The annual musical celebration on a picturesque island in northern Lake Michigan rolled out last weekend with its unique and remote flair. A recap and photos.
Island Dance Party: The scene at Beaver Island Music Festival. (Photo/Sean Miller)
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You can’t keep the Beaver Island Music Festival down.
Mother Nature threw a nasty curve at the event with a spring ice storm that wreaked havoc on the festival site, but organizers and volunteers refused to let that stop the annual soiree that transforms this remote location in northern Lake Michigan.
“Dozens of trees came crashing down, blocking paths and damaging structures, leaving the area almost unrecognizable. The aftermath was overwhelming, and we quickly realized we couldn’t handle it alone,” said festival director Carol Burton.
“Fortunately, our extraordinary festival community stepped in to help. People from near and far who cherish the festival sprang into action, determined to ensure this year’s event would go on. Thanks to their incredible efforts, we managed to clear a significant amount of the debris.”
So with many performers and attendees arriving last Wednesday (July 16), the 2025 edition of the festival featuring an eclectic blend of national and regional acts cast its magical spell on the island once again.
Local Spins writer and musician Sean Miller (who performed at the festival with The Real Ingredients) embraced the early part of the event and provided these observations:
Remote Musical Magic: The main stage. (Photo/Sean Miller)
• We’ve been to Beaver Island before, but never by ferry. This time around, we took the ferry over and enjoyed mingling with other musicians headed to the fest and traveling to the island in a spooky afternoon fog.
• The remoteness of the festival – 40 miles offshore and in the forests of Beaver Island – makes you feel like you’re in another world. It was great to disconnect a bit and just immerse one’s self in the music and island vibes.
• The festival’s opening days saw a number of different acts including The Whiskey Charmers, Audrey Dupuis, The Real Ingredients, Dave & Kristi and more at various locations around the main drag of the island. Various venues included the Wild Strawberry Cafe, Daddy Franks and the Shamrock Bar — all leading up to the opening night of the fest.
• Flint-based alt-rock/pop band Heat Above delivered and energized set Thursday night that got most of the crowd up and dancing.
• While the Beaver Island Music Fest has been around much longer (more than two decades), it reminded me of the Forest Trail Music Festival. It was very family friendly with a smaller and more intimate setting.
• Another highlight was Smilo & The Ghost, an Americana and folk-band from Pennsylvania that captivated the crowd with their lyricism, storytelling and harmonies.
As Burton puts it: “The joy this festival brings is what drives us to continue year after year. It has enriched our community in countless ways, and we are profoundly grateful for the support and memories it has given us. For us, and for hundreds who look forward to it, this festival is an irreplaceable tradition.”
PHOTO GALLERY: Beaver Island Music Festival 2025
Photos by Sean Miller
