Hello, July! Traverse City Area Happenings
July in Northern Michigan is the very definition of summer magic. The lakes are warm, the cherries are ripe, and the days feel endless. It’s the kind of month that begs you to spend every moment outside—whether you’re exploring trails, cruising on the water, or catching a concert under the stars. And when it comes to events, this is the time of year when the Traverse City area really shines.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Dyer Lake regular, here’s a look at the amazing lineup of summer-long staples and one-of-a-kind July happenings that are waiting for you:
☀️ July Events in and Around Traverse City
Summer-Long Events
May – August – Traverse City Pit Spitters Home Games
The Traverse City Pit Spitters are a collegiate baseball team that competes in the Northwoods League. They play their home games at Turtle Creek Stadium in Traverse City. Firework display every Friday!
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May – October – Interlochen Farmers Markets
Thursdays 2pm – 7pm and Sundays 9am – 2pm at Interlochen Corners (J. Maddy Pkwy & US31). 60+ vendors offer local, fresh produce, locally produced food and arts & crafts. Pets are welcome on a leash.
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May – October – Sara Hardy Downtown Farmers Market
Wednesdays 8am-12p and Saturdays 7:30am – 2pm in Parking Lot B (Cass Street & E Grandview Parkway) in downtown Traverse City. One of the largest grower-only markets in the state.
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June 12 – August 14 – Grand Traverse Pavilions Concerts on the Lawn
Every Thursday night (except July 3rd) for free concerts on the beautiful Grand Lawn.
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June – August – Interlochen Arts Festivals
Interlochen Center for the Arts features world-renowned Classical artists, popular headliners, and rising stars.
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June – September – Traverse City Horse Shows
National-level hunter, jumper, and equitation competitions stretch over 13 weeks of thrilling equestrian action.
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July Events
June 28 – July 5 – National Cherry Festival
Concerts, a carnival, air shows, and cherry-themed everything — Traverse City’s favorite summer tradition! The National Cherry Festival and the Boom Boom Club put on an amazing firework display on West Bay every 4th of July. The last day of the Cherry Festival ends with a fireworks finale on West Bay. Two chances to catch spectacular fireworks over the bay. (image above taken from deck at our Dyer Lake Home)
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July 1-29 – Youth Plein Air Painting – Glen Arbor Arts Center
Kids ages 6–12 can learn the art of plein air painting outdoors in beautiful Glen Arbor.
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July 2-30 – Chairlift Rides at Crystal Mountain
Wednesdays and Saturdays. Panoramic views of four counties — weather permitting!
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July 9, 16 & 23 – TADL Summer Storytime at the Dennos Museum Center
Art-themed stories and hands-on creative projects for families.
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July 10 – 2nd Annual Traverse Jamboree
A patriotic ragtime and blues concert at the City Opera House featuring piano powerhouses.
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July 10 & August 21 – Second Sunday Art Project
Interactive art-making for all ages at the museum — try printmaking, weaving, and more.
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July 12 & August 10 – Wings on the Water with Tall Ship Company
Set sail on the Manitou and learn about raptors from the Skegemog Raptor Center.
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July 21 – John Williams & Movie Magic
An outdoor philharmonic concert of iconic film scores at the Civic Center Amphitheater.
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July 26 – Crooked Tree Art Fair
One of the region’s top juried art shows returns to the Grand Traverse County Civic Center.
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July 28 – Beethoven 7 & Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
The Traverse City Philharmonic performs an epic outdoor concert with guest violinist Andrew Sords.
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🎆 Don’t Forget the Everyday Fun
Between all the festivals and concerts, take time to enjoy the everyday magic of Northern Michigan. Some guest favorites include:
- Hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Wine tasting on Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas
- Biking the TART Trail or hiking along the Boardman River
- Downtown shopping, coffee shops, and galleries
- Boating, fishing, or sailing on Grand Traverse Bay
- Scenic rounds of golf at local courses
- Beach days at Clinch Park or Bryant Park
Plan Your Perfect July Getaway
Ready to soak up summer in style? July offers the best of everything Northern Michigan has to offer — and Dyer Lake Vacation Home puts you close to it all while giving you the peace and privacy you crave. Book your stay now and let the sunshine and shoreline do the rest.
Looking to stay in Traverse City in July?
Looking for the perfect place to stay in Traverse City in July? Our vacation home is centrally located, just minutes from Downtown Traverse City and an easy drive to surrounding activities. Whether you’re here to relax on the beaches, explore local wineries, or set sail on a sunset cruise, you’ll be right in the heart of it all.
Skip the extra fees—book direct and save! Or, if you prefer, you can reserve your stay through Airbnb.
📅 Ready to plan your getaway? Book now and experience everything the Traverse City area has to offer!
