Schedule Of Events

July 2, 2025

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM : A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt

We’re hiding small Pure Manistee tokens all around the store - find one and win a prize! Limit 1 prize per person, while supplies last.

Location : Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel

60 minute shows every day of the festival at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.

Location : Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - Dusk : Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag

Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located in the Marketplace at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes

Experience the thrill of axe throwing with Tapped Axes! Open 12PM-5PM on July 2-4 & 6, and open 3PM-8PM on July 5.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

3:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

4:00 PM - Dusk :  Anderson Midway Carnival

Kick off the festivities with rides, games, food, and family fun at the Anderson Midway Carnival!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Manistee Harbor Tours: Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing 2-hour sunset cruise on the Manistee waterfront as the holiday celebrations begin.

Location: 428 River Street (on the River Boardwalk)

July 3, 2025

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM : Manistee National Forest Open House

Come see what we do in the Forest Service. Learn about wildlife, botany, forestry, silviculture, archaeology, recreation, and fire. Tour the historic Chittenden Nursery. Activities for kids. Meet Smokey Bear! Spray a fire hose!

Location: Chittenden Nursery, 1170 Nursery Rd., Wellston, MI

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM : A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt

We’re hiding small Pure Manistee tokens all around the store — find one and win a prize! Limit 1 prize per person, while supplies last.

Location: Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - Dusk : Whispering Pines Petting Zoo

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly petting zoo with animals from Whispering Pines. Free to attend!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel

60 minute shows every day of the festival at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Sandcastle Story Time at 5th Avenue Beach

Join Miss Angie from the Manistee County Library for beachside stories and playtime with the library’s beach toys.

Location: 5th Avenue Beach, 108 Lakeshore Drive, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - Dusk :  Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag

Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located in the Marketplace at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes

Experience the thrill of axe throwing with Tapped Axes! Open 12PM-5PM on July 2-4 & 6, and open 3PM-8PM on July 5.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM : “Birds of America” Page Turning & Tea Party

Explore a historic, pre-Civil War folio of The Birds of America. Includes a short history talk, live page turning, and refreshments.
Audience: Adults. Free admission.

Location: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street, Manistee MI

4:00 PM - Dusk : Anderson Midway Carnival

Rides, games, food, and fun for the whole family!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Fused Glass Wave Workshop

Create a beautiful fused glass wave suncatcher! We will walk you step-by-step through the entire creative process. 

Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee MI

7:00 PM - 7:45 PM :  Campfire Stories at the Story Park

Hear thrilling tales from Manistee’s past, including the Orchard Beach trolley disaster and the tallest man in the world.

Note: Bring your own chair/blanket. Library closed during event. Weather dependent.

Audience: Adults. Free and open to the public.

Location: Story Park, Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Manistee Harbor Tours: Fireworks Cruise

Enjoy a 2-hour sunset cruise with a perfect view of the fireworks show!

Location: 428 River Street (on the River Boardwalk)

10:30 PM : Fireworks over Lake Michigan

Celebrate Independence Day with a classic fireworks show over Lake Michigan!

Rain Date: Saturday, July 5th

Location: First Street Beach, Manistee, MI

July 4, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM : Free 5-Minute Face Paint

Free 5-minute face paint for kids! Quick and easy way to join the festivities of the day, right before the parade.

Location: The Piping Plover, 385 River Street, Manistee, MI

9:00 AM - 12:30 PM : Floats & Popcorn at The Vogue

Enjoy root beer and orange floats, plus fresh popcorn served for donation in front of the theatre—perfect before or after the parade!

Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee, MI

9:45 AM : Flag Raising Ceremony

The United Veterans Council will provide a flag raising ceremony prior to the Independence Day Parade.

Location: Corner of River Street and Division, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM :  Independence Day Parade

Celebrate a tradition dating back to the 1930s! The parade begins at Division Street and travels along River Street, ending at the Armory Youth Project.

Location: River Street, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - Dusk : Whispering Pines Petting Zoo

Visit a free, family-friendly petting zoo featuring animals from Whispering Pines.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM : A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt

We’re hiding small Pure Manistee tokens all around the store — find one and win a prize! Limit 1 prize per person, while supplies last.

Location: Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - 9:00 PM : Roots on the River - Kickoff Bash

After the parade, head to Veterans Memorial Park for a full day of live music, food trucks, lawn games, and local brews! This is the launch of the Roots on the River concert series (Thursdays in July & August).

Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM : Manistee Arts & Crafts Show

Browse handcrafted art, jewelry, decor, and gifts from regional artisans. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Location: Armory Youth Project, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel

60 minute shows every day of the festival at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - Dusk : Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag
Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located in the Marketplace at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Great Lakes Timber Show

Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.

Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes

Experience the thrill of axe throwing with Tapped Axes! Open 12PM-5PM on July 2-4 & 6, and open 3PM-8PM on July 5.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

1:00 PM - Dusk : Anderson Midway Carnival

Rides, games, food, and fun continue with the Anderson Midway Carnival!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

3:00 PM : Great Lakes Timber Show

Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.

Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Riverside Toys: Free Game Play

Grab a table and enjoy FREE game play, with over 90 board games in-store! Adult supervision required.

Location: Riverside Toys, 389 River Street, Manistee MI

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM : Manistee Beach Signs - Sip & Paint Party

We will guide you step-by-step to create a painting of our beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline with a beach sign that you can customize with a short phrase, or your favorite beaches

Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee MI

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Manistee Harbor Tours: Fourth of July Cruise

Enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise on Lake Michigan to close out your Independence Day. Fireworks are scheduled for July 3, but the evening promises beauty and celebration.

Location: 428 River Street (on the River Boardwalk)

July 5, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:30 AM :  Manistee Firecracker 5K Run/Walk

The Fun Run begins at 8:15 AM and the 5K at 8:30 AM. Prizes will be held in 15 age divisions, with overall trophies to 1st Male and 1st Female and also 1st Masters (40+) Male and 1st Masters Female. All proceeds will go to the Manistee Community Track. Registration is $30 ($20 for Fun Run) until June 28th, t-shirt included. $35/$25 after June 28th.

Location: Manistee Middle/High School, 525 12th Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM : Forest Festival Family Day

Bring the whole family for a day filled with food, prizes, and fun, hosted by The Tabernacle.

Location: The Tabernacle Manistee Campus, 77 Hancock Street, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM : Manistee Arts & Crafts Show

Discover handcrafted goods from talented artisans. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and unique finds!

Location: Armory Youth Project, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM : A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt

We’re hiding small Pure Manistee tokens all around the store — find one and win a prize! Limit 1 prize per person, while supplies last.

Location: Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - 7:00 PM : Guardian Angels Church Historic Tour & Catholic Mass

Historic 1888 Guardian Angels Church is open for self-guided tours from 10am-2pm. The 110-year old pipe organ will provide musical entertainment inside, and the historic calliope will provide entertainment outside the church. Catholic Mass will be celebrated at 6:00pm inside the church.

Location: 371 5th Street, Manistee, MI

10:00 AM - Dusk : Whispering Pines Petting Zoo

Meet friendly animals at this free, family-friendly petting zoo.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel

60 minute shows every day of the festival at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM : Bluey Visits the Bookstore

Stop by to meet Bluey at the bookstore and say “Hello!” to this beloved character.

Location: Hoot & Honey Bookstore, 358 River Street, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - Dusk : Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag

Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located in the Marketplace at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Great Lakes Timber Show

Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.

Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM : Henna Tattoos & Face Painting

We will be offering kids face painting as well as all natural, temporary henna tattoos at the Purple Paintbrush studio.

Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM : 19th Annual 4th of July Cigar Event

Featuring CLE and Asylum cigars and event-only specials!

Location: Surroundings, 423 River Street, Manistee MI

12:00 PM - Dusk :  Anderson Midway Carnival

Enjoy a full day of rides, games, and treats at the carnival!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee MI

1:00 PM : Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow)

The LRBOI 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow) takes place July 5th & 6th, with Grand Entries at 1 PM and 7 PM on July 5th, and 12 PM on July 6th. Free camping with showers and bathrooms (first come, first served). This is a drug/alcohol-free event. No violence or politics. No dogs. The LRBOI is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Location: 2596 Loon Drive, Manistee MI

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM : Little Big Shots Talent Show

Hosted by the Manistee Blue Tigers Committee, the Little Big Shots program with performances by local youth ages 4 - 16, showing off their talent!

Location: Armory Youth Project, 555 First Street, Manistee MI

1:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Manistee American Legion Post 10: 3rd Annual Barbeque

Join the Manistee American Legion Post 10 for a FREE barbeque meal (donations recommended), open to legion members and non-members alike. Featuring live music, a cornhole tournament, silent auction items, and tap beer from Third Life Brewing (drink tickets available to purchase).'

Location: 10 Mason St, Manistee MI

3:00 PM : Great Lakes Timber Show

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM : Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes

Experience the thrill of axe throwing with Tapped Axes! Located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. Open 12PM-5PM on July 2-4 & 6, and open 3PM-8PM on July 5.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Riverside Toys: Free Slot Car Racing

Come try out slot car racing at Stewie’s raceway for some Free Family Fun! Adult supervision required.

Location: Riverside Toys, 389 River Street, Manistee MI

6:00 PM : Great Lakes Timber Show

Free, 30 minute shows on July 4th and July 5th at 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. Put on your plaid and get ready for the Great Lakes Timber Show! Featuring chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping, one and two-man crosscut sawing, modified chainsawing, log rolling and loads of clean humor for the entire family.

Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI

6:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

7:00 PM - 11:00 PM : Manistee Beach Jam, featuring Working on Famous

Come rock out at the 2025 Manistee Beach Jam with Working on Famous! This is a BYOB event.

Location: First Street Beach, Manistee MI

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Manistee Harbor Tours: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise

Cap off your day with a peaceful 2-hour sunset cruise. While fireworks were on July 3, the view will still be spectacular.

Location: 428 River Street (on the River Boardwalk)

July 6, 2025

8:00 AM - 1:00 PM : MAPS Traditional Pancake Breakfast

Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes & sausage, served with butter, syrup, coffee, or juice.

Location: Manistee Middle/High School, 525 12th Street, Manistee, MI

Cost: $10 per person

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Riverside Toys: Free Slot Car Racing

Come try out slot car racing at Stewie’s raceway for some Free Family Fun! Adult supervision required.

Location: Riverside Toys, 389 River Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM : A Red, White & Boom Shop Scavenger Hunt

We’re hiding small Pure Manistee tokens all around the store — find one and win a prize! Limit 1 prize per person, while supplies last.'

Location: Pure Manistee Gifts, 333 River Street, Manistee MI

10:00 AM - Dusk : Whispering Pines Petting Zoo

Come see a wide variety of fun animals at this free petting zoo, perfect for the whole family!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM : Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel

60 minute shows every day of the festival at 11AM, 2PM, and 5PM, located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. You’ve never seen an act like this: it’s Twiggy the Water Skiing Squirrel! Come meet the little legend and watch Twiggy catch some waves.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

11:00 AM - Dusk : Madkat Taggers: Gel Ball Tag

Come enjoy a family-friendly game of gel-ball tag, located in the Marketplace at Douglas Park! Open every day of the festival from 11:00 AM to Dusk. $5 per game per person.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Benzie Area RC Club Air Show

Watch a spectacular sky show featuring radio-controlled model aircraft! Free admission and fun for all ages. This is a free show.

Location: Douglas Park Softball Field, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Timber Art: Chainsaw Carvings

Timber Art chainsaw carvings every day of the festival at 12PM, 3PM, and 6PM!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM : Little River Band of Ottawa Indians (LRBOI) 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow)

The LRBOI 29th Annual Jiingtamok (Powwow) takes place July 5th & 6th, with Grand Entries at 1 PM and 7 PM on July 5th, and 12 PM on July 6th. Free camping with showers and bathrooms (first come, first served). This is a drug/alcohol-free event. No violence or politics. No dogs. The LRBOI is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

Location: 2596 Loon Drive, Manistee MI

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Axe Throwing with Tapped Axes

Experience the thrill of axe throwing with Tapped Axes! Located at Douglas Park in the Marketplace. Open 12PM-5PM on July 2-4 & 6, and open 3PM-8PM on July 5.

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Anderson Midway Carnival

Enjoy rides, games, food, and family fun at the carnival!

Location: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI

1:00 PM & 3:15 PM :  Manistee Saints v. Fulton: Baseball Home Game

Join the Manistee Saints for their home match again the Fulton Sultans! Two total games will be played, the first at 1PM and the second at 3:15PM.

Location: Kliber Field at Rietz Park, Manistee, MI

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM : Scottville Clown Band Concert

A local favorite! Bring your chairs and refreshments for this humorous and energetic performance.

Location: Lions Pavilion, Douglas Park (First Street Beach), Manistee, MI

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM : Manistee Harbor Tours: Lake Michigan Sunset Cruise

Close out the Forest Festival with a tranquil 2-hour cruise along the Manistee waterfront.

Location: 428 River Street (on the River Boardwalk), Manistee, MI

Date : July 2-6, 2025

Location : Various Venues in Manistee, MI

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