Kalkaska Winterfest

Established in 1965, Kalkaska Winterfest is an annual celebration of wintertime activities and the true “up north” spirit. Each year, Kalkaska Winterfest hosts a slew of family-friendly attractions during the weekend-long event. Promoting in equal parts artful musings, athletic competition and hometown pride, Kalkaska Winterfest is a hub of excitement. This community-centered gathering showcases local talent, while also bringing in participants and spectators from far and wide. The craft show creates a bustling marketplace where shoppers can browse for trinkets and treasures from bird houses to fresh maple syrup to home decor and more. Sled dogs overtake the town to partake in the largest sprint sled dog race in the Lower 48. The sled dog portion of the weekend, steeped in rich history and tradition, beckons dog mushers to the racing hotspot so widely touted as a premier event, unmatched in scope and bolstered by community support. In addition to sled dog races, there are dog-powered weight pulls where highly trained canine athletes give it their all and safely pull a weighted sled for a short distance, a task they relish heartily.