Gaylord South / Bradford Lake KOA Holiday Events

The “Three Free” weekend is the second weekend in June and allows residents and nonresidents to 1.) grab a fishing rod, 2.) ride the off-road trails, and 3.) visit state parks and boating access sites – all free of charge!  This is an amazing opportunity to get out and enjoy Northern Michigan and all its lakes and trails. During Free ORV Weekend, Michigan residents and visitors legally can ride without buying an ORV license or trail permit. All other ORV rules and laws still apply. For more information about Free ORV Weekends, visit Michigan.gov/ORVInfo.You can enjoy the outdoors and fish with your family, friends or make it a solo trip!

Over the course of two days and one night, teams will run a relay-style race on three smooth, single-track trails.  Participants will run through trees and over hills and at night under the starts with a headlamp lighting their way.  This relay is good for teams of any experience level.  Start and end the relay at Hanson Hills Recreation Area.

Traverse City boasts The National Cherry Festival that offers over 130 events throughout the eight-day celebration, including all time favorites like air shows, Bay Side Entertainment, parades, daily kids events, the Festival of Races and, of course, Cherry Pie Eating and Pit Spitting competitions for every age.

Everyone loves a parade! Visit the quaint river town of Grayling and celebrate America's Independence Day.  Stay in town after the parade and eat a little lunch, take in some great art, and enjoy the downtown shopping!

The Black Bear Gran Fondo starts and ends at Hanson Hills Recreation Area and winds its way through the beautiful AuSable River Valley.  The event offers not just the 100-mile "Century Ride" but two smaller loops which are 62 miles and 45 miles.

Come to Gaylord for one of their biggest weekends of the year!  Ever heard of "The Burning of the Boog?" There will be traditions, music, and food you have never heard of before as downtown Gaylord puts on an Alpine-inspired celebration that honors the city's heritage and partnership with sister city, Pontresina, Switzerland.  The entertainment is top-notch and includes Rolling Stones and Katy Perry tribute bands, 80's rock, classic rock, country, polka and German music, and to further honor the theme, a 14-piece Bavarian style band.  There will also be two parades (a walking parade and a grand parade), carnival rides, Queen and Princess pageants, a car show, a craft show, food vendors...do I need to say more?  Oh, there is more!  If you like to run or walk, sign up for the half marathon, 10k, 5.9k or 1-mile fun run.  Grab your lederhosen (yes, you'll see those there too) and join in the fun!

Grayling's biggest event includes a week's worth of entertainment and events that include a car show, an arts and crafts show, and kids events.  The theme of the HUP Race is "anything but canoes" and is always a fun time.  There is a 5k and 10k at Hanson Hills Recreation Area and a "street eats" festival that lines Michigan Avenue.  Music acts start Thursday and go through Saturday, and of course the week ends with the AuSable River Canoe Marathon!  There truly is something for everyone at the AuSable River Festival!

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon, a.k.a. “The Marathon”, is a non-stop 120-mile, C-2 (two-person) canoe race held annually on the last full weekend in July. The race starts at night with a thrilling LeMans-style running start to the river in Grayling, MI, and ends the next day on the shores of Lake Huron in Oscoda, MI. The marathon is not a recreational canoe float. It is an ultra-competitive race that attracts professional paddlers from across the United States, Canada, and often teams from outside North America. Contestants must be in peak condition to compete in the race within the allotted time and endure the grueling and strenuous physical and mental strains that the marathon demands of the paddlers. ~from the AuSable River Canoe Marathon website.
If you are not ready to compete but want to watch, head over to the Spectators page of the website; you can watch the start, the bridges, the dams, and the finish!

The 46th Michaywe Arts & Crafts Fair will feature one-of-a-kind handmade crafts, distinctive indoor and outdoor décor, original artwork, creative natural products, beautiful jewelry, and unique foods. The fair draws thousands of visitors from all over northern Michigan each summer. The 2025 juried show will be held in the park-like setting adjacent to Michaywe's award-winning Inn the Woods restaurant and picturesque Pines Golf Course. Artists and crafters will showcase their work in more than 100 booths both inside the clubhouse and under the shade trees around the pond and fountain at the two-day fair.

Thunder Over Waters takes place the Sunday of Labor Day weekend in downtown Waters, Michigan!  The purpose of the Thunder Over Waters Festival is to bring families and our community together to promote the village of Waters and all it has to offer.
Event Schedule:
8-11am Pancake Breakfast-Keg Bar
10am-4pm Craft Fair
1pm Parade
Kids Bounce Houses-Trailside Creamery
Fireworks at Dusk

Our sister campground, Gaylord KOA is hosting their annual Falloween the last two Saturdays of September.
Take the short drive north on Old Rt. 27 for a full day of fun, prizes, games and more to start this festive and spooky season!

For anyone not staying at the Gaylord KOA for those days, Day Passes are available to be purchased day-of at the Gaylord KOA Kampstore.
$10 for adults, $5 for kids, $30 for families (Children under 5 are Free)
Day passes are valid Saturdays only 11am-10pm