Festivals and Activities in Benzie
Scroll down to view our Events Calendar. Choose by Topics or Dates. There are many reasons to Visit Benzie and Stay In Benzie. Below you will find a list of events in the Benzie Area which are hosted or sponsored by local groups and organizations. Because we are a 'Four Season Playground' you will find activities and events throughout the year.
Highlights through the year include:
Fallfest: Celebrate the colors of Northern Michigan hardwoods and Fall Harvesting in the Benzie Area. We are home to 30+ miles of Scenic M-22 and famous Pumpkin Carvers like Ed Moody. Visit our Fallfest page to learn more.
Winterfest : One of our winter celebrations in February with fun activities for kids and adults like the frozen fish toss--how far can you throw a frozen fish? Bonfires on the beach of Crystal Lake and Fireworks top it off. Fireworks in the snow--something special to see!
Coho Festival : Come celebrate the salmon run up our rivers, Betsie River and Platte River, in late August. Honor is considered the "Birthplace of Salmon" in Michigan. Learn more about Cohos and Kings by visiting the State Fish Hatchery and join the Fishing Frenzy to catch the biggest.
Frankfort Film Festival: A new addition to fall activities and another good reason to make plans for your Fall Color Tour in Northwest Michigan.
Shiver By The River: Another new addition to winter fun in our area. This event is held in Frankfort and hosts a Sno Cross Snowmobile racing event. Ice carvings, great food and fun! There is beauty along the shore of Lake Michigan in winter created by wind, waves, and cold temperatures.
More events, sponsored by the Benzie County Chamber, Frankfort-Elberta Chamber, and other local organizations, are listed on our Calendar below. Add your Event to our list.
These free hikes take place every Saturday & Sunday thru February or later, if conditions permit. Hikes start at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire at 1pm. If you do not have your own snowshoes, you can reserve and borrow a pair from the park, free of charge. A Park Ranger will lead everyone in their own cars to the trailhead of the day. Visitors should be prepared to be outside for about an hour & a half. Program concludes by 3p.m. back at the trailhead. Park Ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet proceed at a leisurely pace for .5 to 1.5 miles. This allows visitors an opportunity for discovery, adventure, and to look for signs of wildlife or evidence of ancient glaciers. and snowshoe loans are free. Participants only need purchase a park entrance pass or display an annual pass in their vehicle to join in the fun. Reservations not required, but suggested, if you wish to borrow snowshoes or are with a group.
Free hikes taking place every Saturday & Sunday thru February or later, if conditions permit. Hikes start at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center in Empire at 1pm. If you do not have your own snowshoes, you can reserve and borrow a pair from the park, free of charge. Park Ranger leads everyone in their own cars to the trailhead of the day. Program concludes by 3p.m. back at the trailhead. Park Ranger-led hikes are mildly strenuous, yet proceed at a leisurely pace for .5 to 1.5 miles. Participants only need purchase a park entrance pass or display an annual pass in their vehicle to join in the fun. Reservations are not required, but suggested, if you wish to borrow snowshoes or are with a group.
Hosted by Villa Marine Bar, 228 Main Street, Frankfort. 5pm. $10 entrance fee covers admission tobuffet and a silent auction of items donated by area businesses. All profits will fund Frankfort Elberta Chamber of Commerce Winter activities, such as Shiver by the River, the annual SnoCross event, and the Winter Recreation Committee. To donate an item for the silent auction, please bring it to the Chamber office at 517 Main St or call Joanne Bartley 231-352-7251.
Fishing Contest, Breakfast Buffet, Snowmobile Poker Run, Co-ed Softball Tournament, Face Painting, Horse Drawn Hay rides, Chili Cookoff, Frozen Face Race, Frozen Turkey Bowling, Parade, Frozen Fish Toss, Rubber Ducky Race, Fireworks on Crystal Lake at dusk with the music of Roger Russo after that! Sponsored by the Crystal Lake Community Business Association
Everyone - residents and non-residents alike - can fish without
a license, though all other fishing regulations apply. A number of activities at state parks and state fish hatcheries have been scheduled to coincide with the weekend, while clubs and conservation organizations stage events, too. Many provide free
equipment and bait. The events often include experienced anglers willing
to introduce novices into the joy of fishing. For a list of Free Fishing Events scheduled across the state, visit the DNRE website .
Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation. Sponsored by Lumberjack's Bar & Grill
2nd annual winter event in the Frankfort-Elberta area. Come out and play in the snow! A three-day Snocross Snowmobile event, a winter parade, Frozen bowling on Main St., snow play area with games and sledding, snow sculpture, kid's games & activities (indoor and out), kid's sled decorating contest, warming zones at City Hall, & the Chamber of Commerce, food, beer & warming zone at the Frankfort American Legion. Sponsored the Frankfort Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsored by the Benzie County Visitors Bureau
Hors-d'oeuvres, 50/50 Raffle, Door Prizes, $ Member Raffle (designated member representative must be present to win) $5 Donation.
Sponsored by Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar and Plumstead P.C.
More info coming soon!
Chuckwagon style dinner with BBQ beef, tators, cowboy baked beans, corn bread, applesause, and all the fixens served on a tin plate, plus Silent Auction, 50/50 raffle, and musical entertainment. Fundraiser for the Manistee County Fair.
Over $25,000 in cash and prizes open to anyone. 3 Divisions with Ladies Classic on Friday. Big Fish Only - Amateur Division - Pro Division.
