Cover photo courtesy of Brook Walsh.
The best things to do in Glen Arbor MI during summer means diving into a lineup of festivals and events that bring this charming town to life. The Glen Arbor Farmer’s Market runs every Tuesday from 9am to 1pm outside the Township Hall. The Running Bear 5K Run/Walk welcomes the whole family. Something happens every week.
We created this article to guide you through glen arbor Michigan events and help you plan your visit around the most exciting activities. We’ll cover the can’t-miss summer festivals and things to do Glen Arbor offers beyond the events. You’ll also get practical tips for planning your trip to make the most of your time in this beautiful Michigan destination.
Can’t-Miss Summer Festivals in Glen Arbor MI
Summer kicks off with Glen Arbor’s beloved 4th of July celebration. This year will be the nation’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with a flag raising ceremony at 10am at Old Settlers Park. The iconic Glen Arbor parade follows at noon and runs through downtown. This local tradition dates back to the early 1960s. At the time, local children decorated their bicycles and rode around town. No pre-registration is required. The Glen Lake boat parade follows at 3pm in front of Glen Lake Yacht Club.
Mid-July brings the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair on July 15, 2026. This marks its 54th year. Approximately 90 artists are invited by jury to showcase pottery, painting, woodworking and jewelry from 10am to 4pm behind the Town Hall. Admission is free. Proceeds fund scholarships for Glen Lake Community School students.
The 19th annual Running Bear Run takes place on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This 5K Run/Walk starts at 9am at Cherry Republic. The half-mile Kids Run begins at 9:05am. Online registration opens May 1 and closes at midnight on July 26.
Port Oneida Fair runs August 7-8, 2026. Visitors get a glimpse into late 1800s rural life with traditional crafts and historic demonstrations at five historic sites.
Things to Do in Glen Arbor Beyond the Festivals
Glen Arbor offers activities that showcase the area’s natural beauty and local flavors beyond festival season. The Glen Arbor Farmers Market runs every Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM behind the Township Hall at 6394 W. Western Ave. It operates from June through mid-September.
Wine enthusiasts can explore Michigan’s tiniest wine trail right in downtown Glen Arbor. Three tasting rooms sit within walking distance. Glen Arbor Wines features a vintage-style tasting room surrounded by beautiful trees. The backyard wine garden includes fire pits. Cherry Republic’s Winery offers cherry wines and ciders made from locally grown fruit. Kids can enjoy cherry sodas at their soda counter.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore provides outdoor adventures just minutes away. The 7-mile Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, the Dune Climb, and Glen Haven’s Maritime Museum offer quick experiences if you have limited time. Glen Lake welcomes powerboats and sailboats. National Geographic once called it one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. The Crystal River attracts paddlers with its clear water and abundant wildlife. The Platte River offers canoeing through wilderness.
Check out our new essential guide on how get the most out of your experience at Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Planning Your Glen Arbor Summer Visit
Timing your visit between mid-May and September gives you access to Glen Arbor’s comfortable weather and full event calendar. Peak season runs from June through August with warm temperatures perfect to enjoy beach activities. Spring and fall shoulder seasons offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Luxury Condos sits steps from Lake Michigan beaches. The property features five renovated bed and breakfast rooms named after local landmarks and three luxury condos on the same grounds. Guests at the bed and breakfast enjoy gourmet breakfasts prepared from scratch each morning. Off-season visits secure the best accommodation deals. Our on-site innkeeper is also a fantastic chef!
Glen Arbor maintains comfortable humidity levels throughout summer and provides pleasant conditions to enjoy outdoor activities. Public restrooms operate from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM from May through November in the Glen Arbor Garden on Lake Street, between Art’s Tavern and The Cottage Book Shop. Free daytime parking is available behind Town Hall at 6394 W. Western Avenue, along Western Ave side streets, at the Township Park and at local businesses. No short-term or overnight parking is permitted, and restricted zones must be respected.
Conclusion
Glen Arbor’s summer festivals create the perfect excuse to visit this Lake Michigan gem. Events run from July through August, so you can plan your trip around the 4th of July celebration, Art Fair, or Port Oneida Fair. The area’s wineries and Sleeping Bear Dunes offer activities to fill your days beyond the festivals, along with a farmers market. Book your accommodations early. You’ll find out why visitors return year after year to this corner of Michigan.
Check out The Best Spots In Glen Arbor To Fish and other Things To Do In Glen Arbor This Summer.
FAQs
Q1. What are the main summer festivals in Glen Arbor? Glen Arbor hosts several notable summer festivals including the 4th of July Celebration with parade and boat parade, the Glen Lake Woman’s Club Art Fair in mid-July featuring 90 artists, the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk in late July, and the Port Oneida Fair in early August showcasing late 1800s rural life with traditional crafts and historic demonstrations.
Q2. When is the best time to visit Glen Arbor during summer? The best time to visit is between mid-May and September when the weather is comfortable and all events are running. Peak season from June through August offers warm temperatures ideal for beach activities, though you’ll encounter larger crowds and higher accommodation prices. Spring and fall shoulder seasons provide milder weather, fewer visitors, and lower lodging rates. Glen Arbor Bed & Breakfast and Luxury Condos is open year round. They have great winter rates and group rentals.
Q3. What activities can I enjoy in Glen Arbor besides festivals? Beyond festivals, you can explore three tasting rooms along Michigan’s tiniest wine trail in downtown Glen Arbor, visit the weekly Farmer’s Market every Tuesday from 9 AM to 1 PM, experience Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore with its scenic drives and dune climbs, and enjoy water activities on Glen Lake including kayaking, canoeing, and boating.
Q4. Where can I find parking in Glen Arbor? Free daytime parking is available behind Town Hall at 6394 W. Western Avenue, along Western Avenue side streets, at the Township Park, and at local businesses. Note that no short-term or overnight parking is permitted, and you must respect restricted parking zones throughout the village.
Q5. Do I need to register in advance for Glen Arbor events? Registration requirements vary by event. The 4th of July parade requires no pre-registration and walkers can join spontaneously. However, the Running Bear 5K Run/Walk requires online registration that opens May 1 and closes at midnight two days before the event. The Glen Lake Art Fair has free admission with no registration needed.