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.

Fresh Wind Christian Community Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction
freswindspag.jpg
March 20th, 2010
2pm to 6pm
Location: Cherry Bowl Diner, Honor
Phone: 231-882-7113

 

Help us Help Benzie. Celebrate Spring - Feed Benzie! Spaghetti dinner, Silent Auction, Easter Baskets for Sale, Crafts for Kids, Petting Zoo, Music! 2pm - 6pm. at the Cherry Bowl Diner in Honor. 100% of the proceeds go to support the Resource Ministry. In April 2009, 6 families in Benzie were served by the Fresh Wind Christian Community Food Pantry, and in December 2009, we helped to meet the food, clothing and spiritual needs of over 129 families! Suggested Donation: $6 adults, $3 Kids 5-12, or $20 per family.


Special Olympics Benefit Basketball Game
sheridanbenefit.jpg
March 20th, 2010
Time: 6pm
Location: Benzie Central High School
Contact Information:
Sonny Rodriguez
Phone: 989-493-1747

 

Being part of a team, trying your hardest, celebrating wins and sharing losses. These are some of the best parts of playing sports. For people with special needs or physical limitations, these opportunities are not possible without participating in Special Olympics. This event supports Benzie County Special Olympics Area 2. Game is between the Benzie County Sheriff Dept., state troopers,  TV 9&10 All Stars and the Benzie Special Olympics’ Basketball team. Tickets $5 adults, $3 students, kids under 10 free. A. Papano’s pizza by the slice, popcorn, soft drinks and bake sale also available. Tickets available in advance at Stapleton’s Corner Store, A.Papano’s in Beulah and at the Benzie Sheriff’s Department, as well as at the door the night of the game. Under the direction of coach Sonny Rodriguez, the Benzie chapter is now offering a year-round Special Olympics sports program for the first time in years. Open to anyone interested, regardless of ability, along with basketball in January, it now includes volleyball in March, softball in June and bowling in September. Bocce ball, poly hockey and bike riding are also being considered. All equipment, practice shirts and game uniforms are provided. :


7th Annual Cammy Potter Slopestyle Competition at Crystal Mountain
1266511504boarder_air_600w.jpg
March 21st, 2010
Time: 8am
Location: Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa, Thompsonville
Phone: . 800-YOUR-MTN ext 2000

Named in memory of former US Women’s Snowboard Team member and northern Michigan resident, Cammy Potter, who died of breast cancer at 35. Register prior to the event at the Snowsports Desk in the lower level of the Crystal Center. Race Day Itinerary: 8-10am: Registration in Northern Lights. 11am: Event Begins - Tuck's Terrain Park. Awards Ceremony: Lodge Deck - immediately after competition. Entry Fee: $20 per event. Discounted Lift Ticket (with proof of registration) - Adult (16+) - $40, Junior (9-15) - $25. All participants (18 and over) required to sign a Snowsports Release Form before participating. Parent/guardian must sign for minors


Benzie Chamber of Commerce hosts Community Townhall meeting on Asian Carp Threat
carpbanner.jpg
March 22nd, 2010
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Garden Theater, Frankfort
Phone: 231-882-5801

Experts and Legislators will present on this topic along with a question and answer period. This free event is open to all . Guest speakers currently include: R. Douglas Workman, Ph.D. Vice-President of Advanced Ecological Management Advanced Ecological Management, LLC and has been working as an environmental consultant for more that 16 years. Advanced Ecological Management is located in Reed City, Michigan and specializes in environmental assessments, threatened and endangered species surveys, wetland assessments and habitat restoration. Representative Dan Scripps who has been working on this issue from the legislative angle on both the State and National level


Christ in the Passover Meal
March 25th, 2010
6:30 pm to 8 pm
Location: New Hope Church Of Christ, Benzonia
Contact Information:
Cathy Bodell
Phone: 231/882-4820

What do the Jewish Passover and Jesus’ Last Supper have in common? That question
will be answered as New Hope Church Of Christ, 6868 South Street in Benzonia, presents "CHRIST IN THE PASSOVER"  in  partnership with Fresh Wind Christian Community. This presentation is open to all ages and includes a meal. There is no cost, but a free will offering will be taken, and seating is limited. Passover is the oldest religious festival that commemorates God’’s deliverance of the Jews from slavery in Egypt. The central focus of a Passover celebration is a community meal.  It will demonstrate how Jesus and His disciples were celebrating the Passover just before His crucifixion and it was during that celebration that Jesus took the cup and broke the bread and established the "Lord’s Supper". Since seating is limited, please call 231/882-4820 to make a reservation by Sunday, March 21st, or if you have questions. New Hope is located at 6868 South St. in Benzonia. In Benzonia, turn west off US31 onto South St. Memorial Park is across the street from the church. Our church family invites you to worship with us on Sundays at 10:30 am. Campers, motorcycle and snowmobile riders are always welcome!


2nd Annual Maple Syrup Festival -
March 27th, 2010
Location: Crystal Mountain Resort and Spa, Thompsonville
Phone: 800.968.7686

Celebrate sunshine and spring skiing with a weekend filled with music, food and fun!  In honor of our favorite sticky, sweet delicacy... maple syrup, Tree tapping demonstrations, maple syrup shack, cooking classes, chainsaw wood carving demonstration, pancakes drenched in delicious northern Michigan maple syrup and live entertainment in the Vista Lounge by the bluegrass band Detour are just a few of the highlights. For more information, call 800.968.7686


Benzie County Chamber of Commerce EXPO
IMG_0211_9.JPG
April 13th, 2010
Location: Crystal Mountain
Phone: 231-882-5801

 


Mills Community House & Benzie Area Zonta Club hosting Job Fair
April 25th, 2010
1pm to 4pm
Location: Mills Community House, Benzonia
Contact Information:
Kathy
Phone: 231-651-9455

In Mills Hall, located inside the Mills Community House. Employers will have the opportunity to meet with prospective employees and had-out application or documents concerning their business. Employers are asked to supply their own table, essential papers, and pens/pencils. Mills Hall will be open at 12:30 p.m. for employers to setup their stations. Chairs will be available.   Interested employers, who wist to participate in this event,  Planners of this event are hoping to bring together those seeking summer employment with the best employers in Benzie County.


Frankfort Rotary Revue Talent Show
May 7th, 2010
Location: Benzie Central High School Auditorium

 

 


Strawberry Social
May 29th, 2010
1pm to 4pm
Location: Mills Community House, Benzonia

Revival of an old tradition - sponsored by Friends of Benzonia Public Library - Lower Level of the Mills Community House, Benzonia Public Library


Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert
June 13th, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: Benzie Central High School Auditorium, Benzonia
Third Annual Chuckwagon Supper & Show
June 26th, 2010
Location: Manistee County Fair Pavilion, Onekama
Contact Information:
Pauline
Phone: 231-864-3766

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.


Medallion Hunt
July 1st - 4th, 2010
Time: 9am
Location: Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251

 


Special Sunset Fireworks Cruise
july4th_frankfort.jpg
July 4th, 2010
7:45pm to end of Fireworks display.
Location: Frankfort
Contact Information:
Maureen Jeannot
Phone: 231-352-8102

Enjoy the Frankfort fireworks from our cruise boat out in Betsie Bay. Includes the full sunset cruise along the Sleeping Bear Dunes Lakeshore followed by watching the fireworks display from  the boat out in Betsie Bay. Reservations are not necessary, but suggested. 231-352-8102 or 888-469-4696


4th of July Activities
July 4th, 2010
Location: Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251

 

Parade, Art in the Park, SandCastle Sculpture Contest, Fireworks.


Friends of Benzonia Public Library Annual Used Book Sale
July 9th - 10th, 2010
9am to 4pm
Location: Mills Community House, Benzonia

 

Friday 9-4, Saturday 9-4 at the Mills Community House/Benzonia Public Library on US-31 in Benzonia.  Books will be arranged by topic to make selection easier.  There will also be a special room of collectible books


Schmidt Carnival Amusements
July 17th - 4th, 2010
Location: Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251
20th Annual Elberta Arts & Crafts Fair
July 17th, 2010
10am to 4pm
Location: Elberta
Frankfort Street Sale
July 31st, 2010
Time: 9am
Location: Downtown Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251

 


Rotary Chicken BBQ
August 7th, 2010
12:30pm to 7pm
Location: Mineral Springs Park, Frankfort
American Cancer Society Benzie County Relay for Life
August 14th - 15th, 2010
Location: Elberta Waterfront Park

 

 


Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert
August 15th, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: Benzie Central High School Auditorium, Benzonia
34th Annual Frankfort Art Fair
August 20th - 21st, 2010
Location: Market Square Park. Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251

 Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 10-5pm.


Benzie Fishing Frenzy
August 27th - 29th, 2010
Location: Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7251

Over $25,000 in cash and prizes open to anyone. 3 Divisions with Ladies Classic on Friday. Big Fish Only - Amateur Division - Pro Division.


Frankfort Film Festival
RickJenny330.jpg
October 21st - 24th, 2010
Location: Garden Theater, Frankfort
Phone: 231-352-7561

The newly restored Garden Theater will debut an international film festival featuring the best films from prestigious festivals worldwide.

 


Benzie Area Symphony Orchestra Concert
October 24th, 2010
Time: 4pm
Location: Benzie Central High School Auditorium, Benzonia