Photo by Manistee National Forest Festival

Manistee National Forest Festival

July 2025

The Manistee National Forest Festival began as a way to celebrate and honor the Manistee National Forest, which encompasses over 480,000 acres. This is truly a “don’t-miss” event for the entire family, and a great venue for making some wonderful summer memories.

The annual Manistee National Forest Festival promises fun for the entire family. It’s one of the largest 4th of July celebrations in the state, presented by the Manistee Chamber of Commerce since 1936.

The Painted Lady

Here's what happened in 2024:

Events take place at Douglas Park/First Street Beach- 100 S. Lakeshore Dr., Manistee, unless otherwise noted.

Wednesday

  • 2-8pm – Wine on the River at Fricano’s Manistee- 440 River St. Wine tasting with snacks. 

Thursday

  • 9-10am – Visit the Giant Sequoia at Lake Bluff Farms- 2890 Lakeshore Rd. Walk the grounds of the farms and see “Son of Stag”, the largest Redwood tree east of the Sierra Nevada’s. Free admission.
  • 9:45pm – Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Division & River Streets.
  • 10am – Independence Day Parade on River Street. 
  • 12-9pm – Roots on the River Music Series Kickoff Bash at the Jaycees Bandshell in Veterans Memorial Parking Lot- 117 Memorial Dr. Activities will include a beer tent featuring local brews, lawn games, live music all day, food trucks, raffles, and more.

Friday

  • 7-8am – Free Morning Beach Meditation.
  • 10am-2pm – Cadillac-Manistee Ranger Station Open House– 1170 Nursery Rd., Wellston.
  • 11am-3pm – Book Signings: Stanley and Buck at Hoot & Honey Bookstore- 358 River St.
  • 1-2pm – 20 Years of Land Banking in Michigan Celebration at Wagoner Community Center- 260 St. Mary’s Pkwy.
  • 2-2:45pm – “The Birds of America” Page Turning & Tea Party with Mayor Sullivan at the Manistee County Main Library- 95 Maple St.
  • 6-9pm – Sip & Paint Party  “First Street Beach” at The Purple Paint Brush- 338 River St. Reservations are required, seating is limited, and cost is $35. 
  • 7-10pm – Beach Jam at First Street Beach featuring live music by The Downtowners. BYOB & chairs.
  • 10:30pm – Fireworks over Lake Michigan. Best seen at First Street Beach.

Saturday

  • 9am-5pm – Manistee Firecracker 5k Run/Walk at Manistee Middle/High School- 525 12th St. 
  • 10am-2pm – Free Family Day at The Tabernacle– 77 Hancock St. Event includes games, prizes, hot dog lunch, cotton candy, snow cones, bounce houses, and more. 
  • 10am-2pm – Bubble Party at the Manistee County Library- 77 Hancock St.
  • 11am-1pm – Book Signings: Kruspe at Hoot & Honey Bookstore.
  • 12-3pm – Henna Tattoos at The Purple Paintbrush
  • 1-3pm – Little Big Shots Talent Show in the Lions Pavilion at First Street Beach. Children ages 4-16 will be on stage displaying their talents of singing, dancing, gymnastics, playing the piano and other musical instruments, and even a stand-up comedy performance. 
  • 1-3pm – Bluey Party at Hoot & Honey Bookstore.
  • 4pm – Framed Digital Painting Giveaway Drawing at ruddiblush- 321 River St. The store will be giving out chances to win a framed digital painting all week.
  • 6-9pm – Live music featuring i.am.james at the First Street Beach Gazebo.

Sunday

  • 8am-1pm – MAPS Traditional Pancake Breakfast at MMHS Commons- 525 12th St. Proceeds benefit Manistee’s Paine Aquatic Center. Cost is $8 for Adults, $6 for ages 5-12, and Free for Kids under 5.
  • 1pm – Scottville Clown Band Performance at the First Street Beach Beer Garden.
  • 1-3pm – USA Made Trunk Show at The Piping Plover- 385 River St. Discover The Piping Plover’s collection of American Made garments and gifts, from brands like Revir, Kylie Paige, Ariella USA, NLT, Emerson & Oliver, Token Jewelry, Riley Ray Clay and Lief Design.
  • 1-5pm – Free Manistee Saints vs Fulton Sultans Baseball double header at Reitz Park- 1010 Forest Ave. 

Events Happening Over Multiple Days

  • Wednesday-Saturday – Drop in Pottery Painting with Half-Off Firing Fees at The Purple Paint Brush. Wednesday and Thursday from 2-8pm, Friday from 11am-4pm, and Saturday from 11am-6pm. Choose from our wide variety of pottery shapes and glazes. Prices vary. 
  • Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-Dusk – Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo, sponsored by Dr. Shrink, Inc.
  • Wednesday-Saturday from 10am-Dusk – Madkat Taggers GelBall 
  • Friday & Saturday from 11am-2pm – Self-Guided Tours and Open House at Guardian Angels Church- 371 5th St. Committee members will be present to answer questions. Photography is encouraged. 
  • Saturday & Sunday – World of Arts & Crafts at Red Szymarek Park- 106 Charter Ct., Manistee. 
  • Wednesday-Saturday from 12-5pm – Framed Digital Painting Giveaway at ruddiblush- 321 River St. The store will be giving out chances to win a framed digital painting all week.
  • Daily from 9am-Dusk – Festival Marketplace at First Street Beach. 
  • Daily from 12pm-Dusk – Anderson Midway Carnival at First Street Beach.
  • Daily at 12pm, 3pm, & 6pm – Timber Art Chainsaw Carvings at First Street Beach.
  • Daily from 1-6pm – Walk-In tattoo and piercing specials at Clean Lines Tattoo Company LLC – 336 River St.

Stay tuned for information on the 2025 Manistee National Forest Festival!

Experience Manistee

There’s so much to see and do in Manistee! Read the stories below or go to the Manistee destination page.

The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.

Manistee has the unique combination of beauty, history and nature, which attracts visitors from all over and inspires many to call it home.

For more information on the Manistee Forest Festival, please contact the event organizer:

Manistee Chamber of Commerce

11 Cypress St., Manistee, MI 49660

231-723-2575

manisteeforestfestival.com

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