The Fourth Up North

I t’s the most patriotic time of the year: The Fourth of July! There is no better place to spend it than Traverse City; the Midwest Caribbean. With so many events taking place this July , including the beloved National Cherry Festival , you’ll be guaranteed an action-packed holiday getaway. Prepare for an unforgettable summertime celebration of our American freedom.

National Cherry Festival (By Day)

Don your red, white, and blue and get ready for an epic day at the National Cherry Festival. Stop by the Ultimate Air Dogs competition for a fun and furry event full of splashes and smiles. Nearly 100 pooches and their owners/trainers will compete for advancement in the regional competition… Beware of the splash zone! Bring your hungry little ones to the Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest at F&M Park to see if they have what it takes to join the ‘Clean Plate Club’. Arnold’s Amusements Midway will be another stop on your Fourth of July journey located right downtown at the corner of Grandview Parkway. There are rides for both the thrill-seeking daredevils and the cautious riders. A Cherry Fest staple! On both July 3rd and July 4th, a cornhole tournament will take place from noon until 6 pm. Toss your way to the top on the stunning coastline of West Grand Traverse Bay.

National Cherry Festival (By Night)

In Traverse City, fireworks aren’t the only thing on the schedule for the Fourth of July after dark. At 6:00 pm, country pop artist Dylan Scott is kicking off the night with a performance at the Pepsi Bayside Music stage with special guest DASHA. Other shows taking place during the festival include Bret Michaels, the GooGoo Dolls, Gabriel Iglesias, and TC locals The Accidentals and Josh Davis. The Fourth of July fireworks show will begin at 10:30 pm over the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, right after Dylan Scott concludes his set. For a dreamy and unique fireworks experience, purchase tickets to the Wind Dancer Schooner’s firework cruise; complete with local food and drink served on the floating venue. Don’t forget to visit the festival’s Beer Tent, a bar on the bay that serves beer, wine, and specialty cocktails for you to sip as the sun sets on a perfect day.

Independence Day Celebration at Crystal Mountain

Crystal Mountain is celebrating the Fourth of July in style with a seven-day, on-site event. July 3rd is their busiest day, filled with a variety of fun activities. Start by joining in on family crafts such as sand art, glitter tattoos, and a Build-A-Buddy workshop. In the afternoon, catch a ride on the Buck Quad Chairlift for a panoramic view of the property. At 5:15 pm, a Bike & Golf Cart Parade will be held and judged for the chance to win prizes. And don’t miss out on the Barr Park Party with music, carnival games, and activities until 9 pm. Close out your Fourth of July Eve with an outdoor movie in Barr Park, featuring The Sandlot. Other events happening during the week’s celebration include a Fourth of July 5k Fun Run, a guided bike ride, and a Family Photo Scavenger Hunt. The Edge Adventure Course, alpine slide, bungee trampoline, outdoor laser tag, and archery are all available daily!

Local Fireworks Shows

In addition to the National Cherry Festival fireworks show in Traverse City, there are other fireworks displays in the area. In nearby Beulah, there will be a fireworks show on Crystal Lake at around 10:30 pm. On the coast of Lake Michigan, the ‘Fabulous Frankfort Fireworks’ take place at dusk.

Northern Michigan will light up the night this Fourth of July!

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