Upcoming Events
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Get ready to soar at our FREE kite-flying extravaganza - this is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon on beautiful Frankfort Beach.
The Best Part? We’re bringing the kites for you! We provide free kites for the kids (and the young at heart), so all you need to bring are the smiles. Let's fill the Frankfort sky with laughter and vibrant colors together.
When: The last Saturday of June, July, and August (if it's a rainy day, we move to Sunday)
Who: Open to everyone—families, visitors, and locals alike!
IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan
Get Ready for Ironman 70.3 Michigan! For the 6th year in a row, Frankfort is thrilled to host the Ironman 70.3, a 2023 Multi-Winner, including Most Recommended IRONMAN 70.3 Globally. Experience breathtaking Lake Michigan views, a vibrant Main Street, and a perfect beach getaway. Race, relax, and enjoy Frankfort!
Learn More: https://www.ironman.com/races/im703-michigan
Port City Run 5K
The Port City Run has been a Frankfort tradition since 1979, bringing runners together for one of our town's longest-standing events. This year, the race once again coincides with the Frankfort Fall Festival and Craft Fair, making for a full day of fall fun in downtown Frankfort.
Race Details:
5K race starting at Open Space Park, running around Betsie Bay along the Betsie Valley Trail into Elberta and back.
Awards presented to the top overall male and female finishers
Age-group awards for 14 divisions: 0–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–79, and 80+
Fall Festival Craft Fair
Join us for our Craft Fair, right in the middle of Fall Festival and set along the stunning Betsie Bay. You'll find handmade goods from local artisans — fall decor, unique gifts, and one-of-a-kind finds you won't get anywhere else.
Grab a coffee, bring some cash, and make a day of it downtown!
Part of Fall Festival Weekend — pair your visit with the Port City Run and other festival activities happening throughout the day.
Fall Festival
Mark your calendars — Frankfort's Fall Festival is back, and it's a full day of fall fun for the whole family!
Port City Run — 9:00 AM
The festival kicks off with the Port City Run, starting from Open Space Park. The 5K route takes runners along the Betsie Valley Trail, into Elberta along the bay, and back. Click Here to Register for the Port City Run →
Fall Festival Craft Fair — 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Browse handmade goods from over 30 regional artists and crafters, featuring pottery, jewelry, paintings, crafts, and more.
Parade & Mutt March — 11:00 AM
Head down Main Street for our annual parade and Mutt March — bring the whole family, four-legged friends included!
Live Music Under the Beer Tent
Right after the parade, the Scottsville Clown Band takes the stage until 2:00 PM, with additional music acts throughout the day. Grab a local spirit or brew under the tent while you enjoy the show.
Family Fun All Day
There's something for everyone, including:
Face painting
Food trucks
Cornhole tournament
Pumpkin decorating
Crystal Lake Alpaca Farm
Our famous giant pumpkin drop!
Come spend the day in downtown Frankfort — there's truly something for everyone at this year's Fall Festival!
Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair
Join us for the 32nd annual Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving at Frankfort-Elberta High School!
Start the holiday shopping season off on the right foot with handcrafted gifts and unique treasures from a wonderful lineup of local craft vendors offering everything from ornaments and home décor to jewelry, baked goods, and one-of-a-kind gifts.
Warm up with holiday cheer, enter our Holiday Raffle for a chance to win great prizes from our amazing vendors, and check off your shopping list all under one roof — best of all, admission is free!
36th Annual Collector Car Show
Rev your engines! The Collector Car Show features a stunning lineup of vintage automobiles, muscle cars, custom builds, and everything in between. Stroll along the Betsie Valley Trail in beautiful Mineral Springs Park to admire these meticulously restored beauties and chat with their proud owners.
50th Annual Frankfort Art Fair
Visit one of Michigan's most prestigious art events. Join us this August in beautiful Frankfort for the 50th annual Frankfort Art Fair held in Market Square Park, featuring over 100 fine art vendors.
Friday, August 14: 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday, August 15: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Frankfort Street Sale
Get ready for the ultimate shopping spree! Downtown Frankfort's annual Street Sale is BACK!
Join us as we close down Main Street for you to explore deals and discounts from your favorite local shops lining Main Street.
NOTE: The Street Sale has been MOVED to the first weekend in August this year!
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Get ready to soar at our FREE kite-flying extravaganza - this is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon on beautiful Frankfort Beach.
The Best Part? We’re bringing the kites for you! We provide free kites for the kids (and the young at heart), so all you need to bring are the smiles. Let's fill the Frankfort sky with laughter and vibrant colors together.
When: The last Saturday of June, July, and August (if it's a rainy day, we move to Sunday)
Who: Open to everyone—families, visitors, and locals alike!
Frankfort’s 4th of July Celebration
Celebrate the 4th of July in Downtown Frankfort!
10:00 AM | The 4th of July Parade
Kick off the day with a Frankfort tradition! Our parade travels right down Main Street, featuring local organizations, bands/music, fun floats, and plenty of candy for the kids.
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Sandcastle Contest
Head down to Frankfort Beach to see (or create!) works of art in the sand. Whether you’re a master architect or just want to play in the dunes, come out to compete for local bragging rights. Contest signup takes place at the tent located right off the boardwalk - look for the signs!
Between the big events, take time to explore everything our downtown has to offer. Stroll through our shops, or head over to the beach turnaround to grab a bite from local food trucks. Need to beat the heat? Duck into a local pub or cafe for a refreshing drink and soak up the festive Frankfort atmosphere!
7:00 PM | Fireworks Pre-Show
As the sun begins to dip, the energy shifts to the Frankfort Pier. Join us for a live DJ helping to get the crowd ready for the main event.
Dusk | Grand Finale Fireworks
The highlight of the year! Find a spot on Frankfort Beach or along the shoreline. As soon as the sky is dark enough, we’ll launch a spectacular display off the Frankfort pier over the water.
Important Info for Attendees
Parking: Expect high traffic! We recommend parking on side streets or near the marina and enjoying the short walk through our beautiful downtown.
What to Bring: Blankets and low-profile beach chairs are highly encouraged for the fireworks.
Keep it Clean: Help us keep our beaches clean by using the provided trash and recycling bins.
Art in the Park
Join us at Mineral Springs Park for the Art in the Park Craft Fair in the heart of downtown Frankfort.
While you stroll the Betsie Valley Trail, discover an eclectic mix of handcrafted jewelry, woodcrafts, and unique home and garden decor. From original artwork to locally grown cut flowers and gourmet treats, there is something for everyone.
Fourth of July Medallion Hunt
Think you know Frankfort like the back of your hand?
This Fourth of July, put your local knowledge to the test! We’ve hidden a single, custom medallion somewhere within the Frankfort city limits, and it’s up to you to track it down.
How to Play:
The Clues: A new, cryptic clue will be posted every morning at 10:00 AM at the Chamber Office (July 1st–4th).
The Mission: Follow the clues, explore our beautiful city, and be the first to find the medallion.
The Prize: Not only do you get bragging rights, but the winner walks away with $150 in cold, hard cash!
Gather your family, round up your smartest friends, and get ready for a challenge that has become a favorite holiday tradition. Happy hunting!
Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Get ready to soar at our FREE kite-flying extravaganza - this is the perfect way to spend a summer afternoon on beautiful Frankfort Beach.
The Best Part? We’re bringing the kites for you! We provide free kites for the kids (and the young at heart), so all you need to bring are the smiles. Let's fill the Frankfort sky with laughter and vibrant colors together.
When: The last Saturday of June, July, and August (if it's a rainy day, we move to Sunday)
Who: Open to everyone—families, visitors, and locals alike!
Take a Kid Fishing
Ready to get hooked? Join us for a two-part outdoor adventure that teaches kids the "pro" secrets of fishing!
Friday Night Nitecrawler Hunt – The adventure begins after dark! We’ll dive into the world of nitecrawlers and teach kids the art of catching their own live bait for the big day.
Saturday Morning Fishing – Kids will have a blast testing their luck and landing the "big one" at our local fishing docks.
The Best Part? To keep the adventure going all summer long, every participating child will receive their very own fishing pole to take home!
Bonus: We’ll wrap up the fun with a free lunch on Saturday at noon under the Mineral Springs Park pavilion.
Come for the fish, stay for the fun!
Nitecrawler Hunt
Ready to get hooked? Join us for a two-part outdoor adventure that teaches kids the "pro" secrets of fishing!
Friday Night Nitecrawler Hunt – The adventure begins after dark! We’ll dive into the world of nitecrawlers and teach kids the art of catching their own live bait for the big day.
Saturday Morning Fishing – Kids will have a blast testing their luck and landing the "big one" at our local fishing docks.
The Best Part? To keep the adventure going all summer long, every participating child will receive their very own fishing pole to take home!
Bonus: We’ll wrap up the fun with a free lunch on Saturday at noon under the Mineral Springs Park pavilion.
Come for the fish, stay for the fun!
Frankfort Craft Fair
Explore. Shop. Support Local.
Join us at the Frankfort Craft Fair featuring 70+ art and craft vendors from across the region. It’s the perfect opportunity to find that can’t-find-it-anywhere-else gift or a special treat for yourself.
Home & Garden: Yard art, woodworking, and original paintings.
Style: Artisan jewelry, handcrafted apparel, and unique prints.
Self-Care: Small-batch soaps, lotions, and fragrant candles.
And more!
Admission: Free to the public!
Atmosphere: Family-friendly and lakeside.
Community Tree Lighting
Bring your holiday cheer to downtown Frankfort for the Community Tree Lighting. Start at Santa's Workshop at the Garden Theater, visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus, take a sleigh ride through downtown, and help us light up the night while the Frankfort Elementary Choir sings Christmas carols.
Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair
Join us for the 31st annual Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair on the first Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Frankfort-Elberta High School.
Start the holiday shopping season off on the right foot with handcrafted gifts and unique treasures.
Trunk or Treat
Get ready for a spooky good time at Trunk or Treating in downtown Frankfort. Bring the kids for a fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating from decorated car trunks. There will be tons of candy, fun decorations, and a safe environment for everyone.
Frankfort Film Festival
Join us for the 17th Annual Frankfort Film Festival. The festival showcases a curated selection of films, often featuring 15 or more features from around the globe. This includes critically acclaimed titles, independent films, foreign films (often subtitled), and documentaries. Past lineups have included Oscar nominees and award-winning films from major festivals.
Frankfort Fall Festival
The Frankfort Fall Festival is back and better than ever on Saturday, October 11 at Open Space Park in Frankfort!
Start the day with the scenic Port City Run along the Betsie Valley Trail, enjoy the Fall Fest Parade down Main Street, browse incredible creations from local and regional artists at the Craft Fair, indulge in delicious bites from Food Trucks, and let the kids loose with fun games. Don't miss the famous giant pumpkin drop, beer & wine tent, and lively music from local bands throughout the day.
Port City Run
The Port City Run has been a fixture in Frankfort since 1979, making a notable return in 2025 with a new autumn schedule. This year's run/walk coincides with the Frankfort Fall Festival and Craft Fair, celebrating a vibrant day filled with fitness, crafts, and community spirit in downtown Frankfort.
Awards in the 5K race will go to the top overall male & female runners. Awards will also be given to the top place in 14 age-group divisions including 0-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-79, 80+
Frankfort Beer Week
Raise a Glass to Frankfort Beer Week!
Join us for a fantastic celebration of craft beer in beautiful downtown Frankfort, September 29 - October 4. Whether you're a seasoned hophead or just enjoy a good brew, Frankfort Beer Week offers something for everyone.
Discover special beer releases, enjoy unique food and beer pairings at local restaurants, and participate in exciting events happening throughout the week. It's the perfect opportunity to explore Frankfort's vibrant culinary scene and savor the best of Michigan's craft beer.
IRONMAN 70.3
Get Ready for IRONMAN 70.3 Michigan! For the 4th year in a row, Frankfort is thrilled to host the IRONMAN 70.3, a 2023 Multi-Winner, including Most Recommended IRONMAN 70.3 Globally. Experience breathtaking Lake Michigan views, a vibrant Main Street, and a perfect beach getaway. Race, relax, and enjoy Frankfort!
Looking for more local happenings?
There is always something happening around town! Tap into the Frankfort-Elberta Area Chamber of Commerce’s events calendar for more local flavor — from live music and farmers markets to community celebrations and non-profit events.
