Events & Things to Do on Mackinac Island
events & entertainment
Mackinac Island is alive with tradition, music, and seasonal celebrations, offering something special to experience every time you visit. From iconic annual events to nightly entertainment and waterfront activities, there’s always something happening just steps from the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront.
Whether you’re planning your stay around a favorite island tradition or simply looking for memorable things to do on Mackinac Island, our downtown waterfront location places you at the center of it all.
Mackinac Island Events Throughout the Season
Each season on Mackinac Island brings its own rhythm and charm. Popular Mackinac Island events include spring openings, summer festivals, historic celebrations, sailing weekends, and fall traditions that draw visitors back year after year.
Staying downtown allows guests to easily enjoy:
-Seasonal festivals and community events
-Historic celebrations and island traditions
-Waterfront activities and parades
-Art, culture, and family-friendly events
Many events take place within walking distance of the hotel, making it easy to enjoy the island at your own pace. View the different rooms and suites the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront has to offer.
Live Music & Nightly Entertainment
One of the most beloved experiences on the island is enjoying Mackinac Island live music in a waterfront setting. From relaxed afternoons to lively evenings, music is part of the island’s atmosphere and social life.
The Chippewa Hotel Waterfront is home to the iconic Pink Pony, where guests can enjoy live music, cocktails, and harbor views throughout the season. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring or to spend an evening immersed in the energy of downtown Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island Live Music Calendar
Plan Your Stay Around Mackinac Island Events
Many guests choose to plan their visit around favorite island traditions, concerts, or seasonal events. Staying at a downtown waterfront hotel makes it easy to participate in events while enjoying comfortable accommodations and unmatched access to the island’s most popular attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for a special event or simply looking to experience the best things to do on Mackinac Island, the Chippewa Hotel Waterfront offers a classic island home base with front-row access to it all.
Main events on Mackinac Island
Looking for that special excuse to get to the Island? These links provide many details about the fun and exciting special events that take place during a season on Mackinac!
Mackinac Island comes alive with many special events during a season. Click on any of these links to learn more. Which one will make Mackinac Island the spot for this year’s get-away?
(Sponsored by Pink Pony)
How to Get to Mackinac Island
By Land
For those traveling from point’s south, follow I-75 north to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and watch for the well-marked exits to the boat dock of choice. For those traveling from points north, follow I-75 south to St. Ignace or Mackinaw City to the boat dock of choice. To use internet mapping services such as MapQuest, please use zip code 49701 (Mackinaw City) or 49781 (St. Ignace boat) to create a route. Because motor vehicles are restricted to emergency or state vehicles only (medical, fire and police), there are no personal motor vehicles permitted on Mackinac Island.
Ferry Service
Both ferry lines offer transportation to and from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. The closest ferry dock to the Chippewa Hotel is the Arnold Transit from Mackinaw City.
Parking
There is ample parking convenient to the boat docks with valet service and unloading and loading service available. Upon arrival in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, luggage will be tagged for the hotel.
Luggage/Porter Service
On the island-side, helpful dock porters will transport the luggage to the hotel until check-in, at that time they will be happy to deliver the luggage to the room. (Gratuities are appreciated) On your day of departure, luggage can be tagged and held at the front desk until you are ready to leave the Island. At that time, Dock Porters will transport the luggage to the specified ferry dock for your departure.
By Air
Delta offers flights to Pellston Airport (airport code PLN) from most major cities. Mackinaw Shuttle can provide transportation to the boat docks upon arrival and also provides services to and from Traverse City’s Cherry Capitol Airport (airport code TVC) with carriers Delta and United.
North Country Aviation located in Gaylord, Michigan offers special rates on charter flights from Gaylord or any other airport in northern Michigan to Mackinac Island.
Fresh Air Aviation provides service from St. Ignace, and Beaver Island to the Island. Charter flights are also available.
Mackinac Island is especially suited to aviators and welcomes private air travelers offering views of boreal forests, bogs, marshes, springs, bridges and buildings that quietly speak of our history of place in the American experience. Operated by the Mackinac State Historic Parks, Mackinac Island Airport 45° 51.89′ N 084° 38.24’W features a 3500′ runway with daily monthly and annual landing fees.
On Island
Taxi service can provide transportation via horse-drawn carriage from the ferry docks or airport to the hotel. Reservations are required. Please call Mackinac Island Carriage Tours at 906-847-3323 for advanced reservations.