Mt. Pleasant July Events: Summer thrills and community highlights

July brings a full calendar of Mt. Pleasant events and Isabella County summer activities for all ages. From annual fireworks displays and the Isabella County Fair to ongoing farmers markets, community fundraisers, and live music, there are plenty of things to do in Mt. Pleasant and the surrounding area this month for residents and visitors alike.

July 4th Celebrations at Mt. Pleasant Farmers’ Market
Thursday, July 3 and Saturday, July 5 
Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 
The Mt. Pleasant Farmers' Market will host a bookend of July 4th celebrations. At Thursday’s market, there will be a bike parade to showcase participants’ patriotic spirit. Bike decorating begins at 9 a.m. and lineup begins at 9:45 a.m. There will be a limited number of supplies available. Following will be games, grilling, and more. At the Saturday market in Town Center, there will be games and activities as well. Learn more at mt-pleasant.org.

Courtesy MMI

Music in the Park 2025 with MMI
Thursdays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. from June 5 to July 31 at Island Park
MMI's annual "Music in the Park" Summer Concert Series continues this summer with free music at Island Park's Amphitheatre. July will feature dueling pianos, The Schrock Bros., Native Fireball, and The Copy Katz. For more information on lineups and sponsors, visit their Facebook page.

Isabella County Flea Market
Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Isabella County Fair Grounds
Isabella County Flea Market is now open every Wednesday through September at the Isabella County Fair Grounds. There are many new vendors and lots of products available for purchase. Please note that there will be no market during the fair on July 26. For more information, follow their Facebook page.

Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort
Friday, July 4 at dusk
Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort will host their annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on Friday, July 4 at dusk. This annual fireworks display is one of the largest in central Michigan and is recognized for its show that draws crowds from across the region. Admission and parking are free along the roads and in the outdoor concert area at the casino.

Fireworks Viewing at Papa’s Pumpkin Patch
Friday, July 4 from 5 to 10 p.m.
Papa’s Pumpkin Patch invites all to the farm to celebrate Independence Day with food, fun, and a host viewing of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe fireworks show from Soaring Eagle Casino. Papa’s three-hundred-gallon-per-minute backyard sprinkler will be set up, so participants may want to bring a change of clothes in case they get wet. Fresh doughnuts, cookies, ice cream and slushies will be available for purchase. Fireworks begin at dusk. This event is weather permitting, so if there is heavy rain, it will be canceled. Visitors are asked to leave pets at home so that all may enjoy the festivities.

Bonny’s Clean Up Crew
Sundays July 6, 13, 20, and 27 at 8:30 a.m. (various locations)
Bonny’s Clean Up Crew returns this summer on Sundays at 8:30 a.m. at different locations throughout Mt. Pleasant. Each session begins with cleaning up the parks for roughly an hour, then going to Ponder Coffee for breakfast afterwards. Anyone is welcome to come. Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes, and all cleaning supplies are provided. To follow the group for upcoming meeting locations, visit their Facebook page.

Ice Cream Social (Free)
Tuesday, July 8 at 3 p.m. at Sleepy Dog Books
Sleepy Dog Books is excited to host their third annual Ice Cream Social on July 8, beginning at 3 p.m. and lasting until the ice cream runs out. Participants are encouraged to come along to this fun, free, community event. Follow along on their Facebook page. 

Local Heroes Day
Wednesday, July 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Harbor Freight Parking Lot
Join Explore Chiropractic as they host a family-friendly event to celebrate everyday heroes in the community. They will bring together some favorite local heroes for an exciting day of exploration and hands-on fun in the Explore Chiropractic parking lot. Visitors can meet the people and vehicles that make our community stronger, safer, and better every day. 

Courtesy CRDL

Kids & Culture: Muppets & Puppets
Saturday, July 12 at 10 a.m. at Chippewa River District Library
At this free library event, participants will create a sock puppet character using the provided materials. Afterward, they will host an impromptu puppet show using the library's puppet theater. Participants may enter a drawing to win a Kermit the Frog puppet. The organizers share that Kids & Culture events at the library are free, family-friendly affairs celebrating creativity, diversity, and community. They believe that through hands-on activities and interactive experiences, participants can discover new perspectives and enjoy meaningful time together.

Beat the Heat: Rubber Duck Derby
Wednesday, July 16 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Island Park
The Rubber Duck Derby has been rescheduled to July 16. Registration for the event will begin at 6 p.m. at Island Park's South Pavilion and will continue until 7 p.m. There will be games, duck decorations, Kona Ice, and Lucky Seven Lemonade for participants to enjoy. Ducks will be launched down the river around 7:15 p.m. with prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd places—along with a Soaring Eagle Waterpark overnight stay package giveaway. Entry to the derby and raffle is entirely free, and all are invited to attend.

Pig Roast Hoedown in the Garden
Thursday, July 17 at 6 p.m. at Camille’s Prime
Camille's Prime is bringing country heat to downtown Mt. Pleasant. Chef Steve will be slow-roasting a whole hog, complete with fixings and sides, for an all-you-can-eat buffet. There will be a mechanical bull, an outdoor bar, and yard games to provide an evening full of good food and good company. Cost is $50 per person. For tickets, visit this website

MPDM Outdoor Explore
Friday, July 18 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum invites all to explore the “outdoors” as they turn the museum backyard into a pint-sized wilderness wonderland. There will be tents, crafts, outdoor fun, and fire-roasted s’mores and hot dogs. It’s camping—museum-style. This is not an overnight event so no sleeping bags are required, and participants are encouraged to bring big smiles and marshmallow energy. $20 per person, with pre-registration required. Learn more on their Facebook page.




Comedy to the Rescue! Stand-Up Benefit for Homeless Pets
Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m. at the Broadway Theatre
Animal lovers are invited to join Karma Kat Cafe for an evening of laughter at the Historic Broadway Theatre. Nationally touring comedian and former animal cruelty investigator turned animal welfare advocate Clay Foley (of “Foley Informed”) headlines the event. Proceeds will benefit KKC and their mission of helping every cat live a life of love, safety, and dignity. Tickets can be purchased at: karmakatcafe.as.me.





Courtesy Central Michigan University

CMU Alumni Takeover Weekend 2025

Friday, July 18 at 9 a.m. until Sunday, July 20 at 12 p.m.
Registration has been extended for the Central Michigan University Alumni Takeover Weekend 2025. Participants will tube the Chippewa River, visit favorite hotspots, stay in the air-conditioned dorms, and meet new friends. Tickets are $200 per person with on-campus housing or $100 without on-campus housing. All tickets include a signature Takeover t-shirt, one weekend swag bag, one day pass to the Student Activity Center, one Saturday breakfast voucher in the Residential Restaurant, and one ticket to the Parking Lot Party (with drink and food voucher). This weekend is planned in partnership with alumni and the Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Participants can connect with fellow Chippewas before the weekend by joining decade-specific Facebook groups created by alumni. More information including tickets, add-ons, and links to Facebook groups can be found at cmich.edu.



Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair 2025
Saturday, July 19 to Saturday, July 26
The public is invited to attend the 2025 Isabella County Youth Farm and Fair. Not just for farmers, the event includes a fairground midway with food and attractions, as well as open-class baking and craft contests, which means anyone may enter. There will also be livestock judging, auctions, truck and tractor pulls, dogs, cats, poultry, rabbits, goats, rodeos, a demolition derby, hand milking contest, and much more. For more information and this year’s flyer with all events dates and times, visit their website at isabellacountyfair.com or view the brochure at isabellacountyfair.com.

Discovery Days: Free Admission at MPDM
Monday, July 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Discovery Museum
Thanks to Krapohl Ford of Mt. Pleasant, MPDM is opening the doors for free, to all, all day long. The vision at MPDM is a world where "educational discovery enhances the life of EVERY child" and Discovery Days help do just that. Learn more on Facebook.com.

Courtesy CRDL

Beat the Heat: Messy Art & Color Splash Obstacle Course
Monday, July 21 at 5 p.m. at Sunnyside Park
All are invited to drop by Sunnyside Park and let the artistic creativity flow at a variety of art activity stations. The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum will provide "messy" art activities that may include antacid rocket painting, marble magnet painting, chromatography butterflies, lava lamps, squirt gun painting and more. Participants can opt to run the Color Splash Obstacle Course, and must wear appropriate eye protection to do so (participants can bring a pair of glasses/sunglasses or a pair of safety glasses will be provided). The course will be messy, so old clothes are recommended. A free white t-shirt will be provided to the first 100 kids while supplies last. In partnership with Mt. Pleasant Parks & Recreation, Art Reach of Mid Michigan and For Arts Sake. For more visit this Facebook event page.

Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber of Commerce 2025 Annual Golf Outing
Wednesday, July 23 at 8 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant Country Club
Golfers and business professionals in the Mt. Pleasant community are invited to get on the green and have fun with a golf outing at Mt. Pleasant Country Club. There will be games, door prizes, a silent auction, and food throughout the day. Sponsorship opportunities are available for door prizes, the silent auction, swag bags, games on the course, breakfast or lunch, carts, and more. Slots fill up quickly, so teams are encouraged to register early. For more information contact Kaitlin Otteman at (989) 772-2396 or email kotteman@mt-pleasant.net.

HATS Takes Over Mt. Pleasant
July 24 all day in downtown Mt. Pleasant
On July 24, Mt. Pleasant foodies and shoppers are invited to enjoy 10% off purchases from participating local businesses, with 10% of the proceeds donated to Humane Animal Treatment Society. Participants can shop and eat local while supporting the HATS mission to house and heal the homeless pets of Isabella County. Sleepy Dog Books, Magoos Pet Outlet, and Texas Roadhouse are just a few of the participating businesses. To follow along for more businesses and information, visit the HATS Facebook page.



Christmas in July: Blankets for Christmas Outreach Fundraiser
Thursday, July 31 at 1 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church
All are invited to help those in need by donating new or gently used blankets of all sizes, colors and weights. The collected blankets will be distributed during Christmas Outreach of Isabella County.  Items must be either new or gently used, clean, and ready to be gifted. Collection will take place July 1 through 31. Items may be donated to the main office at Immanuel Lutheran Church at 320 S. Bradley St. in Mt. Pleasant. Sunday drop off times are 8:45 a.m. to noon, but on all other days, please call ahead at (989) 773-4204 to make sure office staff is available to take donations.

Read more articles by Daria Blond.

Daria Blond is a native Metro Detroiter and CMU alumna who loves chasing Beaver Island sunsets. She has been writing ever since she could read and prefers to work remotely from the public library. When she's not writing, she's off doing things worth writing about. 
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