Art tours, trail running, mountain biking, fireworks, and blueberry beer! Summer is almost here, and so are our favorite festivals and events of the season.

JUNE

First Thursdays Art Tour

First Thursday of each month

First Thursdays are a monthly art scene stroll highlighting galleries, studios, and creative spaces in the City of Marquette. Each month will feature various artists' demonstrations, gallery/studio tours, and workshops. The first Art Tour starts on the first Thursday of June and takes place each first Thursday of the month through October.

Iron Range Roll

JUNE 1, 2024

Roll along the Iron Ore Heritage Trail from the historic Cliffs Shaft Museum in Ishpeming to the iconic Ore Dock in Marquette in this 16-mile point-to-point race. This downhill excursion is open to recreational enthusiasts of all ages and abilities.

Pride Fest

June 8, 2024

Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community on the shores of Lake Superior at the UP’s largest Pride Fest. Featuring family-friendly fun, educational resources, and a stunning array of entertainment in beautiful Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

Great Lakes Rodeo

June 14-15, 2024

Saddle up for three back-to-back days of fun this Father's Day Weekend. Whether you enjoy watching the cowboys attempt to ride a bull or get a good laugh from the rodeo clown, the Great Lakes Rodeo has something for the entire family at the Neil Sr Armatti Memorial Raceway in Gwinn.

Marquette Trails Fest

JUNE 21-23, 2024

Gear up for a weekend of mountain biking & trail running races and socials. Get out and experience the scenery and rec culture in Marquette, while supporting local trail building and sustainability practices. All proceeds from this event go to the Noquemanon Trail Network.

City of Marquette Art Week

June 24-29, 2024

Art Week brings local artists, arts organizations, and businesses together for a week-long series of special events, concerts, workshops, performances, and demonstrations. Come see just how creative Marquette can be.

July

Marquette 4th of July Laser Show & Fireworks

July 4-5, 2024

We've collaborated with the Marquette Fireworks Committee and Fresh Coast Light Lab to present an Independence Day laser light show on the iconic Ore Dock. This laser show will be the largest architectural laser show in North America and the first summer laser show in Marquette. The event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to partake in a sensory-friendly Fourth of July celebration.

Hiawatha Music Festival

July 19-21, 2024

The Hiawatha Music Festival features traditional-music styles that include bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk – including singer/songwriters and dance. Main Stage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites.

Blueberry Fest

July 26, 2024

One of the sweetest events of Summer, dedicated to one of the Midwest’s favorite fruits. Friday, July 26th, Front & Washington St. will be buzzing with everything from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer, paired with an array of live music, activities, and sidewalk sales.

Art on the Rocks

July 27-28, 2024

Attracting over 140 artists and 10,000 people each year, Art on the Rocks is stationed between Marquette’s historic downtown and the Cinder Pond Marina on beautiful Lake Superior. 30% of the event's artists are invited based on a scoring system used by previous show judges, and the other 70% are selected by a jury process, making it one of the finest art shows in the country.

August

Ore 2 Shore

August 9-11, 2024

The O2S is the third largest point-to-point race in the Midwest, with riders gearing up at the start line in Negaunee, where iron ore was first discovered in 1844 in the Superior region. The long-distance course travels through Ishpeming, past towering head frames from the heyday of underground mining, before heading north into the beautiful wooded wilderness and crossing alongside the Dead River all the way into Marquette to the Lake Superior shoreline.

Marquette Trail 50

August 16-17, 2024

The Marquette Trail 50 is an ultramarathon (a foot race with distances beyond the marathon distance of 26.2 miles) for ultramarathoners organized by ultramarathoners. The course is located on Marquette's superior trail network which has attracted runners from across the country. The events include 50K, 50M,  5K, and 1M—making it an event for runners of all levels.

Classic Cars on Third

August 17, 2024

Shift your weekend into high gear and head to downtown Marquette for Classic Cars on Third! Whether you're a seasoned car enthusiast or just curious, explore the impressive lineup showcasing classic beauty and modern style along the Third Street Corridor.

Marquette Marathon

August 31, 2024

Get ready to lace up for the 2024 Marquette Marathon, an official qualifier for the Boston Marathon. This unique course showcases the stunning natural beauty of the region, beginning in the small iron mining town of Ishpeming and ending at the Superior Dome in Marquette. From Start to Finish: net elevation drop of 814 feet.

Marquette Area Blues Fest

August 31-September 2, 2024

Blues enthusiasts won't want to miss this three day fest on the shores of Lake Superior. Enjoy world-class blues music, artist workshops, local food, and a beverage tent stocked with Marquette's best brews.