Leelanau UnCaged #11 is coming to Northport on Sat., Sept. 27 from 11am to 10pm for its annual FREE festival of food, art, music and dance and – it has to be said – it’s time to open the cage and come on out!
What’s on tap? The artists, locals, businesses and nonprofits who create, celebrate and make Leelanau County what it is. The street festival will feature a whopping 7 stages and 34 acts, including over 65 vendors.
The festival kicks off with a Water Blessing over the bay at 11am. The gathering is lead with honor by the words of Anishinaabe Water Protectors from the Grand Traverse Band. They will lead the singing of the Water Blessing song, followed by prayers for the water and releasing an offering of flowers into the bay.
The blessing is followed by a procession to the festival center in town, where music and dance performances will begin at noon.
Leelanau UnCaged is inspired by the work of John Cage, the American composer and philosopher. He famously said, "Get yourselves out of whatever cage you find yourself in."
MUSIC
There’s a map available online that shows where activities will take place as well as the 7 outdoor music stages.
Come out to enjoy some of the local favorites such as the Jeff Haas Quintet, as well as cultural performers like the Anishinabek Singers & Dancers of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, who will share their tradition through songs and dances that are deeply rooted in their culture and history.
The center stage lineup can be found here (located next to Tom’s Market) and the other stages and their lineups through town can be found here.
ARTS & FOOD
Over 50 area artists will be featured – from woodworking to painting to fashion and SO MUCH MORE. See the full line up of vendors here. Area restaurants and businesses will (of course!) be open for the special day, as well as several food trucks, so come hungry!
KIDS
The kids are welcome – bring them along. New this year is the Fishmill Release for kids (and kids at heart) at 7pm by the info tent. There will be a Kids Tent with activities for the younger set and a Teen Scene area with henna art and beaded art for the older set.
More information can be found here and on the Leelanau UnCaged Facebook page too. This event is organized by local volunteers and there is no admission charge. Leelanau UnCaged is paid for by donations from merchants, foundations and individuals. Please consider a donation as well. Enjoy!
