Communities across the Upper Peninsula and Northern Michigan are gearing up for Fourth of July festivities, featuring fireworks and local festivals. Attendees can enjoy parades, live music, children’s games, and food vendors. Highlights include a pancake breakfast, a 5K run, and a petting zoo. For optimal fireworks viewing, head to the Marina at Bay Front of Haserot Park, Bluff Valley Park, or Charles Mears State Park.
Traverse City Region
July 4-6 | Best Fourth in the North | Fife Lake
Enjoy a long weekend of festivities at Fife Lake including a parade, farmer’s market, kids games, and fireworks at dusk on July 4.
July 4 | National Cherry Festival’s Fourth of July Fireworks | Traverse City
This patriotic show is a can’t-miss festival event, featuring a stunning display over Grand Traverse Bay. Recommended viewing spots include the Open Space Park, Clinch Park Marina, Bryant Park and the West End Beach.
Benzie & Leelanau Region
July 4 | Fireworks Over Crystal Lake | Beulah
Beulah’s celebration is packed with family-friendly fun, including kids’ games, the 5K Firecracker Run, and a dazzling fireworks display over Crystal Lake.
July 4 | Fourth of July Celebration | Frankfort
Frankfort’s celebration will feature a sand castle contest, parade, and other festivities, wrapping up with fireworks at dusk (or 10:30 p.m.).
July 4 | Fourth of July Fireworks | Northport
Nothing says summer like a beach day… and a great view of Northport’s fireworks! Head to the lawn of the Marina at Bay Front of Haserot Park around 10 p.m. for this patriotic display.
Cadillac, Manistee & Ludington Region
July 2-5 | Greatest Fourth in the North | Lake City
Lake City’s celebration is a local tradition dating back 60 years. Festivities begin with food trucks, vendors, a beverage tent, and family activities, leading up to the grand parade and fireworks over Lake Missaukee.
July 3-4 | Freedom Festival | Ludington
If you’re searching for unbeatable views and classic summer fun, then Ludington’s the place to be. This year’s Freedom Festival includes a pet parade, 1-mile dash, a grand parade, and fireworks over Lake Michigan at dusk.
July 2-6 | Manistee National Forest Festival | Manistee
From a carnival to the petting zoo and activities throughout the week, this Manistee festival is not to be missed. This year, catch the axe throwing contest, parade, Manistee Beach Jam, Scottville Clown Band concert, and fireworks over Lake Michigan at dusk.
July 3 | Pentwater Fireworks Show | Pentwater
Pentwater’s fireworks set off over Lake Michigan at the pier, inviting attendees to watch from Charles Mears State Park or with a front-row seat on your boat.
July 4 | Thunder Over the Dunes | Mears
Watch fireworks sparkle over Silver Lake Sand Dunes starting at about 10:30 p.m. You’ll see this gorgeous display from all around the dunes or the lake.
July 4-6 | Cadillac Freedim Festival | Cadillac
Enjoy events including a craft & vendor show, Independence Day Parade, Donkey-drawn Cart Rides with Bob the Burro, Kids Games and Activities, a Kids Splash Pad Pizza & Dance Party, Fire on the Water - a Veteran Tribute, a drone show, a fireworks show on July 5 and much more.
Charlevoix & The Chain of Lakes Region
July 3 | Shanty Creek’s Fireworks | Bellaire
Cozy up for fireworks over Lake Bellaire. The show will begin at about 9:30 p.m. or dusk behind Shanty Creek’s Lakeview Hotel.
July 3-4 | Fourth of July Festival | Boyne City
This Fourth of July festival is one of the best around, featuring a full slate of events from a craft show to the raft race and more festivities. Best of all, fireworks will set off over Lake Charlevoix around 10:30 p.m.
July 3 | Torch Lake Fireworks | Rapid City
Whether docking your boat at the Torch Lake Sandbar or watching from around the lake, this fireworks show is one for your bucket list.
July 4 | The Big Show Over The Little Village | Walloon Lake
Don’t miss live music in Village Green Park, kids’ activities, and fireworks over Walloon Lake starting at 10 p.m.
Kalkaska, Gaylord & Grayling Region
July 5 | Fireworks Over Otsego Lake | Gaylord
Gorgeous views of Gaylord’s fireworks are available from all around Otsego Lake starting at dusk.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs & The Straits Region
July 3 | Fourth of July Celebration | Bay Harbor
Don’t miss a performance by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band at the village’s Marina lawns around 8 p.m., followed by fireworks over Lake Michigan at dusk.
July 4 | Fourth of July Fireworks | Harbor Springs
This small, coastal town is a wonderful place to be on the fourth, with a parade, art in the park and fireworks over the harbor.
July 4 | Fourth of July on Mackinac Island | Mackinac Island
This beloved island celebration includes a stone-skipping competition at Windermere Point, star-spangled fun at Fort Mackinac and a double-feature fireworks display at dusk (or 10 p.m.).
July 4 | Mackinaw City Fourth of July | Mackinaw City
Start your evening with a concert at Conkling Heritage Park, followed by one of the largest fireworks displays in Northern Michigan.
July 4 | Brilliance Over the Bay | Petoskey
There’s no shortage of fun in Petoskey, from Grandpa Shorter’s Parade to the Million Dollar Sunset around 9:30 p.m. Then, fireworks will light up the sky over the bay at 10:30 p.m. Tip: find the best view at Petoskey’s Bayfront Park.
Mecosta County
July 4 | Mecosta County Fairgrounds | Big Rapids
The roughly 20-minute display will be accompanied by patriotic music
Above the Bridge
July 3 | Fourth of July at Les Cheneaux Islands | Cedarville
Enjoy live music and a Jersey Mud Eating contest, held behind the Ice Cream Shoppe on Cedarville Bay. Fireworks over the bay will follow at dusk.
July 3-4 | Light Up the Sky Celebration | Marquette
Marquette will set off fireworks from the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock on July 3. For the best view, head over to Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Then, for a sensory-friendly experience, catch the Laser Light Show the next day at the Ore Dock.
July 4 | Fireworks Over Keweenaw Bay | Baraga
Lumberjack Days in Baraga is an all-day celebration featuring a pancake breakfast, parade, live music, 5K run, children’s games and more activities, leading up to fireworks at dusk over Keweenaw Bay.
July 4 | Bessemer Blast | Bessemer
The Bessemer Blast is one of the Upper Peninsula’s biggest celebrations. On the fourth, catch the Giant Parade at 7 p.m. and a spectacular fireworks show at dusk, set off at Bluff Valley Park.
July 4 | South Range Fourth of July | South Range
Earlier in the day, don’t miss the flea market, cornhole tournament, children’s races and more activities. The parade takes off at 2 p.m., followed by live music from Super Suits at the Ballfield Pavilion, and fireworks at dusk.
July 4 | Fourth of July Celebration | Munising
Downtown Munising’s Independence Day is packed with fun activities, food vendors, contests, and a grand fireworks show at dusk.
July 4 | Fourth of July Fireworks | Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
Watch fireworks sparkle over the St. Marys River after dark. Brady Park is the recommended spot, but fireworks will be visible from both sides of the river.
July 4 | Fourth of July Party | St. Ignace
Celebrate Independence Day in downtown St. Ignace with a parade at 4 p.m., festivities at Little Bear East Arena, and fireworks at dusk.
July 5 | Fourth of July at Escanaba | Escanaba
Head to Ludington Park in Escanaba for an unforgettable fireworks display. Show up early for food vendors, a car show, a petting zoo, live music and more.
July 5 | Independence Day Celebration | Curtis
You’ll love this festive small-town party from the Biggest Little Town Parade to fireworks in front of the Erickson Center for the Arts.