Backyard Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival
2026-08-07 - 2026-08-08 | Lively Acres Backyard, 3805 W Empire Hwy, Empire, MI, 49630, United States
An incredible weekend of Blues and Boogie, fine Brews and great BBQ, featuring Detroit’s Queen of the Blues – Thornetta Davis and other acts including the Fabulous Horndogs, The Brendon Linsley Band and Captain Dirk! This event will take place outdoors in the scenic, rural Lively Acres Backyard in Empire.
Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy amazing music, some of the best local BBQ, and beverages from Stormcloud Brewery, MAWBY Sparkling Wines and Big Little Wines. This event spanning two days will go on rain or shine and is sure to satisfy!
See Event Website for more information & tickets.

Cedar Polka Fest
2026-08-27 - 2026-08-30 | Cedar Big Tent, 3101 Sullivan Street, Cedar, MI, 49621
The Cedar Polka Fest is an annual festival celebrating the towns rich Polish history. Lasting 4 days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend into town for family fun. Join us to eat, drink, and dance the nights away. With live Polka music from the best Polka Bands in America, this festival is a real treat for Polka fans. Food vendors offer Beer, Polish Food, Ribs, Hotdogs, Popcorn and so much more. Kids will enjoy games, while adults will indulge in the unique atmosphere that only Polka can create.
This is one of very few Polka Festivals left in the United States. The 44th annual Cedar Polka Fest kicks off on Thursday, August 27, 2026 in Cedar under the big tent. The Polka Festival has become a signature event in Leelanau. The Cedar Polka Festival has grown into one of the largest and best events for Polka music and attracts enthusiasts from near and far.
EVENT WEBSITE: https://cedarpolkafest.org
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: https://cedarpolkafest.org/events/

Run 4 The Kielbasa
2026-08-29 08:00 - 11:00 (America/Denver) | Cedar Big Tent, 3101 Sullivan Street, Cedar, MI, 49621
The 2026 Run 4 The Kielbasa marks the sixth year for this Cedar Polka Festival race event. This four-mile event begins and ends in downtown Cedar and is professionally timed. All runners, walkers, strollers, wheelchair racers, and dogs are welcome.
Registered runners receive free entry to the Polka Fest and one DRINK Ticket good for a beer or pop!
See Event Website for more information and registration details.

Leelanau Uncaged
2026-09-26 11:00 - 22:00 | Village of Northport, Mill Street, Northport, MI, 49670, United States
Leelanau UnCaged is a place for the community to gather and enjoy inspiring music and dance performances in one day on the streets of Northport.

7 stages & 34 acts
Kids’ UnCaged art activities
65+ Artisan, Food & Nonprofit Vendors
Water Blessing
Restaurants and Shops
Marina availability
BATA Shuttle Service from Traverse City​

​UnCaged takes place after Labor Day when the vibe changes to a more relaxed pace, with weather that can be like summer or fall, but gorgeous, nonetheless. Festival goers enjoy being outdoors strolling from venue to venue through an array of art vendors filling the streets. Food options are plentiful throughout the day.
The festival kicks off with a beautiful water blessing at 11:00 am over the bay, a time to honor and give thanks for these precious waters, followed by a procession to the festival center where music and dance performances begin.
Leelanau UnCaged is free to festival goers thanks to the generous donations from businesses and patrons.
See Event Website for more information.
