Muskegon County loves to party and fills its weekends with festivals providing family fun and emphasizing the wonderful lakes, beaches, and parks in the area, or a special part of your ethnic heritage.

Almost every community, large and small, hosts a weekend event beginning in the spring and continuing through the seasons. Muskegon also is home to major music festivals that draw fans from across the country to a unique outdoor venue on Muskegon Lake called Heritage Landing.

Mark your 2007 & 2008 calendar for these events.

2008

Global Awareness Festival

February 11 - 15

This festival is a week-long event bringing the world a little closer to Muskegon. It includes lectures, discussions, a film festival, ethnic foods, an information fair, global entertainment, artifact displays, 200 flags, and much more. This years focus will be Asia. Come enjoy, learn, and experience another neighborhood in our global village. It will take place at Muskegon Community College, located at 221 S Quarterline Rd. For more information, call 231-773-9131. www.muskegoncc.edu

St. Patricks Irish Fest

March 14 - 15

Join the Michigan Irish Fest in this celebration. The event will take place at The WaterMark center in downtown Muskegon. There will be live music, Irish dance, Irish food, drinks, and a silent auction. For more information, call 231-739-2028. www.michiganirish.org

Rock The Coast
May 17 - 18
This Christian music concert is hosted by Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park. Fans can ride the coasters for two days and attend a 6:30 p.m. May 18 concert. Tickets include a catered lunch, May 18, two days of ride, and concert admission. Tickets are available at StarTickets Plus locations. www.rockthecoast.net

Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days

May 20 - 28

Come enjoy the oldest festival in Muskegon County! There will be midway rides, free music, children's games, river boat rides, a petting zoo, art fair, and a jazz band competition. On Sunday, there will be a family pig roast and fireworks. A parade will be held Monday sponsored by the Lions Club. For more information, please call 231-557-3262.

Blessing Of The Boats

May 25

The Clipper, LST, and Silversides will be blessed, and a priest will be on board to bless boats as they cruise through Lake Michigan. There will be a champagne brunch, good music, and good food. This event is open to the public and the cost is $25 per person. It will begin at the Mart Dock in downtown Muskegon at 12:30 p.m. and end at 2:30 p.m. For more information, contact the Port City Princess at 231-744-1619

Lost Boat Ceremony
May 25
Held at the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum, this unique Memorial Day weekend event honors the 52 submarines and 3,000 submariners who were lost during WWII. The ceremony takes place at the USS Silversides, a WWII submarine moored in the Muskegon Lake Channel. 231-755-1230.

Eastside Extravaganza
May 29 - June 1
Join the fun at Northway Lanes, located at the intersection of Evanston and Harvey. There are midway rides, children's activities, live entertainment, and food vendors.More information to come. 231-773-5058.

Fiesta Sabor Latino - Muskegon's Spiciest Festival!

May 30 - 31

Join us at Hackley Park as we celebrate the culture of the Hispanic population through authentic live music, dance, food and merchandise. The purpose of this event is educating the community at large about the beautiful culture of the Hispanic population and to better integrate the gap of communities dealing with language and ethnicity barriers.  The Fiesta has something for everyone, including a beer tent, resource areas, a classic car show and children's activities. Shceduled activities and times will be available soon. For more informaiton, plase call 231-728-320. www.muskegonfiesta.com

Parties In The Park
June - August
Enjoy great music, great food and a great time in Hackley Park on Friday evenings from 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.  The dates for Parties in the Park will be announced soon.. 231-725-6333. www.partiesinthepark.com

Antique Tractor & Engine Show
June 12 - 14
Come join fellow tractor and engine lovers at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds for this great event. 231-853-2882. www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

30th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival

June 14 - 15

This is a juried arts and crafts festival with continuous live entertainment and a food court. Over 100 artisans will be in participation. Times will be Saturday from 10:00 - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. It will take place at Funnell Field in Whitehall. For more information, contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Miss Michigan Pageant
June 18 - 21
Come to the historic Frauenthal Theater in downtown Muskegon for the crowning of the newest Miss Michigan. The teen pageant will be Friday and Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and Miss MI will be Friday and Saturday at 8:00 p.m.  Tickets are available through Star Tickets Plus or at the Frauenthal Box Office. 231-798-4272. www.missmichigan.org

Muskegon Heights Festival
June 20 - 22
This unique community celebration opens with a senior picnic and health fair in the city’s Rowan Park and closes with a gospel service. In between, there are sporting events, a grand parade, arts and crafts, and plenty of food and music. 231-578-2099.

Mainstreet Car & Motorcycle Show

June 21

This event will be taking place with the 2nd annual Taste of Muskegon. While you're sampling Muskegon's fine restaurants, enjoy this car and motorcycle show taking place between 4th and 7th Streets in downtown Muskegon. The show will be from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., judging will be from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., and awards will be at 2:00 p.m. For more information, e-mail info@mainstreetcarshow.com. www.mainstreetcarshow.com

Taste Of Muskegon

June 21 - 22

Muskegon Main Street presents the 2nd Annual Taste of Muskegon on June 21 and 22, 2008 to take place on Western Avenue between Third and Fourth Streets. Everyone knows what great restaurants Muskegon has, and the Taste is the perfect event that brings Muskegon's establishments together for two great days of food and fun. The Taste of Muskegon is a celebration of the area's best restaurants, bakeries, and more serving up their specialties. Come down and sample all the area has to offer for just a few dollars. Restaurants will be selling various items for $1.00 to $4.00! For more information visit their website or call 231-724-3180. www.tasteofmuskegon.com

White Lake Arts & Crafts
June 21 - 22
Please join us at this exciting event! The 29th Annual White Lake Area Arts & Crafts Festival will draw thousands of people to Funnel Field this weekend. More than 150 talented and creative artists will participate. Show hours are Saturday, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Food vendors and live entertainment all weekend long! The annual poster will be available again this year and may be purchased at the Chamber Booth. 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Derbyshire Renaissance Fair

June 21 - 22 & June 28 - 29

For just a pittance you can immerse yourself into a day long celebration! With colorful interactive characters wandering through the village of Derbyshire, just waiting to put a smile on your face. With so many hours of family fun, it's a unique event that will indeed put a smile on your face. Don't forget the camera though, as it is encouraged to take your memories home with you. But don't stop there with over 40 artists and artisan crafters from all over the country, you will find that special gift for that special someone. If you get hungry along the way just stop by the Black Dragon Inn for a tasty fare that is sure you please. With so much to do, you will have to come back everyday. The Derbyshire Renaissance Festival not only has 3 stages with exciting entertainment, but also creates a unique family atmosphere with wandering Minstrels, and Entertainers throughout the Faire. And it's just $9.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Kids 5-12! The Ren fair takes place at the Muskegon County Fair Grounds. For more information call 269-382-6120. www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

Muskegon Summer Celebration
June 26 - July 6
This is the area’s largest music festival, filling 11 days and nights with national music acts. The music is varied and offers something for everyone. Main stage acts range from rock to rhythm and blues to country to alternative. You’ll know the names of these performers. A second stage features Midwest acts and there is also a Tike Bar on Muskegon Lake where local bands perform. A three-day arts and crafts show, grand parade, and celebration of Michigan products round out the activities. The action is centered at Heritage Landing on the shores of Muskegon Lake with displays and events throughout downtown Muskegon. 231-722-6520. www.summercelebration.com

Bike Time
July 18 - 20
Muskegon’s newest festival is full of fun, food, music, and celebrating motorcycles. Downtown West Western Avenue will be converted to a 10-block long “motorcycle alley” where bikers can show off their rides. It will claim the title of the longest “Main Street” of all the biker events. Rounding out the fun will be musical entertainment by national artists, a blessing of the bikes, and assorted contests throughout the 10-block Bike Time “Main Street” area. 888-721-TIME. www.muskegonbiketime.com

Celebrate White Lake

July 19

This is a family festival with an antique boat show, historical displays, and tours. It will take place at Goodrich Park in White hLake. For more information, please call 231-727-8463. www.whitelake.org

Muskegon County Fair
July 22 - 26
Experience the wonders of farm life in Muskegon County.  Support the local youth while they proudly display their agricultural works of the year and show their prized animals.  This event is held at the Muskegon County Fairgrounds. 231-730-3616. www.muskegonfairgrounds.com

Unity Festival "Day Zero"

August 6

This is a pre-concert for the Unity Christian Music Festival. This free event is great for youth groups, families, etc. Enjoy free Christian music on the shore of Muskegon Lake. It will take place at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon. For more information, please call 800-585-3737. www.unitymusicfestival.com

Unity 2008 Christian Music Festival
August 7 - 9
This is the biggest Christian music festival in Michigan. Three stages featuring more than 45 acts play continuously during the three-day, family friendly festival. Plenty of family activities fill the day and evening. A prayer tent and other spiritual events also are part of the celebration. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon. Tickets are available at StarTickets Plus locations. www.unitymusicfestival.com

Northside Family Fest & Arts & Crafts Fair

August 7 - 9

Fesatured in this event is the North Muskegon Art Fair & Festival in Walker Park from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. There will also be a parade, a 5K run/walk, a Lions Club breakfast, and much more! For more information, please call 231-744-1621.

White Lake Maritime Festival
August 14 - 16
The  White Lake Maritime Festival will be held at Goodrich Park on White Lake, located at 100 N. Lake St. in Whitehall. There will be softball, shuffleboard tournaments, sailing regatta, a food tent, children's activities, a trout pond, a shrimp boil, an arts & crafts fair, and a beverage and entertainment tent with live bands. 231-893-4585. www.whitelake.org

5th Annual Moose Fest

August 16th

107MUS presents the 5th annual country music party for thousands of fans on the lakeshore. This event is held at Heritage Landing, with country music performances all day. Tickets are free and can be picked up at local businesses. Ticket locations and perfromers will be announced as we get closer to the cocert date. Check back for more information at the WMUS website. www.107mus.com

Ross Park Arts & Crafts
August 16

Ross Park in Norton Shores hosts the wonderful displays of hand crafted goods.  There will also be many different food vendors.  Ross Park is located on Randall Rd. and Wellesley. 231-798-4391.

Shoreline Spectacular
August 29 - September 1
This Labor Day Weekend, come to Pere Marquette Park on beautiful Lake Michigan.  There will be activities for all ages. The activities include live entertainment, many food vendors, Laura the Elephant rides, frisbee dog show, arts and crafts, a Labor Day parade, and much more. 231-755-6561. www.shorelinespectacular.org

Michigan Irish Music Festival
September 12 - September 14
This festival features three days of nonstop Irish music and for a third year, a feis, an Irish dance competition, will be scheduled during the day Saturday at L.C. Walker Arena, just a few blocks away from the festival grounds. More than 900 dancers ranging in age from 5 to 50 are expected. The festival also offers children’s music and Irish heritage sessions. Irish vendors and a food and beverage tent add to the fun. The festival takes place at Heritage Landing on Muskegon Lake in downtown Muskegon. Tickets are available at StarTickets Plus locations. www.michiganirish.org

White Lake Fall Fest
September 26 - 27
This event is located in beautiful Whitehall at the North Mears Parking Lot. There is an arts and crafts fair, farmers market, local food vendors, waiter and waitress competition, live music, hayrides, food and beverages, farmer’s market, and much more!. 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Buster Keaton Society Convention & Film Festival

October 3 - 5

Buster Keaton was a professional performer and vaudeville star who frequently visited and stayed in the Muskegon area. See some of his films and television footage, tour the Keaton family home, and more. The film festival will take place at the Frauenthal Theatre in downtown Muskegon. For more information, please call 231-759-7253. www.actorscolony.com

Pumpkin Fest
October 11
Enjoy this wonderful fall festival in Montague.  There will be a farmers, pumpkin pie competition, biggest pumpkin weigh-in, pumpkin painting and carving, the event favorite pumpkin roll, and a lunch and bake sale. 800-879-9702. www.whitelake.org

Oktoberfest

October 18

This event is hosted by Muskegon Mainstreet. There will be food, drinks, and fun. For more information call 231-724-3180. www.downtownmuskegon.org

Festival Of Trees

November 20 - 30

This community event and fundraiser features a large display of trees, wreaths, and other holiday items decorated by local designers that are sponsored by individuals and organizations in the community. This festival will also include special events, a gift market, and a cafe. The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W Webster Ave in downtown Muskegon. For more information call 231-720-2574. www.muskegonartmuseum.org

Muskegon Mainstreet Holiday Movie Festival

December 22 - 23

Get into the holiday spirit with family and friends in downtown Muskegon by watching films in classic surroundings at the historic Frauenthal Theatre. For more information, visit the Frauenthal's website. www.frauenthal.info