Traveler listed the hotel as one
of "150 hotels you'll love," We'll say it also has one of the best wine cellars to love too. |
| July 15 |
Justine Blazer presented by Great Turtle Festivals, Radio Mackinac & Mission Point Resort
Singer/Songwriter and Detroit Music Award winner Justine Blazer performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.
Justine Blazer is becoming one of Mid-West's most popular names. Touring 120+ live shows a year regionally or nationally, Justine is not slowing down anytime soon. She performed at the 25th and 26th Annual WYCD Downtown Hoedown where she has opened for national acts such as Trisha Yearwood, Jewel and Gretchen Wilson.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available.
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Rachael Davis
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| July 18 |
Vintage Baseball Game
On the large parade ground behind Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, the Fort Mackinac Never Sweats and the Mackinaw City Boys square up for a rematch during the historic game of Vintage Base Ball. The two teams played last year, with the Boys emerging victorious. Can the Never Sweats pull it off this year, as they did during their first game with the Boys in 1886 when the Never Sweats beat the Boys 23-14? The Never Sweats may have an edge with co-captions John Hiller, player on the 1968 World Champion Detroit Tigers and a standout reliever throughout the 1970s, and U.S. Representative Bart Stupak. The game starts at 6:30pm. |
| July 18-21 |
Chicago Yacht Club's Race to Mackinac
This season marks the second century or 101st running of "the Mac," the world's longest annual freshwater sailing distance race. The Race to Mackinac will start off Chicago's lakefront on July 17th & 18th and begin to arrive to the Island late on the 19th, then all day on the 20th and the 21st. This 333 mile race is a sight to behold as the sailors see our shoreline as they pass under the Mackinac Bridge. |
| July 22 |
Josh Hall presented by Great Turtle Festivals
Singer/Songwriter Josh Hall performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.
Playing in many bands around Petoskey and Charlevoix over the years, Josh Hall is someone to watch. Listening to his well crafted songs evokes memories of early Neil Young with the vocal stylings of Steve Kilbey from The Church. Josh's music fits somewhere between alternative acoustic folk and art-rock. We are pleased to have him here for his first solo show on Mackinac Island.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Around the Island Yacht Race
Race presented by the Pink Pony and the Mackinac Island Yacht Club each July.
All are invited to race, just contact the Mackinac Island Yacht Club to enter.
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Brandon Callhoun
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| July 23-25 |
First Annual Mackinac Island Festival of the Horse
The Mackinac Island Horsemens Association presents Mackinac Island' first annual Festival of the Horse. Events include stable tours on the prestigious East and West Bluffs, Carriage Rally, Equestrian Art Show, Lemonade Stable Tour and Tack Sale and a good old fashioned Barn Raisin' Dance to raise money for the new stable up Island. All proceeds from the festival will go toward ensuring the support of horse activiities and the creation of the new community stable on Mackinac Island.
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| July 23 |
Mackinac to Manitoulin Yacht Race
Join in on this great 100 mile international sailing event attracting people who love the clean, clear waters of the north. There is something very special about traversing the North Channel from one gorgeous Island to another. The North Channel is considered one of the top five sailing venues in the world. Competitors enter the North Channel by means of False Detour channel and proceed to Gore Bay which is stunning. |
| July 25-28 |
Bay View Yacht Club's Mackinac Race
Bay view, founded in 1915, is widely regarded as the premier sailing club
in Michigan. The private club is located on the Detroit River
near the mouth of Lake St. Clair and has more than 1,000 members.
The 2009 Bay view Mackinac Race will offer three monohull sailboat rating options and two separate race courses for sailors to increase participation and provide a longer race to attract more of the larger and faster boats.The "Thunder Bay" course and "Cove Island" course will both start a few miles north of Port Huron in Lake Huron. The "Cove Island" course was initially used in 1935. From 1972 through 2000, the "Cove Island" course was considered one of the top 7 races in the world, but was abandoned when the government-owned Cove Island Buoy was removed. The Cove Island course is some 290-nautical miles and it will offer complex navigational challenges as well as strategic and tactical gamesmanship among these very talented crew who choose to test themselves on this course. |
| July 26 |
Annual 4H Horse Club Stable Tour and Lemonade Fundraiser
Tour the stables and enjoy some cool lemonade prepared by the youngest of Mackinac's horse folk. Mission Hill Stable downtown. |
| July 29 |
Pinky Lee presented by Great Turtle Festivals
Songwriting duo Pinky Lee performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.
Holly Keller and Jenny Bousquet vocals dance harmoniously while being backed up by their proficient guitar and mandolin work. Imagine the Dixie Chicks having lunch with the Wreckers and you have Pinky Lee. Well known perfomers all over northern Michigan, they have also performed on Prarie Home Companion. We are pleased to introduce everyone to their brand of sweet soaring American music on Mackinac Island.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Jenny Cummings
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| August |
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| Ongoing |
Over 100 years old, the Michigan Governor's Summer Residence has functioned as a summer home for nine Michigan governors and their families dating to 1943. Enjoy a rare look inside the 1902 cottage on this free tour overlooking Mackinac Island's harbor. The tour runs from 9:30am-11:00am and is free to all each Wednesday through August 26, 2009. |
| August 1 |
Wawashkamo Battle Day Golf Tournament
The Americans and British fought a bloody battle on the ground that is now Wawashkamo Golf Club during the War of 1812. The club is seated on a state and national historic site which is also the Michigan's oldest continuously played course. After a few holes, you'll realize that this course has not changed at all since Scotland's Alex Smith, a two-time U.S. Open winner, designed it in 1898 to be just like the course she knew back home in bonnie Scotland.
To honor those that helped win the battle, slice your drive on the fifth hole and you'll end up on Holmes Hills, where at least 10 American soldiers are buried. To play, just email or call Wawashkamo to register. |
| August 2 |
9th Annual Mackinac Island Horse and Games Show
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| August 5 |
Anisa Hayes presented by Great Turtle Festivals
This angelic voiced singer/ songwriter performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.
Born into a musical family, Anisa is no stranger to captivating an audience. She started in coffee houses and worked her way into clubs, festivals, and recently opening for national acts such as REO Speedwagon and Kansas. Her new cd "Finding Home" was nominated for the Grand Rapids WYCE Jammie Awards as "Best Folk Album of the Year" We are pleased to have her perform her melodic upbeat acoustic folk/pop on Mackinac Island.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces bluesman Ian Thomas
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| August 10-14 |
Mackinac Art Gallery Painter's Workshop
Mackinac Art Gallery at Murray Hotel brings another fine art workshop to the Island. This four day workshop is taught by renowned painter Lois Griffel. As director of the Cape Cod School of Art for a quarter of a century, Griffel continues the tradition as students are encouraged to use the tools of the Impressionists including painting en plein air, learning the importance of sun vs. shade and learning the right color and value relationships to create a work of art amidst the endless beauty of Mackinac Island.
For registration and room details: Online or (800) 4MACKINAC.
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| August 11 |
Antique Wheelmen Meet on Mackinac
On Mackinac Island, first we love the horse, then we love the bicycle. The high-wheel bicycle was developed between 1870 and 1885 in direct response to the limitations of the velocipede, both in terms of speed and comfort. Be sure to visit the Island this day to view the fleet of antique (with a few replicas) High Wheel bicycles. The big event is the Century Ride around the Island in period attire. The century ride is the biggest event of a state meet, a 100-mile ride which, on Mackinac, is 12 laps around the perimeter road, M-185. Riders who find 100 miles to be too rigorous can complete a quarter century ride.
The Wheelmen reminds us of the change transportation took after the invention of the horseless carriage. |
| August 12 |
Music at the Mission presents Erik VanHorn
Northern Michigan singer/ songwriter performs an intimate concert at historic Mission Point Theatre.Erik VanHorn brings an honest and refreshing presence to the stage. Often found with just a guitar in hand, he uses his voice and body to capture the audience leaving them full of ideas and melodies.
8pm, $10 per person, refreshments available. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Josh Davis
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| August 14 |
Wawashakamo Golf Club's Hickory Stick Tournament
This is the closest you'll come to a true Scottish course: rough terrain, heather....and designed in 1898 by US Open champion and Scottish immigrant Alex Smith. To be true to the period, the hickory stick tournament brings all golfers back to the early days of golf. Club rentals available, you supply the knickers. |
| August 16 |
39th Annual Mackinac Island Horse Show
Held each summer at Great Turtle Park with classes in Showmanship and Grooming, Leadline, Bareback, English, and Western Equitation, Trail, Jumping and the ever-popular Costume Class, which always draws several creative entries to round out the show. Highlights also include Barrel racing with riders leading their horses around barrels in a clover leaf pattern and the "Rusty" Memorial Cup. Free event, fundraising items always available. |
| August 18-20 |
5th Annual Mackinac Island Music Festival presented by Great Turtle Festivals
Always a great event, the music festival continues to grow and introduce folks to the great musicians. The festival opens with Grand Hotel's musical director Alex Graham and his quartet at Gate House on Tuesday, August 18th.
Back by popular demand is Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels for a high octane show at Mission Point Resort Theatre on Wednesday, August 19th. It was Mitch and The Wheels who served as the musical bridge between the Motown soul factory and the high energy, take-no-prisoners rock’n’roll that would roar out of Detroit via Iggy & The Stooges, MC5, Ted Nugent and Bob Seger. With Ryder, it wasn’t attitude or public outrage or politics that generated the charge… you could simply hear it in the music.
Thursday afternoon finds the Island hanging out at the Mackinac Hoedown with a reunion of Detroit's own Ash Can Van Gogh along with the bluesy Barbara Payton, acoustic rocker Michelle Chenard and slide guitarist Kraig Kenning. The festival comes to a close with Mackinac Island's Last Waltz featuring Forbes Brothers where festival musicians gather to reenact the legendary Scorsese film of The Band's last concert. |
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Tony Lucca
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| August 21-22 |
5th Annual Mackinac Island Fudge Festival
For more than a century, Mackinac Island's fudge has been an institution that's become famous worldwide. Celebrate Mackinac Fudge during this festival. Win a vacation package to Mackinac Island by finding the Golden Ticket at select Island fudge shops. Experience the delight of the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Michigan, be awed by the Great Kite Ascension, fun in the Great Outdoors with select appearances by Miss Michigan Sugar and the ultimate “Daddy ...I want the Golden Ticket & I want it Now!” |
| August 26 |
Music at the Mission presents: Battle of the Bands winners Seize the Karp
WKLT Battle of the Bands winnners Seize the Karp took the top honors at this event which started at 220 Lake Street in Boyne this spring. The winning band will be featured in a special concert at Mission Point Resort Theater at 8pm.
Bands in the finale included winners Seize the Karp from Boyne City, Bloodshot Victory from Traverse City and Something New in the Homemade Jam from Harbor Springs. All the bands were excellent.
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Stonecliffe's Wednesday Night Concert Series introduces Griff N John Afterhouse Experience
A sweet summer songwriter series at the Inn at Stonecliffe. Great rooms, amazing food and music to listen to overlooking the straits of Mackinac makes this a great thing to do up Island.
8pm, public invited, Inn at Stonecliffe |
| September |
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| September 4-7 |
Grand Hotel Labor Day Jazz Weekend
Hot Jazz in a cool setting...past performers have included Branford Marsalis, Dave Brubeck, Dianna Shurr, Tito Puente, Bob Seeley, Bob Baldori, Diane Shurr and Alex Graham along with other nationally known jazz musicians. With concerts in the Tea Garden, Jockey Club, Cupola Lounge and gospel music on the glorious porch, the Labor Day Jazz Weekend is the best way to say farewell to summer and hello to fall. |
September 7
(Labor Day) |
52nd Annual Labor Day Bridge Walk
Join thousands of folks who cross the word's third largest suspension bridge. Five miles of fun!!! |
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Annual Labor Day Formal Ride
All of Mackinac's Horse folk dress for this great Island ride. 9am-11am, all over the Island. |
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Horn's Bar Labor Day Regatta. All those with sailboats invited to race, contact Mackinac Island Yacht Club to enter. |
| September 12 |
Mackinac Island Eight Mile Run/Walk
Over 2000 runners and walkers will gather at Mission Point Resort to run and walk the 8 mile perimeter of Mackinac Island. Participants will begin the race by traveling past Victorian homes, the boat harbor and a myriad of shops and hotels in downtown Mackinac Island. Once through town, the route follows the shoreline of the Straits of Mackinac featuring breathtaking views of the Mackinac Bridge, neighboring islands and historic rock formations, finishing at waters edge on the lawn of Mission Point. This course is fast and flat but the scenery is so beautiful, you may just decide to relax and enjoy! |
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Healthy-A Fair-11am-5pm
Mackinac Island Community Hall, Free Event
The key to maintaining one’s vitality, productivity and overall well-being is to adopt
the healthiest lifestyle possible. The better one feels, the more can be gained from
life - whether at work, home or play. Healthy: A Fair will make it easy to overcome
that hurdle by bringing an array of health education programs directly to the
consumer on Mackinac Island where they can learn about healthy lifestyle habits,
how to care for themselves and when to seek professional care. |
| September 14-18 |
Mackinac Art Gallery Painter's Workshop
Mackinac Art Gallery at Murray Hotel brings another fine art workshop to the Island. This five day workshop is taught by renowned Detroit painter William T. Hosner. Bill is a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America and the Pastel
Society of the West Coast. He has received the Gold Medallion and been inducted
in to the Master's Circle of the International Association of Pastel Societies.
Beginner to Advanced students are accepted with individual instruction and
critiques tailored to the students ability level. Hosner's teaching methods
include on site lectures and direct demonstration of the principles being
taught. Students will work in the area of full figure and portrait, exploring how the effect of outdoor light reveals itself on a subject and offers the artist unique opportunities to use color that are not always afforded in the studio.
To register by mail by downloading this form or call Mr. Hosner directly: (231) 881-2895.
For room registration: Online or (800) 4MACKINAC. |
| September 18-20 |
Grand Hotel Fall Wine Weekend
Wine aficionados will not
want to miss this weekend. Grand Hotel is the perfect place to experience the best life has to offer during a weekend devoted to the enjoyment of fine wines and elegant dining. Wine tasting events ensure all will learn about wine and selecting vintages, cordials, demitasse and more. Other highlights of this fantastic weekend is a five course dinner nightly, full breakfast each morning and dancing in the Terrace Room to the sound of Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra. |
| September 18-22 |
Carleton Varney's Antique and Design Fall Festival
Join Carleton Varney, President of Dorothy Draper & Company, and Grand Hotel as they host the twentieth annual Antique and Design Fall Festival. You will receive invaluable advice as Mr. Varney shares his expertise on decorating and antiques during an informative and entertaining question and answer session. Mr. Varney is known around the world for his design style and has decorated the White House, homes of celebrities, resorts and of course Grand Hotel. |
| September 28-October 2 |
Helga's Palette Art Workshop
Mackinac Art Gallery at Murray Hotel brings another fine art workshop to the Island. This four day workshop is taught by renowned Northern Michigan artist Helga Flower. Helga specializes in painting landscapes and flowers, which she interprets into dreamy and soft artistic. statements. As part of the art workshop, you will receive discounted room rates at Murray Hotel. Please contact Helga for the workshop details and then the Murray for your room reservation.
Workshop reservations: 906-632-3437
Room reservations: (800) 4MACKINAC. |
| October |
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| October 5 |
Helga's Palette Art Workshop
Mackinac Art Gallery at Murray Hotel brings another fine art workshop to the Island. This four day workshop is taught by renowned Northern Michigan artist Helga Flower. Helga specializes in painting landscapes and flowers, which she interprets into dreamy and soft artistic. statements. As part of the art workshop, you will receive discounted room rates at Murray Hotel. Please contact Helga for the workshop details and then the Murray for your room reservation.
Workshop reservations: 906-632-3437
Room reservations: (800) 4MACKINAC. |
| October 8-12 |
Grand Hotel Murder Mystery Weekend |
| October 9-10 |
Destination Dream Wedding Weekend-Symposium with wedding professionals, ceremony and reception site tours, family events, bridal party events, pub crawls and more. |
| October 16-18 |
Somewhere in Time Weekend at Grand Hotel
Fans of the cult classic filmed on Mackinac Island gather at Grand Hotel to relive the past and share their affection for this love story. Cast and crew members attend, tour locations from popular scenes in the film and enjoy everything in grand style. Guests are encouraged to don attire appropriate to 1912-the Edwardian Era. |
| October 23-25 |
Grand Hotel Ballroom Dance Weekend |
| October 23-24 |
Samhain (summer's end) Weekend
In the celtic world, Samhain marks the end of summer and the beginning of the new year or winter and a time to commemorate the souls of the blessed dead. With the rise of Christianity, it was changed to Halloween and remains a joyous time of family reunion. Have fun at the Wishing Stone Toss, Trick or Treating and great grown up Halloween parties at the pubs. |
| October 24 |
Great Turtle Half Marathon and 5.7 Mile Run/Walk
This year marks the 15th running of one of the most scenic trail events in the state. Join over 1300 participants to run and walk the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season. |
| November |
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| December |
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