Annual Events

No matter when you choose to visit Marquette, each season offers unique experiences. From bike and sled dog races to art and beer festivals, here is your local’s guide to the season’s festivals and events. With activities for each season, there is much to explore in the UP for all ages, all year round. 

A skier performing a trick in the air at Iron Town Rail Jam

Winter Events

Usher in the New Year and experience the NYE ball drop here in downtown Marquette. Experiencing a UP winter is like no other, especially when taking part in the annual Noquemanon Ski Marathon. Not only is this trail one of the longest point-to-point ski marathons in the US, but it is also surrounded by stunning Michigan wilderness, making it a premier ski experience. In February, Marquette hosts the U.P 200, a 12 dog mid-distance sled dog race and Iditarod qualifier. Cheer on the packs as they embark on a 230 mi journey to Grand Marais and back.

Lasers on the Ore Dock

Lasers on the Ore Dock Fresh Coast Light Lab & Travel Marquette present... Read More

Noquemanon Ski Marathon

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon has been described by some as “the most... Read More

UP200, Midnight Run, Jack Pine 30 Sled Dog Races

Mark your calendars because the U.P. 200, Midnight Run, & Jack Pine 30... Read More

A runner, running on a footbridge over the carp river at Marquette Trails Fest

Spring Events

Join the local foodies in the annual Downtown Marquette Restaurant Week. This event is a great opportunity to try the various local cuisines throughout the city from seafood, baked goods, fine dining, and multi-cultural cuisine.

An aerial view of the fireworks show over Lake Superior and laser show on the Ore Dock

Summer Events

Pride Fest

The Annual U.P. Pride Festival is coming to the shores of Lake Superior at... Read More

Art Week

City of Marquette Art Week: "STORIES" Art Week invites local artists,... Read More

Marquette Fourth of July Sensory Friendly Laser Show

Travel Marquette proudly presents the Independence Day Sensory Friendly... Read More

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival

The Hiawatha Festival is the only event of its size and scope in Michigan’s... Read More

Art on the Rocks

Art on the Rocks™ has grown to one of the finest art shows in the country,... Read More

Ore to Shore Mountain Bike Epic

The Ore to Shore (O2S) is the third largest point-to-point race in the... Read More

Marquette Trail 50 Ultramarathon

The Marquette Trail 50 is an ultramarathon (a foot race with distances... Read More

Marquette Marathon

On your "Marq", get set, go! The Marquette Marathon is back for more action... Read More

Though the summer months are a great opportunity to explore the great Michigan wilderness, chase waterfalls, and kayak through the Great Lakes, there are many local events to add to the fun. Visiting Marquette in June? Dive into the local culture during Art week and engage in the week-long series of creative workshops and events performed by local artists. If you enjoy the UP outdoors, be sure to participate in the Marquette trails fest to support trail maintenance and trail building for the Noquemanon Trail Network.

Planning a trip for July? Celebrate Independence Day in the UP and watch the longest-running fireworks show off Lake Superior at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. On the last Friday of July, Downtown Marquette transforms for the annual Blueberry Festival, where local vendors sell various blueberry-related goods and restaurants cater blueberry-themed specials.  

Silhouettes of the audience at a screening at Fresh Coast Film Festival

Fall Events

As the leaves change and cider brews, visitors flock to the UP to enjoy the splendor of a Michigan Fall. Enjoy the local craft beer overlooking Lake Superior at the U.P Fall Beer Fest at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. With over 600 beers to choose from, attendees have more than enough options to find their perfect match. Or celebrate the outdoors and the resilient spirit of the UP by attending the annual Fresh Coast Film Festival.

U.P. Fall Beer Fest

The U.P. Fall Beer Festival takes place at the scenic Mattson Lower Harbor... Read More

Marji Gesick

Described by Jeremiah Bishop as "the hardest single-day mountain bike event... Read More

Fall Fest

Big Bay Fall Fest Join the Big Bay Stewardship Council for their 5th Annual... Read More

Marquette Fall Enduro

Join the Noquemanon Trail Network for three days at the Marquette Fall... Read More

Fall Phantasm

A night at Lakenenland Sculpture Park full of fantastical creatures, music... Read More

UP 200 Dryland Dash

UP 200 Dryland Dash Watch Sled dog racing in October without the snow and... Read More

Lake Superior Performance Rally

Rev your engines because the Lake Superior Performance Rally is back in... Read More

Fresh Coast Film Festival

Fresh Coast Film Festival 2025 4 days, 6 venues, 80 + films, and endless... Read More