When people think about Mackinac Island, their thoughts typically center on the family-friendly nature of the iconic vacation spot. While that’s certainly an important feature, the island also includes lively late afternoons and ample nightlife throughout the summer season.
There’s plenty to do after dark, both indoors and outdoors. From Stonecliffe up on the west bluff to Mission Point at the east end of the island, and everywhere in between, the sounds of summer keep visitors grooving.
On balmy nights, musicians set up on the porch or the sloping lawn at Stonecliffe. In addition to the good tunes, visitors also are treated to gorgeous views of the Mackinac Bridge from the newly renovated hotel and its grounds, now part of the Pulte Family Charitable Foundation’s Humanitarian Hotels, where all profits benefit nonprofit initiatives in northern Michigan.
Closer to town, Grand Hotel, with its own commanding views of the Straits of Mackinac, offers multiple musical options. At the Cupola Bar, where cozy tables and classic cocktails provide part of the ambience, dueling pianos add to the atmosphere. Downstairs in the Terrace Room, dancers swing to the big band sound of the Alex Graham Orchestra.
Next door, at the Jockey Club, more piano sounds bathe diners in easy
summer vibes.
Down the hill at the Gatehouse, also a Grand Hotel outpost, options range from karaoke to rock and roll, and even a Booty Night. A particularly lively draw is Hot
Carl and the Cleveland Steamers, a local favorite known for sing-alongs featuring classic covers.
In the heart of downtown, Horn’s Gaslight Bar offers live music almost every night. Steven Moskwa, who with his wife, Patti Ann, owns Horn’s, says, “Entertainment has certainly been a big part of our business for the last four decades. Lots of good bands and musicians create fun times for visitors and locals alike. Music tastes constantly evolve, and we try to keep up with the times.”
Across the street in the Chippewa Hotel, the Pink Pony, another of Mackinac Island’s iconic watering holes, echoes each night with the sounds of popular artists such as Myk Rise or local guitarist-singer Gabi Bowditch. The bar’s outdoor patio also offers daily live entertainment each afternoon.
“The live music is very important to the Pink Pony,” says Brian Bailey, the Chippewa Hotel’s general manager. “It brings a vibrant energy to the business, whether it’s on our waterside patio in the afternoon or on the stage in the bar in the evening.” Bailey understands that live musicians are a definite draw, and adds, “Our guests appreciate the talent that we showcase.”
Classic rock music lovers can start the evening before the sun goes down with the familiar sounds of The McCartney Years, a Paul McCartney tribute band featuring Yuri Pool as Paul and his wife, Jennifer, as Linda. The band kicks out the jams five nights a week beginning at 5 p.m. in the theater at Mission Point Resort. Tickets are available on the hotel’s website.
Other downtown venues, such as Mary’s Bistro Draught House and Kingston Kitchen at the Village Inn, also feature live music.
Visitors and locals also enjoy the Mackinac Arts Council’s Music in the Park, which takes place every Thursday for eight weeks in Marquette Park, overlooking the island’s marina. Local acts open for the main attractions, which this season includes blues impresario Nathan Graham with special guest Mary Kenyon, as well as the Jill Jack Band, the Luke Winslow-King Band, and others. There’s also a “Mackinac’s Got Talent” night on the main stage, showcasing the hidden talents of residents and island employees, who will be vying for a cash prize. Music in the Park is free and lends itself to family and picnic outings.
Another option for those who want to leave the bars is a Sip & Sail Sunset cruise on the Isle Royale Queen III or the Robin E Guests enjoy solo performers such as Paul Bedour and Mike Ridley on the top deck, while gliding beneath ever-changing skies to raise a toast near the Mackinac Bridge. Tours depart from and return to Arnold Freight’s Coal Dock.
There are more activities on the island, too. Haunted Mackinac hosts walking tours of the downtown area, during which guides unveil ghost stories, sharing the tales of who died where and why these spirits haunt this or that building. Crowds of several dozen can regularly be seen following expert guides, leaning in to catch every word of their spooky tales.
Another nighttime option that’s great for families is a sunset kayak tour, provided by Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Weather- and wind-permitting, paddlers venture through the harbor toward the east break wall before turning back west and angling toward the setting sun, with spectacular views of the Mackinac Bridge.
Mackinac Island’s reputation as a family-friendly daytime destination is well-deserved, but there’s plenty of fun to be enjoyed after dark, too, from music to history, and much more.
Plan It!
Mackinac Island
mackinacisland.org
