Join us downtown Grayling the last full week of July as we celebrate the AuSable River Canoe Marathon and Festival! The events kick off on July 18th and keep going until the night of the ARCM Race on July 26th. We have events for everyone - Crafts Show, Car Show, Kids Day, Main Stage and even our own HUP Race. Come check out what our Rivertown has to offer!

Schedule Of Events

July 18, 2025

5:30pm to 8:00pm : 14th Annual Car Show Cruise Night

Rev Up the Fun!

Join us for an evening of great vibes and classic rides!

5:30 PM : Savor delicious food and refreshments while mingling with fellow enthusiasts.

7:00 PM : Hit the road as we kick off the cruise at Northstar Auto Wash, cruising through a scenic route that wraps up at the Grayling Country Club.

For more details, reach out to Dan Mygrants at 989.745.5880. Don't miss this exciting night of food, friends, and fabulous cars!

Location : Northstar Auto Wash, 6438 W. M-72 Hwy, Grayling, MI 49738

July 19, 2025

10:00am to 2:00pm : AuSable River Festival: Classic Car and Truck Show

39th Annual Show 

Best Of Show Mayor's Choice Queen's Choice Best Of Divisions Many More! Our Classic Car Show will feature four independent judges, each evaluating every vehicle on four key aspects: engine, paint, interior, and exterior. Each judge will assign a score, and the total score for each vehicle will be calculated by combining the scores from all four judges. These combined scores will determine the winners of our coveted Best of awards. Music brought to you by Free Wheelin' Fred, 50/50 Raffle, Over 40 trophies. Registration :$20

7-10am : Registration 

10:15am : Voting Begins 

1pm : 50/50 Pulled 

2pm : Awards

Location : 200-400 blocks of Michigan Avenue, Grayling MI 49738

July 22, 2025

10:00am to 2:00pm : AuSable River Festival: Kids Day

Come And Join Us For Camp Kid's Day

Join us for a fun filled day in the City Park! This event is completely free to attend! Tons of activities and goodies in the park, hot dog lunch, contests, games, and more!

10am : Event Begins & All activity booths open

11:30-1:30 : Hot Dog Lunch available (1 per child)

1:30pm : Hoola Hoop Contest (3 age categories)

2pm : Event Ends

Location : Grayling City Park, 213 James St, Grayling MI

July 23, 2025

6:00pm : AuSable River Festival: HUP Race

Join us for the HUP Race! Grab your kit, build your boat, and see if you can make it down the mighty AuSable!

Teams compete head-to-head in a test of creativity, engineering, and sheer paddling prowess, as they race their homemade boats down the scenic AuSable River. Will your boat speed to the finish or sink in spectacular fashion? Six coveted trophies are up for grabs, recognizing not just speed but also style and creativity. Awards include categories for time achievements, the Miss AuSable Queen's Choice, best team spirit, and the always-hilarious "Sinker Award" for the most epic water fail. Gather your crew, bring your ingenuity, and join us for this unforgettable race full of laughter, excitement, and friendly competition!

Location : Grayling City Park , 213 James St, Grayling, MI

July 24, 2025

11:00 AM - 8:00 PM :  Street Eats  

Our Food court takes place on Michigan Ave amongst our Downtown Businesses that include unique retail, local art, specialty food, coffee shops, breweries and restaurants. Not to mention our Festival Events including a Beer Tent, Arts and Crafts Show, Vendor Booths, and of course the start of the AuSable River Canoe Marathon! 

Location : 100 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI

5:00 PM - 10:30 PM : AuSable River Festival: Brew Ave 

Join us for Brew Ave during the AuSable River Festival! Drinks purchased from our beer tent must be consumed within our barricaded area - no outside alcoholic drinks shall enter our barricaded area and no alcoholic drinks purchased within our area are to exit the barricades. This is due to the liquor licensing between the AuSable River Festival and the Downtown Social District.

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI

5:00 PM - 10:30 PM : AuSable River Festival: Main Stage

Join us downtown among the Beer Tent during the AuSable River Festival for Three Days Of Live Music!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI

July 25, 2025

10AM-8PM : AuSable River Festival Craft Show

Discover the magic of handmade treasures and unique finds at the AuSable River Festival’s Annual Craft Show in Grayling’s picturesque City Park! Join us for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and fun! With many vendors returning year after year, this beloved event offers something for everyone whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, decor, or personal treat. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship and community!

Location : Grayling City Park, 213 James St, Grayling MI

12:00 PM - 11:59 PM : AuSable River Festival: Brew Ave

Join us for Brew Ave during the AuSable River Festival! Drinks purchased from our beer tent must be consumed within our barricaded area - no outside alcoholic drinks shall enter our barricaded area and no alcoholic drinks purchased within our area are to exit the barricades. This is due to the liquor licensing between the AuSable River Festival and the Downtown Social District.

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM : Grayling High School Marching Band on the AuSable Main Stage!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM : 2nd Hand Entertainment on the AuSable Main Stage

Join 2nd Hand Entertainment on the AuSable Main Stage for a great time

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI - AuSable Main Stage

4:30 PM - 6:30 PM : Zie on the AuSable Main Stage

Join Zie (plus a few extras!) on the AuSable Main Stage for a great time! Enjoy drinks from our Brew Ave beer tent while you soak in the atmosphere. 

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave, Grayling MI - AuSable Main Stage

5:00 PM - 10:30 PM : AuSable River Festival: Main Stage

Join us downtown among the Beer Tent during the AuSable River Festival for Three Days Of Live Music!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI

July 26, 2025

9AM - 6PM : AuSable River Festival Craft Show

Discover the magic of handmade treasures and unique finds at the AuSable River Festival’s Annual Craft Show in Grayling’s picturesque City Park! Join us for a weekend of shopping, creativity, and fun! With many vendors returning year after year, this beloved event offers something for everyone whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, decor, or personal treat. Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of craftsmanship and community!

Location : Grayling City Park, 213 James St, Grayling MI

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM : AuSable River Festival: GRA 5K/10K

CHECK IN: July 26, 2025 from 7:30 to 8:30 am at Hanson Hills Recreation Area

RACE START: 10K - 9:00am 5K - 9:05am

RAFFLE: All participants entered to win a pair of running shoes courtesy of Northbound Outfitters

AWARDS: Overall Male and Female Awards, Participant Medal, Custom T-Shirt to first 150 participants

Click Here For Registration

Location : Grayling Recreation Authority-Hanson Hills Recreation Area, 7601 Old Lake Rd Grayling, MI 49738

12:00 PM - 11:59 PM : AuSable River Festival: Brew Ave

Join us for Brew Ave during the AuSable River Festival! Drinks purchased from our beer tent must be consumed within our barricaded area - no outside alcoholic drinks shall enter our barricaded area and no alcoholic drinks purchased within our area are to exit the barricades. This is due to the liquor licensing between the AuSable River Festival and the Downtown Social District.

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM : Aldrich & Co. on the AuSable Main Stage

Join Aldrich & Co on the AuSable Main Stage! Aldrich is an organic, dynamic one-man-band experience! He blends powerful vocals with pulsing foot percussion and rhythmic acoustic guitar to create an encompassing soundscape filled with folk, rock, pop and blues influences. When joined by his friends, they become Aldrich & Co, adding rich layers to his already full sound. Expect harmonies, instrumental flourishes, and an overwhelmingly happy vibe!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI - AuSable Main Stage

5:00 PM - 10:30 PM : AuSable River Festival: Main Stage

Join us downtown among the Beer Tent during the AuSable River Festival for THREE DAYS of LIVE MUSIC!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM : Yankee Station on the AuSable Main Stage!

Join us at the AuSable Main Stage! Yankee Station is a dynamic five-piece band that has been energizing northern Michigan’s music scene since the early 2000’s. With over two decades together, they have become a staple in the region known for their diverse repertoire and exceptional performances. Each member brings a wealth of experience and talent contributing to the band’s tight knit sound and engaging stage presence.

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI

7:30 PM - 9:00 PM : Jelly Roll Blues Band on the AuSable Main Stage

Come check out Jelly Roll Blues Band on the Main Stage!

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave AuSable Main Stage Grayling, MI

7:30 PM - 11:30 PM : Nameless Performing on the AuSable Main Stage!

Brought to you by 98.5 UPS, Nameless is coming to the AuSable Main Stage Friday night! 

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave AuSable Main Stage Grayling, MI

9:30 PM - 11:30 PM : The Ride on the AuSable Main Stage!

The Ride is coming to the AuSable Main Stage to close out the AuSable River Festival weekend! 

Location : 200 Block of Michigan Ave Grayling, MI - AuSable Main Stage

Date : July 18-26, 2025

Location : Various Venues in Grayling, MI

Click Here For More Information