Summer has officially arrived and it’s time to get this party started with a bang!
The Sleeping Bear Dunes region knows how to celebrate Fourth of July with homespun holiday events and wholesome family fun — from parades and music to beaches and fireworks over the water.
Cast off your cares, unplug from the news, and don your favorite Americana T-shirt or costume as we celebrate America’s birthday.
One of the region’s most unique celebrations is Glen Arbor’s Fourth of July parade. The annual tradition dates back to the early 1960s, when a few local children decorated their bicycles and rode around town.
After the original founder passed away, the Glen Arbor Township stepped up to keep it going. Basically, “anything goes,” within reason, and it’s open to anybody who wants to celebrate the founding of the country, says Township Supervisor Tom Laureto.
“I think people who see it for the first time can’t believe it’s a small-town parade,” Laureto says, adding that his wife was in the original parade. “It’s become much bigger than anything we could have imagined.”
There aren’t traditional floats and bands and no pre-registration is required. While many community members show off their classic cars, and area emergency and military vehicles join the lineup, walkers can jump in near the Christian Science Church at the end of the parade procession.
“It’s very patriotic and an organic type of parade that represents the values of the people here,” Laureto says. “I think that’s what’s made it remarkable. Everybody feels like they’re buying in. They buy a few bags of candy to throw out to the kids.”
Glen Arbor
See for yourself why Glen Arbor does Independence Day right — honoring life, liberty, and the flag.
10 a.m.: Flag raising ceremony at Old Settlers Park
Kick off the day and celebrate the founding of America in a joyous and patriotic flag raising ceremony at 10 a.m. at Old Settlers Picnic Grounds on Glen Lake.
Gene Kelly, the featured speaker, is an author, retired business owner, and decorated Army veteran. His speech, “You Can Help!,” will explore ways to improve the local community as well as our country.
Pastor Melody Olin of Empire United Methodist Church will deliver the Invocation, and Rob Hansen, Head of the Leelanau School, will read the Declaration of Independence.
Noon-2 p.m.: Glen Arbor 4th of July Parade, starting in Glen Haven and ending in downtown Glen Arbor.
Large crowds line the streets for this Fourth of July tradition. The 2025 parade will pay tribute to local resident Ed Ricker as the Grand Marshal. Ed’s Cadillac has carried the 4th of July parade’s Grand Marshal for many years.
The township decided to name Ed the parade grand marshal to honor his memory after his unexpected passing. This annual community parade is open to anyone who wants to celebrate the founding of our great country on its birthday. No registration is required.
Parade vehicles gather in Glen Haven at 10:30 a.m. Walkers wanting to join in the fun should gather on Forest Haven Road and M-109 (near the Christian Science Church) and are asked not to join the parade until the last parade vehicle passes Forest Haven Road.
3-4 p.m.: Glen Lake Boat Parade
Gather up your family and friends, break out the banners and flags, and hit Glen Lake for a fun-filled parade on the water. No need to register — just float or motor (boat) up.
Meet on the water at 3 p.m. in front of Glen Lake Yacht Club and head toward the Narrows. The parade goes under the bridge and out by the boat ramp, then heads back under the bridge. Open to everyone, whether you live on the lake or haul a boat up.
After that, it's anyone's guess. Those who want to keep the parade going can circle the lake. Get ready to wave at the folks watching from shore and enjoy the afternoon on the water.
Enjoy lunch or dinner in downtown Glen Arbor and stay for fireworks in neighboring communities. If you’re in the area for several days, stop by the Glen Arbor Arts Center for the Members Create exhibit on display through Aug. 7.
Visit glenarbor.com for more information or a complete list of events, including live music at area restaurants and wineries.
Leland
This year, nearby Leland will present its Independence Day fireworks extravaganza beginning at dusk (9:30 p.m.) July 3 at Hancock Field. Bring your family and friends and enjoy a night of community spirit.
And keep the party going on Fourth of July during Leland’s annual parade, which starts at 3 p.m. in downtown Leland. Applications are now being accepted to participate.
Frankfort
Frankfort, a gateway community to the south, puts on a shoreline fireworks show that lights up the water — and the night’s sky. It’s a grand way to celebrate Independence Day — with your toes in the sand and a Lake Michigan sunset.
The community has several events planned throughout the week:
July 1-4: Fourth of July Medallion Hunt
Perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for a fun challenge. Join in this town-wide treasure hunt and win $150. Follow the clues, explore Frankfort, and be the first to find the hidden medallion! Clues revealed daily at 10 a.m. at the Chamber office.
July 2-5: Fourth of July Carnival
Bring the whole family for an afternoon/evening of fun, games, and your favorite carnival treats at the Family Fun Tyme Carnival. All proceeds from the pre-sale carnival tickets go to the Fourth of July Fireworks. Carnival opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 and closes at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at Open Space Park, 800 Main Street, Frankfort.
July 4:
Fourth of July Parade: The Frankfort community comes together for a patriotic birthday bash and parade filled with floats, marching bands, and community spirit! Line the streets and wave your flags as we celebrate freedom and unity. Parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on Main Street in downtown Frankfort.
Sandcastle Contest: Bring your buckets, shovels, and imagination and duel it out with other sandcastles creators at the Sandcastle Contest noon-2 p.m. at Frankfort Beach.
Art in the Park: Stroll through Frankfort's Mineral Springs Park and discover handcrafted jewelry, home and outdoor decor, woodcrafts, artwork, gourmet snacks, and more. Craft fair runs 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the park, 630 Main St., near the library and waterfront.
Fireworks show: Frankfort's Fourth of July fireworks show is one of the best in the area and a true Americana experience! Snag your spot on Frankfort Beach for a night of oooooos and awwwwws. The show starts around dusk on the west end of Main Street.
For a complete list of events in the area, visit the Frankfort-Elberta Chamber event listing.
Northport
At the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, Northport also shoots off fireworks over Northport Bay. Join the celebration on the lawn near Marina Park and Haserot Park.
The Northport Community Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the pavilion, followed by Dune Brothers from 8-10 p.m.
Presented by the Village of Northport, the fireworks show begins around 10 p.m. Friday, July 4. View the Northport Map to find your perfect spot. Bring your lawn chairs, snacks, and festive vibes — and enjoy the 4th in the North!
Celebrate all summer long
It’s time to break out the red, white, and blue, the boats, and the barbecue, and join the Sleeping Bear gateway communities in an Independence Day party you won’t forget.
You’ll find endless things to do over the long weekend and throughout the summer. Take your pick of hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, kayaking a nearby river, or sipping a cool drink on an outdoor deck.
Plan your visit to the park here and check out upcoming programs, including Twilight Talks and Heroes of the Storm. We also recommend some time for loafing!
And for a hassle-free holiday, stay at The Homestead Resort in the heart of it all. The resort offers accommodations from hotel rooms to condos, plus Lake Michigan sunsets, minimal driving, and top-tier resort amenities. Enjoy swimming, golfing, tennis, trails or a spa treatment.
Marla R. Miller is a freelance travel writer, blogger, and content writer who enjoys exploring the Sleeping Bear area. Visit her website at marlarmiller.com.