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Embrace the Joy of Summer at Dickinson Area Summer Events

  • Writer: Belong Dickinson
    Belong Dickinson
  • Jun 2
  • 6 min read

Updated: Jul 15

Annual Summer Activities and Community Events in the Dickinson County Area


Downtown Norway Music in the Park
Downtown Norway Music in the Park

Summer in the Dickinson area offers many outdoor activities and community events for residents and tourists alike. From live music and outdoor markets to festivals and races (biking and running), the Dickinson area has something for everyone throughout the summer months. Let loose, live well, make friends, and find your belonging here.

The downtown development authorities in Iron Mountain and Norway host many of the events, while community organizations also contribute to the summer events in the Dickinson area.


Outdoor Markets & Art Shows


Nothing says summer like a stroll through a farmers' market, and the Dickinson area has three that run throughout the summer into fall.


Just across the Wisconsin border, the Aurora farmers' market features farm-to-table local produce, fish, eggs, baked goods, and crafts. The Aurora Parks and Recreation Committee sponsors this market.


Every Thursday afternoon, starting in June


Park Pavilion, 1060 Calvary Drive, Aurora, Wisconsin, 54151




Downtown Iron Mountain's farmers market is the largest, attracting vendors from throughout the region. Make a day of it and shop local at the neighboring boutiques in the district.


Every Saturday morning, June - October


East A Street Public Parking Lot across from Dickinson County Library at the corner of A Street and Iron Mountain Street in Downtown Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801




Man in a cap organizes vegetables on a table with "Local Grown Vegetables" sign. Cars and houses in the green, sunny background.
photo credit: Downtown Norway Norway Downtown Market

Downtown Norway hosts its Downtown Market, which showcases a variety of produce, baked goods, fine arts, crafts, sweets, workshops, and music, featuring a rotating group of local vendors and artisans.


Every Thursday evening, June - August


City Parking Lot next to Mike's on Main, 616 Main Street, Norway, Michigan 49870





Art for All is an annual art show held on the last Saturday of June at Iron Mountain City Park. The show regularly features more than 30 artists and artisans, live entertainment, and concessions.


The last Saturday of June


Iron Mountain City Park, Iron Mountain, MI 49801






Live Music


Downtown Iron Mountain and Downtown Norway both host free summer concert series with a mix of local, regional, and national musicians on Thursdays.



Out to Lunch takes place at the Downtown Iron Mountain stage during the lunchtime hour from June to August. Local food vendors and restaurants offer a variety of lunch options.


Thursday midday, June - August


Downtown Stage between East Hughitt and East A Streets off Iron Mountain Street

Downtown Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801





Outdoor concert with a band playing on stage. Audience seated in lawn chairs under a cloudy sky. Trees and buildings in the background.
photo credit: Downtown Norway Norway Music in the Park

For those who cannot get away during the day, head down to Music in the Park at the Norway Band Shell on Main Street in the evening.


Thursday evenings, June - August


Band Shell Park, 915 Main Street, Norway, Michigan, 49870





Outdoor concert at dusk with a choir and orchestra on stage. Audience under colorful umbrellas. Bright stage lights illuminate the scene.
photo credit: Dickinson County Community Chorus Music Under the Stars

The Dickinson County Community Chorus is most well-known for its Christmas and Holy Week concerts. Each July, DCCC presents Music Under the Stars at Lake Antoine Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle in to enjoy the music of truly talented musicians.


Mid-July


The Stage at Lake Antoine Park, S Lake Antoine Rd, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801



photo credit: Norway City Band                    Norway City Band
photo credit: Norway City Band Norway City Band

The Norway City Band, a summer staple in Norway, has been entertaining residents since 1882. Composed of musicians of all ages, including talented high school students from across the area, the band performs a lively selection of big band, swing, Americana, and movie themes.


Every other Tuesday, starting in June, along with special performances at the Jake Menghini Museum and area parades throughout the Summer.


Band Shell Park, 915 Main Street, Norway, Michigan, 49870



Festivals


Festivals and summer go hand-in-hand. Whether you are looking for a family-friendly or 21+, Dickinson area festivals offer something for everyone.



Brew Fest made its debut in Downtown Iron Mountain in 2018 and has quickly become a favorite tradition to kick off the summer. Dozens of brewers from Michigan and Wisconsin will offer a wide selection of craft brews and good food.


Early June


Downtown Iron Mountain between East Hughitt and East A Streets off Iron Mountain Street, Downtown Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801




A band performs on an outdoor stage. The guitarists, fiddler, and drummer play energetically. A colorful inflatable is in the background.
photo credit: Saturday in the Park Saturday in the Park

Saturday in the Park is a fundraiser to maintain and enhance Iron Mountain City Park. This family-friendly event takes place over two days and features live music from local bands, food trucks and concessions, as well as inflatable bounce houses and obstacle courses for the kids.


Mid-July


Iron Mountain City Park, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801




Banner for "Flivver Fest" at local park, Kingsford. Highlights include live music, 5K event, food, and drinks. Trees and court in background.
photo credit: Flivverfest Flivverfest

Flivverfest is a fundraising event hosted by the Kingsford High School Athletic Booster Club. It is one of the biggest celebrations of the summer, held over two days. Local and regional bands provide live music, concessions, and kids' activities provide everything you need for an enjoyable time.


Late July


Lodal Park, West Breitung Avenue, Kingsford Michigan, 49802



Italian Fest is the original Downtown Iron Mountain festival. Celebrate Iron Mountain's rich Italian heritage with authentic local Italian cuisine in a festive atmosphere. This family-friendly event features kids' activities as well as live entertainment from local, regional, and international musicians.


August


Downtown Iron Mountain between East Hughitt and East A Streets off Iron Mountain Street, Downtown Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801



Races & Competitive Sports


Whether you are a spectator or a participant, these Dickinson area races and competitive sports are exhilarating.


photo credit Northern Lights YMCA           Mountain Mud Sling
photo credit Northern Lights YMCA Mountain Mud Sling
Excavator beside a muddy, flowing waterway in a field, surrounded by dirt piles. Clear blue sky, trees, and buildings in the background.
photo credit: Aurora Mud Bog. Aurora Mud Bog

A family-friendly summer tradition, the Mountain Mud Sling is an obstacle course that runs around the Pine Mountain Resort. Compete individually or grab some friends and make a team for a chance to win the King of the Mountain title.


June


Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, N3332 Pine Mountain Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801






The Aurora Mud Bog is a four-decade, family-friendly tradition. Mud flies as regional mega truckers compete to see who can withstand the 200-foot bog track. Camping and concessions are available.



August


Aurora Ball Park, County Rd N (Top of the hill), Aurora, Wisconsin, 54151










From casual family riders to competitive spirits, the Tour de Dickinson is a choose-your-own-adventure bike ride with something for everyone. Choose your challenge from cozy jaunts to robust rides, or push your limits in the 100K road race, the Dirty 30K Mountain Bike Ride, or tour the county at your own pace.


Early August


Starts and finishes at Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, N3332 Pine Mountain Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801



Whether you participate in the Tour de Dickinson and still crave competition or running is more your style, the Pine Mountain 500 is a test of endurance. Scaling the 500 stairs up the Pine Mountain ski jump landing after running. The race offers three distances: 2.5 miles with 500 stairs, 5.4 miles with 1000 stairs, and 10.8 miles with 2000 stairs. The after-party promises food, music and fun.


Early August


Pine Mountain Ski and Golf Resort, N3332 Pine Mountain Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan 49801



The Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament is an annual fundraiser for the Imagination Factory Children's Museum. The event is great for all ages and features obstacle course competition and shoot-arounds, free throw, 3-point, and slam dunk competitions.


August


217 West Hughitt Street, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801





Runners wearing numbered bibs race on a tree-lined path. Bright athletic wear and summer setting create a lively atmosphere.
photo credit: Lake Antoine Classic Lake Antoine Classic

The Lake Antoine Classic is a fundraising event for the Special Olympics. The 15K Run and Bike course travels through the Fumee Lake Natural Area. The course is primarily flat and unpaved scenic trails. The 5 Mile Run, 5 Mile Walk, 5K Run, and 2 Mile Run/Walk take place around beautiful Lake Antoine.


August


Lake Antoine Park, Lake Antoine Park Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801



Looking to add a swim to biking and running? The UP Northwoods Triathlon offers sprint and Olympic distances for both pros and beginners. With Lake Antoine at the center, challenge yourself to an open water swim followed by a hilly ride through the countryside and finish up with a run around the lake.


August


Lake Antoine Park, South Lake Antoine Road, Iron Mountain, Michigan, 49801


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