4th of July on Mackinac Island
2023-07-04 12:00 (America/Toronto)
4th of July festivities on the island begin with a Stoneskipping Competition at Windermere Point, followed by fun family games in the afternoon, and two fireworks displays that will go off simultaneously at dusk. There is a lot of fun to be had throughout the day at island attractions and businesses. Join in the Independence Day celebrations!

W.T. Rabe Stone Skipping Competition
2023-07-04 12:00
Join us for this fun annual event held on the 4th of July! Professional stone skippers will bring their best skipping skills and compete for the much coveted trophy! There will also be a Gerplunking Division (ages 5 & under), a Pebbles Division (ages 6-12), and an Open Division (ages 13 & up). Professionals register prior to the event by contacting Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau. All other divisions can register on the day of the event.

9:00 am: Registration begins

10:00 am: Gerplunkers, Pebbles and Open divisions simultaneously start

12:00 pm: Pro division starts

July 4th Fireworks Display
2023-07-04 12:00
Celebrate Independence Day in a big way with two sparkling fireworks displays going off simultaneously! Fireworks start at dusk – about 10:00 pm.

Bayview Mackinac Race
2023-07-15 12:00 - 2023-07-18 12:00
Since the first Mackinac Race in 1925, Bayview Yacht Club has hosted this spectacular annual fresh water event which has attracted intrepid sailors from around the globe. The first fleet of only nine boats was battered by strong winds and only three finished. Today, Bayview hosts more than two hundred fifty racing yachts for the annual trek from Port Huron to Mackinac Island. Whether sailing the traditional shore course or the longer Cove Island or South Hampton course, it is an exciting and challenging adventure and sailors must face every conceivable type of challenge Mother Nature can present. From big waves and high wind to black flies and intolerable heat, the sailors press on to finish yet another Mackinac Race.

Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac
2023-07-22 12:00 - 2023-07-25 12:00
The world’s longest freshwater sailing event and is recognized as one of the most prestigious sailing races in the world. Today, sailors from Maine to California make this race an invariable part of their summer.

For more information please visit: www.cycracetomackinac.com

Vintage Base Ball
2023-07-29 12:00
A vintage game of “base ball” as it was meant to be played, barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules on the old Fort Mackinac ball field behind Fort Mackinac, the oldest continually used ball field in Michigan! Learn an old-fashioned cheer, watch players fined for smoking cigars on the field, and enjoy a good old-fashioned rivalry! We welcome back the Portland Blue Sox for the 2023 match! Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House.

Admission by donation.

2023 Fudge Festival
2023-08-25 12:00 - 2023-08-27 12:00
Welcome to the fudge capital of the world!

For an entire weekend the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival celebrates the Island’s most famous treat and features a number of fudge-related, fun, family events! Activities include fudge-making demonstrations, fudge inspired food and cocktails, an outdoor movie, family games, and more!

New activities are planned for this year’s festival including a Fudge Quest, chance to be a fudge maker for the day, and fudge-olympics!

Eight Mile Run & Walk
2023-09-09 12:00
Join us for this exciting, summer-ending event. You will experience Mackinac Island in one of the oldest and most scenic races in Michigan. The Island is a unique destination that can only be reached by ferry. Step back in time to a bygone era where travel is done by foot, bicycle, carriage or horse. With over 2,500 runners and walkers, this is definitely a race you and your family will never forget!

CourseThe Start Line is located in front of Mission Point Resort, and the course will follow the perimeter of Mackinac Island in a clock-wise direction. The first mile of the race will travel 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! The Finish Line is located along the shores in the park out front of Mission Point Resort.

Mackinac Island Pride Festival Weekend
2023-09-14 12:00 - 2023-09-17 12:00

Republican Leadership Conference
2023-09-22 12:00 - 2023-09-24 12:00

Mackinac Island’s Halloween Weekend
2023-10-27 12:00 - 2023-10-29 12:00
Halloween comes earlier on Mackinac Island – the weekend of October 27-29! This weekend typically marks the last big weekend before most island businesses close for the season. Celebrate Halloween with the Great Turtle Trail Run, trick-or-treating for kids through downtown shops, and Halloween costume parties for adults throughout island establishments in the evening.

Great Turtle Trail Run & Half Marathon
2023-10-28 10:30 - 16:00
One of the most scenic trail events in the state. We have a capacity of 3,500 participants running and walking the inside trails of Mackinac Island during the last open weekend of the season.

All who register will enjoy special race features – commemorative medals, a race shirt in Great Turtle fashion, special Halloween events for adults and kids, great end-of-season sales – plus the beauty of late fall on the Island.

For more information and to register for this race, visit: www.runmackinac.com.

Fort 2 Fort 5-Mile Challenge
2024-05-13 08:00 - 09:00
Join us for this fun race on Mackinac Island! Proceeds help support the Mackinac Historic State Parks!

The race starts with a blast of the rifles at Fort Mackinac, takes a winding route up to Fort Holmes, and back down to a finish behind Fort Mackinac next to the scout barracks.

Register and find more information at: www.runmackinac.com.

Mackinac Island and Tulip Festivals Tour
2025-05-08 00:00 - 2025-05-14 23:59
A tour encompassing the Holland, MI, and Orange City, IA, Tulip Festivals, a Mississippi Riverboat Cruise, and two nights on Mackinac Island.

Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
2025-06-06 00:00 - 2025-06-15 23:59
A ten-day celebration featuring parades, concerts, and the blooming lilacs. The Lilac Parade is scheduled for June 15 at 4:00 PM.

4th of July Celebrations
2025-07-04 00:00 - 23:59
Experience an unforgettable Independence Day on Mackinac Island with patriotic parades, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display over the water. Enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the day, including historical reenactments, festive street performances, and classic American treats from local vendors. Whether you’re watching the fireworks from the shoreline or a boat, this is one of the island’s most iconic summer events.
