Words by: Erica Zazo

Festival season is year-round in Michigan.

Between every corner of the ‘Fresh Coast’ outdoor-lovers have a mix of opportunities to jam, ride, drink, and hang at Michigan-centric fests all across the state.

If you’re looking to ice climb in the Upper Peninsula at the Michigan Ice Fest, surf Lake Michigan waves at the Great Lakes Surf Festival, or drink some Michigan brews from around The Mitten, here are our picks for the best nature-inspired events in Michigan in 2020:

Pure Ludington’s Annual BRRRewFest – Ludington, MI

(January 25, 2020)

Cold beer and cold weather goes well together when you’re inside a warm tent, surrounded by 25 different Michigan breweries, local music, and a sea of Michiganders. Bonus: All money raised at the event benefits the Friends of the Ludington State Park.

Michigan Ice Festival – Munising, MI

(February 12-16, 2020) 

Watch the best of the best pitch and climb their way up towering ice walls in Munising – right on the shoreline of Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks. The Michigan Ice Fest showcases some of the world’s greatest ice climbers and also gives beginners a shot at trying it themselves with hands-on clinics and demos. Shake your nerves with music and beer post-climb.

Detroit River Days – Detroit, MI

(June 19-21, 2020)

Hang out on the Detroit Riverfront downtown and enjoy local music, art, food and drinks, and water sports. Your ticket funds will go back to the Detroit outdoor community since all proceeds benefit the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy to improve future conservation initiatives and the environmental health of the Detroit River. 

Great Lakes Surf Festival – Muskegon, MI

(August 15, 2020)

You heard us right: There’s a surf fest in Michigan. See what Michigan’s surf culture is all about at this fest right on the lake. Jump on your stand-up paddleboard, soak in the sun, and meet local vendors and surf shops from across Michigan. Don’t forget to book a campsite on the beach to camp-out overnight. With waves lapping the shore 100 feet away...there’s really no better way to drift to sleep.

Fresh Coast Film Festival – Marquette, MI

(October 15-18, 2020)

Get inspired by this outdoor lifestyle, adventure, and environmental film fest that celebrates the Great Lakes and the Upper Midwest. In between shows have a go at rock climbing, yoga, waterfall hikes, and mountain bike rides in the expansive wilderness areas in and around Marquette. 

Mount Bohemia Trail Running Festival – Mohawk, MI

(2020 Date - TBD)

One of the Upper Peninsula’s most unique outdoor gems, Mount Bohemia, throws one heck of a trail running bash each fall. The ski hill welcomes trail runners for a 5k, 10k or soon-to-be 50k ultra-marathon. A pre-race pasta dinner is included with your race ticket. Cool down after with beers and warm back up in Mount Bohemia’s pool-sized hot tub and Scandanavian-inspired sauna.

Peaktober Fest – Thompsonville, MI

(2020 Date - TBD)

Just as the peak fall season stars popping, Crystal Mountain is throwing it’s annual Peaktober Fest, where mountain bike and music festival meets Octoberfest. Eat some German food, drink some German beers, and soak in Michigan’s autumn vibes on the mountain as a spectator or mountain bike competitor. 

Suds and Snow Festival – Traverse City, MI

(March 7th, 2020)

Up in Traverse City Michigan, this beer festival in the woods during the winter includes a half-mile hike through the forest at Timber Ridge Resort, two live-music stages with local bands, food vendors, and 20+ craft breweries serving up the ‘good stuff.’

Michigan Brewers Guild Annual U.P. Fall Beer Festival – Marquette, MI

(2020 Date - TBD)

Upwards of 100 Michigan breweries pour more than 800 different craft beers at this annual beer fest in the U.P. Cheers while you take in the views across Lake Superior in downtown Marquette. Plus with local musicians jamming on stage around the fest, you can’t go wrong.

Looking for something a little sooner?

Look no further than this upcoming weekend!

Woosah Holidaze Party! - Grand Rapids, MI

(November 23rd, 2019 at Woosah / Outside Coffee Co)

The change of a season is a dagnabbin' good reason to gather and celebrate. Our Holidaze Party is one of our all time favorite seasonal releases; there's something so nice about cozying up around the fire together no matter the weather. This year's party features live music from Phabies and The Skinny Limbs. Beer from New Holland Brewing will be flowing and new Woosah gear awaits your gaze in the shop. Come by anytime between 12-8 pm Saturday, November 23rd for a guaranteed good time. Peep the full event details here! We hope to see ya there, cheers!