Historic Grand Marais is located in Michigan's Upper Penninsula. This quaint village on the south shore of Lake Superior sits at the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore and is a popular destination with sportsmen and nature enthusiasts year-round.
Grand Marais' cultural attractions include a Maritime Museum, a bevy of craft shops featuring the works of local artisans, as well as the annual 4th of July and New Years celebrations that always draw large crowds. For music lovers, the town also hosts a three day Music and Arts Festival every August and a summer concert series featuring the very best musicians and songwriters the region has to offer.
Always held the second weekend in August, the Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival has been rockin' since 1982. Featuring every genre of music from blues to bluegrass; classic rock to reggae; country, jazz, soul, funk and folk. In 2010, headliners included Great Divide, Slave to Gravity, the Howlin' Diablos, Conga se Menne, Grass Fire, and the Cabin Fever Stringband. The festival also has an open mic stage for amateurs who'd like to try their luck performing in front of an audience.
Since on-site camping is available, many travelers choose to stay for the entire weekend. The 2010 festival ticket prices ranged from $10 for single-day admission to $35 for a three-day pass. 18 campsites with fire rings, picnic tables and vehicle access are available at an extra charge (around $25-50 bucks). There's no admission fee for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult.
Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival
Contact: Dave Beckwith, Festival Manager
PO Box 139
Grand Marais, MI 49839
www.grandmaraismichigan.com/MusicFestival
Sponsored by the Campbell Street Art Gallery, this summer concert series takes place inside the oldest commercial structure in Grand Marais. The 1883 building which houses the gallery provides beautiful, warm acoustics -- perfect for live music performances -- so sound quality at these shows is always excellent.
Running from May through August, the series features local folk, jazz, roots and traditional musical performers in an intimate setting. Tickets for individual shows range from $12.50-$15.
Travelers love to stay at the Hotel Grand Marais, located on the first floor of the gallery building. Within easy walking distance to the white sand beaches of Grand Marais Harbor, Lake Superior, and just one block from downtown, this historic vacation rental can accommodate up to eight people. You can even bring Fido; the hotel is pet-friendly. Daily, weekly and monthly rates are available. Open May-October only.
Campbell Street Gallery
14281 Campbell Street
Grand Marais, MI 49839
906-494-2252
sites.google.com/site/campbellstgallerygrandmarais
If you're traveling through Michigan's Upper Peninsula during the summer, you may also want to check out a couple of other music festivals in the region:
In Sault Ste. Marie (roughly a two-hour drive from Grand Marais), the annual Sault Summer Arts Festival has been an entertainment staple since 1972. Held the first weekend in August, this festival attracts both locals and visitors from all across the state.
Sault Summer Arts Festival
Sault Area Arts Council
217 Ferris Street
Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
906-635-1312
saultareaartscouncil.org
Rock and rollers will enjoy the Swamp Rock Bash, held in Stephenson, Michigan each June. The 2010 festival featured tribute bands playing the music of Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, Lynyrd Skynyrd, AC/DC and Tom Petty, plus a smattering of popular local hard rock acts. A fireworks show closes the festivities on Friday and Saturday nights.
Swamp Rock Bash
County Road 354
Stephenson, MI 49887
906-374-0098
swamprockbash.net
