Alpenfest is one of the most locally focused, non-commercial yet large-scale festivals in Michigan. It’s an intentional strategy that is designed to set the event apart from others around the Midwest.
Alpenfest returns to downtown Gaylord July 14-18 with five days of family-friendly entertainment, live music, carnival rides, parades, cultural activities and community gatherings. Organizers have recently brought back some of the festival’s favorite activities such as SPAM (yes, the canned cooked meat product in a can) carving, but the focus is on local experiences and community support, said Alpenfest Committee Chairperson Courtney Willits.
“We really want this event to tap into the local communities, so we partner with nonprofits and local businesses,” Willits said.
Celebrating the region’s Alpine heritage, Alpenfest annually draws anywhere from 10,000 to 30,000 visitors to Gaylord for a mix of traditional German- and Swiss-inspired festivities and modern attractions. Highlights typically include the Grand Parade, walking and running events, children’s activities, food vendors, entertainment throughout the downtown district and the popular Alpenfest Queen’s Pageant. Many attendees will dress up in their favorite Swiss-focused outfits for the occasion, Willits said.
The 2026 festival marks the 61st annual Alpenfest celebration in Gaylord.
“If we get perfect weather without storms and too much (heat and humidity) we’re extremely busy all week,” Willits said. “We’re influenced by weather because everything is outside.”
Alpenfest is a showcase for Gaylord’s hospitality, businesses and community spirit. Locally-owned restaurants are part of the eight to 10 food vendors that line the streets. Artisans who make unique crafts are another featured part of the festival. There are no large chains or commercial entities featured.
Local radio stations broadcast live to help promote the local event. Nonprofits can set up a booth free of charge for a day to promote their community-focused services. Those nonprofits also help to recruit volunteers to support Alpenfest throughout the week.
“We try to stay humble with (the festival),” Willits said. “We want people to be downtown for multiple days so outside of (artisans) you don’t have people selling you products. It’s all about local and this great community.”
Alpenfest kicks off on Tuesday, July 14 at 2 p.m. The festival ends most evenings at 11 p.m. until Saturday, July 18 when weeklong festivities wrap up for good at 9 p.m. Other featured events include the walking parade early Wednesday morning, and a mix of 1K, 5K and 10K run and walk events and the Saturday Grand Parade. All vendors, rides and displays are gone by early Sunday morning.
“It’s amazing how fast we clean up but we want (downtown Gaylord) to be back to where it was before (the festival),” Willits said.
Wristbands for unlimited rides are available for purchase onsite or in advance at the festival’s website. To purchase wristbands, or for a complete schedule of events, entertainment lineup and festival information, visit the official Alpenfest website at www.gaylordalpenfest.com.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Gaylord Alpenfest returns with local focus
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By M. Alan Scott, The Petoskey News-Review | USA TODAY Network
