Up Nort h Events

WED / 2

Elk Rapids Harbor Days has a full lineup of events, including a car show, art & craft show and carnival. The festival runs through Saturday evening, concluding with spectacular fireworks over East Grand Traverse Bay. Aug. 2–5. elkrapidsharbordays.org

Dip Into August

by ALLISON JARRELL

Events made for sunshiny days.

SUN / 6

From harness racing and livestock auctions, to prize-winning roses and exotic chickens, it’s all a part of the fun at the Northwestern Michigan Fair, a Traverse City tradition since 1908. Aug. 6–12. northwesternmichiganfair.net

SAT / 19

Seafood lovers rejoice! The annual Lobster Fest Fundraiser returns to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse in Leelanau State Park, featuring a dinner of Maine lobster or filet mignon, a live auction and a special pour of Mawby cuveé to celebrate the winery’s 50th anniversary. Proceeds go toward the continued restoration and preservation of the historic light. $100 per person. MyNorthTickets.com

THURS / 24

For four days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend into Cedar for the annual Cedar Polka Fest, featuring family fun and entertainment with some of the best Polka bands in America. Plus, plenty of Polish beer, sausages and pierogi. Aug. 24–27. cedarpolkafest.org

SUN / 27

Head to southwest Michigan for The Fair Ground Festival, a new annual concert at the Barry County Fairgrounds in Hastings. With a focus on supporting women in the music industry, headliners include The Accidentals, Joseph, The Crane Wives, Ruthie Foster, Patty Pershayla and Kyshona. Tickets start at $50. MyNorthTickets.com

SAT / 5

The 47th annual Gem & Mineral Show in Ishpeming brings together rock and mineral enthusiasts and more than 50 vendors showing off gemstones, jewelry, crafts and more. Over the weekend, enjoy two field trips for mineral collection and a treasure hunt for families. travelmarquette.com

WED / 30

Northern Natural Cider House in Kaleva hosts The Accidentals for an evening featuring their eclectic blend of indie folk, pop, bluegrass and rock music. Tickets are $20. MyNorthTickets.com