Beaver Island Annual Events
ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Where better to celebrate St. Patrick’s day than in front of the Shamrock on America’s Emerald Isle? Music all weekend with Danny and friends and the Ben Traverse Band. Games start downtown on Saturday the 14th at 1:00. Have you tried your hand at the fish toss? Seen the games on the news and want to take part in the cart race? Come up and enjoy The Great Day on Beaver Island!
March 13th- 14th, 2020
BEAVER ISLAND BIRDING TRAIL WARBLERS ON THE WATER
2020 Event Cancelled
Events are held over Memorial Weekend. The festivities include presentations and field trips by expert field guides. The 7th annual Beaver Island Birding Festival, Warblers on the Water, will be held on May 22-24, 2020, on Beaver Island, in northern Lake Michigan. The island is a spring migratory song and shore bird mecca with over 200 species of birds recorded from the island. Registration is limited, and birders are urged to register early through the Beaver Island Birding Trail website at http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org. Transportation to the island is via ferry or air taxi. Lodging is available on the island, and transportation for the various field trips will be provided to registered participants. More information about transportation and lodging is available on the website. Accomplished field trip leaders will guide participants to some of the island’s 30+ birding sites. Whether you are a novice or expert birder there will be something for you during this Memorial Day weekend event. Featured speakers include Dr. Ed Leuck on “Carnivorous Plants and Orchids of Beaver Island,” and Dr. Beth Leuck on “Monarchs, Milkweeds, Mimicry, and Migration: The Story of Coevolution, an Endangered Biological Phenomenon, and the Decline of a Charismatic Butterfly.” Andrea and Terry Grabill will again lead a Windshield Birding Tour of Beaver Island, and during six other morning and evening field trips participants will explore birds in diverse habitats on the island. In addition, field trips to Garden Island and High Island are scheduled via chartered boats. A workshop taught by Dr.Nancy Seefelt on sketching birds will be offered on Sunday afternoon. For more specific information about Warblers on the Water visit http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org. Information about transportation to and accommodations on Beaver Island can be found at http://www.beaverislandbirdingtrail.org/accommodations.html, and for more information about the island visit the Chamber of Commerce’s web site
May 22-24, 2020
BEAVER ISLAND BIKE FESTIVAL
2020 Event Cancelled
Mark your calendars! Fully supported bike ride with rest stop snacks. Lunch at Bill Wagner campground. B.B.Q. buffet at the Shamrock. Beaver Island Bike Festival t-shirt. Bike transportation on the ferry Live entertainment on Friday & Saturday nights. Prizes and extra goodies.
June 19-21st, 2020
BEAVER ISLAND SUSTAINABILITY FAIR
The Beaver Island Eco-Fair is a celebration of nature and sustainability. Our focus is on promoting solutions in ecology, renewable energy, and local food systems. The fair features local and regional green vendors, sustainable technology, arts, music, environmental action & education organizations. The mission of the Beaver Island Eco-Fair is to showcase sustainable solutions and demonstrate that Beaver Island is a regional leader in the promotion of renewable energy, healthy food systems, and community resilience. **Community Partner and Organization Sponsorship Packages Available** For more information on sponsoring, vending, or attending this event please visit www.bimf.net or contact: Carol Burton @231.838.2883 or Nathan Ayers @734.249.8334.
June 26-27, 2020
FOURTH OF JULY
This year things will be a little different. We are doing a 4th of July Drive by Parade. . Fireworks are cancelled this year.
July 4 Drive Through Parade
Think of this as a 4th of July Christmas light parade through a neighborhood! Come join us on a drive through town and show your patriotic spirit as you, your family, and your friends drive through the parade route to view the floats and decorated homes and businesses.July 4, 2020 (noon to 12:45) will be a new Beaver Island celebration – a Drive Through Parade. Participants (formerly spectators who lined Main Street) will drive the parade route in their own vehicles. Floats will be stationary throughout the harbor area. Homes and businesses will be decorated from Holy Cross Church to Whiskey Point lighthouse. For example: The BI Am Vets will be saluting the passing vehicles from the Veteran’s Memorial Park. Goodie bags filled with candy, party favors, merchandise and more will be handed out to each vehicle at the end of the parade route (instead of throwing candy / treats from the floats). We anticipate space for approximately 20 floats to be parked along the parade route. For instance, we are going to ask the Evan’s family to park their large float at the lighthouse to play music. Further information to follow soon. Any questions or comments e-mail event co-chairs Paul Cole (chamber@beaverisland.org) or Angel Welke (angel@islandairways.com). This is a way for Beaver Island to celebrate July 4th and show our patriotism while social distancing and staying safe.
Beaver Island: Pure, Simple, Resilient
CELEBRATE SUMMER AT THE BIC CENTER
The Beaver Island Community Center has a full summer of activities planned to help you Discover Beaver Island this summer. Our concerts include Dave Bennett on June 29, the RFD Boys on July 10, The Lincoln Trio om July 26 (part of Baroque on Beaver), Jeeyon Kim on July 27 (part of Baroque on Beaver) and Erin Coburn on August 10. Theater events from CMU University Theater are Neil Simon’s California Suite on July 5 and A Fox on the Fairway on July 6. Look for movies in the McDonough’s Market Theater with the BIG screen and BIG sound on Tuesdays at 5:30 and Saturdays at 4 and 7 (when no live events are scheduled). Plus exercise Mondays through Saturdays (yoga, tai chi, kick boxing, self defense and Arthritis Foundation programs) and rainy day movies, board games, video games, pool and more. Help support the BIC Center by attending the PABI Summer Gala on July 17 plus bid on auction items on display in the BIC Center Lobby and online. Visit the BIC Center website for a fulldetails.
GLEN McDONOUGH MEMORIAL CONCERT
2020 Event Cancelled
The 12th Annual Glen McDonough Memorial Concert will be held “in the yard” at Reddeer On Kings Highway. All donations from this concert go to scholarships/tuition for the music students. Music school takes place on July 8/9/10th. If interested in applying for a music scholarship Call 231-547-6722. Come Listen to Beaver Island’s talent – young and older.
July 11th, 2020- 7:00p.m.
MUSEUM WEEK
2020 Event Cancelled
Discover Beaver Island history with the annual Museum Week full of informative and entertaining events. Music on the porch,presentations on nature, Oral History, and Native American culture; and Nature Walks, a Pet Show, and an Art Show. Blacksmiths Demonstrations and live music at Heritage park, Strange series, Protor home and picnic’s at the point. Visit the BIHS website for more information.
July 12-18th, 2020
BEAVER ISLAND MUSIC FESTIVAL
2020 Event Cancelled
Beaver Island Music Festival has been creating Music in the Woods since 2003, a 3-day outdoor event combining nature, renewable energies, music and artwork, song and dance. Plan to enjoy one of Michigan’s most unique festivals, with wide varieties of music, art, and activities for all ages, food, camping, and beautiful Beaver Island. Artists perform on many of the ferry rides, shuttles run throughout the festival. (231) 838-2883 http://www.bimf.net
July 16-18, 2020
CHICAGO TO MACKINAC RACE AFTER-PARTY ON BEAVER ISLAND
2020 Event Cancelled
Sail from Mac to Beaver Island this year for the 3rd Annual Beaver Island Mac Party! Make Beaver your first destination port on your boat delivery back home. America’s Emerald Isle will be the most memorable part of your sail. Join us at the Municipal Dock on beautiful Paradise bay for music, great food and whiskey point brewery beer from 4 to 7. Please book a slip in advance www.midnr.reservations.com or call 231-448-22252
After the party at the dock join us for a special MacRace Dinner at the Circle M or check out the Beaver Island Lodge. Transportation provided. After dinner the party continues with visits to local pubs for music and fun. Don’t be in a rush to get home, check out our beaches, music fest and enjoy solitude with a some camaraderie of our mystical island refuge. Make your plans now the count down is approaching quickly.More info at Facebook- Beaver Island Mac Party.
July 22, 2020
CLEAN ENERGY FAIR
1st “Clean Energy Fair” – featuring great interviews with Travis Martin, Bill Detwiler, Kathy Bodacker, and new info covering geothermal, solar on the Island, as well as Beaver Island’s singular role as the first construction site in northern Michigan for a Certified Passive home. It’s been a humbling educational process for both Karen Turnbull and I learning about all the positive examples going on here. And we’re carrying on the great tradition of giving Sustainability Awards to local islanders/businesses. Don’t Miss Our Aug 1st Free Webinar: “Clean Energy” Onbeaver Isle!!! Sign up now using this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/clean-energy-beaver-island-sustainability-fair-tickets-113221771366
August 1, 2020
HOMECOMING
2020 Event Cancelled
Island-wide celebration and time to come together for all Islanders as well as the famous softball tournament. Great music on the weekend, a comedy show at the BIC Center, and a wonderful chicken Dinner in the hall.
August 8-9, 2020.
BOCCE TOURNAMENT
2020 Event Cancelled
August 9, 2020 @ NOON: Join us for the 3rd Annual Island Bocce Tournament, “The Roll for Pets.” Proceeds from “The 2018 “Roll” benefits The Forest View Living Center. This great Island event takes place on August 12, 2018 @ NOON, Peaine Township Hall Park. The cost is $20 per person in advance, $25 on event day. Ticket includes food, drink: Homemade Muffaletta Sandwiches & Biscotti and San Pellegrino Limonata Sparkling Soda. BI Community School Sports Booster Coupon Available. PRIZES (beside bragging rights): * Win: $100 in Michigan Lottery Tickets * Place Bocce Set * Show Case (24 count) San Pellegrino Limonata For Information and Advance Tickets please call: 231-448-2603.
August 9, 2020
BEAVER ISLAND 1/2 MARATHON & PARADISE BAY 5 K
2020 Event Cancelled
This event was canceled on August 24th due to lack of participation. Only 20 people had registered and basic costs could not be covered. Sorry for any inconvenience. It will be take place in 2021. If you had registered you will be credited back to your account. The Beaver Island Half Marathon plus 10K and 5K. Start at 9:00AM for 1/2 Marathon, 9:30AM for 10K and 10:00AM for 5K. Packet pick up and day before registration will take place on Friday, September 4th, 2020, 5-6 p.m. at the Beaver Island Community School. Important- We will not have any sort of event after the race to practice social distancing. We ask that runners do not congregrate when the race ends at the public beach.
Fun opportunity to explore the Island! September 5th is the day of three great races. Our half marathon, 10 K and 5 K. All three races begin at the public beach and end at the public beach; but in between, you will see amazing scenery, wildlife, and flora. We have participant medals for every runner/walker, plus prizes for first place in all age categories for the ½ marathon. Come to Beaver Island and run, then relax on our very special island.
The proceeds go to help support The Beaver Island Community School programs. In the past we have also given to the Beaver Island Rural Health Center. Please join us! You will be glad you did!
Saturday, September 5, 2020
IRISH FEILE – THE EMERALD ISLE IRISH FESTIVAL
2020 Event Cancelled
A weekend full of fun for the whole family. History, music on the porch and in the cultural center, Irish dancing, a tea room, crafts and games. Fantastic bands! Byrnes Brothers, Finvarra’s Wren,Brother Crowe, Andro, Danny and friends, Ed Palmer, Ruby John, Brian Roman, Cindy Gillespie Cushman and more!
Check out our website: https://irishfeile.com
September 11-13th, 2020
BITE OF BEAVER ISLAND AND BOODLE
2020 Event Cancelled
Start your day with our 3k boodle downtown after a night of great music. Then from 12 to 2:00 p.m. see what the best professional and amateur chefs on the Island have to offer – sample a wide variety of treats. And check out arts and crafts in the BIC Center with more music to follow on the weekend.
It’s a great weekend to enjoy fall colors with temperatures still moderate as the lake keeps us warm later than the mainland. Come Discover Beaver Island in the fall and have some fun!
Bite of Beaver Food Vendor Form
Bite of Beaver Artisan Vendor Form
Beaver Boodle 5K Walk/Run Participant Form
Boodle at 9:30 AM and Bite of Beaver Noon – 2PM October 3-4, 2020