Don’t listen to the naysayers declaring summer is almost over. We’ve got a month until Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer. Even once Labor Day has come and gone, the warm weather should linger a few more weeks.
That leaves us plenty of time for trips to the beach, relaxing floats along the river, and weekend camping adventures (complete with toasted marshmallows).
For those who want to squeeze a little more fun out of summer without traveling far, Bay County has much to offer.
![]()
Traelynne DuRussel/Bay Area Farmers MarketFresh produce is the hallmark of farmers markets. These strawberries greeted visitors recently at the Bay Area Farmers Market in Downtown Bay City.
Farmers markets still open- The Bay Area Farmers Market, in Downtown Bay City near the intersection of North Jefferson and First streets, continues on Tuesdays through October. 21. The market is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Watch Facebook to learn who is coming to the market and about special events.
- The Auburn Farmers Market, located under a shady pavilion at 200 Jaycees Drive in the Auburn Park, is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays through September. Keep an eye on Facebook for news of special events.
- The Bay City Dockside Market at H2O’s Waterside Grill is open from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Oct. 7. H2O’s is at 966 E. Midland St. on Bay City’s West Side.
Summer doesn't live on food alone. We also love outdoor events and concerts in the park every summer. There still are plenty of opportunities for these activities before the snow flies.
Bay County Fair & Youth Exposition showcases agriculture and more
The
Bay County Fair & Youth Exposition brings exotic animals, a petting farm, putt-putt golf, and youth expositions to the fairgrounds at 800 Livingston St. Tues., July 29 through Sat., Aug. 2. You can’t beat the price — admission and parking are free.
The full schedule for the 160th annual event is online and includes horse shows, wrestling, races, and more.
![]()
Ashley BrownSummer concert season isn't over. People and music still fill Wenonah Park for concerts through August.
Concerts keep the music flowing- The summer Wednesdays in the Park series is still going strong. Enjoy a Beach Boys Tribute band on Aug. 6; the Legends of Classic Country on Aug. 13; and a Jimmy Buffet Tribute band on Aug. 20. Watch the Downtown Bay City Facebook page for announcements regarding the schedule. Sometimes storms force the concerts indoors.
- The Bay City State Park Music from the Marsh series – organized by the Friends of the Bay City State Park – continues through Aug. 30. Upcoming performances include: the Louie Longoria Band on Aug. 2; Jacob McLeod on Aug. 9; String Thing on Aug. 16; Dan Vaillancourt on Aug. 23; and Zig Ziegler & Perry English on Aug. 30. The performances start at 7 p.m. at the Bay City State Park Outdoor Stage. Concerts are free, but park passes are required to enter the park. You’ll find updates on the group’s Facebook page.
- The Young People’s Summer Series meets three more times. The Young People’s Summer Series brings kids entertainment and food to Wenonah Park on Wednesdays from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Aug. 6, 13, and 20.
![]()
Photo courtesy of Studio 23Once again, vibrant colors will fill the streets of Downtown Bay City during the 2025 Chalk Walk Art Festival. This entry from 2019 won top honors in the teen division.
Chalk Walk Art Festival fills the streets with art
The
Chalk Walk Art Festival returns, bringing more than 60 artists to Downtown Bay City on Sat., Aug. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The artists will create drawings on the streets during the festival, designed to raise awareness of art. Water Street will be closed between Fifth and Sixth avenues; and Center Avenue will be closed between Water and Saginaw streets.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of Bay City Department of Public Safety
National Night Out promises a festive atmosphere in Wenonah Park
On Tues., Aug. 5 from 5 to 8 p.m., local public safety teams take over Wenonah Park for
National Night Out, an event celebrating what makes communities strong.
This free event will include a contest among local restaurants featuring each entrant’s best dish. There’s also free hot dogs, pop, and chips, live music, games and prizes, and the opportunity to touch police cruisers and fire trucks.
Learn more on the
Bay City Department of Public Safety’s Facebook page.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of the Bay Area Chamber of Commerce
Admission is free to the Bass Pro Watch Party Tour Fishing Show
The
Bass Pro Fishing Tournament comes to town Sat., Aug. 9 and Sun., Aug. 10. The watch party is in Wenonah Park from 3 to 6 p.m. During the party, you'll have the chance to participate in a casting contest and fishing derby. Free food, rod and reel giveaways, and live music all are part of the event. The anglers will be avaialble for autographs. For the kids, Paw Patrol's Skye and Marshall will join the party.
Learn more on the
Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Facebook page.
Learn more about the Bass Pro Tour's Aug. 7-10 stop in Bay City on the
Major League Fishing website.
City of Mural Community Festival returns for a third year
United We Go presents its third annual
City of Mural Community Festival Aug. 21-25. During the festival, six artists will create four large-scale murals on about 2,000 square feet of walls.
![]()
Graphic courtesy of United We Go
New this year is the launch of the "Friendship Wall." The Friendship Wall, which is a collaborative, ongoing mural project for visiting artists and the community, opens officially during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Fri., Aug. 22 at Wenonah Park. Afterward, guests are invited to a meet-and-greet event at
Legacy Coffee House, 810 Saginaw St.
Other activities during the festival include live music, youth painting workshops, and a vendor market.
The mural sites are:
- Wenonah Park, 101 Center Ave.
- Bay City Central High School, 1624 Columbus Ave.
- Dunlop Showroom & Garage, 517 Washington Ave.
- Legacy Coffee House
Ice cream and public safety take center stage during Cone with a Cop
Enjoy a refreshing ice cream cone while getting to know Bay City’s police officers and firefighters during
Cone with a Cop. The event takes place at
The Wanigan Eatery & Pub, 1905 S. Wenona St., from 5 to 7 p.m. Tues., Aug. 26. Kids 12 and under get a free kiddie-size ice cream cone.
Bodacious ‘90s Bash on the Rooftop set for September
New Dimensions and
Vinny’s Pizzeria partnered up to create the
Bodacious ‘90s Bash on the Rooftop. The event takes place on Sat., Sept. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Vinny’s, 168 Uptown Drive.
The event (open to only those 21 and up) benefits New Dimensions, 1801 Jarman Road in Essexville. New Dimensions is a vocational rehabilitation facility that provides vocational training and employment services to people with long-term disabilities.
Ticket prices vary and are
available here.
After you’ve bought your ticket, start looking for your 1990s fashion - grunge, slap bracelets, denim, windbreakers, and overalls all are encouraged. There will be a contest for the best-dressed.
DJ Frank Hidalgo of Hidalgo Entertainment will be providing music. There’s also a trivia showdown and lip-sync battle. Pizza, cocktails, and a silent auction round out the evening.
Money raised goes to support upgrades and replacements to New Dimensions’ fleet of vehicles.
The rain date is Sept. 13.
Kayaks, bikes, and feet
The
15th annual Driathlon, hosted by the
Bay City Morning Rotary Club, takes place on Sun., Sept. 14. Register at
driathlon.com
The race is in three parts: a 5-kilometer kayak paddle, 20-kilometer bike course, and a 5-kilometer run. Competitors can complete the race alone or enter as partners.
It all begins at Castaways Bay City, 3940 Boy Scout Road. Spectators are welcome to view the driathlon from Castaways or along the route.
New park opens trails in Bangor Township
![]()
Graphic courtesy of the Saginaw Basin Land ConservancyTake a stroll through a new park, the
Mariners Preserve, located on the east side of Patterson Road in Bangor Township just north of Wheeler Road.
Mariners Preserve, opened by the Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy, includes more than 3 miles of trails across 340 acres.
“Mariners Preserve represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide hundreds of beautifully restored natural acres in the critical area where the Saginaw River meets the Saginaw Bay,” says Zachary Branigan, Saginaw Basin Land Conservancy executive director.
"It is an incredible honor to work with a broad community partnership to further amplify our region’s reputation as a statewide destination for outdoor recreation."
Bay County Executive Jim Barcia says the park showcases Bay County’s assets.
“In our community, you are never more than a few minutes from having an incredible experience in nature. The natural amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities in Bay County are cornerstones of our quality of life, setting us apart from communities across Michigan,” says Barcia.
Before its restoration, Mariners Preserve was known as the Deer Viewing Area and was closed to the public. The property required extensive work, conducted over the past several years.
Mariners Preserve was named in honor of the community’s legacy of sailing the Great Lakes and the adjacent Saginaw River Rear Range Light, immediately east of Mariners Preserve.