This is the signature event of the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce. Hosted every year over the 4th of July/Independence Day Holiday, the Manistee National Forest Festival is a Manistee County tradition stretching back over 80 years!
Drawing thousands of tourists to the area along with many residents returning home, this festival embodies the idea of "community" that so many love about this area.
Each year, the Forest Festival boasts events such as the Festival Marketplace, Manistee Arts and Crafts, Carnival, Fireworks over Lake Michigan presented by Little River Casino Resort, and much more!
Schedule:
9:00 AM – Dusk: Festival Marketplace
First Street Beach / Douglas Park
Come shop for a variety of goods with over 30 Vendors that come from all across the state. Enjoy all the unique items that they bring for you to purchase!
9:45 AM: Independence Day Flag Raising Ceremony
Division & River Street (prior to the parade)
Kick off your 4th of July celebration with a traditional Flag Raising event before the Forest Festival Parade.
10:00 AM: Independence Day Parade
Division | River Street
Travels west on River Street from Division Street to the Armory Youth Project parking lot, providing a view of all of the floats, marchers and other fun parade participants as we recognize our Independence as a nation! Proudly sponsored by Edward Jones: Financial Advisor – Jeff Reau and Spicer Group, Inc.
12:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Framed Digital Painting Giveaway
ruddiblush 321 River St
ruddiblush will be giving out chances to win a framed digital painting all week, running July 1 thru July 6. The drawing will occur at 4:00 PM on July 6, but no need to be present. Submitting your name to the drawing is complimentary, with one chance per person over 18.
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Roots on the River Kickoff Bash!
Jaycees Bandshell / Veterans Memorial Parking Lot
Join Music Sparks Meaning across Maple Street Bridge right after the Independence Day Parade for a day of live music, games, and family fun!
Activities will include a beer tent featuring local brews, lawn games, live music all day, food trucks, raffles, and more! Hosted by new nonprofit, Music Sparks Meaning, the aim is to have a day of community fun while fundraising for their summer programming.
This event will be the kickoff to the 2024 Roots on the River concert series and will feature several local favorite groups throughout the day.
Cost: free
12:00 PM – Dusk: Anderson Midway Carnival
First Street Beach / Douglas Park
Take the family to enjoy the rides, games, food and fun only the Carnival can provide!
Cost: $1.50 each ticket, $20 for 15, and $50 for 50, or $25 for a day-use armband
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Walk-In Tattoo and Piercing Specials
Clean Lines Tattoo Company LLC. 336 River St. Manistee MI. 49660
Clean Lines Tattoo Company LLC will be having a Forest Festival Flash Sale consisting of $50 minimalist flash tattoo and $40 select piercings special starting on July 3 2024 running through July 7 2024 on a walk-in basis only.
Click Here For Parade Application
