Festivals, Parades, Holiday Events and More in the Benzie Area
There are many reasons to 'Visit Benzie' and 'Stay in Benzie'. Below, and on our calendar page, you will find a list of events in the Benzie Area which are hosted or sponsored by local groups and organizations.
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 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 shores of Lake Michigan in the 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. to our list.
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.
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. :
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
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
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!
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
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.
Revival of an old tradition - sponsored by Friends of Benzonia Public Library - Lower Level of the Mills Community House, Benzonia Public Library
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.
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
Parade, Art in the Park, SandCastle Sculpture Contest, Fireworks.
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
Friday 4-8pm, Saturday 10-5pm.
Over $25,000 in cash and prizes open to anyone. 3 Divisions with Ladies Classic on Friday. Big Fish Only - Amateur Division - Pro Division.
The newly restored Garden Theater will debut an international film festival featuring the best films from prestigious festivals worldwide.
