Events
Please check back often...while unlikey, events may change…
Friday, June 11
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Many artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea
Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
4:30pm Pre-Coronation Jazz Concert with Grand Hotel’s Alex Graham Quartet • Windermere Point
5:30pm Coronation of Lilac Festival Queen • Windermere Point with Mayor Margaret Doud, Reverend Vince Carrol, Father Rey Garcia and 2009 Lilac Festival Queen Michi Mullings
9pm Movies at the Mission
Film TBA Mission Point Theatre, tix at the door
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Saturday, June 12
9:30am Lilac Festival 10K • Mackinac Island Public School, Registration on site and online • Fees vary
11:00am Lil Lilac Run/Walk • Mackinac Island Public School, Registration on site and online • Fees vary
11-4pm Book Sale • Mackinac Island Public Library
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Island artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Lilac House B&B • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
5pm Architectural Walking Tour
Covering 300 years of American Architectural styles, learn the who, what, where, when and why of many downtown buildings. This easy, level walking tour and lasts about one hour.
Tourism Bureau • $10
7:30pm Dancing’ in the Streets
Country Line Dancing with West Michigan Bootscooters • Market Street
9pm Movies at the Mission
Film TBA Mission Point Theatre
Tickets at Mission Point Activities Center and at the door
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart •
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (please observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Sunday, June 13
9am-11pm Lybster Brunch
Patrick Sinclair's Irish Pub
Lybster, Scotland is our sister city and Patrick Sinclair was a legendary Celt on Mackinac Island
10am Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
2-4pm Lilac Festival Poster Exhibition
Victorian Summer Gallery
Each season, we have an artists call for entries for the annual festival poster. We invite all to view the works of art during this exhibition & reception
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
5pm Architectural Walking Tour
Covering 300 years of American Architectural styles, learn the who, what, where, when and why of many downtown buildings. This easy, level walking tour and lasts about one hour.
Tourism Bureau • $10
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Monday June 14
10am Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
2pm Artist's Garden Party • All are invited to join Island painter Diane Neyer who created the 2009 Lilac Festival Poster painting in her gorgeous garden at Metivier Inn with music and refreshments for all.
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Metivier Inn• Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel's Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
5:30pm Lilac Festival Golf Tournament, Jewel at Grand Hotel • $50 (906) 847-3331 to register, ask for the Pro Shop
7-9pm Jamie Bynoe Lilac Festival Street Hockey Tournament
Islander Jamie Bynoe rallies all hockey fans to j oin in on Market Street at the Post Office
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham & Grand Hotel Orchestra
Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Tuesday, June 15
10am Grand Hotel History Lecture with historian Bob Tagatz • Grand Hotel • Included with $10 hotel admission
12pm Nature Tour with naturalist Trish Martin • Trish writes the nature column for the Mackinac Island Town Crier and knows so much about the flora and fauna of Mackinac Island. This is a great walking tour and lasts a few hours. Meets at Bogan Lane Inn
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Cloghaun B&B • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person-Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
6:30pm Lion’s Club Bingo • Community Hall, 18 and over only
9pm Jazz & Wine Night with Grand Hotel Musical Director Alex Graham and his Quartet• Gate House
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Wednesday, June 16
9:30am Governor’s Summer Residence Tour • Tour the Lawrence A Young cottage donated to the state of Michigan for its Governors. This arts and crafts/shingle style cottage was renovated to reveal its original beauty under the leadership of former Governor John Engler. Tours run until 11:30am, free, first come, first served.
12pm Grand Hotel Garden Tour • Grand Hotel Gardens - Meet at Tennis Court entrance
$10 per person (does not include hotel admission)
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
2-4pm Lilac Festival Wine Tasting
Known for their distinctive menu and award worthy wine list, the Yankee Rebel hosts an afternoon of wine and culinary delights
Yankee Rebel Tavern • $20
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea
Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries.
5pm History Tour with Dan Seely
$10 per person, meets at Windermere Hotel
Island historian and retired history teacher from Mackinac Island Public School, Dan Seely shares the who, what, where and when of Mackinac Island.
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Thursday, June 17
10am Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Marquette Park This festival event is dedicated to the lilac. Lilac curator Jeff Young shares his knowledge about the care of the lilac from pruning to placement and so much more • $10
11:30am A Taste of Mackinac at Harbour View Inn
Mackinac Island's most anticipated culinary event with Chefs from around the Island showcasing their favorite dishes. Beer, Wine, Soft drinks included. Tickets available at the Tourism Bureau after May 1 and at the event. $15 adults, $10 teens (13-17) $5 children (5-12)
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Many artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
2-4pm Lilac Festival Wine Tasting
Carriage House Hotel Iroquois
Gorgeous views, amazing food and fabulous wine at Hotel Iroquois, Conde Nast Gold Award winner for top 500 Hotels in America. $20
2-4pm Lilac Festival Beer Tasting
Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub-Beer from around the globe makes this event a journey around the world in 120 minutes. Flight pricing varies
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau • Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea
Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
5pm History Tour with Dan Seely
$10 per person, meets at Windermere Hotel
Island historian and retired history teacher from Mackinac Island Public School, Dan Seely shares the who, what, where and when of Mackinac Island.
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart •
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Friday, June 18
10am Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau-Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
11am Harbor History Cruise • Mackinaw Breeze at Bay View $18 adults $15 children (5-12)
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Many artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau-Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person-Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
4pm Feast of Epona 4H Lemonade Sale & Stable Tour • Mission Hill Stable • Donations encouraged
5pm Feast of Epona Blessing of the Animals • Mission Hill Stable • Mackinac’s horses & dogs get blessed.
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Saturday, June 19
10am Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Harbour View Inn $10
1pm Epona & Barkus Parade • Boardwalk • $10 to participate which benefits the Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Club
1:30pm Mackinac Island Dog & Pony Show Featuring DE Wallen’s Wild West Show with his Amazing Performing Horses!!! • Dog House • Windermere Point • Be sure to pick up raffle tickets for the Log Dog Bed made by Island crafstman Jim Francis to benefit the event.
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Many artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
3pm Walk and Talk with Lilacs • Tourism Bureau-Learn about Mackinac Island's lilacs and how to care for yours with lilac curator and expert Jeff Young, International Lilac Society Board Member, University of Vermont Master Gardener
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel's Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
7pm Suzuki Academy of Kalamazoo
This wonderful children's orchestra performs a lovely concert at Ste Anne's Church.
The Suzuki Method is popular all over the world. Developed by the late Japanese teacher Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, who believed that musical ability is not an inborn talent but one that can be developed through nurturance and that every human being has an infinite potential.
9pm Comedy with Stu Stuart
We love Stu!!! • Lilac Tree Hotel
Tickets avaiable at the Lilac Tree Hotel and at the door. Group tix available by contacting Stu directly.
9:30-11:30pm Alex Graham and Grand Hotel Orchestra, Dancing in the Terrace Room, Grand Hotel (Observe evening dress code)
10pm Nightly Entertainers take the stage at Gate House • Horn’s Bar • Mustang Lounge • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • Pink Pony
Sunday, June 20
9am-2pm Lybster Brunch • Patrick Sinclair’s Irish Pub • $8.99 Lybster, Scotland was to home Fort Mackinac’s Lieutenant-Governor Patrick Sinclair and is the Sister City to Mackinac Island.
12pm-2pm Victorian Summer Gallery
Artists are scheduled to paint in front of the gallery throughout the Lilac Festival. Stop by and watch the artists at work and say hello to some of Mackinac Island's finest painters.
2pm Tittawabasse Fife and Drum Band pre parade performance • Windermere Point
2pm Scottville Clown Band makes an appearance at Mission Point’s Bistro on the Greens.
3:30pm Scottish Tattoo with Grand Traverse Drum & Pipe Band, Glen Erin Pipe Band & Sault Ste Marie Pipe Band. Marquette Park becomes the stage at the ramparts of Fort Mackinac. Listen to the stirring pipe tunes that over centuries have given courage and inspiration on battle fields in every corner of the globe.
3:30-5pm Grand Hotel's Afternoon Tea • Grand Parlor • $25 per person
Enjoy teas, sherry and champagne, petite finger sandwiches, fresh-baked scones and an array of pastries
5pm Lilac Festival Grand Parade presented by Coca Cola • Led by Don “The Duck” Andress,
Carl Andress, Jamie Andress
and John Perrault, direct descendants
of Chief Mackinac.
7:30pm Lilac Festival Post Parade Gala
Mary’s Bistro • $10,000 raffle, parade trophy winner announcement and merriment for all!!!
Click here for our Best of the Lilac Festival Flickr Slideshow from last season.
