Muskegon County loves to party, and fills each season with festivals providing family fun, emphasizing the wonderful lakes, beaches, and parks in the area, and celebrating our diverse ethnic heritage.

Almost every community, large and small within Muskegon County, hosts a weekend event beginning in the spring and continuing throughout the year. Muskegon is also home to major music festivals that draw fans from across the country to Muskegon's very own Heritage Landing, a beautiful outdoor venue on the shores of Muskegon Lake.

Mark your 2010 calendar for these great Muskegon Festivals!

2010 Festival List

Snowfest

February 2 - 6

Have fun in the snow with so much to do in the downtown Muskegon area.  There is an outdoor Beverage Tent and Uchre Tournament, Trivia Night, Battle of the Bowls-chili/soup contest, Kid Fest, and Snow Cornhole.  For more information contact dani@muskegonmusuem.org

www.muskegonsnowfest.org

Winter Sports Fest

February 12-14

Plan now for this annual event.  Three Days.  22 Sport Competitions.  3,000 Athletes.  This event is open to any athletes ages age 18 and under, and will be held in various locations throughout West Michigan, including the Winter Sports Complex.  There will be both indoor and outdoor events.  231-828-4627.

www.wintersportsfest.com

Rock the Coast

May 22-23

Ride all day, ROCK all night with two days of rides and Christian Music Concerts at Michigan's Adventure.  Saturday night will feature a main stage with great Christian music artists. There will also be a Day Stage featuring musicians playing throughout each day, and don't forget the Sunday worship service.  For more information kevin@unitychristianevents.com

www.rockthecoast.net

Pow Wow in the Park

May 22-23

This two day event is held in Hackley Park, downtown Muskegon. Grand Entry, Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., and Sunday at 12 Noon. Instructions in Pow Wow dancing, intertribal dancing, Jingle Dress, Fancy Shawl, Grass Dance, Sneak Up, Blanket Dance and more. All dancers are welcome. Native Vendors offering Native American arts and crafts will be attending. Public is welcome. No admission charge. Bring your lawn chair. The Lions Club will be offering a Pancake Breakfast May 21-22. All proceeds will benefit the Muskegon River Band of Ottawa Indians in their bid for federal recognition.  231-744-4011

Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

May 25-31

Come to Downtown Fruitport for a lot of great family fun.  The festival features midway rides, music, games, a parade, riverboat rides, petting zoo, art fair, and a jazz competition.  231-557-3262.

www.fruitportlions.com/OFD.htm

Lost Boat Ceremony

May 30

This time honored tradition pays respect to the 53 submarines and the 3,000 men who lost their lives during World War II.  The ceremony will be held at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum located in the Muskegon Channel.  231-755-1230.

www.glnmm.org

Blessing of the Boats

June 6

Begin the spring and summer sailing season with a blessing of your boat.  The Port City Princess will be hosting a brunch on board while sailing in Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake.  She will then float in the Muskegon Channel where boats can float alongside and be blessed by a priest.  231-728-8387.

www.portcityprincess.com

Parties In The Park
June - August
Enjoy great music, great food and a great time in Hackley Park on Friday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  231-725-6333.

www.partiesinthepark.com

LST Movies on Deck

June - August

Enjoy a Friday evening on the LST with great classic movies.  The showings begin at sunset. Admission is free but donations are accepted. Concessions sold.  Bring your chair or blanket and enjoy a great movie out doors, under the stars.  231-730-1477

www.lst393.org

Antique Tractor & Engine Show
June 10-12
Join fellow tractor and engine enthusiasts at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for this great event. 231-853-2882.

www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

Miss Michigan Pageant
June 16-19

Come to the historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon for the crowning of the next Miss Michigan.

Wednesday & Thursday June 16-17 -Miss Michigan & Outstanding Teen Scholarship Preliminaries

Friday June 18 - Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen Pageant Finals

Saturday June 19 - Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant Finals, 7:00 p.m. All Nights

Tickets are $30 and are available through Star Tickets Plus, 800-585-3737 or at the Frauenthal Box Office, 231-798-4272.  For more information visit their web site. www.missmichigan.org

Muskegon Heights Festival
June 18 - 20
This community celebration opens with a senior picnic and health fair in the city’s Rowan Park and closes with a gospel service. In between, there are sporting events, a grand parade, arts and crafts, and plenty of food and music. 231-578-2099.

White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival

June 19-20

This is a juried arts and crafts festival with continuous live entertainment and a food court. Over 100 artisans will be in participation. Times will be Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It will take place at Funnell Field in Whitehall. For more information, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-879-9702.

www.whitelake.org

Taste of Muskegon

June 19-20

Downtown Muskegon comes alive for this annual tradition of great food and great fun. The Taste of Muskegon is a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Come down and sample all the area has to offer for just a few dollars. Restaurants will be selling various items from $1.00 to $5.00! Proceeds to benefit Muskegon Main Street and the Make a Wish Foundation of Michigan, both nonprofit organizations.  231-724-3171.

www.tasteofmuskegon.com

Mainstreet Car & Motorcycle Show

June 20

This event will be taking place with the Taste of Muskegon. While you're sampling Muskegon's fine restaurants, enjoy this car and motorcycle show taking place between 4th and 7th Streets in downtown Muskegon. The show will be from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., judging will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and awards will be at 2:00 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@mainstreetcarshow.com. www.mainstreetcarshow.com

Derbyshire Renaissance Faire

June 19-20 & June 26-27

For just a pittance you can immerse yourself into a day long celebration! With colorful interactive characters wandering through the village of Derbyshire, just waiting to put a smile on your face. With so many hours of family fun, it's a unique event that will indeed put a smile on your face. Don't forget the camera though, as it is encouraged to take your memories home with you. But don't stop there. With over 40 artists and artisan crafters from all over the country, you will find that special gift for that special someone. If you get hungry along the way, just stop by the Black Dragon Inn for a tasty fare that is sure to please. With so much to do, you will have to come back everyday. The Derbyshire Renaissance Festival not only has 3 stages with exciting entertainment, but also creates a unique family atmosphere with wandering Minstrels and Entertainers throughout the Faire. Tickets are just $9.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Kids 5-12. The Ren-Fair takes place at the Muskegon County Fair Grounds. For more information call 269-382-6120.

www.derbyshirerenfaire.com

Muskegon Summer Celebration
June 23 - July 4
This is the area’s largest music festival, filling 11 days and nights with national music acts. The music is varied and offers something for everyone. Main stage acts range from rock, to rhythm and blues, to country, to alternative. You’ll know the names of these performers. A second stage features Midwest acts and there is also a Tiki Bar on Muskegon Lake where local bands perform. New for 2010 - there will be an Air Show over beautiful Muskegon Lake! A three-day arts and crafts show, grand parade, and celebration of Michigan products round out the activities. The action is centered at Heritage Landing on the shores of Muskegon Lake with displays and events throughout downtown Muskegon. 231-722-6520.

www.summercelebration.com

Muskegon Bike Time
July 16-18
Muskegon Bike Time is America's fastest growing motorcycle event, full of fun, food, music, and motorcycles. Each year Western Avenue, in downtown Muskegon, is converted into a 10-block long “Steel Horse Alley” where bikers can show off their rides. Don't miss all of the fun, including musical entertainment by national artists, a blessing of the bikes, and assorted contests throughout the 10-block Bike Time “Main Street” area. 888-721-TIME.

www.muskegonbiketime.com

Muskegon County Fair
July 26-31
Experience the wonders of farm life in Muskegon County.  Support the local youth while they proudly display their agricultural works of the year and show their prized animals.  This event is held at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds. 231-730-3616.

www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

Unity Festival "Day Zero"

August 11

This is a pre-concert for the Unity Christian Music Festival. This free event is great for youth groups, families, etc. Enjoy free Christian music on the shore of Muskegon Lake. It will take place at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. For more information, please call 800-585-3737.

www.unitymusicfestival.com

Unity 2010 Christian Music Festival
August 12-14
This is the biggest Christian music festival in Michigan. Three stages, featuring more than 45 acts, play continuously during the three-day, family friendly festival. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening as well. A prayer tent and other spiritual events are also part of the celebration. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon. Tickets are available at StarTickets Plus locations. www.unitymusicfestival.com

Multicultural Beach Festival
August 13-15

Muskegon Multicultural Beach Festival celebrates the land, lakes, rich diversity and culture that exist in Muskegon, while promoting the ideals of Healthy Lifestyles, Sustainability, Economic Development, Diversity, and Lifelong Learning. The Festival will consist of a Fashion Show, Health Fair, College Resource Fair, Sand Sculpting contest, Beach Walk/Lose Big contest, Concert Series, (All proceeds will go to putting on the festival and keeping it free for the public ) Memorial Service for drowning victims of Lake Michigan, live performances and other forms of cultural entertainment. There will also be food vendors, exhibitors, and special guest speakers providing information and services feeding both the mind and body. For information, 231-726-5780.  www.muskegonmbf.org

Northside Family Fest & Arts & Crafts Fair

August 12-14

Featured in this event is the North Muskegon Art Fair & Festival in Walker Park from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be a parade, a 5K run/walk, a Lions Club breakfast, and much more! For more information, please call 231-744-1621.

White Lake Maritime Festival
August 12-14
The  White Lake Maritime Festival will be held at Goodrich Park on White Lake, located at 100 N. Lake St. in Whitehall. There will be softball, shuffleboard tournaments, a sailing regatta, a food tent, children's activities, a trout pond, a shrimp boil, an arts & crafts fair (Saturday Only), and a beverage and entertainment tent with live bands. 231-893-4585.

www.whitelake.org

Moose Fest

August 21

107MUS presents this annual country music party for thousands of fans on the lakeshore. This event is held at Heritage Landing, with country music performances all day. Tickets are free and can be picked up at local businesses. Ticket locations and performers will be announced on the radio as the date of the festival draws near. Listen to 107 WMUS "The Moose" for ticket information, or go to the WMUS website.

www.107mus.com

Ross Park Arts & Crafts
August 21

Ross Park in Norton Shores plays host to wonderful displays of hand crafted goods.  There will also be many different food vendors.  Ross Park is located on Randall Rd. and Wellesley. 231-798-4391.

Roosevelt Park Day

August 28

Kicking off the festivities is a 5K run at 8:00 a.m. Westwood Reform Church is hosting a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. The church is located at 3025 Glenside Boulevard. The parade begins at 10:00 a.m. traveling down Roosevelt Road to Broadway to Maple Grove onto Coolidge and ending at Community Center Park. An Arts & Crafts Fair, located on Broadway Avenue also begins at 10:00 a.m. There will be a variety of homemade items including pieces of art and clothing. By 11:00 a.m. let your senses take you to food row which features elephant ears, cotton candy, carmel corn, hot dogs, hamburgers and other delectable foods. The Entertainment Tent opens at 11:00 a.m. in the Station parking lot on Broadway. Kids of all ages will love the game area that will include a trout pond, train and other events at 11:00 a.m. near the corner of Ashland & Oak Ridge. All are welcome for a fun filled day - rain or shine! For more information, 231-755-3721, Ext. 103.

www.rooseveltpark.org

Shoreline Spectacular
September 3-6

Shoreline Spectacular is back this year in a new location, downtown Muskegon. Car show/parade, motorcycle show, human foosball tournament, 3 on 3 basketball tournament, battle of the rock air bands, paint ball games, dog and cat petting and adoption, poker walk, beverage tent with music, children area with games, art & craft fair, food court and much more. Events will be held at Heritage Landing and Western Avenue

www.shorelinespectacular.com

Breakwater Festival
September 3-6

Come celebrate the last few days of summer at the most beautiful beach in West Michigan, Labor Day weekend, at Pere Marquette Beach & Margaret Drake Elliott Park. Miss Muskegon Breakwater and Miss Muskegon Breakwater Outstanding Teen, September 6.  For more information, call 231- 737-5645.
www.breakwaterfestival.com

Michigan Irish Music Festival
September 17-19
This festival features three days of non-stop Irish music, a Feis Dance Competition (Traditional Irish Dancing) with more than 500 competitiors expected, Irish food and beverage vendors, and a Sunday Mass. The festival also offers children’s music and Irish heritage sessions. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon, rain or shine! 231-739-2028.

www.michiganirish.org

White Lake Fall Fest
September 24-25
This event is located in beautiful Whitehall at the North Mears Parking Lot. There is an arts and crafts fair (Saturday Only), farmers market, local food vendors, waiter and waitress competition, live music, hayrides, food and beverages, farmer’s market, and much more!. 800-879-9702.

www.whitelake.org

Buster Keaton Society Convention & Film Festival

October 1-2

Buster Keaton was a professional performer and Vaudeville star who grew up in the Blufton Neighborhood of Muskegon. As an adult, Buster Keaton frequently returned to the Muskegon area to visit. Join the Buster Keaton Society as the present the Annual Buster Keaton Convention and Film Festival. Watch some of Keaton's films and television footage, tour the Keaton family home, and more. The film festival will take place at the Frauenthal Theatre in downtown Muskegon. For more information, please call 231-759-7253.

www.actorscolony.com

Pumpkin Fest
October 9
Enjoy this wonderful fall festival in Montague.  There will be a farmers market, pumpkin pie competition, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin painting and carving, the event favorite - Dowling Hill pumpkin roll, and a lunch and bake sale. 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Depot to Depot Fall Color Tour

October 16

Travel on one of Michigan's most beautiful scenic drives.  Experience the vibrant fall colors of the woods, dunes and water.  Drive or bike this self-guided touring route to visit historic sites, enjoy nature and get your picture take in front of spectacular Lake Michigan.  Stop at all the designated sites and you will be eleigible to win a great prize.  For more information call 231-724-3100 or 800-250-9283.

Festival of Trees

November 18-28

The Museum of Art presents 11 days of beautifully decorated holiday trees and wreaths decorated by local designers and sold during a silent auction.  A holiday movie festival, Teddy Bear Breakfast with Santa and other holiday celebrations are offered.  For more information call 231-720-2570.  www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Family Christmas

November 27

A real Muskegon Holiday Tradition is being at Hackley Park the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the lighting of the Holiday Tree. With a visit from Santa, hot chocolate and hot dogs, carrollers and your chance to walk through the decorated park, this is an event not to be missed.  For more information, 231-724-3180.  www.downtownmuskegon.org

Heritage Home Tour

December 4

Each year the Nelson Neighborhood Improvement Association holds this annual tour which draws hundreds to see some of Muskegon's most unique, historic homes. The tour begins at the Union Depot in downtown Muskegon and is self directed by car. A map and historic information will be provided. Refreshments will be provided at some of the tour stops. The tour is from 12 Noon to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 per person, age 12 and under free. Purchase tickets in advance at the Frauenthal Center Box Office, Pitkin's Drug, Keefe's Pharmacy, and the Coffee House (tickets also available on the day of the tour at the Union Depot.) For more information call 231-724-3180.  www.downtownmuskegon.org

Circle of Trees

December 5

Join family and friends at Walker Park in North Muskegon for the Annual Circle of Trees. Dog Parade, Lighting of the Trees, Community Carol Sing and more. For more information, 231-719-257.  www.cityofnorthmuskegon.com