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!

10:00 AM – Dusk: Whispering Pines Mobile Petting Zoo

Douglas Park | First Street Beach, Manistee

A mobile exhibit that has a variety of animals to view from around the world! It’s a fun experience for the whole family and it’s FREE. Proudly sponsored by Dr. Shrink, 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 – 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.

7:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Beach Jam

First Street Beach

Sink your toes in the sand and enjoy the live music brought to you by Manistee’s local band “The Downtowners “. B.Y.O.B and chairs

Cost: Free

10:30 PM (Dusk): Fireworks Over Lake Michigan sponsored by Little River Casino Resort

First Street Beach | Douglas Park

Enjoy a traditional fireworks show located at First Street Beach! Tune in to the countdown and synced music on Eagle 101.5 FM. Fireworks will commence at dusk! RAIN DATE: In the event of inclement weather, the Fireworks show will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 6th. Proudly sponsored by Little River Casino Resort.