Country, rock, opera, salsa, jazz or blues – it doesn’t matter what kind of music you like, what matters is that it makes you happy! In the Petoskey Area, the music will go on this summer spreading joy to the guests who visit (maybe you?)

Parks and streets in Boyne City, Petoskey and Harbor Springs will be filled with good tunes kicking off in July. With lots of space to spread a blanket, park a lawn chair or meander down streets, these communities offer room to social distance while spirits are lifted by artists who are thrilled to have an audience for which to play.

Here’s what music fans can look for when visiting:

  • Street Musique (7/2 – 8/13/20, Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30  pm) in downtown Harbor Springs – Wander from street to street with musicians spread throughout keeping things on beat. Browse the shops, enjoy al fresco dining at a local eatery and end the evening walking the pier. Watch as the setting sun glistens on Little Traverse Bay when the music ends at 8:30 pm.
  • Charlotte Ross Lee Concerts in the Park Series (7/8 – 8/21/20, Wednesdays and Fridays at 12 pm) in Petoskey’s Pennsylvania Park – Named for the beloved musician/piano teacher who started the series decades ago, these concerts continue to delight locals and visitors thanks to the Crooked Tree Arts Center, who now organize the lunchtime performances. Several nearby restaurants and delis offer takeout so you can feed your soul and your stomach at the time. Be sure to check out the galleries at CTAC.
  • Evenings at the Gazebo (7/15 – 9/16/20, Wednesdays at 6:30 pm) in Old City Park, Boyne City – Lake Street Market is one of my favorite go-tos on Wednesday nights for a brown-bag dinner while tuning in to these live shows. The shaded park and Boyne River set the scene to relax and soak up the music provided by local musicians.

Did I mention that not only are all of these events outside, but they’re FREE! You can bring the whole family and save your money for some sweet treats or a great tasting meal. And remember what Confucius said, “Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without.”

Hope to see you this summer – for more things to do or somewhere to stay, visit PetoskeyArea.com.

Please note: This was correct as of the date posted, but Evening at the Gazebo canceled as of 7/21/20. We apologize for any  inconvenience. 

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About the author

Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.