Charlevoix gears up for 94th annual Venetian Festival

Annie Doyle, The Petoskey News-Review
·2 min read
Venetian Festival carnivalgoers enjoy the last day of festivities on Saturday, July 22, 2023.
Venetian Festival carnivalgoers enjoy the last day of festivities on Saturday, July 22, 2023.

CHARLEVOIX — The 94th annual Charlevoix Venetian Festival will run this year from July 20-27.

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

People play games of cornhole at the Venetian Festival's Aquapalooza at Ferry Beach.
People play games of cornhole at the Venetian Festival's Aquapalooza at Ferry Beach.

Events officially kick off on Saturday, July 20, with the popular Aquapalooza boating party, volleyball and the Venetian Court’s corn toss competition at Ferry Beach.

Sunday through Wednesday, July 21-24, 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 27.

Fairgoers enjoy the swing ride at Charlevoix's Venetian Festival in 2023.
Fairgoers enjoy the swing ride at Charlevoix's Venetian Festival in 2023.

On Wednesday, July 24, 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. In addition, Wednesday will see Miss Charlevoix crowned at 7 p.m.

On Thursday, July 25, Kids' Day runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. downtown. Some activities are free and some require a cash only $13 armband.

Miss Charlevoix first runner up Abbey Wright (left) hugs the 2023 winner of the Miss Charlevoix crown Karlee Eaton as the other Venetian Queen contestants look on.
Miss Charlevoix first runner up Abbey Wright (left) hugs the 2023 winner of the Miss Charlevoix crown Karlee Eaton as the other Venetian Queen contestants look on.

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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 24 and ending after the fireworks on Saturday, July 27, around 10:30 p.m.

The Venetian Festival fireworks take place at dusk on Friday, July 26, on Lake Charlevoix and Saturday, July 27, on Round Lake.

Players compete during the Venetian Festival's 3-on-3 soccer tournament in Charlevoix.
Players compete during the Venetian Festival's 3-on-3 soccer tournament in Charlevoix.

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 [email protected] or call (231) 547-3872.

— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at (231) 675-0099 and [email protected]

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Charlevoix gears up for 94th annual Venetian Festival: July 20-27

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