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What’s Happening in or Near Indian River, MI
Plan your trip around local festivals, seasonal fun, and Northern Michigan charm.
Located in Indian River, we’re a central hub for exploring Petoskey, Cheboygan, Mackinaw City, and more—without the big resort price tag.
🌸 Spring Events (March–May)
🚶♂️ North Central Rail Trail Opens Up - April 1st
As snow melts, the trail becomes perfect for hiking and biking right from your room. Bring your gear or rent bikes nearby.
🎣 Spring Fishing Tournaments
Various lakes, such as Burt and Mullett Lakes, kick off the fishing season with bass and walleye tournaments throughout spring. Ask us for dates or details!
🛻 Mud Brothers Members-Only Ride – April 5, 2025
Join the Mud Brothers for their exclusive Members-Only Ride on April 5, 2025. This event offers members a thrilling off-road adventure through some of the most challenging and scenic trails in the region. It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow enthusiasts, test your vehicle's capabilities, and enjoy a day of muddy fun. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
🛻 Treadhead Spring Mush Ride – April 19, 2025
Kick off ORV season with the annual Spring Mush Ride, hosted by Michigan Treadhead! This advanced-paced group ride covers 140 miles of trails and scenic back roads, with a stop for lunch and fuel in Atlanta, MI. Open to ATVs, UTVs, and side-by-sides, it’s one of the most anticipated rides of the year. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
🚛 Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge – May 23–25, 2025
Experience the 6th Annual Great Lakes Big Rig Challenge at Onaway Speedway! This thrilling event features Quebec-style uphill side-by-side semi-truck drag racing—a spectacle unique in the United States. Beyond the races, enjoy a display of show trucks, live entertainment, and a variety of food vendors.
☀️ Summer Events (June–August)
🎪 Old Fashion Days (Summerfest) & Craft Show– June 20th, 21st & 22nd
A family favorite! Includes live music, food vendors, car show, duck race, and kids' activities right in the heart of downtown Indian River.
🃏 TooonTime Poker Run – June 27th - 28th, 2025
Join us for the 3rd Annual TooonTime Poker Run—a high-stakes, high-fun event for tri-toons and pontoons along the beautiful Indian River. With $15,000 in prizes up for grabs, this isn’t your average day on the water. Enjoy a full day of cruising, collecting cards, and an epic after-party at Marina Park. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for Poker Run participants!
🎆 Indian River 4th of July Celebration & Parade– July 4th @ 10am
Fireworks Display – TBA
Morning parade down South Straits Hwy and fireworks at dusk near Marina Park—walkable from your room!
🦞 Lobsterfest – July 16, 2025
Held at Cooperation Park, this annual fundraiser serves up fresh lobster, live music, and a relaxed local vibe.
🛶 Kayak & Bike Biathlon – July 20, 2025
Held at DeVoe Beach, this unique event combines a 2.24-mile kayak paddle and an 11.68-mile bike ride on the North Central State Trail.
🚤 Indian River Lighted Boat Parade – August 8, 2025 (Rain date: August 9)
Watch the Inland Waterway light up at dusk as decorated boats cruise through Indian River. A magical summer tradition for all ages!
🚤 Top of Michigan Outboard Races – August 9–10, 2025
Fast boats, local food, and big crowds—an adrenaline-packed weekend on the water!
🍂 Fall Events (September–November)
🚶♀️ Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk – September 1, 2025
Celebrate Labor Day with a cherished Michigan tradition—the Annual Mackinac Bridge Walk. Since 1958, thousands have gathered each year to traverse the iconic five-mile span connecting Michigan's Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Whether you're a first-timer or a returning participant, this event offers breathtaking views and a unique experience.
🍁 Tunnel of Trees Color Drive (late Sept–mid Oct)
Take a scenic day trip from Waterway Inn north to M-119 for one of Michigan’s most iconic fall color routes.
🛻Michigan Treadhead Indian River to Millersburg Ride – September 20, 2025
Join the Treadhead Indian River to Millersburg Ride, an all-day, advanced-paced ORV adventure through scenic trails and back roads. The journey includes a lunch and fuel stop in Millersburg; participants are advised to pack a lunch. Sign-in is from 7:30 AM to 8:45 AM at Waterway Inn, with a prompt departure at 9:00 AM. This event is open to various machines, including ATVs, quads, sport side-by-sides (SxS), and UTVs. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
🍂 Mud Brothers Members-Only Fall Color Charity Ride – October 11, 2025
Experience the vibrant autumn hues of Northern Michigan on the exclusive Members-Only Fall Color Charity Ride. Organized by Mud Brothers, this event offers members a scenic off-road adventure through picturesque trails, all while supporting a charitable cause. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
🍁 Michigan Treadhead 17th Annual Fall Color Ride – October 18–19, 2025
Experience the breathtaking autumn hues of Northern Michigan on the 17th Annual Fall Color Ride. This 130-mile round-trip ORV adventure departs from the Hometown Inn in Indian River, traversing scenic trails and back roads to Atlanta, MI, with a lunch and gas stop at Chatter's Bullpen. Waterway Inn is offering discounted lodging for participants!
🎄 Day After Thanksgiving Craft Show & Christmas in Indian River – November 28, 2025
Kick off the holiday season with handmade gifts, local vendors, hot cocoa, and twinkling lights in downtown Indian River. A cozy small-town celebration the whole family will love.
❄️ Winter Events (December–February)
❄️ North Central State Trail Opens to Snowmobiles – December 1st - March 31st
Snowmobile season kicks off December 1st on the North Central State Trail, and Waterway Inn is right next to the action. Ride straight from your room onto 60+ miles of scenic, groomed trail stretching from Gaylord to Mackinaw City.