Charlevoix Venetian Festival

05/15/2026

Venetian is eager to welcome Pinter Whitnick back to center stage! The Detroit duo has expanded their reach of 80s and 90s magic, bringing back the nostalgia of that era to the Great Lakes State and beyond. Kayleigh and Alex have distilled even more of their favorite tunes into duo-sized editions that will have you groovin’ and belting out that well-known chorus! Catch Pinter Whitnick on center stage on Wednesday, July 22, immediately following the Queen Coronation, again as they open the main stage for WAR on Thursday, July 23, and one more time as the duo will provide live music at Depot Beach prior to the Friday night fireworks!

05/15/2026

It’s been over 50 years since WAR wondered “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” In fact, WAR called this very question at their last Venetian performance in 2010. The multicultural California funk band has attempted to “spread a message of brotherhood and harmony,” through their unique musical blend of soul, Latin, jazz, blues, reggae and rock. After earning ten Top 10 Billboard hits, it is no surprise WAR found its star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame last year. So, “Take a little trip, take a little trip, take a little trip with me…” to East Park on Thursday, July 23 as we welcome WAR back to the Venetian stage!

05/13/2026

Chris Canas wasn’t always Detroit’s “Prince of the Blues”. As a shy fifth grader, he started with the coronet, was soon promoted to the Jazz Band, then onto his enrollment at the Ann Arbor School for the Performing Arts. Jazz seemed to be his future, until the fateful day this Prince was introduced to the music of a King - BB, that is! The thrill was found! He discovered and embraced multiple instruments and after learning all of BB’s songs, Canas wrote his first album at only 15 years old! Today, he tours nationally and has released six albums. We welcome back to our main stage the Chris Canas band, who will open for Union Guns on Friday, July 24 in East Park!

05/13/2026

Union Guns is a four-piece band of blue-collar friends bringing explosive energy, massive singalongs, and full-concert intensity to every stage they hit. Blending country roots with rock, blues, pop, and soul influences, they create shows that feel loud, alive, and completely unforgettable. From high-octane party anthems to powerful crowd-connected moments, Union Guns delivers the kind of night that keeps people singing long after the lights go out.

05/13/2026

Y’all ready to Rock the Town House? This year’s Saturday afternoon street concert will be spearheaded by Nashville veteran John Stone a/k/a “The King of Lower Broadway.” Stone, a former Army M-1 tank gunner, and his Trailer Park All Stars Band will take leave from Kid Rock’s Big Ass H***y Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse, in Nashville, for a brief Venetian tour of duty on Saturday, July 25 from 3:30-6:00. Y'all up for a Nashville h***y tonk? Well Hell Yeah!

05/08/2026

The dealing’s not done, nor is this tribute band –THE original band which toured with the late Kenny Rogers for over 40 years! Rogers, recognized one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, had a career spanning seven decades and a style that spilled across genres, selling over 100 million records in his lifetime. His band knew "when to hold ‘em” and didn’t run from the opportunity to continue the Kenny Rogers legacy. Vocals are led by Don Gatlin, a long-time fan who opened for Kenny himself on numerous occasions. Wondering what condition their condition is in? Drop in to East Park on Saturday, July 25 to celebrate the legendary Kenny Rogers, as Venetian wraps up another spectacular season!

05/06/2026

Ministry is in his blood. At only 18, Micah Tyler graduated high school and became a youth pastor. At the same time, he found himself driving a sausage delivery truck to pay his bills. Micah has since journeyed onward to acclaim as a National Male Vocalist of the Year, inspired by the faithful truth that "God Did It." His pop-style music, enthusiasm, and engaging sense of humor have notched five # 1 songs, reaching out to all ages. "Praise the Lord" with Micah Tyler on Sunday, July 19 and you too may be “Walking Free."

05/01/2026

The wait is over! After a three-year hiatus, Venetian’s much-loved Street Parade entry is back! Once again, the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will bring up the tail of the parade groovin’ to modern melodies with Caribbean character. Previously absent due to band camp scheduling conflicts, we are thrilled to once again welcome our favorite finale – join us Saturday, July 25, for the annual Venetian Street Parade (11 a.m.), followed by a 30-minute street performance by the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band. Welcome back, Northmen!

04/29/2026

Blown out flip flop? Lost shaker of salt? No worries! Frank Bama and Air Margaritaville are returning on a Banana Wind from St. Somewhere on Saturday, July 18 with your License to Chill! Join the old salts at Ferry Beach from 2-5 pm as Venetian celebrates its inaugural event – Aquapalooza! Come by land or sea and settle into your own “island escapism” with premier Jimmy Buffet tribute band and three-time Detroit Music Award nominee, Air Margaritaville. You’ll quickly learn that it doesn’t have to be 5 o’clock anywhere to begin sipping your ‘ritas and chomping your cheeseburger, because Come Monday, we could all go insane.

04/24/2026

Welcome Wednesday! In deference to concerns of the Charlevoix City Council, Venetian's downtown activities will host a "soft opening" Wednesday evening, July 22, 2026. Starting at 5:00 p.m., enjoy carnival craziness, crave-worthy concessions, and Venetian valuables in the merch tent. At 7:00 p.m., grab your checkbook - it's the Annual Venetian Art Auction from Odmark Pavilion! Immediately following, the 2026 Queen's Court will take the stage and this year's Venetian Queen will don the diamonds! Wrap up the night with the return of Pinter Whitnick, your favorite Detroit Duo rockin' all the best classic covers! Closure of Bridge Street will begin the following morning at 9:00 a.m. Thursday, July 23, 2026, and continue through the fireworks on Saturday. Stay tuned for further updates.

04/09/2026