Winter (January – February)
Table of Contents
Heikki Lunta Winter Festival
February 6–8, 2026
For an authentic “Yooper” celebration of Finnish heritage, the Heikki Lunta Winter Festival is an annual mythology event held in honor of the fictional Heikki Lunta. This folkloric creature would dance to make it snow. The action-packed weekend of festivities begins on Friday night with the Irontown Rail Jam, a fast-paced ski and snowboard competition taking place downtown between Iron and Rail streets. You’ll enjoy a variety of activities, including snowshoe tours of Old Town, the South Shore Fishing Tournament, public sledding, and s’mores.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Book walkable lodging and dining reservations early.
UP200 Sled Dog Race
February 12–16, 2026
As one of America’s top 12-dog, mid-distance sled races, the UP 200 draws elite mushers from the U.S. and Canada. Local sled dog enthusiasts launched the race in February 1990. Traveling along scenic Upper Peninsula trails, the race covers approximately 220 miles from Marquette to Grand Marais and back. The race weekend also includes two companion events: the Midnight Run, an approximately 82-mile race with eight dogs starting in downtown Marquette that adds a late-night thrill, and the Jack Pine 30, a shorter, about 26-mile race that offers a fast-paced introduction to competitive sled racing. Celebrated for its challenging course and beautiful winter landscapes, mushers frequently praise the UP200 for their warm hospitality at each checkpoint.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Dress in wind-blocking layers and bring a thermos. You’ll be standing in lakefront wind for longer than you’d expect.
Photo Courtesy of Travel Marquette
Polar Roll Mass Start
February 21, 2026
The Polar Roll Mass Start is a winter fat-tire cycling event held every February in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The largest fat-bike event in Michigan and a proud member of the Great Lakes Fat Bike Series, it attracts endurance athletes and winter cycling fans for a snowy outdoor adventure. Specifically designed for fat-tire bikes, the race begins with a mass start and offers 15- or 30-mile courses on groomed single-track trails. Riders explore Marquette’s picturesque winter scenery, with the event highlighting the challenge, camaraderie, and excitement of fat-tire biking in prime winter conditions.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Reserve bike rentals and any shuttle services months ahead; this is one of Michigan’s signature fat-bike events.
Spring (March – May)
Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week
March 8-14, 2026
During this eagerly awaited annual event, participating restaurants offer special menus, exclusive discounts, and new dishes that showcase the local culinary scene’s variety. It offers both the community and visitors a broad range of dining options while supporting locally owned restaurants. From fine dining and fresh, local seafood to artisanal baked goods, Restaurant Week encourages you to explore or revisit your favorite downtown spots.
Piper’s Pro Planning: I recommend trying a dish with the local Lake Superior whitefish. It’s fresh, and local chefs know how to create wonderful creations from this delicacy. Try the Whitefish Dip at Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery.
Photo Courtesy of Travel Marquette
Big Bay Relay
May 16, 2026
Celebrating its 46th year, the relay offers teams the opportunity to enjoy running together along the scenic path from Marquette to Big Bay. Co-ed, male or female five-person teams will embark on a 26-mile journey to Draver Park, competing for first place in each category in this lighthearted relay race.
Piper’s Pro Planning: As a spectator, arrive early at Big Bay to find parking and a picnic spot near the lakefront finish for the laid-back post-race celebration.
Summer (June – August)
Marquette Trails Fest
June 26–28, 2026
A fun-filled weekend celebrating Marquette’s trails, this event features mountain bike races, trail running races, and plenty of socializing. Marquette Trails Fest invites those who enjoy biking, running, and hiking to join the excitement in support of the community’s trails and the Noquemanon Trail Network (NTN).
Piper’s Pro Planning: Plan to use Marquette Mountain Resort as your home base. Park once at the ski hill, then ride the lift or hike to some great vantage points for the enduro and downhill. During breaks, relax at the T-bar patio with food, drinks, and live music instead of running around the trail network chasing every race.
Freedom Festival
July 3–4, 2026
Celebrate Independence Day weekend with Marquette’s beloved Freedom Festival, a two-day community food festival held at Mattson Lower Harbor Park along the shores of Lake Superior. The festival features a wide variety of local and ethnic food vendors, refreshing beverages, live entertainment, and family-friendly fun. The event creates a festive summer atmosphere where attendees come together to enjoy great food, music, and community spirit.
Piper’s Pro Planning: My favorite place to stay in Marquette is the Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront. It’s right next to the Lower Harbor Ore Dock. You can see fireworks and the laser show from your room if it faces the harbor. If not, you can step outside to see them without walking. This hotel is also within walking distance of the Iron Bay Restaurant & Drinkery. I love sitting on their patio and watching the water on a warm summer’s evening.
Marquette Fireworks Show
July 3, 2026
Marquette’s Independence Day celebration features a stunning fireworks display at dusk on July 3 over Lake Superior, launched from the historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock in Mattson Lower Harbor Park. Thousands gather along the Lake Superior shoreline to enjoy this popular summer tradition as part of Marquette’s larger Fourth of July festivities.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Wear or bring layers, because even in summer, it cools down near the water after dark.
Marquette Fourth of July Sensory Friendly Laser Show
July 4, 2026
Sit back, relax, and celebrate Independence Day the Marquette way with the Marquette Fourth of July Sensory Friendly Laser Show. As the largest architectural laser show in North America, it offers those with sensory sensitivities a comfortable way to join in Fourth of July festivities. Everyone can watch the night sky light up above the scenic Lake Superior.
Piper’s Pro Planning: To avoid being trapped in the post-show traffic near Mattson Lower Harbor Park, park several blocks away and walk in.
Music on Third
July 16 – September 17, 2026
On the third Thursday of each month from July through September, Third Street in downtown Marquette hosts a gathering featuring local musicians, supporting small businesses, and providing free entertainment for all ages.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Make it a progressive evening. Begin at the north end of Third Street at 6 p.m., grab a social-district drink from a participating bar, then gradually work your way south so you can catch more acts without backtracking. Or pick your favorite for the evening and stick around.
Hiawatha Music Festival
July 17–19, 2026
Held annually at Tourist Park, this festival celebrates traditional music and dance with bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues, and folk. Enjoy workshops, open jams, and lively dance sessions.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Since some GPS apps don’t feature Marquette Tourist Park as a named destination, enter 2145 Sugar Loaf Avenue or Powder Mill Road in Marquette to find directions.
Tour Da Yoop, Eh
July 24–August 2, 2026
This unique road cycling event takes riders on an unforgettable journey around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Covering approximately 1,200 miles over 10 days, the ride showcases scenic backroads, lakeshores, and forested landscapes, with flexible participation options ranging from single-day rides to multi-day or full-tour experiences. The route passes through Marquette, Houghton, Grand Marais, and Sault Ste. Marie combining physical challenge with camaraderie while supporting Upper Peninsula Lions childhood cancer programs.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Treat the Marquette stop as a strategic reset: book lodging near the lake, plan an early dinner and gear check instead of extra miles, and arrive at the Marquette–Grand Marais stage with fresh legs and well-prepared equipment. This is one of the most scenic days on the loop, but it is still over 100 miles.
Art on the Rocks Festival
July 25–26, 2026
This two-day juried exhibition between Marquette’s historic downtown and Mattson Lower Harbor Park on beautiful Lake Superior has rapidly become one of the area’s most competitive art shows. With over 140 artists and about 10,000 people flocking to Marquette for the event each year, this art show is the can’t-miss art event of the summer.
Piper’s Pro Planning: If you plan to buy, bring a wagon and padding. This will help transport the piece to your vehicle without damaging it.
Related: A First-Timer’s Guide to Michigan
Blueberry Festival
July 31, 2026
This long-standing all-day event in downtown Marquette celebrates the start of blueberry season. You’ll find
endless blueberry bliss with blueberry pizza, beer, and of course, fresh-picked blueberries. Add to that live music, and this berry bash is a must for the summer agenda.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Get there when it opens at 10:00 a.m. It’ll be easier to find parking, and the lines for treats will be shorter.
Photo Courtesy of Travel Marquette
ORE to Shore Bike Race
August 8, 2026
You’ll want to venture to the Upper Peninsula region to witness Michigan’s largest, and the third largest in the country, point-to-point mountain bike event. The long-distance 48-mile course takes riders through some of the area’s most beautiful sights, giving them a final chance to drift through the crisp summer air of Michigan before the fall season. The long-distance track passes through Ishpeming, past towering headframes from the days of underground mining, then heads north through the wooded wilderness, crossing and running alongside the Dead River into Marquette, to the Lake Superior shoreline. Events include the 48-mile Hard Rock, the 28-mile Soft Rock, the 10-mile Shore Rock, and the 4-mile Junior Rock.
Piper’s Pro Planning: If, like me, you’re there for the photo ops, some of the best spots are:
- Hard Rock Starting Line: Downtown Negaunee Views with a view: 510 Bridge, Forestville Railroad Crossing
- Dead River Bridge Finish Line: Lake View Arena, where you can join the races at the finish line for live music, craft beer, and tasty local food trucks.
- The After party: Head to the Ore Dock Brewing Company.
HarborFest
August 27–29, 2026
This family-friendly event at Mattson Lower Harbor Park concludes the summer with great food, music, and kids’ activities. Proceeds support local nonprofits.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Use HarborFest as a golden-hour photo op. As the sun sets over Lower Harbor, you’ll capture that, along with the ore dock, harbor, and stage lights, all in one frame.
Fall (September – October)
U.P. Fall Beer Festival
September 12, 2026
Held at the scenic Mattson Lower Harbor Park overlooking Lake Superior, the 17th annual U.P. Fall Beer Fest is a prized event featuring over 500 craft beers from more than 85 Michigan breweries. Attendees can enjoy unique brews, listen to live music, and taste delicious food from local vendors. The festival’s lively atmosphere and beautiful autumn backdrop make it an ideal way to celebrate the season.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Use your 15 tokens on beers you can’t easily find in stores or at home. Look for U.P. brewers and one-off festival releases first.
Marquette Fall Enduro
October 2-4, 2026
The Marquette Fall Enduro presents the ultimate mountain biking challenge, combining endurance with technical skill. Riders will tackle multiple timed downhill stages set against the fall scenery along Marquette’s South Trails. With a casual climb to start and stages of varying difficulty, this event offers an unforgettable experience for all participants.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Grab the official spectator map. Or stop at registration for recommended viewing zones along Benson and the downhill stages.
Venue for Fall Phantasm
Venue for Fall Phantasm
Fall Phantasm
October 3, 2026
Experience the enchantment of the Fall Phantasm at Lakenenland Sculpture Park. This day-long festival features fantastic sculpture creatures, live music, and captivating theatrical performances. You can enjoy dance, music, interactive activities, and vendor booths, all part of a creative celebration of theater, art, and community.
Piper’s Pro Planning: While entry to the event is free, donations sustain the event.
U.P. 200 Dryland Dash
October 10-11, 2026
Experience the thrill of sled dog racing without snow at the U.P. 200 Dryland Dash. Held at Negaunee Township Hall Park, this event features teams racing across scenic trails framed by Marquette’s stunning fall colors. Instead of traditional sleds, mushers use bicycles, scooters, wheeled rigs, or run alongside their dogs in canicross. With food trucks, vendor booths, and family-friendly activities, this event offers a festive way to embrace the season while cheering on the incredible canine athletes.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Races happen in about a two-mile loop. Walk a short distance from the start to find corners or gentle hills where teams slow down slightly. This will allow for better photo angles.
Fresh Coast Film Festival
October 15-18, 2026
If you’re looking for a leisurely fall experience, the Fresh Coast Film Festival invites you to celebrate the spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest through documentary films. You can enjoy inspiring films and premieres, meet film directors and documentary stars, and sign up for outdoor tours exploring the Marquette area. This event provides a unique blend of cultural enrichment and outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit if you’re passionate about the Great Lakes and their stories.
Piper’s Pro Planning: Buy a day or weekend pass online ahead of time. Both films and the free outdoor tours have limited spots. Ordering ahead ensures access to both.
For more festival fun in Michigan, check out these articles:
Winter Holiday Season (November – December)
Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock
November 26-December 31, 2026
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Eve, embrace the festive spirit in downtown Marquette with the Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock. In partnership with Fresh Coast Light Lab, this artistic light projection will return for the third year and will be projected onto the north side of Marquette’s Lower Harbor Ore Dock. Mattson Lower Harbor Park is a great place to enjoy the show Thursday through Saturday from 6 – 9 p.m.
Piper’s Pro Planning: See my tips under the Freedom Festival. The Hampton Inn Marquette/Waterfront, which is right next to the Lower Harbor Ore Dock, is a great place to stay for the Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
December 31, 2026
Ring in the New Year in downtown Marquette at the annual New Year’s Eve Ball Drop.
Piper’s Pro Planning: The 100 block of W. Washington will be closed for this event, and all are invited to close out 2023 the Marquette County way.
So, no matter when you make it to Marquette, you’re sure to find some festivals and fun you won’t find anywhere else.
Pin this for later on your favorite Michigan Pinterest Board!
While Piper is a lifelong Michigander, she’s had adventures worldwide. Bomb-sniffing dogs chased her in the middle of the night in Bogota (working late), gate agents refused her boarding to Paraguay (wrong visa), and US Marshals announced her seat number on a plane while looking for a murder suspect (she’d traded seats). It’s always an adventure! She even finds exciting activities in her home state of Michigan, where she lives in Lansing with her husband, Ross Dingman, her daughter, Alexis, and two granddaughters.
This is such a fun and well-organized guide to Marquette’s festival scene. I love how it mixes big events with lesser-known local favorites throughout the year. The planning tips are especially helpful and make it easy to picture actually attending these festivals. It really shows how lively Marquette is in every season, even in winter. A great resource for anyone planning a trip to the Upper Peninsula in 2026.
There are so many fun festivals in Marquette. Watching the sled dog race, trying out fat-tire cycling, and picking fresh blueberries are some of the festivals I wanted to visit. The fresh whitefish from the lake sounds mouthwatering.