Start your summer at these fun-filled events in St. Clair County this June


Blue Water Area’s busiest season is about to begin, as the weather starts to warm and downtowns begin booming with tourists. 

Here are some fun events coming up next month to kickstart your summer fun. 

Summer Nights Yoga

Begin June with some yoga to reset your mind and body while listening to the waves of Lake Huron. 

The first session will begin on June 1 at 7 p.m. at Fort Gratiot Light Station in Port Huron. Tickets to the class can be purchased online, and folks can also climb the lighthouse tower if they make a $5 donation. 

This yoga class is part of a series hosting sessions all summer, with additional classes offered on June 22 and 29.

Big Bob’s Port Huron Walleye Classic 

For the fishing fanatics, and or those who think they have what it takes to win one of their cash prizes, the Walleye tournament is returning to Port Huron.

Folks interested in entering the tournament can register online. The tournament will be at a new location this year at BWYP Black River Walk Pavilion from June 6-7.

Sturgeon Fest 

The live Sturgeon touch tank from previous Sturgeon Fests.

It’s a popular month for fish. The Friends of the St. Clair River will be hosting its annual Sturgeon Fest on June 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Gratiot Lighthouse Park in Port Huron.

“Once on the brink of extinction, lake sturgeon are making a comeback and have become a spotlight species for the habitat work completed in the St. Clair River,” says Sheri Faust, executive director of Friends of the St. Clair River. “The Sturgeon Festival highlights the fascinating story of this ancient fish - a mascot for the Great Lakes recovery.”

The free event will allow visitors to have a closer look at the largest fish in the Great Lakes, with a live sturgeon touch tank. There will also be other hands-on activities, workshops, live music, food trucks, giveaways, and more. 

Music in the Park: Algonac

On the cusp of St. Clair County, Algonac is hosting its Music in the Park series on Thursdays from June 5-August 14 at the city’s riverfront park. 

From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., enjoy live music from local bands and the scenic view of the St. Clair River. Artists playing at this year's Music in the Park series include Branden Pavlov, Stingray Band, The American Ride, Darrin Hagel, and Meldrum Brothers. 

Fort Gratiot Carnival 

Nothing says the beginning of summer like a carnival. The smells of Elephant Ears and Cotton Candy fill the air. Ride some midway rides and enjoy the T.J. Schmidt & Company carnival at Birchwood Mall on June 26-29. 

Blue Water Cruise

Blue Water Cruise's 2024 Blue Water Bombshell Pin-Up Contest winner.

On the same weekend and location as the Fort Gratiot Carnival, the Blue Water Cruise will take place on June 27-28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Car enthusiasts can enter to potentially win the Best in Show prize. There will also be live music, raffles, and the Blue Water Bombshell Pin-Up Contest. 

St. Clair Art Fair 

Support local artists in the area by attending the 54th annual art fair at Palmer Park in downtown St. Clair. 

“Nearly 150 artists from around Michigan and beyond will showcase their wares, demonstrate the process, and share their creative journeys with fairgoers,” says Jason Stier, vice president of the St. Clair Art Association.

One of the oldest art fairs on the east side of the state, the free event will take place on June 28 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and June 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be live entertainment, food trucks, and activities like kite making. 

Blue Water Pride

Blue Water Pride 2023.

End the month with a little love at the Blue Water Pride Festival and march at the McMorran Plaza in Port Huron. Hosted by the Blue Water Allies, the festival is on June 29, from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The event will also host vendors and organizations supporting the LGBTQ+ community, food trucks, live entertainment, and a safe space for community members.  

“This is an opportunity to celebrate our vibrant community, embrace diversity, and stand together for equality. Everyone is welcome, and we can’t wait to see you there,” says Barbara Payton, director of Blue Water Allies.

Read more articles by Genevieve Fox.

Genevieve Fox is an award-winning journalist from Detroit. Since graduating from Michigan State University, she has built a solid background in environmental reporting and previous experience in radio broadcasting and photography at Great Lakes Echo and WKAR. She is now a freelance writer and a project editor for Metromode's series Macomb Live, Work, Play and Parks and Trails. When not working, she loves spending time outdoors and reading a good book. More by Genevieve Fox. 
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