A woman is sitting on a man 's shoulders at a music festival.

Au Sable Summer Events Guide

The Au Sable River has long drawn those in search of quiet water, tall pines, and some room to breathe. But summer tells a different story. Along the banks of this 120-mile stretch of northern Michigan waterway, communities come alive with several events that reflect both their roots and their personality.


From canoe marathons that defy sleep schedules to art festivals along the lakefront, the region offers a variety of public gatherings that feel distinctly local—designed less for spectacle and more for shared experience.


Below is a closer look at the seasonal events along the Au Sable River, and why they continue to draw return visitors year after year.

A group of people are rowing boats on a lake.

Events Near the River

This one’s for those who like their history with a bit of grit. Set inside a restored railroad depot, the Crawford County Historical Museum takes you through the days when the lumber industry ruled the region. Step inside and you'll find a one-room schoolhouse setup, displays of logging tools, and recreations of 19th-century home life. It’s like diving into a history book—without the homework.


AuSable River Festival

July 18–26, 2025 – Grayling, MI


The AuSable River Festival is the most expansive event on the river’s summer calendar. Over the course of nine days in late July, Grayling hosts all kinds of programming, shows, and events. While it’s anchored by the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, the festival itself encompasses far more than paddle sports.



Highlights include:

  • Classic Car & Truck Show (July 19): A curated display of vintage vehicles lining Michigan Avenue.
  • Kids Day (July 22): Family-friendly games and attractions designed to engage younger visitors without overwhelming their parents.
  • The HUP Race (July 23): An informal canoe relay that often draws spectators as much for its camaraderie as its competitiveness.
  • Brew Ave and Main Stage Concerts (July 24–26): Live music performances paired with Michigan craft beer vendors.
  • Craft Show (July 25–26): Dozens of regional makers offering goods that range from practical to decorative, all locally produced.


While the events vary in tone and size, the festival as a whole offers a cross-section of what Grayling values: outdoor life, local business, and connecting with the community.


AuSable River Canoe Marathon

July 26–27, 2025 – Grayling to Oscoda

The capstone of the summer calendar, the AuSable River Canoe Marathon, begins at 9:00 p.m. in downtown Grayling. From there, paddlers take on a 120-mile, overnight race downriver to Oscoda. Teams train year-round for the event, which has developed a loyal following over its decades-long history.


What makes the marathon unique—beyond the distance and difficulty—is its format. It begins with a running start through town, with teams carrying their canoes to the river before launching into the dark. The race continues through the night, requiring physical stamina and mental focus that borders on extreme.


Spectators also play a role. Many follow the race by car, stopping at checkpoints and bridges to cheer on their chosen teams. It’s not uncommon to see families setting up camp chairs, holding thermoses, and shouting encouragement well past midnight.

For those interested in endurance sports—or in understanding how a community can rally around such a unique event—it’s worth attending.

A group of people dressed in pirate costumes are standing under a tent.

Oscoda’s Arts and Anomalies

While Grayling’s events often center around the river itself, Oscoda tends to look outward, using Lake Huron’s shoreline as a platform for broader cultural programming.


Art on the Beach

June 28–29, 2025


Art on the Beach is held annually at Oscoda Beach Park. This juried arts and crafts show features more than 100 vendors, offering work in painting, sculpture, woodworking, fiber arts, and more. The setting is scenic, but the focus is serious—many of the artists return each year and view it as an important date on the summer circuit.


Food vendors and a handful of music performances round out the event, but the emphasis remains on the work and the people who make it.


Pirates & Mermaids Festival

August 1–2, 2025


Oscoda also plays host to one of the more unusual summer events in the region: the Pirates & Mermaids Festival. While the theme may sound theatrical, the event draws plenty of crowds and includes live music, costumed contests, and themed vendors. Past iterations have even attempted Guinness World Record submissions, including one for the largest gathering of mermaid costumes.


It’s lighthearted, certainly, but it has managed to cultivate a loyal local following and provides an unexpected but welcome contrast to the more traditional events nearby.

Staying Local Enhances the Experience

Attending these events is easier—and far more enjoyable—when you're based nearby. Many visitors make the mistake of thinking a short drive will suffice, but the nature of these gatherings (and their rural settings) means that lodging close to the action can make a significant difference.



Proximity not only saves time, it allows for a slower, more immersive pace. Walk to a concert, step out early to catch a race checkpoint, return for a mid-afternoon rest before heading out again. It's a far cry from packing everything into a single afternoon.

Where to Stay: Au Sable Riverview Resort

If you're planning to take part in any of these events—or simply want to position yourself close to the best parts of summer along the Au Sable—Au Sable Riverview Resort offers an ideal location.


Situated along the river and just minutes from downtown Grayling, our resort provides cabins, RV sites, and campsites designed for those who want convenience without sacrificing comfort. Whether you're here for the marathon, the festival, or a few quiet days before or after the crowds arrive, you’re in for a great time.


Plan ahead and book your stay now to secure your place during the busiest—and most rewarding—weeks of summer.