July marks a high point of the summer season—fireworks light up the sky, boats fill the bay, and the beaches teem with frolicking sunbathers—it’s the time to be in Northern Michigan.
To celebrate the sunny days and warm nights, Downtown Petoskey is pleased, as always, to present a trio of annual outdoor activities that everyone can get behind!
Sounds of Summer
A happy partnership between Downtown Petoskey and Blissfest Music Organization has yielded the Sounds of Summer concert series, which is returning to Pennsylvania Park for its second year. Presenting a wide array of musical genres, this five-part series encourages everyone to gather in the park to support the performing arts and the culturally rich community of Petoskey.
“Supporting artists in their work with a stage, an audience, and compensation is the ultimate win-win,” shared Caroline Barlow, Artistic Director/Co-Director of Blissfest Music Organization. “When communities promote and support the performing arts, everyone benefits. When you see someone share their art, it gives you the permission to do the same.”
“We’re thrilled to partner with Blissfest for these free concerts because they are so talented and love our community as much as we do! They are the music professionals!” said Andi Symonds, Downtown Marketing and Promotions Director. “Blissfest knows the community and exactly what we are looking for—it’s great to have them curate this series that we’re looking forward to continuing for years to come!
During July and August, prepare to experience the acoustic neo-soul sounds of Abigail Stauffer, 1000 Watt Prophets’ soul-stirring Americana, the unique rogue-folk of Adrian + Meredith, The Black Feathers’ indie-rock, and the energetic gypsy jazz of Djangophonique. Whether you’re a fan of these performers or just now discovering them, soaking up their tunes in the fresh air is no bad way to spend a summer evening.
“A free outdoor concert feels like a quintessential summer experience, and what better place to accomplish these goals than beautiful Pennsylvania Park with a Blissfest vibe?” added Barlow.
Sounds of Summer kicks off on Friday, July 19, and concludes on Friday, August 16. Shows start at 7:00PM and wrap around 8:30PM—just before the next spectacle begins.
Movies in the Park at Dark
A summer tradition, Downtown Petoskey’s Movies in the Park at Dark has drawn lawn-spread viewership for years. Akin to the now-rare drive-in theater setup, minus the cars, outdoor movie-watching brings together fans of indoor activities and those who adore being in nature. It’s a match made in heaven.
“This is one of my favorite events because you see so many locals, visitors, families, young adults, older adults, and everyone in between! Even when I think we won’t have a large audience because of the weather or something, the park fills up!” shared Symonds. “Our sponsors are wonderful, helping to select the movies and passing out snacks and goodies at the screenings—it’s a great community event. There’s nothing like relaxing in Pennsylvania Park while the sun sets, snuggled in blankets, and watching a fun movie!”
This year’s screening lineup features Brother Bear (G), Marcel: The Shell with Shoes On (PG), Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (PG), The Little Mermaid (PG), and Wonka (PG), all of which are family-friendly movies. Depending on when the sun sets, opening credits begin rolling around 9:30PM. Just don’t stay out too late on Friday, July 26, or you might miss the best-remaining sales from one of Downtown’s most cherished events.
Sidewalk Sales
This year marks the 60th Annual Downtown Petoskey Sidewalk Sales, the two-day event that deal-seekers dream of from one summer to the next. For the last Friday and Saturday of July, the streets of downtown are closed off from traffic, so instead of brimming with parked and moving vehicles, the roads are full of tables, tents, and shoppers. It’s a wild time, much like the untamed days of the Wild West—a free-for-all, first come, first served, season clear-out for shops and boutiques. Live music drifts through the hot air, excitable pedestrians fueled on icy caffeinated beverages roam from station to station, and store owners and staff strive for hydration amidst the frenzied energy.
For the 60th anniversary, the event will have a distinctly 1960s theme with era-specific music playing downtown and visiting area nonprofits spread out amongst the shopping opportunities. This isn’t just another sidewalk sale; it’s an exciting milestone in downtown history!
“Sidewalk Sales are such a landmark event for the Petoskey community!” commented Jenna Zerbo, owner of AUGUST, located at 222 Park Ave. “Throughout the year, shop owners set aside tons of inventory to include in this annual tradition, with marked-down merchandise filling tables and tents. People are always sure to save the dates and scramble over to get their mitts on all the deals to be had!”
So, if you haven’t already, mark your calendars for the sale of the season—Sidewalk Sales take place Friday, July 26, and Saturday, July 27.
There you have it, Downtown Petoskey’s July in a nutshell!
