Featured Events
Community Collage Project

Date: Saturday, June 6 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Oliver Art Center

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: In memory of Joe and Jane Muer, this giant community collage with over 200 canvases, created by local artists, is on display beginning June 6th. Each piece is priced at $40.00 with all proceeds benefiting programming at the Oliver Art Center.


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Jubilee! An Ode to the Cherry

Date: Friday, June 26 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Oliver Art Center 132 Coast Guard St., Frankfort Mon-Sat 10AM - 4PM, Sun 12-4PM

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: “Jubilee!” is an ode to the cherry in all its glory. In northwest Michigan, we celebrate cherries – both tart and sweet – as a major crop, a summer delight, and a shared heritage.


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Nancy Foster Retrospective

Date: Saturday, July 18 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Oliver Art Center

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Oliver Art Center presents a retrospective exhibition of the work of Nancy I. Foster. A longtime OAC Member Artist, Nancy's work has made an impact everywhere she has resided. Her paintings have been exhibited throughout the western and midwestern United States and is among both private and corporate collections. She has said of her journeys, “My migrations across this huge land have sparked an abiding interest in formations of the land—observing the effects of wind, waters, rivers, the thrusting of tectonic plates, the nature of geological time, questions of scale, and, finally, man’s hand in changing and marking the land.” This exhibit is an opportunity to travel across America through Foster’s eyes: taking in humble midwestern landscapes, romantic landscapes of the Great Lakes, the edges and shadows of urban Chicago, and the majesty of nature from Michigan to the west coast. Opening reception Saturday, July 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Refreshments will be served, all are welcome.


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Housing Trust of Benzie's House Party V with Tim Jones

Date: Wednesday, July 29 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Stormcloud Brewery & Parkview Taproom

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Join us for the 5th Annual Housing Trust of Benzie House Party as we celebrate an incredible milestone, the closing of all four Cottages at Corning homes, and raise a glass to the people, partners, and community that made it happen. Hot off an amazing ribbon cutting, we're gathering at Stormcloud Parkview Taproom to enjoy great beer, live music by Tim Jones, and the company of the people who make affordable housing in Benzie County possible. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to the Housing Trust of Benzie, this is the place to be this summer. And yes, there will be raffle prizes, and $1 from every beer sold goes directly to HTB. So drink up for a good cause!


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Port Oneida Run

Date: Saturday, August 1 from 6:30 am to 11:30 am

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Port Oneida Heritage Center, Maple City, MI 49664

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Join us for this unique event! The only run where the courses traverse through the scenic hills and tranquil level pastoral pathways of the Port Oneida Rural Historic District, within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Port Oneida is celebrated as “one of the most prized historic landscapes in the country” and showcases historic farms and barns from the 1800’s nestled in picturesque trails alongside Lake Michigan. Port Oneida is also home of Pyramid Point, a favorite of residents and visitors. Come for the run & make a day of exploring the park, a true outdoor museum! Bring your blanket or lawn chair to cheer on runners and enjoy post-celebration activities. The 14th Annual Port Oneida Run serves as a vital fundraiser for Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear, a dedicated non-profit partner helping to preserve Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for over 25 years! Heritage 5K Run or walk. A flat & fast course on the crushed gravel Heritage Trail and a dirt road. Strollers & leashed dogs allowed (this race only) Tillers 10K - to Pyramid Point A loop combination of trail running, gravel and paved back roads in the areas of rolling hills. Expect a steep, long hill going up Basch Road past the Pyramid Point trailhead parking lot- perfect for runners who love a challenge! Homesteaders Half Marathon - to Pyramid Point A combination of dirt/grass trail running, gravel trails and roads, and pavement. Expect a steep, long hill going up Basch Road past the Pyramid Point trailhead parking lot- perfect for runners who love a challenge! Course Map: Water and Aid Stations LOCATION Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore at the Port Oneida Heritage Center, Olsen Farm, 3164 W. Harbor Drive (M-22), Maple City, Michigan 49664.Just four miles north of Glen Arbor, west of Port Oneida road. Registration, Start & Finish is at the Big Red Barn PARKING: On site at the Olsen Farm; follow the signs. PACKET PICKUP is only available race day morning TENTATIVE SCHEDULE 6:30 – 8:00 Packet pick up and walk-on registration at the Port Oneida Heritage Center/Olsen Farm. 7:20 Half Marathon starts 7:40 10K starts 8:00 Flat and Fast 5K run/walk starts 11:30 All Courses Close POST-RACE Great food Unique awards! RACE INFORMATION Professional chip timing by Michigan Running Foundation. Pin race bibs horizontally and unobstructed on the OUTSIDE and FRONT of your clothing as close to the waist as possible to ensure accurate finish times; do not bend or tear bibs. All races start and end at the historic Olsen Farm’s Big Red Barn Pets: Animals are only allowed in the farmyard and only in the 5k run/walk event. All pets must be well controlled and always be kept on a short leash The race will take place rain or shine (but not lightening) Water stations are placed every roughly every 3 miles along the courses, however, this race does take place in August and we encourage runners to carry their own hydration (bring your camelback!) REGISTRATION – in the big red barn Half Marathon $90 After 7/15 $110 10K $60 After 7/15 $75 Flat 5k $35 After 7/15 $45 Kid’s run around the barn – free Payment: cash, credit card or check. Online registration closes Friday, July 31st at 5 pm. Entries are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Runners under 18 year’s old require a parent’s signature on reg. forms Walk-On’s Welcome! Dri-Fit Running Hats Participants registered for the 5k, 10K, and 1/2 marathon will receive a Dri-Fit running hat if registered by July 9th. After July 9, hats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. AWARDS All runners will receive a participant award. There will also be awards for those who place 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in each age group, separated by gender. Age Groups: 12 and under, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-75, 76--80, 80+ NATIONAL PARK POLICIES A National Park pass is required. Help keep the park free of invasive species! Please clean shoes of mud and debris, soil and seed, prior to coming to the race to prevent introduction of invasive plant material. LODGING This area is a tourist destination. Make your lodging reservations early.


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Blueberry Dash 5K

Date: Saturday, August 1 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: The race starts at the Bellows Park pavillion, Corner of Bellows Ave., and South Shore Dr. E, Frankfort. The route is an out-and-back along the beutiful shoreline of Crystal Lake.

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Join us for the annual Blueberry Dash 5K supporting the work of Benzie Senior Resources! Walk or run, and families welcome. If you wish to be timed, please register through RunSignUp.com. Shotgun start at 8:15 a.m. for those being timed. Walkers and non-timed runners may begin any time between 7 and 11 a.m. Stay for a time of fellowship afterward...ice water, bananas, fresh blueberries and granola bars will be provided.


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Viridian Strings: Undercurrents

Date: Saturday, August 1 from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Oliver Art Center 132 Coast Guard St.

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: OAC Resident Ensemble Viridian Strings presents, Undercurrents, exploring the emotional intensity and inner turbulence of the Romantic piano quartet tradition.


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“RAINFOREST FALLS” VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Date: Monday, August 3 from 5:30 pm to 8:10 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Blaine Christian Church 7018 Putney Road (corner of Joyfield and Putney Roads) Arcadia, MI

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Children in our community, ages 3 - 6th grade completed, are invited to have some “Tree-mendous Bible Adventures” at “RAINFOREST  FALLS” Vacation Bible School, hosted by Blaine Christian Church, Monday, August 3 - Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 6 - 8:10 pm each evening.   This event is open to the public and is designed to help children have the BEST  week of the summer at no cost.   Registration starts Monday night at 5:30 pm at the church (additional registration is available each night a few minutes before 6 pm).  Blaine Christian Church is located at 7018 Putney Road (corner of Joyfield and Putney Roads), in Arcadia.   During “RAINFOREST  FALLS”  Vacation Bible School, children will “step through the mist”, plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God, and learn what it means to be “rooted” in a relationship with Jesus.   They will make new friends, go exploring during Imagination Station with fun science experiments, learn new songs during “Sing And Play Tune Lagoon” and “Canopy Closing”, play “Wild Games”, and enjoy “Tree Top Treats”.  The “Sticky Scripture Station” will be a unique, interactive approach to make God’s Word really “take root” in their hearts and lives.  Pre-K and Kindergarten age children will enjoy separate activities designed especially for them in “Paradise Preschool”.   Since everything is designed to be hands-on, it is recommended that children dress in play clothes and wear sturdy shoes.   During their four days of fun, children will also learn about giving and helping others by donating non-perishable food items each evening to help Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN), located in Benzonia.  They provide food and other services for those in need in our county.  There will also be a donation jar for children to give to BACN.   On Sunday, August 9th, at 10 am, the children will wrap up their Vacation Bible School experience by singing their songs and sharing what they learned during a combined worship service.  This is open to the public.   If you have questions or need more info about Vacation Bible School, or if you need directions, please contact the church:  call - 231/352-9148, email - [email protected], website - blainechristianchurch.org, or find us on Facebook and YouTube.com  (both the church’s website and Facebook page offer a QR code for online registration).


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Flower Power - Flowers of the Dunes: DH Day Campground Twilight Talk

Date: Monday, August 3 from 8:00 pm to 8:45 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: The D.H. Day Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, walk into the campground and stay to the left. Pass the firewood shed, bathrooms, and site 81. The path to the amphitheater will be

Hosted By: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park


Event Details: Come and discover the exciting world of flowers at the Lakeshore. Identify and explore the flowers throughout the park.All visitors are welcome with a valid park pass. The D.H. Day Amphitheater is located near the Campground office. If not camping at the campground, park at the office, walk into the campground and stay to the left. Pass the firewood shed, bathrooms, and site 81. The path to the amphitheater will be on the left.Ranger-led Twilight Talks are scheduled for every night this summer except on Sundays at the D.H. Day and Platte River Campground Amphitheaters.Topics for the week are posted in both of the campgrounds.


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“RAINFOREST FALLS” VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Date: Tuesday, August 4 from 5:30 pm to 8:10 pm

Last Updated: February 25th, 2021

Location: Blaine Christian Church 7018 Putney Road (corner of Joyfield and Putney Roads) Arcadia, MI 49613

Hosted By: Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce


Event Details: Children in our community, ages 3 - 6th grade completed, are invited to have some “Tree-mendous Bible Adventures” at “RAINFOREST  FALLS” Vacation Bible School, hosted by Blaine Christian Church, Monday, August 3 - Thursday, August 6, 2026, from 6 - 8:10 pm each evening.   This event is open to the public and is designed to help children have the BEST  week of the summer at no cost.   Registration starts Monday night at 5:30 pm at the church (additional registration is available each night a few minutes before 6 pm).  Blaine Christian Church is located at 7018 Putney Road (corner of Joyfield and Putney Roads), in Arcadia.   During “RAINFOREST  FALLS”  Vacation Bible School, children will “step through the mist”, plunge into a lifelong adventure of discovering the nature of God, and learn what it means to be “rooted” in a relationship with Jesus.   They will make new friends, go exploring during Imagination Station with fun science experiments, learn new songs during “Sing And Play Tune Lagoon” and “Canopy Closing”, play “Wild Games”, and enjoy “Tree Top Treats”.  The “Sticky Scripture Station” will be a unique, interactive approach to make God’s Word really “take root” in their hearts and lives.  Pre-K and Kindergarten age children will enjoy separate activities designed especially for them in “Paradise Preschool”.   Since everything is designed to be hands-on, it is recommended that children dress in play clothes and wear sturdy shoes.   During their four days of fun, children will also learn about giving and helping others by donating non-perishable food items each evening to help Benzie Area Christian Neighbors (BACN), located in Benzonia.  They provide food and other services for those in need in our county.  There will also be a donation jar for children to give to BACN.   On Sunday, August 9th, at 10 am, the children will wrap up their Vacation Bible School experience by singing their songs and sharing what they learned during a combined worship service.  This is open to the public.   If you have questions or need more info about Vacation Bible School, or if you need directions, please contact the church:  call - 231/352-9148, email - [email protected], website - blainechristianchurch.org, or find us on Facebook and YouTube.com  (both the church’s website and Facebook page offer a QR code for online registration).


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