7 Must-Do Activities at the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival is just around the corner, and this year’s Festival is packed with fun for the whole family. Enjoy mouthwatering BBQ from food trucks, your favorite beer and wine, a craft show, a scenic 5K race, and the popular Chicken Shack Auto & ORV Show. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 11, and Saturday, September 12 and get ready for an unforgettable weekend in Silver Lake Sand Dunes area. To help you make the most of your visit, here are seven must-do activities to add to your Apple & BBQ Festival checklist.
1.Shop the Craft Show
From handcrafted jewelry and homemade baked goods to unique Petoskey stone art and more, the Apple & BBQ Festival Craft Show features 180 vendors, each offering something special. Walk along W. Silver Lake Road from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 12, and discover a wide variety of locally made products, one-of-a-kind gifts, and delicious treats. With so many talented artisans and small businesses showcasing their work, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.
2.Experience the Glow Party
New this year, the Glow Party is lighting up Friday night at the Apple & BBQ Festival! Join DJ Trevor from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for an evening of great music, neon lights, and glow fun. Grab a drink from the beer and wine tent, bring your dancing shoes and your brightest glow gear. It’s the perfect way to kick off a fun-filled festival weekend!
3. Run the Apple a Day 5K
Work off some of that delicious BBQ and start your Saturday with the Apple-a-Day 5K! Whether you run or walk, you’ll enjoy a scenic route through the Silver Lake area before a full day of festival fun. The race starts and ends at Mac Woods Dune Rides and goes through wooded seasonal roads. It’s the perfect way to kick off the morning, get moving, and make the most of your Apple & BBQ Festival weekend.
4.Visit the Backyard Activities
There’s plenty of fun activities waiting at the back of the festival for all ages. Kids can enjoy bounce houses all weekend, storytelling with Barb from Storybook Village, the petting zoo, face painting, balloon animals, and Gellyball.
Adults can get in on the action with axe throwing, Gellyball, and the Build-Your-Own Flower Bouquet Bar hosted by Birch & Blossom. Families can also make lasting memories with a custom caricature portrait and live chainsaw carving demonstrations.
5.Enjoy BBQ from the Food Trucks
The Apple & BBQ Festival is serving up all your favorite eats to keep you fueled for a full day of fun. From mouthwatering pulled pork and fall-off-the-bone ribs to roasted corn and wood-fired pizza, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Be sure to explore the festival’s 15 food trucks, offering a wide variety of delicious options the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for classic BBQ favorites or looking to try something new, you’ll find plenty of tasty choices throughout the festival.
6.Enjoy your Favorite Beer & Wine
The Bar Pavilion, located right next to the main stage, is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a refreshing drink while taking in the festival atmosphere. Featuring local favorites alongside classic selections, the bar will serve beer, wine, cider, and seltzers all weekend long. New this year, the Bar Pavilion will also offer non-alcoholic beverages, giving everyone something to enjoy. Whether you’re pairing a cold drink with your favorite BBQ or unwinding while listening to live music, the Bar Pavilion has you covered.
7.Walk through the Chicken Shack Classic Auto & ORV Show
Car enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Chicken Shack Classic Auto & ORV Show. From classic cars and trucks to Jeeps, motorcycles, ATVs, UTVs, and buggies, you’ll find an impressive lineup of vehicles on display from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m at Silver Lake Chicken Shack. Stick around for the 2:00 p.m. awards ceremony, where 20 awards, including Best of Show, and People’s Choice will be presented.
2026 Schedule of Events
Ready to make the most of your Apple & BBQ Festival weekend? From live entertainment and family activities to delicious BBQ, local drinks, and craft show shopping there’s something for everyone to enjoy. If you’re planning to stay the weekend, you’ll find plenty of lodging options throughout the Silver Lake Sand Dunes area, including hotels, campgrounds, cottages, and cabin rentals, with some located within walking distance of the festival grounds. Gather your family and friends, mark your calendars, and join us September 11 and 12 for a weekend full of fun, food, and unforgettable memories. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival!
