Tawas Bay Summerfest: A Celebration of Sun and Fun

While the Sunrise Side of Michigan is captivating year-round, our sandy Lake Huron shores and waterfront communities truly come alive in the summertime. One vibrant celebration of summer happens every July in the charming town of East Tawas, just 10 miles south of Huron House. Tawas Bay Summerfest is a three-day festival that captures the essence of the season with fun activities, live entertainment and delicious food — with beautiful Tawas Bay providing the event's stunning backdrop.

The 16th annual Tawas Bay Summerfest will be held July 14-16, 2023. This weekend full of festivities starts with a kickoff party on Friday at Shoreline Park in Tawas City. Festival goers will enjoy food trucks, vendors, a competitive corn hole tournament and even bounce houses for the kids. In the evening, bust out your best dance moves for a beach dance with live music by party band Flipside.

Start Saturday on the right foot with the Summerfest 5K that winds through the streets of downtown East Tawas. Choose to either run or walk this race, which starts and ends at the East Tawas Community Center.

Then rev up your engines on Saturday evening for the much-anticipated Car Cruise. Beginning at 6 p.m., vehicles of all makes, models and years will line up at Dean Arbour Ford in Tawas City. They'll cruise out to Tawas Point State Park, travel around Tawas Lake, and end on Newman Street in downtown East Tawas. Newman Street, a quaint shopping district with wide, brick-paved sidewalks lined with trees and benches, will be closed off as the Summerfest celebration continues Saturday evening with the Street Dance. From 7-10 p.m., enjoy the rockin' tunes of No Baloney near the scenic East Tawas State Dock.

Summerfest's Sunday lineup starts with the Iosco County Airport Fly-In. Enjoy a beautiful sunrise and a great breakfast as you watch magnificent airplanes of all kinds soar overhead. 2023 marks the 61st year for this fly-in event, making it a longstanding and popular tradition.

Also on Sunday is the Car, Truck and Cycle Show on Newman Street. Anyone is welcome to enter their vehicle for a small registration fee. As you stroll through downtown, you'll see original and restored vehicles, muscle cars, street rods, 4x4s, motorcycles and more. Awards will be presented for the best cars in 26 classes as well as best of show trophies.

With jam-packed entertainment, a lively atmosphere and breathtaking views, Tawas Bay Summerfest is one of North Michigan's must-attend events of the season. It successfully blends beachside relaxation, live entertainment, delectable food and unforgettable fun into one incredible weekend celebrating the joys of summer. See for yourself why visitors and locals eagerly await its return year after year.