Must-Attend Summer Events – 2023

Marquette has a lot of exciting summer events to offer. Whether you’re interested in Michigan’s history or just looking for fun outdoor activities to enjoy with your family. There’s something for everyone to enjoy at these summer events in Marquette. Music fests, art exhibitions, and festivals celebrating blueberries, trails, and everything in between. These Marquette summer events and festivals can make your holiday even more enjoyable! Superior Stay Hotel is an excellent choice with so many summer events in the area. From June to September, fill your calendar with Marquette summer events. We’ve put together a list of Marquette’s best and most thrilling must-attend summer events.

Iron Range Roll

The Iron Range Roll is a bike ride that is 16 miles long and takes place on the Iron Ore Heritage Trail from Ishpeming to Marquette. It is an annual event, with the 9th annual ride happening on June 4, 2022. This event celebrates the heritage and recreational culture and raises funds for the YMCA’s youth programs. It is open to people of all ages and abilities and promotes healthy living, fun, and community involvement. It will be a great day. If you want additional race information, visit the event page

UP Pride Festival

After a two-year break, Pride Fest is back… In a new month, in a new place! Join the celebration on June 11, 2022, at Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior’s shoreline in Marquette. Acceptance, equality, and LOVE are central to Pride. Come together to learn and educate, celebrate the efforts of the LGBTQ+ community, and promote awareness of LGBTQ+ concerns.
Additionally, there will be live music from various artists and bands throughout the day. To end the night, there will be an exciting drag performance featuring local and regional performers. There will also be various activities on the grounds, such as yard games, face painting, and other fun. Do not miss out on one of the most important events. This year, Marquette is expecting approximately 4,000 attendees. For more information on pride fest, Visit their official website

Marquette Trails Fest

Furthermore, there will be a weekend dedicated to trail users, with mountain bike and trail running races. Whether you bike, run, or hike, you can have a good time and help raise funds for the local trail system. All proceeds from this event will go towards NTN single-track trail construction. You can enjoy the nice weather and check NTN Trails for local trail conditions. No matter how you spend your time in the wilderness, you will gain something from this day. If you have any questions about the races, visit their official website for more information.

Art Week

Art week symbolizes the Pride and unity of a diverse and vibrant arts community. The annual Marquette Art Week will take place from Monday, June 20 to Saturday, June 25, 2022. During the last week of June, Art Week will feature a week-long series of events, concerts, workshops, and performances by local artists and companies. The event celebrates Marquette’s rich and diverse culture through performances, studio tours, and street performers. Most of the events will occur along the lakefront route and in the coastline public parks. Come see how inventive Marquette can be. Visit the here to know more information about this event.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Independence Day celebrations are always popular with families. Come to Mattson Lower Harbor Park and watch a fireworks display on Lake Superior’s shoreline. Thousands of people assemble to watch one of the Upper Peninsula’s fireworks shows launched from the historic Ore Dock every year. If you’re searching for summer events this year, go no further than Marquette! Large crowds can be accommodated in our parking lot. Come see one of the most impressive fireworks displays in Marquette, MI.

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival

The 42nd Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival is held in Marquette on the second-to-last weekend in July. From July 22 to July 24 at Tourist Park in Marquette. This summer event showcases classic, acoustic American music every year. Additionally, Bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, acoustic blues, Gospel, and other genres may be featured on the main stage each year. Mainstage acts include well-known national talents as well as regional and local favorites. Various musician-led Workshops, open jams, and dancing events occur throughout the day. Visit the event page to get more information on this event.

North Coast Dance Festival

The North Coast Dance Festival will occur at Forest Roberts Theatre Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI, from Wednesday to Saturday. The North Coast Dance Festival will bring dancers from throughout the country to NMU’s campus for an entertaining summer event. This showcase, which includes performance and instructional programs, is one you won’t want to miss! Specific program and casting updates will be released as they become available.
To purchase tickets for the North Coast Dance Festival, visit the NMU page.

Blueberry Festival

The Annual Blueberry Festival returns to downtown Marquette this Friday, July 29, from 10 am to 7 pm. Downtown businesses will hold sidewalk deals, and several restaurants will offer blueberry-themed specials. Washington and Front streets will be crowded with sidewalk sales during the Blueberry Festival. Downtown restaurants will fulfill your blueberry cravings, from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer, and many retailers will have “blue” promotions. Throughout the day, local merchants will be selling piles of fresh blueberries. Admission is free to the public. If you want more details about this event, visit the website, visit the event website here.

Queen City Half Marathon

The Queen City Half Marathon and BREAKWATER 5K will be placed on July 30, Saturday, at 130 West Baraga Avenue, Marquette, MI. With a fast and beautiful course, winning shirt and medal design, the Queen City Half Marathon 2022 should be on your summer event calendar! On their website, you can register online. Marquette is one of the most incredible cities. They’re going to show it off, racing through some fantastic neighborhoods and along Lake Superior. Additional race information can be found on the official website of the event.

Art on the Rocks

Art On the Rocks is set to take place in Marquette on July 30-31 at Mattson Lower Harbor Park on the shore of Lake Superior. This year marks the 62nd year of Art On the Rocks. This July, the juried art show will feature over a hundred artists from across the country. One of the most anticipated summer events in the Upper Peninsula and Marquette. High-quality artists in a lovely setting offer art lovers an unforgettable visual experience. The festival is one of the oldest art fairs in the Upper Peninsula. Applications for the 2022 Show are now available and will be accepted until March 31, 2022. If you’re interested in participating, be sure to fill out the application. Find more information about the event here.

Michigan Lighthouse Festival

The Lighthouse Festival is an annual summer event celebrating the marine heritage and 129 lighthouses. The goal of the festival is to advocate for, honor, inspire, and promote Michigan’s lighthouses. Michigan has the most lighthouses, and the festival travels to different locations each year to celebrate different featured lighthouses. This weekend-long festival promotes these iconic landmarks and offers a variety of unique experiences for attendees. Get more information about this summer event here.

Festival of Sail Marquette

The World’s Largest Rubber Duck will take flight and transform Lake Superior into her bathtub. The Festival of Sail Marquette 2022 includes ship tours, day sails, food and beverage, entertainment, and family fun! A number of tall ships, including Mama Duck, will arrive in Lower Harbor in August. The Festival of Sail will be in Marquette from 8 am to 6 pm on August 12. That follows a stop in Two Harbors, Minnesota. Come experience the Festival of Sail Marquette 2022 on the shores of Lake Superior. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see, board, and even sail on some of history’s most giant ships. Event and ticket information are available here.

Ore to Shore

The 23rd Annual Ore to Shore (O2S) Mountain Bike epic is set for August 13, 2022. The O2S is the Midwest’s third-largest point-to-point event, with riders lining up at the start line in Negaunee. The long-distance route passes through Ishpeming, through towering head frames from the heyday of underground mining, and then proceeds north into the gorgeous wooded wilderness, crossing or running along the side of the Dead River into Marquette to the shoreline of Lake Superior. The 48-mile Hard Rock, the 28-mile Soft Rock, the 10-mile Shore Rock, and the 4-mile. For additional information, go to the official website of ore to shore.

Marquette Trail 50

The Marquette Trail 50 is an ultramarathon (a foot race with distances greater than 26.2 miles) conducted by ultramarathoners for ultramarathoners. The race is committed to providing high-quality trail races in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The Marquette Trail 50 is divided into 50-kilometer and 50-mile segments. This race has quite a popularity. This race fills up quickly when registration opens. The route is primarily single-track, with four peaks to climb: Sugarloaf, Top-of-the-World, Bareback, and Hogback. Lake Superior can be seen from all of the Peaks, and portions of the course follow its shoreline. Most of the trail is moderate to the challenging terrain, with several big climbs. Visit the official website of the Marquette trail 50 to learn more about fees and the event.

Classic Cars on Third

Come down to Downtown Marquette to see the vast collection of one-of-a-kind cars that line the Third Street Corridor! On Saturday, August 20, 2022, the Marquette Downtown Development Authority will partner with Third Base Bar to host the fifth annual “Classic Cars on Third Street” auto event. The vehicle show will honor Jessica Drummond, and all proceeds will go to the Women’s Center of Marquette County. Those interested in entering a classic car event should enter the show area from Washington Street, heading north on Third Street to the intersection of Michigan and Third Street, where the exhibition area begins. The registration fee is only $5. The show runs from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm, with the awards ceremony beginning at 3:00 pm. To learn more about the event, visit the event page.

Traveling with MiBRS

Traveling with MiBRS – Drifa 5k Fun Run will take place on Saturday at noon EDT at 501 S Lake St. Join everyone at DRIFA for a 5k fun run that starts and ends at this fantastic MARQUETTE brewery. You will get the opportunity to enjoy a free craft brew from DRIFA and access to event events, games, gifts, and more! You can move at your own pace through the surrounding area. There will be a beer waiting for you at the finish line! Additional race information can be found here. Cheers to beers! We’ll see you at DRIFA!

Marquette Area Blues Fest

The Marquette Area Blues Society will host the Fest at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. There will be three days of world-class blues on the shores of Lake Superior in downtown Marquette. The stage features world-class artists, workshops, a dance floor, local food vendors, and a beverage tent with some of Marquette’s best-produced ales. The non-profit 501(c)(3) organization is dedicated to promoting and preserving blues music and culture in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. One of the primary ways they do this is through the annual Marquette Area Blues Fest. Visit Marquette Area Blues Society’s official website to learn more about tickets and the event.

Marquette Marathon

The Marquette Marathon, Marathon RELAY, Half Marathon, and Wildcat 5K will return to the beauty of Marquette County. The Iron Ore Heritage Trail is then used to descend into Marquette. The race is short and fast, with the finish line at the Superior Dome. The Marquette Marathon, Half Marathon, 5K, and Kids Run against a stunning backdrop of walkways with breezes from Lake Superior. As you pass by friends and family, you’ll feel the excitement of our fantastic shops and restaurants as you speed down Third Street. Please visit Marquette Marathon’s official website to get more information.

U.P. Beer Festival

The Upper Peninsula Fall Beer Fest, often known as the U.P. Beer Fest, is a popular event for beer enthusiasts in Marquette, Michigan. On Saturday, September 11, the Beer Fest will occur in Mattson Lower Harbor Park, which overlooks Lake Superior. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 600 handcrafted beers from 80 Michigan breweries. Guests can also enjoy delicious food from local restaurants while listening to a talented lineup of performers. The U.P. Beer Fest gates open at Noon for a VIP hour for Enthusiast Members, with regular admission running from 1–6 pm. The program, venue, performer information, show time, tickets, how to get there, parking, and other details may be found in the “Event Related Information“.

Why you should choose Superior Stay Hotel for your next stay?

Superior Stay Hotel’s central location in downtown Marquette makes it easy to access the city’s most popular summer events. Many restaurants, breweries, and food enterprises are within walking distance of the hotel. In addition, the hotel is just a few blocks from the starting point of several biking events. It offers discounted bike rentals when you book directly through its website. Besides that, the hotel provides breakfast-to-go packets to make things even more convenient for guests attending events. You can pick up your breakfast-to-go bag before an early morning event. It is never too early to start planning your summer vacation, so consider staying at the Superior Stay Hotel. We hope to see you soon!