There’s always something to do in the Porcupine Mountains and Ontonagon County, from exploring iconic waterfalls to hiking some of the Upper Peninsula’s most scenic trails. But did you know that the western U.P. is also home to fun festivals and events throughout the year? Here’s a look at a few you shouldn’t miss.

CopperFest

This weekend event, sponsored by the Ontonagon County Chamber of Commerce, is held in late July in downtown Ontonagon and along the beach of Lake Superior. Events include tours of the Ontonagon Lighthouse, bonfires on the beach, a boat parade, fireworks, craft & food vendors, and live music and a street dance on Saturday. Visit the chamber of commerce’s website for more information.

Porcupine Mountains Music Festival

The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival is one of the Midwest’s iconic music events, bringing in some of the country’s top folk, Americana, bluegrass, and blues artists to the shores of Lake Superior for a fun weekend of concerts, workshops, children’s activities, and more. The event is held annually the weekend before Labor Day at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex—see this year’s lineup and buy tickets here.

Ontonagon Labor Day Festival

This annual celebration is held at locations throughout the village of Ontonagon over Labor Day weekend. Highlights include an auto show, a children’s parade, live music, fireworks, a pancake breakfast, the Labor Day Festival parade, and more. Find more information on the festival’s Facebook page.

Ewen Log Jamboree

This fun community event in the Ontonagon County community of Ewen celebrates the region’s rich logging history and includes a craft show, a parade, live music, fun games, and more. Held annually in September. Find more details on the Ewen Civic Association Facebook page.

Midwest Telefest

This telemark (or free-heel skiing) event brings participants and fans from across the Midwest to the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex every February for a weekend of competition and fun. Learn more on the Midwest Telefest’s Facebook page.

MORE WINTER EVENTS

• Hometown Christmas, Ontonagon: Annual event in early December featuring a parade, Christmas light contest, craft fair, live music & more
• Snowburst Winter Carnival, Ontonagon: This fun, family-friendly event, takes place every February at the Porcupine Mountains Winter Sports Complex and features outdoor recreation options like downhill skiing and lantern-lit cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as live music, food, and fireworks

MORE SPRING EVENTS

• Camp Josh Annual Banquet, White Pine: Spring banquet and raffle held at Konteka to benefit Camp Josh
• Whitetails Unlimited Annual Banquet, Ontonagon: Annual banquet (April) for Ontonagon chapter of Whitetails Unlimited
• Lake Trout Classic, Ontonagon: Fundraiser and fishing tournament held in May with proceeds benefitting Ontonagon County Cancer Association