Every summer, the picturesque lakeside town of Charlevoix, Michigan, transforms into a vibrant hub of excitement, celebration, and community spirit during one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the season: the Charlevoix Venetian Festival. Held this year from July 19 to July 26, 2025, the festival is a beloved tradition that has grown over the decades into a spectacular, week-long celebration filled with music, parades, fireworks, games, races, and endless summer charm.
Nestled between Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix, this small Northern Michigan town offers a stunning natural setting that becomes even more magical during festival week. Whether you’re a lifelong local or a first-time visitor, there’s something undeniably special about experiencing Charlevoix in full Venetian swing. As the sun sparkles off the waves, the streets come alive with the sounds of laughter, live music, and celebration. The energy is infectious, and it’s easy to see why this event draws tens of thousands of visitors each year from all over the Midwest and beyond.
The Venetian Festival traces its origins back to 1930, when it began as a modest boat parade—just a handful of candle-lit boats drifting peacefully across Round Lake. What started as a quiet tribute to the town’s nautical roots has evolved into a massive community-wide affair that honors the past while embracing the excitement and energy of the present. Over the years, it has become one of the most iconic summer events in the state of Michigan, blending small-town hospitality with big-time fun.
Magical Moments at Castle Farms During Festival Week
While the heart of the action is centered downtown, Castle Farms—just minutes away—offers its own lineup of unforgettable events throughout the week.
✨ Enchanted Art Market | July 21–24 | 10 AM – 5 PM
Step into a world of creativity and magic during the Enchanted Art Market at Castle Farms. This boutique-style market is packed with handcrafted goods, live music, and whimsical charm.
Your $5 admission includes:
- Access to the art market
- A self-guided tour of Castle Farms
- The Enchanted Forest scavenger hunt
On Tuesday and Thursday from 11 AM – 3 PM, enjoy the Make & Take: Enchanted Rock Project—paint two rocks (one to keep, one to hide!) and be part of a community art experience. Free for kids!
The Castle Pub will also be open daily from 11 AM – 11 PM, offering refreshments and light bites to enhance your visit.
Line Dancing with the Charleviners | Wednesday, July 23
We’re bringing the boots back to the dance floor! After a high-energy debut, Line Dancing with the Charleviners returns to Castle Farms on Wednesday, July 23, just in time to kick off the midweek festivities.
Event Details:
- Doors open: 5:00 PM
- Line dance lessons: 6:00–8:00 PM
- Open dancing: 8:00–10:00 PM
- $5 admission – special Festival Week pricing!
- On-site food truck, cash bar, and (weather permitting) firepit with s’mores
Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or new to the rhythm, this fun-filled evening welcomes everyone. Bring your boots and your besties!
Wedding Workshop: Dancing into “I DO” | July 23
Planning a wedding? Learn to dance with confidence and grace at the Wedding Workshop: Dancing into “I DO”, hosted by ZoeDance on Wednesday, July 23, from 5:30–6:30 PM at Castle Farms.
This romantic and lighthearted workshop is perfect for wedding couples looking to polish their first dance or just enjoy a fun night together.
Details:
- Cost: $40 per couple
- Includes free admission to the Enchanted Art Market
- Limited to 20 couples
- Private lesson sign-ups available on-site
No experience or partner dancing skills required—just bring your enthusiasm!
And if you’re feeling inspired, stick around afterward for Line Dancing with the Charleviners to keep the fun going!
Tickets and more information available at castlefarms.com
Back to the Festival Fun
One of the festival’s most breathtaking and iconic events is the Illuminated Boat Parade, scheduled for the evening of Saturday, July 26. As twilight falls and the sky shifts from golden to inky blue, a fleet of boats—each adorned with colorful lights, glowing designs, and imaginative decorations—glides across the calm waters of Round Lake. The reflections dance across the surface, creating a dreamlike spectacle that leaves both kids and adults in wide-eyed wonder. Many of the boaters go all-out with intricate themes and coordinated light shows, competing for awards and crowd admiration. The parade is followed by the Venetian Fireworks Show, a grand finale that lights up the sky with brilliant bursts of color and sound, reverberating over the water and drawing cheers from every dock and shoreline gathering. It’s a moment of awe, togetherness, and pure joy—a perfect capstone to a week of celebration.
Before the grand finale, make sure to catch the Venetian Street Parade earlier that same Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. along Bridge Street. This lively and colorful procession features an eclectic mix of marching bands, themed floats, vintage cars, local organizations, performance groups, and community members showcasing their creativity and spirit. Children line the streets with bags ready for candy, while families cheer and wave to friends and neighbors. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, heartwarming parade that brings a town together and reminds everyone why community matters.
Throughout the week, East Park becomes the heartbeat of the festival, hosting free nightly live music on the scenic waterfront stage. The lineup includes everything from up-and-coming local talent and tribute bands to regional favorites and genre-spanning performances. Whether you’re into classic rock, pop, country, blues, or jazz, you’ll find something that makes you want to dance or simply soak in the music with a cold drink and good company. Grab a lawn chair or spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy a beautiful summer evening surrounded by music, friends, and fresh lake breezes.
Kids and families will find no shortage of fun with the return of the Venetian Carnival, opening mid-week and running through Saturday. The carnival features classic amusement rides, midway games, and traditional treats like popcorn, funnel cakes, slushies, and snow cones. For a more hands-on experience, the Family Fun Zone includes activities like bounce houses, face painting, craft stations, painting classes, balloon artists, and more—perfect for kids of all ages and guaranteed to spark their imagination.
For those looking to stay active, the Drenth Memorial Foot Races provide a meaningful and invigorating way to start the final Saturday of the festival. With scenic race routes for the 5K, 10K, and Family Mile, runners and walkers alike can enjoy breathtaking lake views, pass charming downtown buildings, and feel the energy of spectators lining the course. It’s both a fitness challenge and a tribute to a beloved local family, adding another layer of heart to the festivities.
Beyond the scheduled events, one of the most enjoyable aspects of the Venetian Festival is simply soaking in the festive atmosphere. The streets are filled with vendors selling local crafts, food trucks offering delicious bites, and shops welcoming visitors with sales and extended hours. Boats bob in the marina, kids run through the park with ice cream cones, and couples stroll hand-in-hand along the waterfront. The whole town seems to glow with summer magic.
Perhaps most impressive of all is that nearly all of the events and entertainment during Venetian Week are free and open to the public. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy high-quality entertainment, lakeside leisure, and community fun without breaking the bank—making the festival a favorite for families, travelers, and locals alike.
Whether you come for the music, the parades, the fireworks, the water, or the sense of togetherness, one thing is certain: the Charlevoix Venetian Festival is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s not just a series of events—it’s a celebration of what makes summer in Northern Michigan so unforgettable: natural beauty, close community, creativity, and shared joy.
To plan your visit, view the full event schedule, or learn more about lodging and travel options, visit the official festival website at venetianfestival.com.
Join us this July and be part of one of Michigan’s most cherished summer traditions. The Venetian Festival is more than just a week of fun—it’s a timeless celebration of light, laughter, and life on the lake.