As we start the first weekend in August, it doesn’t seem like summer is slowing down at all! Such variety! What can we expect this weekend? Well… a variety of events.
First, the 50th Annual Boyne Falls Polish Festival will be going on Thursday, July 31st through Sunday, August 3rd. Here are some of the day-to-day activities…
Local’s Night Thursday
- 5pm: Concessions Open
- 5pm: Local’s Night in Polka Tent Opens/Tent Theme 80s Party
- 6pm: Car Show
- Bands: Yankee Station from 6-9pm, and a crowd favorite Derailed will return to play from 9pm-12am.
Youth Day Friday
- 10am-2pm: FREE Youth Day Games and activities
- 11am: Polka Tent Opens – Music begins at Noon/Tent Theme Hat Night
- 11am: Concessions Open
- 1pm: Youth Bike Parade
- 3pm: Bump-N-Run Pits Open
- 7pm: Bump-N-Run Green Flag Drops
- Bands: Kowalski Brothers Polka Band 12-3pm | Kielbasa Kings Polka Band 3-6pm | The Mix 6-9pm. Welcoming back another fan favorite Family Tradition from 9pm-12am!
Family Day Saturday
- 8am: 5k presented by the Boyne Falls Cross Country
- 11am: Polka Tent Opens – Music begins at Noon/Tent Theme 50th Anniversary Golden Night
- 11am: Concessions Open
- 11am: Grand Royale Parade
- 1:30pm & 3:30pm: Lumberjack Shows
- 2:30pm: Cornhole Tournament Registration
- 3:00pm: Cornhole Tournament Starts
- Bands: Kielbasa Kings Polka Band 12-3pm | The Mix 3-6pm | New Generation 6-9pm. Meet Ty Parkin and the Old Souls who are a country music band with a classic but modern sound! Starting at 9pm and goes till 12am!
Family Day Sunday
- 9am: Mass celebrated under the Polka Tent
- 11am: Concessions Open
- 12-4pm: Hudson Township Hall Bingo
- 12pm: Polka Tent Opens/Tent Theme Country Night
- 12pm: 4-Wheel Drive Mud Run
- Bands: Virgil Baker 12-3pm | Rod Loper 6-7pm.And singer songwriter, Waylon Hanel, will be closing this fantastic weekend off from 7pm till 10pm with classic country music.
If you enjoy blueberries, then the Harrietta Blueberry Festival will take place this Saturday, starting at 8AM. There will be live music, pie eating & t-shirt contests, a quilt raffle, & a fire hose spray provide entertainment. Artisans will line the streets and fill the Village Hall to offer their goods for sale. The highlight of the day is the Leo Porter Memorial Parade, featuring local leaders, sponsors, & various floats.
There will be some incredible sales to be had this weekend. Let’s do two for the price of one… Both Traverse City and Harbor Springs will have their Downtown Sales. First, you’ll be able to shop the best deals of the season during Harbor Springs’ Sidewalk Sales this Friday and Saturday, as local stores offer unbeatable summer discounts on everything you’ve been eyeing. Whether you’re shopping for home decor, fashion, or something special, there’s a deal waiting for you! Make it a weekend of fun, shopping, and great finds! Rain or shine… AND… don’t miss out on this Downtown tradition since 1958, the Traverse City Downtown Street Sale. The street shuts down, merchants will set up displays right on the street, and the shopping will go strong from sun up to sundown. Score some deals, find covetable gifts, and get out and about in the energetic vibes of downtown TC. Located on Front Street between Union Street and Park.
On the hunt for a great antique find or two? Stop by the 22nd Annual Petoskey Antiques Show, this Saturday, 9-5 & Sunday, 10-4, at the Emmet County Fairgrounds! This event will feature more than 120 antique dealers from across the U.S. Admission is $10 per version, with under 16 getting in free. Admission is good for both days with is great if you go on Saturday, but realized on Sunday you wanted to go back and get the antique you were on the fence about. Food and refreshments are available on site from the food trucks. Most dealers will take a credit card, but some don’t, so it always a good idea to bring cash.
Last but most certainly not least, the 2025 Elk Rapids Harbor Days, is going on in Downtown Elk Rapids. Here are a list of event to choose from now through Saturday…
Wednesday:
- Arnold’s Amusement Carnival. 4:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
- Evening on River Street – Sweetwater Blues Band. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- HARBOR DAYS Opening Ceremonies. 7:00 p.m.
Thursday:
- Art and Craft Show. 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Food Trucks – Located in Veterans Park. 4:00 p.m. -9:00 p.m
- Arnold’s Amusement Carnival. 4:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m.
- Car Show by the Bay. 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friday:
- Farmers Market. 8 a.m. – Noon
- Food Trucks – Located in Veterans Park. 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Kids Crafts, Foam Party, Mermaid Interaction and Ice Cream! 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Cornhole Tournament Registration from 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
- Pet Show – Registration @ 3:00 p.m. – Show @ 4:00 p.m.
- Arnold’s Amusement Carnival – 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
- Cornhole Tournament – 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Saturday:
- Rotary Roundup Breakfast (Located at Hertha). 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
- Rotary Roundup BBQ and Cash Bar – (Located at Hertha).11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Food Trucks – Located in Veterans Park. 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
- Mutt Strut Dog Parade – Down River Street. 11:30 a.m.
- Grande Parade – Down River Street at noon
- Arnold’s Amusement Carnival – Noon till 11:00 p.m.
- Paddlebuoy/Paddleboard Races Harbor Days on Elk River – 3:00 p.m.
- Boat lighting contest & display. Dusk
- Zambelli International Fireworks – 10:00 p.m.
Have fun and enjoy the sunshine this weekend. Only a month of summer left!
