Muskegon County loves to party, and fills each season with festivals providing family fun, emphasizing the wonderful lakes, beaches, and parks in the area, and celebrating our diverse ethnic heritage.

Almost every community, large and small within Muskegon County, hosts a weekend event beginning in the Spring and continuing throughout the year. Muskegon is also home to major music festivals that draw fans from across the country to Muskegon's very own Heritage Landing, a beautiful outdoor venue on the shores of Muskegon Lake.

Mark your 2012 calendar for these great Muskegon Festivals!

                    

                                                          2012 Festival List

 

White Lake Perch Festival

January  21-22

The White River Steelheaders present the White Lake Perch Festival headquartered at the White Lake VFW, 9370 Walsh Rd., Montague. There will be an ice fishing tournament, chilli cook off, fish dinner and more. For more information contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 231-893-4585.

www.whitelake.org

Snowfest

January 31 - February 4

Have fun in the snow with so much to do in the downtown Muskegon area.  There is an outdoor Beverage Tent and Euchre Tournament, Trivia Night, Battle of the Bowls-chili/soup contest, Kid Fest, and Snow Cornhole.  For more information contact dani@muskegonmusuem.org

www.muskegonsnowfest.org

MICHIGAN WINTER TRIATHLON

February 5
The entire family is welcome to compete in this unique winter adventure learning the sports of luge, cross country skiing, and speed skating in a fun competitive environment. For more information call Mark Jastrzembski 231-828-4627. www.msports.org

West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest

February 10-12

Plan now for this annual event.  Three Days.  22 Sport Competitions.  3,000 Athletes.  This event is open to any athletes ages age 18 and under, and will be held in various locations throughout West Michigan, including the Winter Sports Complex.  There will be both indoor and outdoor events. For more information call

231-828-4627.  West Michigan Youth Wintersportsfest

Pow Wow in the Park

May

This two day event is held in Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. Instructions in Pow Wow dancing, intertribal dancing, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Grass Dance, Sneak Up, Blanket Dance and more. All dancers are welcome. Native Vendors offering Native American arts and crafts will be attending. Public is welcome. No admission charge. Bring your lawn chair. The Lions Club will be offering a Pancake Breakfast. All proceeds will benefit the Muskegon River Band of Ottawa Indians in their bid for federal recognition.  231-744-4011

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

May 23-29

Come to Downtown Fruitport for a lot of great family fun.  The festival features midway rides, music, games, a parade, riverboat rides, petting zoo, art fair, and a jazz competition.  231-557-3262.

fruitportlions.com

Lost Boat Ceremony

May 27

This time honored tradition pays respect to the 53 submarines and the 3,000 men who lost their lives during World War II.  The ceremony will be held at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum located in the Muskegon Channel.  231-755-1230.

www.silversidesmuseum.org

Blessing of the Boats

May 27

Begin the spring and summer sailing season with a blessing of your boat.  The Port City Princess will be hosting a brunch on board while sailing in Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.  She will then float in the Muskegon Channel where boats can float alongside and be blessed by a priest.  231-728-8387.

www.portcityprincess.com

Parties In The Park
June - August
Enjoy great music, great food and a great time in Hackley Park on Friday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  For more information call Josh 231-759-2704

www.partiesinthepark.com

LST Movies on Deck

June - August

Enjoy a Friday evening on the LST with great classic movies.  The showings begin at sunset. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Concessions sold.  Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a great movie out doors, under the stars.  231-730-1477

www.lst393.org

Cruising the Lakeshore - Muskegon

June 1-3
Drive - into to the "Power Tour" night. Hundreds of Hot Rods and Classic Cars will be "Cruising" the streets in downtown Muskegon with lots of car talk. For more information call the Muskegon County Convention and Visitor Bureau at 231-724-3100 or 1-800-250-9283 www.visitmuskegon.org

Hot Rod Power Tour

June 3
Rarely does a community get a chance to host the national tour of hot rod vehicles two years in a row, but Muskegon does! Muskegon has been asked to host the tour, the second day of a cross-nation annual tour that is expected to begin in Detroit. More details to follow as event gets closer. 231-724-3100 www.visitmuskegon.org

Antique Tractor & Engine Show
June 7-9
Join fellow tractor and engine enthusiasts at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for this great event.Tractor pulls, kids games, flea market, & parade. 6621 Heights Ravenna Rd. 616-887-7462

www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

Miss Michigan Pageant
June 12-16

Come to the historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon for the crowning of the next Miss Michigan. Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant Finals, 7:00 p.m. All nights tickets are $30 and are available through Star Tickets Plus, 800-585-3737 or at the Frauenthal Box Office, 231-798-4272.  For more information visit their web site. www.missmichigan.org

Muskegon Heights Festival
June 15-16
This community celebration opens with a senior picnic and health fair in the city’s Rowan Park and closes with a gospel service. In between, there are sporting events, a grand parade, arts and crafts, and plenty of food and music. 231-578-2099.

White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival

June 16-17

This is a juried arts and crafts festival with continuous live entertainment and a food court. Over 100 artisans will be in participation. Times will be Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It will take place at Funnell Field in Whitehall. For more information, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-879-9702.

www.whitelake.org

Taste of Muskegon

June 16-17

Downtown Muskegon comes alive for this annual tradition of great food and great fun. The Taste of Muskegon is a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Come down and sample all the area has to offer for just a few dollars. Restaurants will be selling various items from $1.00 to $5.00! Proceeds to benefit Muskegon Main Street and the Make a Wish Foundation of Michigan, both nonprofit organizations.  231-724-3171. www.tasteofmuskegon.com

Mainstreet Car & Motorcycle Show

June 17

This event will be taking place with the Taste of Muskegon. While you're sampling Muskegon's fine restaurants, enjoy this car and motorcycle show taking place between 4th and 7th Streets in downtown Muskegon. The show will be from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., judging will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and awards will be at 2:00 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@mainstreetcarshow.com.

www.tasteofmuskegon.com

Muskegon Bike Time
July 20-22
Muskegon Bike Time is America's fastest growing motorcycle event, full of fun, food, music, and motorcycles. Each year Western Avenue, in downtown Muskegon, is converted into a 10-block long “Steel Horse Alley” where bikers can show off their rides. Don't miss all of the fun, including musical entertainment by national artists, a blessing of the bikes, and assorted contests throughout the 10-block Bike Time “Main Street” area. 888-721-TIME.

www.muskegonbiketime.com

Muskegon County Youth Fair 2012
July 24-28
Experience the wonders of farm life in Muskegon County.  Support the local youth while they proudly display their agricultural works of the year and show their prized animals.  This event is held at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds. 231-730-3616.

www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

White Lake Chamber Music Festival 2012

August 3-13
A mix of visiting professional groups and local talent will again offer a wide variety of performances throughout the White Lake Area. The week will be full of events from master classes,an intimate concert, recitals, children’s concerts, and more. New this year will be a workshop component for aspiring musicians to come together for a week of intensive study and coaching. Coaching sessions will be open to the public to see and hear how the art of music is crafted and polished into a quality performance. Participants will be performing their practiced pieces at various venues throughout the week. The festival is pleased to welcome back Italian pianist Aldo de Vero who will perform a four-hand piano concert with Bryan Uecker. Mr. de Vero will also be heading up the workshop section of the festival. Stay tuned for the details of performers and venues. www.whitelakechambermusicfestival.com

Unity Festival "Day Zero"

August 8

This is a pre-concert for the Unity Christian Music Festival. This free event is great for youth groups, families, etc. Enjoy free Christian music on the shore of Muskegon Lake. It will take place at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. For more information, please call 800-585-3737.

www.unitymusicfestival.com

Unity 2012 Christian Music Festival
August 9-11
This is the biggest Christian music festival in Michigan. Three stages, featuring more than 45 acts, play continuously during the three-day, family friendly festival. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening as well. A prayer tent and other spiritual events are also part of the celebration. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon. Tickets are available at StarTickets Plus locations. www.unitymusicfestival.com

Northside Family Fest & Arts & Crafts Fair

August 9-11

This three day event begins with a huge parade on Thursday evening. Friday night (6:00pm-10:00pm) listen to the sound of a local band while enjoying food and desert from restaurants on Muskegon`s North side, wine tasting and a beverage tent at the 4th annual Taste of the Northside. Discussions are underway for a 5k run/walk. The art fair is held on Saturday in Walker Park from 9:00am - 4:00pm. At 8:00 am enjoy a great breakfast provided by the Lions Club and at 10:00. The Community United Methodist Church will be cooking hot dogs and selling homemade goodies.please call 231-744-1621.

www.cityofnorthmuskegon.com

White Lake Maritime Festival
August 9-11
The  White Lake Maritime Festival will be held at Goodrich Park on White Lake, located at 100 N. Lake St. in Whitehall. There will be softball, shuffleboard tournaments, a sailing regatta, a food tent, children's activities, a trout pond, a shrimp boil, an arts & crafts fair (Saturday Only), and a beverage and entertainment tent with live bands. 231-893-4585.

www.whitelake.org

Multicultural Beach Festival
August 10-12

Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival celebrates the land, lakes, rich diversity and culture that exist in Muskegon, while promoting the ideals of Healthy Lifestyles, Sustainability, Economic Development, Diversity, and Lifelong Learning. The Festival will consist of a Fashion Show, Health Fair, College Resource Fair, Sand Sculpting contest, Beach Walk/Lose Big contest, Concert Series, (All proceeds will go to putting on the festival and keeping it free for the public ) Memorial Service for drowning victims of Lake Michigan, live performances and other forms of cultural entertainment. There will also be food vendors, exhibitors, and special guest speakers providing information and services feeding both the mind and body. For information, 231-206-5780.  www.muskegonmbf.org

Moose Fest

August 18

107MUS presents this annual country music party for thousands of fans on the lakeshore. This event is held at Heritage Landing, with country music performances all day. Tickets are free and can be picked up at local businesses. Ticket locations and performers will be announced on the radio as the date of the festival draws near. Listen to 107 WMUS "The Moose" for ticket information, or go to the WMUS website.

www.107mus.com

Ross Park Arts & Crafts
August 18

Ross Park in Norton Shores plays host to wonderful displays of hand crafted goods.  There will also be many different food vendors.  Ross Park is located on Randall Rd. and Wellesley. 231-798-4391.

Roosevelt Park Day

August 25

Kicking off the festivities is a 5K run at 8:00 a.m. Westwood Reform Church is hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. The church is located at 3025 Glenside Boulevard. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. traveling down Roosevelt Road to Broadway to Maple Grove onto Coolidge and ending at Community CenterPark. An Arts & Crafts Fair, located on Broadway Avenue also begins at 10:00 a.m. There will be a variety of homemade items including pieces of art and clothing. By 11:00 a.m. let your senses take you to food row which features elephant ears, cotton candy, carmel corn, hot dogs, hamburgers and other delectable foods. The Entertainment Tent opens at 11:00 a.m. in the Station parking lot on Broadway. Kids of all ages will love the game area that will include a trout pond, train and other events at 11:00 a.m. near the corner of Ashland & Oak Ridge. All are welcome for a fun filled day - rain or shine! For more information, 231-755-3721, Ext. 103.

www.rooseveltpark.org

 

Shoreline Spectacular Festival

August 31 - September 3
Shoreline Spectacular Festival is happy to find a new home for their family friendly festival Labor Day weekend. Their new home is Norton Shores, Ross Park. There you will be close to play areas for children and water games too. Event listing will be added soon. For more information call Pamela at 231-855-0938 www.shorelinespectacular.com

Sportsmen for Youth Organization

Annual Youth Day

September 8

The Muskegon Area Sportsmen for Youth, a nonprofit corporation, hosts the annual event with the cooperation of area sportsmen and -women who volunteer to introduce young people to outdoor sports.Sportsmen for Youth Day is designed to provide young people aged 18 and younger with the opportunity to try activities including archery, shooting sports, fishing and many others.The day will also feature prize drawings, lunch and a memento from the day. This is held at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds.

www.sportsmenforyouth.com.

Michigan Irish Music Festival
September 14-16
This festival features three days of non-stop Irish music, a Feis Dance Competition (Traditional Irish Dancing) with more than 500 competitiors expected, Irish food and beverage vendors, and a Sunday Mass. The festival also offers children’s music and Irish heritage sessions. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon, rain or shine! 231-739-2028.

www.michiganirish.org

White Lake Fall Fest
September 29
This event is located in beautiful Whitehall at the North Mears Parking Lot. There is an arts and crafts fair, farmers market, local food vendors, waiter and waitress competition, live music, hayrides, food and beverages, and much more!. 800-879-9702.

www.whitelake.org

Buster Keaton Society Convention & Film Festival

October 5-6

Buster Keaton was a professional performer and Vaudeville star who frequently visited and stayed in the Muskegon area. See some of his films and television footage, visit the site of the Keaton family home and more. This event takes place at the Frauenthal Center at 425 W Western Ave. Join the Buster Keaton Society as they present the Annual Buster Keaton Convention and Film Festival. For more information, please call 231-740-6886. www.busterkeaton.com/convention or www.actorscolony.com

Pumpkin Fest
October 13
Enjoy this wonderful fall festival in Montague.  There will be a farmers market, pumpkin pie competition, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin painting and carving, the event favorite - Dowling Hill pumpkin roll, and a lunch and bake sale. 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour

October 20

Travel on one of Michigan's most beautiful scenic drives.  Experience the vibrant fall colors of the woods, dunes and water.  Drive or bike this self-guided touring route to visit historic sites, enjoy nature and get your picture take in front of spectacular Lake Michigan.  Stop at all the designated sites and you will be eleigible to win a great prize.  For more information call 231-724-3100 or 800-250-9283.www.visitmuskegon.org

Festival of Trees

November 15-25

The Museum of Art presents 11 days of beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths decorated by local designers and sold during a silent auction.  A holiday movie festival, Teddy Bear Breakfast with Santa and other holiday celebrations are offered.  For more information call 231-720-2570.  www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Family Christmas / Holidays in the City

November 24

A real Muskegon Holiday Tradition is being at Hackley Park the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the lighting of the Holiday Tree. With a visit from Santa, hot chocolate and hot dogs, carrollers and your chance to walk through the decorated park, this is an event not to be missed.  For more information, 231-724-3180.  www.downtownmuskegon.org

Holidays in Lakeside

December 1

Santa, carriage rides, carolers, merchant specials, community bake sale, and an abundance of holiday cheer from 11:00am - 5:00pm. This event is sponsored by the Lakeside Business Association. For more information call 231-755-7606. www.lakesidedistrict.com

Circle of Trees

December 1

Join family and friends at Walker Park in North Muskegon for the Annual Circle of Trees. Dog Parade, Lighting of the Trees, Community Carol Sing and more. For more information, 231-719-257.  www.cityofnorthmuskegon.com