Complimentary Admission to the Mackinac Art Museum
2026-06-12 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-13 10:00 - 18:00, 2026-06-14 10:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island
Enjoy complimentary admission to The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum June 5 – June 14 as part of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!
ABOUT THE MACKINAC ART MUSEUM:
Nowhere else does such a rare and exceptional collection of Mackinac-related art and photography come together to tell Mackinac’s story.
In complement to the natural beauty of Mackinac Island, The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum allows visitors to experience fine and decorative arts inspired by Mackinac through the ages.
One of the most diverse art museums in the region, the museum’s collection offers no shortage of beauty and history – from hand-beaded Native American garments and 17th and 18th-century maps of the Great Lakes, to one-of-a-kind pieces from the height of Mackinac Island’s Victorian era.
Original photographs from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century present the beauty of Mackinac as captured by the camera’s eye. Featured are the works of William H. Gardiner, including dozens of his famed early-twentieth century hand-tinted views. #thisismackinac

Special Lilac Festival Program at Fort Mackinac
2026-06-12 13:00 - 13:20, 2026-06-13 13:00 - 13:20, 2026-06-14 13:00 - 13:20 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
Marquette Park today is home to dozens of gorgeous lilacs and is the home for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival. But what is the history of that green space? What did the Army use that space for? Join us daily at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Mackinac during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival for a special program showcasing the history of Marquette Park. Admission to Fort Mackinac required. This program only takes place during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival! #thisismackinac

War of 1812 Weekend
2026-06-13 09:30 - 17:00, 2026-06-14 09:30 - 17:00 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
After losing Fort Mackinac and failing to take it back during the War of 1812, American soldiers returned to Fort Mackinac in 1815. These soldiers not only played an important role in post-war relations with the community of Mackinac Island and British Canada but also left their mark by constructing new buildings at Fort Mackinac and expanding Fort Holmes. Join us as War of 1812 reenactors assist our 1880s interpretative staff in telling one of the most important stories of Fort Mackinac and how it continues to impact the fort’s history today.
All special programs included with regular Fort Mackinac admission. More information to come soon! #thisismackinac

Lilac Festival Grand Parade
2026-06-14 16:00 - 17:30 | Mackinac Island
Finish off the week of festivities from the Lilac Festival with the Grand Parade which will go down M-185 into downtown. Parade starts with a special cannon salute from Fort Mackinac. Keep an eye out for the Fort Mackinac soldiers and Mackinac State Historic Parks float! #thisismackinac

"Echoes of the Island" Open House and Reception
2026-06-17 18:30 - 20:00 | The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Mackinac Island
Grand opening and awards reception for the 2026 juried art exhibition at The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, Echoes of the Island: A Journey Through Time. Co-sponsored by Mackinac Associates, the Mackinac Arts Council, and Mackinac State Historic Parks. #thisismackinac
Mackinac State Historic Parks is looking for artists to explore the layers of Mackinac’s storied past. From the sacred lands of the Anishinaabe people to the Revolutionary War-era Fort Mackinac, from Victorian summer retreats to horse-drawn carriages, Mackinac Island is in many ways a living museum. We encourage artists working in all media to share with us their artistic visions of what Echoes of the Island: A Journey Through Timemeans to them.

G. Mennen Williams Mackinac Celebration
2026-06-20 17:30 - 20:30 | Mackinac Island
Mackinac Associates‘ annual G. Mennen Williams Celebration brings together lovers of Mackinac to recognize the outstanding support and efforts of Mackinac State Historic Parks’ friends group. The event will be held at a private residence to be announced soon.
This is a Members Only event. Head to the Mackinac Associates website for information on how to join.

Summer Solstice Stroll
2026-06-21 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
Join naturalist Kyle Bagnall to explore Mackinac Island’s trails on the longest day of the year! Meet behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) for a meandering stroll to search for wonders of all sizes, including plants, animals, and geological features. This walk covers about 1.5 miles, including paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain. #thisismackinac

Artist-in-Residence Program
2026-06-24 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-08 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-07-22 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-08-05 19:00 - 20:00 | Station 256 Conference Room, Above the MISP Visitor's Center, Mackinac Island
Join our resident artist for a free program detailing work done during the artist residency. This is a free program held at the Station 256 Conference Room, located above the Mackinac Island State Park Visitor’s Center. Schedule or resident artists to be posted in late winter, 2026.
ABOUT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM:
The Mackinac State Historic Parks Artist-In-Residence Program is designed to promote and encourage the creation of artistic works inspired by the history, natural wonders, and beauty of Mackinac Island. The residencies are available to artists in all mediums, including writers, composers, sculptures, and visual artists including photographers, among others. #thisismackinac

Michilimackinac Fire at Night
2026-07-03 21:00 - 22:30 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
An America250 event! This will be one of the coolest things you see all summer. Experience the power of Michilimackinac’s weapons at night. Gates open at 9:00 p.m. Rifle firing will start at dusk; cannon firing will be after dark. This is a free event; donations welcome. #thisismackinac
Event also takes place September 6.

A Star Spangled Fourth of July
2026-07-04 09:30 - 19:00 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
An America250 event! The historic island fort is decked out in patriotic finery with banners, flags and bunting. It is an 1880’s Independence Day, with 38-gun salutes honoring the states of the period and children’s games. Guests join the party and participate in games on the fort parade ground.
Don’t miss out on this all 1880s Independence Day as we have catch and baseball available on the parade ground to go along with foot and relay races, a band, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, the raising of the colors, the national salute (38 rifle blasts for the 38 states of the 1880s!), a cannon salute, and much more!
Music will start at 3:00 p.m. Games will be available on the parade ground beginning at 3:15 p.m. The reading of the Declaration of Independence, raising of colors, toast, and national salute will begin around 4:15 p.m.
The Tea Room Restaurant, operated by Grand Hotel, is open all day serving snacks, sweets, and beverages, and will have full lunch service from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
All special programming is included with regular admission to Fort Mackinac. #thisismackinac

Mackinac Associates Red, White & Blue Celebration
2026-07-04 17:00 - 18:00 | Huron Road Pavilion, 7127 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, MI, 49757, United States
An annual private Independence Day reception for Mackinac Associates. Head to the Mackinac Associates website for information on how to join.

Maritime Michilimackinac
2026-07-11 09:30 - 19:00, 2026-07-12 09:30 - 19:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
Colonial Michilimackinac was a major hub for the Great Lakes Fur Trade, and its location where Lakes Michigan and Huron meet was crucial to its success. This special event will focus on Michilimackinac’s maritime history. Join the interpretive staff as they discuss and demonstrate the many different ways Michilimackinac’s historic residents interacted with and worked on the water. All special events included with a regular Colonial Michilimackinac ticket. #thisismackinac
This event also takes place Sunday, July 12.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Check back soon!

Forgotten Features Bicycle Tour
2026-07-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
On this guided bicycle tour, join Kyle Bagnall, Park Naturalist, as we search for features that are long lost, forgotten, or no longer exist today. Hear tales of Deer Park, Listening Hill, Dousman’s Distillery, Chimney Rock, Mount Humbard, Wishing Spring – and more! This journey starts behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) and covers about 6 miles. Participants should bring a good working bike, a drink of water, and a sense of adventure. #thisismackinac

A Walk Through the Cemeteries of Mackinac Island
2026-07-15 17:00 - 19:00 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island
Join us for an evening walk through the island’s cemeteries with Mackinac State Historic Parks’ Interpretation Coordinator, Jack Swartzinski. Jack will guide guests through the Catholic, Protestant, and Military cemeteries, explaining their history and pointing out historic graves in each. Meet at the Post Cemetery. This is a free tour – donations welcome. Wear comfortable walking shoes and prepare for the weather. Tour should last about an hour. #thisismackinac

Mackinac Island State Park Commission Meeting
2026-07-24 13:30 - 15:00 | Post Hospital, 7029 Huron Road, Mackinac Island, 49757, United States
A regular meeting of the Mackinac Island State Park Commission at the Post Hospital Administrative Building on Mackinac Island. #thisismackinac

Vintage Base Ball
2026-07-25 18:30 - 20:00 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
A vintage game of “base ball” as it was meant to be played, barehanded and by gentlemen’s rules on the old Fort Mackinac ball field behind Fort Mackinac, the oldest continually used ball field in Michigan. Learn an old-fashioned cheer, watch players fined for smoking cigars on the field, and enjoy a good old-fashioned rivalry! We welcome back the Portland Blue Sox for the 2026 match. Sponsored by Mary’s Bistro and Draught House.
Admission by donation. #thisismackinac

Tour of the Turtle's Back: Ancient Mackinac Island
2026-07-29 13:00 - 14:30 | Mackinac Island State Park, Mackinac Island, MI
This afternoon ramble will reveal some of Mackinac Island’s most ancient wonders. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) where we’ll begin our hike. We’ll follow winding pathways up the “turtle’s back,” viewing Skull Cave, Point Lookout, Sugar Loaf, and Fort Holmes. This adventure covers about 1 ¾ miles over paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain, including stairs. #thisismackinac

Askin's People at Michilimackinac
2026-08-01 09:30 - 19:00, 2026-08-02 09:30 - 19:00 | Colonial Michilimackinac, Mackinaw City
Askin’s People at Michilimackinac will explore the lives free and enslaved people who worked for the merchant John Askin at Michilimackinac in the 1770s. Join the staff at Michilimackinac as they demonstrate the various work performed by Askin’s employees, who included sailors, bakers, gardeners, cooks, voyageurs, laundresses, and more. Be sure to explore all around the fort and grounds, as informal demonstrations will be taking place throughout the weekend as well! All events will be included with a regular ticket to Colonial Michilimackinac. #thisismackinac
This event also takes place August 2.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
TBA

National Lighthouse Day: Celebrating the 'Castle on the Straits'
2026-08-07 09:00 - 17:30 | Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, Mackinaw City
Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has served as a point in the storm and guiding beacon on the Straits of Mackinac for more than 130 years. On this National Lighthouse Day, join the interpretive staff of Old Mackinac Point for special programs celebrating the “Castle on the Straits.” All special programs included with regular admission.
August 7 Schedule of Events:
TBA
#thisismackinac

Botanical Wonders Walk
2026-08-12 13:00 - 14:30 | Fort Mackinac, Mackinac Island, MI
Thomas Nuttall was the first botanist to visit the straits, arriving by birchbark canoe on August 12, 1810. That summer, described 20 species for science, including thimbleberry. Meet naturalist Kyle Bagnall behind Fort Mackinac (Huron Road) to search for plants Thomas found growing here over 200 years ago. This easy walk covers about 1.5 miles over paved roads and some trails with uneven terrain. #thisismackinac
