Photo by Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre
Any season, any time, Benzie County is a great place to be. There’s always something fun going on, no matter what time of year. From arts & crafts fairs to film festivals, you’ll never be bored in Benzie County!
Here we’ve condensed the most popular annual happenings, so you can see at a glance which time of year you may want to visit our wonderful area. Welcome to Benzie County!
The Frankfort-Elberta area is host to several arts and crafts fairs through the summer months as well as a holiday fair in late November. With its beautiful location along Lake Michigan, Frankfort attracts thousands of visitors every summer.
The Lakeside Shakespeare Theatre brings two Shakespearean plays to the beautiful outdoor venue of Tank Hill in Frankfort each summer.
Held in Honor each August, the National Coho Salmon Festival celebrates the birth of a great fishing location as well as the economic boost the fall salmon run brings to the area each year. The event includes a parade, car show, arts & crafts fair, and more.
The Winterfest in Beulah is held each February and includes fun for the whole family. Events include a cookie sale, poker run, horse-drawn carriage rides, rubber duck race, parade, fireworks, and more.
Held in downtown Beulah, the Benzie County Fallfest is always held on the first Saturday in October. There are a variety of events, like pumpkin decorating, kids games/activities, a classic car & motorcycle show and more.
The Frankfort Film Festival is held each October at the historic Garden Theatre in downtown Frankfort. Traditionally, eight films are shown as part of the festival. 2021 will mark the festival’s 13th year.
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West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
The Pentwater River provides opportunities to experience a paddle sport for the first time or take on a challenge for those more experienced.
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in Manistee County. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.