MANISTEE, MICH. - Each July, Manistee transforms into a vibrant hub of celebration along the shores of Lake Michigan. The Manistee National Forest Festival draws thousands of residents and visitors to Douglas Park and First Street Beach for a wide variety of activities. But this event is much more than a festive week; it is a testament to what makes small towns like ours resilient, vibrant, and deeply connected.

The festival, which began in 1936, has long been a signature event for Manistee. What started as a celebration of our connection to the National Forest has grown into a beloved community tradition that merges heritage with hometown pride.

The festival brings people together in ways that no other event can. Walking through the bustling vendor areas, you’ll see families browsing handmade goods, children lining up for face painting, and friends reuniting over elephant ears and lemonade. In every direction, there’s a sense of joy and connection that can’t be replicated.

But perhaps what’s most remarkable about the Manistee National Forest Festival is that it’s truly a community-wide effort. Whether setting up spaces, managing logistics, or keeping things running smoothly throughout the event, this collaborative effort is what makes the festival possible.

It’s this combined dedication of community partners and sponsors that brings the festival to life year after year. Their passion, creativity, and teamwork create the magic behind the scenes. And while it’s easy to enjoy the fun, every act of involvement, from offering your time and encouraging your business to sponsor, to simply showing up and supporting local booths, helps keep this cherished tradition thriving.

This summer, as fireworks sparkle above the lake and laughter echoes down the beach, remember that this isn’t just about celebration, it’s about community. It’s about the connections we make, the pride we share, and the traditions we carry forward.

This year's festival also includes the Great Lakes Timber Show, Twiggy the Water-Skiing Squirrel and much more. Coordinating this programming doesn't take place overnight. Once this year’s festival wraps up, the Chamber is already looking ahead, planning for next year and even the year after. That includes coordinating logistics with the City, DPW, and other key partners, as well as maintaining strong relationships with our long-standing sponsors. What sets this festival apart is its location, right here in Manistee County, where the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and our vibrant small-town atmosphere create an experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Looking ahead, next year marks a special milestone: the 90th anniversary of the Manistee National Forest Festival, coinciding with America’s 250th birthday. These landmark celebrations remind us of our rich history and the enduring spirit that binds us together. 

The Manistee National Forest Festival is a shining example of what it means to come together as a community. In a time when genuine connection feels more important than ever, this festival serves as a meaningful reminder of our shared identity and the incredible things we can accomplish as a united community.

So mark your calendar, bring your family, and take part in something that belongs to all of us. Because it’s through showing up for each other and working side by side that we create a stronger Manistee, one memory at a time.

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Nicole Kaminski is the Program Specialist at the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, a non-profit 501 C (6) organization, whose mission is to build a dynamic and sustainable organization to serve the Business, Workforce, and Economic Development needs of all in Manistee County. You can contact the Chamber at 231-723-2575 or programs@manisteechamber.com.