Whether you want to take a spin on the carnival rides at your local county fair or look up at the night sky’s constellations, there’s an event for you this week in Northern Michigan.
Here’s what we recommend:
More: The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is set for Aug. 18-24. Here's what to expect
Enjoy county fair fun
Both the Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair and Otsego County Fair are up and running this week with a wide variety of activities for people to enjoy.
There are carnival rides, 4-H competitions, animal shows, delicious, fried foods, live music, rodeo contests, monster truck shows and so much more.
The 119th annual Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is running Aug. 18-24 at the fairgrounds in Petoskey. For ticket prices or more information, visit emmetchxfair.org.
The 144th Otsego County Fair is scheduled for Aug. 17-23 at the fairgrounds in Gaylord. For more information, visit otsegocountyfair.com.
More: Agriculture is the 144-year link that anchors the Otsego County Fair
Experience Chippewa County in photos
The Sault Area Art Center’s August exhibit is now on display, with a wide selection of images from local photographers who took part in the 48-hour challenge for “Chippewa County in Photographs.”
The event aimed to bring together 48 photographers from around Chippewa County who split the county into sections. Then, over the course of 48 hours, they took as many photos as they wanted in that area. After the two days were up, the photographers showed their work to a panel of judges from the arts council, who decided which photos would go on display.
The opening reception for the exhibit was on Friday, Aug. 15, and the exhibit will remain on display until Aug. 29. It is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.
For more information, visit saultartcenter.com.
More: Local photographers sought: Event aims to capture Chippewa County's beauty over 48 hours
Support the Indian River library
The Friends of the Indian River Area Library are hosting a “Beer, Brats, Boats and Books” fundraiser from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21.
The event is taking place at the Howe Marina, with a varied menu, music, activities and many boats on display. All proceeds will go towards the Indian River Area Library Reading Garden project.
Tickets are $75. For more information, visit facebook.com/IndianRiverLibrary.
More: Summertime fun in Northern Michigan: Stargazing at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park
Join the Light’s Out Challenge
The Headlands International Dark Sky Park near Mackinaw City is once again urging people to take part in the Light’s Out Challenge.
The challenge, taking place from 10-11 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, asks residents around the region to turn off their lights so the park can try to get the darkest sky ever recorded at the Headlands. The challenge is set for a new moon evening, when the sky is normally the darkest it will be all month. Participation is voluntary, and the event is intended to raise awareness about the effects of artificial light at night on nocturnal habitat, human health and the use of energy resources.
In addition, a special presentation by the Northern Michigan Astronomy Club about the impact of light pollution will take place at 8 p.m. in the Waterfront Event Center.
For more information about the Headlands International Dark Sky Park, visit emmetcounty.org.
— Contact Jillian Fellows at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: 4 highlights from this week's calendar in Northern Michigan Aug. 19-21, 2025
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