Charlevoix's Venetian Festival set for July 15-22

Annie Doyle, The Petoskey News-Review
·2 min read
Carnivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Venetian Festival in 2022.
Carnivalgoers enjoy a ride at the Venetian Festival in 2022.

CHARLEVOIX — The93rd annual Charlevoix Venetian Festival will run this year from July 15-22.

With both national and local music acts performing in three waterfront parks, a Kids' Day, a dozen athletic tournaments, two nights of world class fireworks and the popular Venetian boat parade, there is something for everyone at this year's festival.

Cotton candy was one yummy treat available to carnivalgoers at the Venetian Festival in 2022.
Cotton candy was one yummy treat available to carnivalgoers at the Venetian Festival in 2022.

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Events officially kick off on Saturday, July 15, with the popular Aquapalooza boating party, volleyball and the Venetian Court’s corn toss competition at Ferry Beach.

Elijah Cullen drives to the basket during a game at the Venetian Festival's 3-v-3 basketball tournament in 2022.
Elijah Cullen drives to the basket during a game at the Venetian Festival's 3-v-3 basketball tournament in 2022.

Sunday through Wednesday, July 16-19, is host to a myriad of sporting events, including disc golf doubles, tennis, croquet, a sailing regatta and a 3-on-3 soccer tournament. The Drenth Memorial Footrace will take place on Saturday, July 22.

Crowds gather at the Venetian Festival carnival last year.
Crowds gather at the Venetian Festival carnival last year.

On Wednesday, July 19, things start to pick up speed as the carnival starts, the tiki tent goes up and live music fills the air each night for the remainder of the week. Of particular note this year is The Little River Band concert on Wednesday in the East Park Odmark Pavilion. In addition, Wednesday will see Miss Charlevoix crowned at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, July 20, Kids' Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. downtown. Some activities are free and some require a cash only $13 armband.

For those attempting to drive through the center of the city during this time, keep in mind that Bridge Street will be closed to car traffic starting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, and ending after the fireworks on Saturday, July 22, around 10:30 p.m.

Venetian Festival road closures through July 19-22, 2023.
Venetian Festival road closures through July 19-22, 2023.

The nationally acclaimed Venetian Festival fireworks take place at dusk on Friday, July 21, on Lake Charlevoix and Saturday, July 22, on Round Lake.

Complete festival event listings can be found in the printed festival booklets and flyers around town, as well as at venetianfestival.com.

Festival merchandise will be sold throughout the week.

Anyone who wishes to donate to the festival’s ongoing fundraising efforts, or who wants to explore future volunteer and leadership opportunities with the festival’s parent organization, can send an email to info@venetianfestival.com or call (231) 547-3872.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231)675-0099 or adoyle@charlevoixcourier.com. Follow her on Twitter, @adoylenews

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix's Venetian Festival set for July 15-22