Beaver Island Music Festival Date Time Location and Artists
If you’re a fan of unique festivals that blend music, nature, and community, then the Beaver Island Music Festival should be on your summer calendar. Tucked away in the middle of Lake Michigan, this hidden musical gem offers more than just performances—it’s an experience shaped by wilderness, creativity, and heart. For those who love the Charlevoix Venetian Festival, this event brings a similar joyful spirit—but with a rustic, off-the-grid twist that’s unlike anything on the mainland.
What Type of Festival It Is?
This is not your average big-stage music fest. The Beaver Island Music Festival is a community-driven, family-friendly celebration of art and sound, combining folk, indie, rock, country, and acoustic genres.
It attracts both local Michigan bands and regional talent from across the U.S. The vibe is relaxed and unplugged, with campfire sing-alongs, spontaneous jam sessions, and interactive performances that blur the line between audience and artist.
You won’t find massive crowds or corporate branding here. Instead, you’ll discover a peaceful, creative space filled with friendly people, open skies, and lots of soul.
Festival Location
The Beaver Island Music Festival takes place at Beaver Island Hideaway Campground, located at 28599 Hideaway Trail, Beaver Island, MI 49782. This scenic spot sits deep in the woods of Beaver Island, the largest island in Lake Michigan. It’s about 32 miles northwest of Charlevoix and can be reached by a 2-hour ferry or a 20-minute flight. The festival site is surrounded by trees, with stages, camping, and nature all in one magical setting.
Who Is Holding This Festival?
The heart behind this unique experience is the Burton family, island residents who started the festival in 2003. With help from volunteers and local businesses, they’ve turned the Beaver Island Music Festival into an annual summer tradition.
Everything—from the logistics and planning to the welcoming vibe—feels genuinely local. The Burtons wanted to bring live music to the island while supporting artists and encouraging cultural exchange. Today, the event still reflects that original passion.
Their hands-on leadership ensures that the festival remains authentic, grounded, and true to its community values.
Motive Behind This Festival
The motive behind the Beaver Island Music Festival is deeper than just showcasing talent. The goal is to celebrate nature, promote art, and bring people together in an eco-friendly, creative environment.
The festival is held off-grid, using generators for power and encouraging recycling, sustainability, and respect for the island’s natural beauty.
Artists, guests, and volunteers alike are drawn to this eco-conscious mindset. It’s not about big names or flashy stages—it’s about human connection, shared stories, and unforgettable moments under the stars.
Much like the Fountain Hills Art Festival, which blends creativity and community in a scenic space, Beaver Island’s event offers a soulful experience rooted in local culture and natural beauty.
The community aspect is just as strong. Locals open their arms to visitors, creating a real sense of belonging and shared responsibility to keep the island vibrant and clean.
Where to Buy Ticket of Festival?
Beaver Island Music Festival are available on platforms like Expedia. Whether you want a 3-day pass, a 2-day ticket, or just a single-day pass, you can find various options for this incredible music event. Don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy live performances and the scenic beauty of Beaver Island—grab your tickets now before they sell out!
Here’s a quick look at ticket pricing based on previous years:
| Ticket Type | Price Range | Includes Camping |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Pass | $130 – $150 | Yes |
| 2-Day Pass | $100 – $120 | Yes |
| 1-Day Pass | $60 – $70 | Yes (limited space) |
Camping is included with all multi-day tickets, and it places you just steps from the performance areas. You’ll wake up to birdsong, spend your day with live music, and fall asleep by a campfire.
Tickets tend to sell fast as the event nears, especially since the crowd size is intentionally small. If you’re planning to attend, it’s smart to reserve your spot early.
Festival Dates:
| Year | Start Date | End Date | Duration | Age Policy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | July 17, 2025 | July 19, 2025 | 3 days | All ages welcome |
Festival Performers
The festival features over 20 talented artists each year, mixing folk, indie, rock, and acoustic styles. For 2025, acts like Audrey Dupuis, The Whiskey Charmers, Birdie Country, and Jonathan Plevyak are set to perform. Many artists stay for the full weekend, often joining fireside jam sessions and mingling with festivalgoers.
Attendance
Each year, the festival draws around 1,000 attendees per day, creating a cozy and welcoming vibe. With a total weekend attendance of roughly 3,000 people, it remains a small-scale, community-driven event. The intimate size lets guests enjoy music up close, connect with artists, and share unforgettable moments in the woods.
Conclusion
The Beaver Island Music Festival isn’t just an event—it’s an escape into music, nature, and community. It invites you to leave behind the noise of the city and tune into the rhythm of the forest. Whether you’re a folk fan, a family camper, or someone craving connection, this island festival has something rare and beautiful to offer.
Tickets are limited, the lineup is exciting, and the vibe is like no other. If you’re looking for a place where music lives among the trees and people come together with open hearts, start packing. Beaver Island Music Festival is calling.
