It is hard to believe it is the middle of May already. I’m just glad we are going to have warmer weather and sunshine this weekend… at least that is what is expected. I’m going to assume this is the case and send you outdoors, for the most part, for some great Up North events for my Weekend Fun Five.
Now, I always say, “Five o’clock on Friday afternoon IS the weekend.” However, you don’t have to wait till the weekend for this one. The 66th Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival will start on Thursday and go through Sunday. Most of the events will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Park in downtown Boyne City. Here is the itinerary for the festival, which also can be found on the festival website: bcmorelfestival.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 14, 2026:
• 3-10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival, Veteran’s Memorial Park
FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026:
• 12 – 6pm: Arts & Crafts Show + Food Trucks, Veterans Memorial Park
• 3 – 10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival, Veteran’s Memorial Park
• 3:00 – 4:30pm: FREE Morel Seminar: Morel hunting seminar presented by Tony Williams, five-time winner of the “National Competitive Hunt.” Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park
• 5:30 – 9:30pm: Morel Wine & Dine. This event sells out every year so reserve tickets early online or by calling 231.582.6222, $115 per person.
• 7 – 10pm: Yankee Station Performs, $10 Admission. 21+ older with cash bar. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.
SATURDAY, MAY 16, 2026:
• 7:30 – 8:40am: Registration for 66th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt, Boyne City High School
• 8 am – Noon: Farmers Market, Veterans Memorial Park
• 9 -11am: 66th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt, Boyne City High School
• 10am – 6pm: Arts & Crafts Show + Food Trucks, Veterans Memorial Park
• 10am – 4pm: Painting in the Park & Veteran’s Memorial Park behind Duncan Studios’ booth in the Arts & Crafts Show.
• 11am – 10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions, Veteran’s Memorial Park
• 12 – 2:30pm: TASTE OF MORELS, Premiere Event: Largest concentration of morel mushroom cooking in the WORLD. Local Chefs prepare morel-infused delicacies and compete for the top three winning dishes as voted on by a panel of Celebrity Judges. Cash bar available. $10 Admission with tasting tickets for purchase. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.
• 3 – 4:30pm: Lake Charlevoix Boat Cruise:
• 4 – 5pm: Great Morel Giveaway: Enter to win a pound of morels or a $50 gift certificate at multiple participating downtown businesses. Entries are free and can be made in advance at as many businesses you like. Drawings begin at 4pm at Freshwater Art Gallery and travel through downtown in the “Morel Mob” until drawings are done. Must be present to win.
• 2026 Great Morel Giveaway Participating Businesses – Coming Soon
• 5:30 – 7pm: Lake Charlevoix Boat Cruise:
• 7 – 11pm: 66th MOTHERLOAD BASH with Derailed Performing, $10 Admission. 21+ older with cash bar. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.
SUNDAY, MAY 17, 2026:
• 12 – 3pm: Paint & Sip with Duncan Studios: Create a one-of-a-kind Michigan Morel painting with detailed instruction by artist Dan Duncan, complimentary glass of wine or beer, $60 per person, Duncan Studios.
• Pre-registration is required, plus a picture of the painting found here.
• 12 – 3pm: Arts & Crafts Show, Veterans Memorial Park
• 12 – 5pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival, Veteran’s Memorial Park
Another great, family friendly outdoor event has to do with our State Stone. The 20th Annual Petoskey Stone Festival will take place this Saturday, starting at 10AM at Barnes Park Campground in Eastport. You’ll find handmade rock creations, a kid’s trout fishing pond, the Wild World Adventure Petting Zoo, live music by Kenny Thompson, stone skipping contest, Petoskey Stone Hunt, the Search & Rescue Demo or Flyover, Skegemog Raptor Center Presentation, and much more. Head to petoskeystonefestival.com for complete details.
Do you enjoy a good car show? If so, Gaylord will be the place to be. The Alpen-Car Show, will start Saturday at 8AM and will go till 1P at the Otsego County Sportsplex in Gaylord. See all the amazing variety of cars while enjoying the delicious eats from the various food trucks, plus, music and a whole lot of fun. Go to GaylordChamber.com for more details.
Looking to have your wardrobe look and feel more like summer? Well, get some inspiration from the Traverse City Fashion Weekend 2026, this Friday throught Sunday in downtown Traverse City. Celebrating all things local, slow, and sustainable, get ready to juice up your wardrobe. Friday will be the Sustainable Fashion Show at 6PM at ECCO space. Saturday will be Mega Market Day from 11AM-6PM in the atrium of Front Row Centre. Then, Sunday will be the Clothing Swap from 11am-2pm at slip.vintage. The show is $32/person at mynorthtickets.com on the events page. Market day is free.
One final event for the Weekend Fun Five… the 6th Annual Zoo-de-Mack! This event goes from Friday till Sunday, starting at The Highlands at Harbor Springs. The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a weekend of huge parties with great bands, one of the most scenic bicycle rides in the country, a lot of sunshine, views of the mighty Mackinac Bridge, and one magical island. This is NOT a Race! The Zoo-de-Mackinac is a collection of outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy a little physical exercise together in one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan. (51 miles). For complete details including registration info, click here.
Have a great, warm and sunny weekend,
John Kelly
