Events
There are great events and festivals happening year round in the Western Upper Peninsula.
We’re hosting our first Fall crawl at Big Snow Resort, the owners of Indianhead and Blackjack Mountains near Wakefield, MI. In August, we scouted this amazing facility and built crawling trails on the mountain while we brushed level 2-5 trails as well.
The cost is $15 per rig and $48 per night for a room so $63 a day to stay and play! If you plan on going on the public OHV trails, you’ll need a Michigan ORV sticker (click the link to purchase). If you’re only riding on-site, you do not need an ORV sticker. RSVP for this event with Big Snow Resort at – (800) 346-3426.
Trail maps are being made and will be available for print and GPS files soon.
The trails on the location are being built to be slow-speed trails. A few are level 3-6, the trails in the woods on the mountain are very slow and crawly. Many of the trails are being upgraded from flat dirt in the basin, to more of a challenge. Some trails are just hilly but mostly flat, others are nice and crawly, the point is there’s something for everyone but we’re they’re still building.
Enjoy the amazing views at the top of the mountain, the delicious food and drink at the Sky Bar & Grille and enjoy the pool, hot tub, and sauna. Play games, explore the local shops and eateries and relax in a way only Upper Michigan can do!
Groups will begin forming Friday around midday, you do not have to be ready to go at any specific time, look for trail guide ambassadors who’re ready to go and be on channel 16 on CB or 146.460 MHz VHF 2 Meter Ham Band (preferred if you’re going on the public trails).
Groups will be forming and going out continually so the CB and Ham radios will be essential.
There are two fuel stations and local food a few miles down the road if you need to resupply.
Live music at the Sky Bar & Grille Friday AND Saturday night!
Rules –
You must follow the rig checklist – https://rl4wd.com/rigchecklist and be sure your rig is ready to go. Your parking brake must be functional and hold you on a hill. You MUST tie down all your gear as we’ll be on some fairly steep hills on some trails.
Everyone must sign a waiver https://rl4wd.com/waiver print these off in color and pre-fill them, then sign at the front desk and hand them in.
There is a zero-tolerance policy for driving after drinking alcohol. Do not screw this up for us.
Dogs on leashes are allowed and they do have pet-friendly rooms. You are expected to pick up after your animals and yourself.
We require a working CB or Ham radio. You can get a handheld ham radio for under $100 (some as low as $25) and while you don’t need a ham license to buy or listen, you do need a license to transmit. We urge the use of Ham radio because it has far better range and local repeaters, but CB should still work in a smaller group. Ask questions about all this in our forums https://rl4wd.com/categories/communication. A huge bonus for having APRS ham radios (sends tracking info we can all see on the map).
This event is family-friendly and you will not be forced to do trails you’re not comfortable with. While Trail Guide Ambassadors will be taking groups out, you are free to leave the area and do your own thing, just as long as you’re with a trail guide if you’re going on the private trails. Relax and enjoy this amazing location at your own speed!
If you have any questions, be sure to list them below. If you can’t make this event, more events will be made here in 2020 so don’t fret!
We’ll be hitting the local food areas together, the on-location waterfall, and more! If the hill is not wet, we’ll ask to trek down the ski hill a time or two as well.
The Bessemer Pumpkinfest is an annual event held to celebrate the beginning of Fall. You can enjoy the beautiful Northwood Colors, visit craft fairs, take in a classic car show, witness an Antique Tractor Pull, enjoy some great entertainment, and partake in many events boasting great food. There is something for everyone! Most events are free! Enjoy the start of Fall with Family and Friends at Pumpkinfest!
Wednesday September 25th:
- All day: 50/50 Raffle
- 12:00pm: Geocaching Begins
Thursday September 26th:
- All day: 50/50 Raffle & Geocaching
- 4:00-7:00pm: Mexican Fiesta Night (@ American Legion)
Friday September 27th:
- All day: 50/50 Raffle & Geocaching
- 3:00-8:00pm: Fish Fry at area restaurants
- 5:00-9:00pm: FREE carnival rides
- 7:00-10:00pm: Music on Main Street
Saturday September 28th:
- All day: 50/50 Raffle & Geocaching
- 8:00-11:00am: Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast (@ St. Sebastian School)
- 8:00-11:00am: Decorated Pumpkin Contest
- 9:00-2:00pm: Craft Fair (@ high school gym)
- 9:00-3:00pm: Klassic Kruiser’s Car Show
- 9:00-3:00pm: Antique Tractor Display
- 10:00-5:00pm: Historical Society Open House
- 10:30-8:00pm: FREE carnival rides
- 10:30am: Kiddie Parade
- 10:45am: Pet Costumer Contest
- 11:00-3:00pm: Dessert Social (@ City Hall Auditorium)
- 11:15am: Ventriloquist Dave Parker and Skippy
- 11:30-2:30pm: Face Painting and Balloons
- 11:30-12:30pm: Pumpkin Decorating Craft
- 12:00pm: Tractor Pull
- 12:30-1:00pm: Pumpkin Bingo
- 12:30pm: Pumpkin Bowling
- 1:00pm: Horseshoe Tournament
- 1:00pm: Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest
- 1:00-2:00pm: Gogebic Range Band
- 2:00pm: Ventriloquist Dave Parker and Skippy
- 3:00pm: Dairy Queen Treasure Hunt
- 3:00-6:00pm: Lake Effect Band
- 3:30pm: Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
- 3:00-8:00pm: Zombie Pub Crawl
Sunday September 30th:
- 3:00-6:00pm: Harvest Dinner with Live Music, Raffles & Silent Auction (@ Bessemer VFW)
- 6:00pm: 50/50 & Geocache Winners Announced
FROM IRONWOOD TO BESSEMER AND BACK!
The 2019 Bridges and Bluffs 1/2 marathon starts at the Historic Depot Park in downtown Ironwood, Michigan and runs along the Iron Belle Trail to Bessemer, Michigan and back along the trail finishing again at Ironwood’s Depot Park. Enjoy the beautiful trail connecting the local community during the peak of Fall color while taking in the amazing sights of bluffs, rivers, and railroad bridges.
A 2-person relay and 2-mile run walk will also take place to enjoy at shorter distances. The race will take place on September 28, 2019.
Late September means it is time for Cold Iron Brewing’s 3rd annual Oktoberfest Celebration. Join us for an all-day party! We will start pouring this year’s Oktoberfest Lager at noon, with the return of our outdoor beer garden opening at noon as well. There will be traditional German food offerings, hammerschlagen, outdoor fire ring, lawn games, and live music during the afternoon.
Join us for a Tuesday evening performance at Cold Iron Brewing featuring Yazmin & Beat Zero.
Yazmin’s music comes straight from the soul. The raw, human emotion of her songs is transmitted through her powerful stage presence and stellar band, Beat Zero, comprised of musicians from
around the globe. Visit her website at www.yazminmusic.com.
The taproom opens at 6 PM, show at 7 PM.
First Thursday monthly open mic at Cold Iron Brewing from 7-10 PM. Giving musicians of all levels & styles a chance to play their own 15 minute showcase. Sign up starts at 6:30 PM or whenever you arrive…only 10 spaces available, so arriving early is encouraged. Bring your own instrument, we’ll get you mic’d & amplified. Spectators are welcome!
ORCHARD EVENTS
- Erickson Orchard & Country Store-Saturday & Sunday-9am to 5pm-Fun and games, music, tours, everything apple! Plus food, arts and crafts vendors!
- Hauser’s Superior View Farm-Friday, Saturday, & Sunday—10am- 5pm-Enjoy festival food at the farm including smoked pork sandwiches with apple butter BBQ sauce, caramel apples, jam, apples, apple butter and NEW this Fall Apfelhaus Cidery —handcrafted hard cider—tasting daily!
Saturday and Sunday Special Events—10 am-5 pm-Pony rides, hayrides, and free parking and free shuttles to and from downtown Bayfield. - FREE shuttles-Pick-up and drop off location in Bayfield is at the intersection of Front St. & Washington Ave.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5
- 10am to 3pm—Farmers’ Market-all local producers-S. First St., between Rittenhouse & Manypenny Ave.
- 11:30 am—Bayfield High School Marching Band-Performance on Rittenhouse Ave.
- Noon—Opening Proclamation by the Mayor-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- Noon to 2pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 2PM—Kayak Demos by Trek & Trail-Rolls, rescues, and more-Memorial Park
- 3pm to 5pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 4pm to 7pm—Live Music: Ten Crow Moon-The Deck-Weather Permitting
- 8pm—Live Music: Lords of Baltimore-Morty’s Pub-108 Rittenhouse Ave.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6
- 10am to 11am—Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay Wakeup Concert-Port Superior Marina-1 mile south of Bayfield on Hwy. 13
- 11am to 1pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 11am to 1pm—Applefest Skate Camp-Free skateboard clinic-Bayfield Rec. Center—Lessons, demonstrations, games, and raffle! Helmets and gear provided. All ages and abilities welcome.
- 11am to 4pm—Live Music: Warren Nelson & Friends-Keeper of the Light-19 Front St.
- 11am to 3pm—Bayfield Firemen’s Fish Fry-Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
- Noon & 3pm—Kayak Demos by Trek & Trail-Rolls, rescues, and more-Memorial Park
- 1pm to 2pm—Apple Peeling Contest-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 2:30pm to 4:30pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 6:45pm—Apple Festival Queen Procession-Begins in front of the Old Rittenhouse Inn-Escorted by Pipes and Drums of Thunder Bay
- 7pm—Coronation of the Apple Festival Queen-Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
- 8pm to 12am—Live Music: Gypsy Road-Sponsored by the Bayfield Fire Department-Bayfield Lakeside Pavilion
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7
- 11am to 1pm—Live Music: Warren Nelson & Friends-Keeper of the Light-19 Front St.
- 11am to 1pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 12:30pm to 12:45pm—Registration for the 2017 Apple Dumpling Gang-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 1pm—Introduction of the 2017 Apple Dumpling Gang-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 1pm—Kayak Demos by Trek & Trail-Rolls, rescues, and more-Memorial Park
- 2pm to 3:30pm—Grand Parade with Mass Band Finale-Rittenhouse Ave.
- 3:30pm to 5pm—Big Top Chautauqua’s Blue Canvas Orchestra-Live performance-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
- 5pm—Apple Festival Firemen’s Raffle Drawing-Essentia Health Grandstand Stage
It’s Team Trivia night! Bring your team of up to 6 people and see how many questions you can get right! This is a free event and you can show up during any of the rounds. The winning team will get a $25 Cold Iron gift card. Categories span a broad range of topics and genres and as always, $3 Happy Hour beers from 3-8 PM. Doors open at 3 PM, Trivia at 6:30 PM.
The Annual Pumpkin Run ATV/UTV Rally is held in Mercer, Wisconsin and takes place on all Iron County ATV/UTV trails and routes. The purpose of our rally is for participants to take part in a poker run, making stops at different locations across all of the ATV/UTV Trails.
Golden Dragon will be hosting a pop-up stand in the taproom starting at 5:30 PM. Finger-food apps will be available, with the specific menu coming out soon!