Walkers and joggers fill the Mackinac Bridge each Labor Day in one of the span’s most iconic events, but car, tractor and ORV lovers of all types also have a chance to share in the thrill of crossing the bridge each year.
Corvette, Mini Cooper and Mustang parades, as well as others, are slated to take place, providing camaraderie and stunning, panoramic views over the Straits of Mackinac. Spanning 5 miles, the suspension bridge connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas in the heart of the Great Lakes.
“The Mackinac Bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere with 7,400 feet of roadway suspended in the air over the straits of Mackinac,” Pure Michigan says.
Here’s what to know about upcoming bridge events:
Where is the Mackinac Bridge?
Located in the Straits of Mackinac where Lake Michigan and Lake Huron meet, the Mackinac Bridge links Michigan’s Lower Peninsula in Mackinaw City to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in St. Ignace.
How long is the Mackinac Bridge?
The suspension bridge runs 5 miles long, the Mackinac Bridge Authority says.
What is the Mustang Stampede?
The Mustang Stampede celebrates the 1964 creation of the Ford Mustangs and features a parade of cars driving across the Mackinac Bridge, along with food and family-friendly activities, the Bridge Authority’s website says.
The 12th annual Mackinaw City Mustang Stampede includes a Saturday morning car show at 409 S. Huron Ave. at Mackinaw City Straits State Harbor. The bridge parade takes place afterward.
When is the Mustang Stampede in 2025?
The 12th annual Mustang Stampede is scheduled for 4 p.m. July 19, 2025.
What is MINI on the Mack?
This parade sees MINI Coopers drive across the Mackinac Bridge starting from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace and back, the bridge authority’s website says. The event began in 2013 and tries to set a record for most Minis in one place; they hope to top 1,451. More than 1,000 drivers are registered for 2025.
In addition to the parade across the Mackinac Bridge, the event, based in St. Ignace, includes a pair of charity car washes in St. Ignace, a sunset cruise on Aug. 1, a drone show on Aug. 1, bounce houses, games, live music and fireworks on Aug. 2.
When is MINI on the Mack in 2025?
MINI on the Mack will take place at 2 p.m. on Aug. 2, 2025. Participants can still register up until July 24.
What is Corvette Crossroads?
Corvette Crossroads begins with a Corvette show contest in Mackinaw City featuring hundreds of cars and a poker walk for show participants, the Bridge Authority said. The 36th annual event this year will include a Corvette parade across the Mackinac Bridge.
When is Corvette Crossroads in 2025?
The event start with Corvettes reaching the Mackinac area on Aug. 22, 2025, with the main activities on Aug. 23, 2025.
On Aug. 23, 2025, the Corvette show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Straits State Harbor on South Huron Avenue and in the parking lot of Arnold Transit Ferry Company, followed by an awards presentation for winners at 3 p.m.
The Corvette parade across the Mackinac Bridge starts at 7 p.m.
Show registration is limited to the first 225 participants, but all Corvettes in town are welcome to cross the Mackinac Bridge. There is a fee for non-show registered ‘Vettes to participate in the parade.
What is the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing?
The 16th annual tractor parade promotes Michigan agriculture and the love of vintage tractors, the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau’s website says.
The parade begins from a south staging area in Mackinaw City and travels across the Mackinaw Bridge. The drivers then go to downtown St. Ignace to the Little Bear East Arena.
There will be public viewing along the parade route in Mackinaw City and in St. Ignace, the visitors bureau’s website says.
Registration is limited to 1,500 tractors or until Aug. 15, 2025, the event website notes.
The event will also feature tractor exhibits at Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace, where members of the public can meet the drivers.
When is the Mackinac Bridge Antique Tractor Crossing?
The event is set for Sept. 6, 2025. Tractors will leave from Mackinaw City between 8:45 and 9 a.m.
Visitors can stop by the staging area on Central Avenue 2 miles west of Mackinaw City from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sept. 4 and Sept. 5, the visitors bureau says.
What is Trek the Mighty Mac?
Trek the Mighty Mac brings together off-road vehicle enthusiasts and features a drive across the Mackinac Bridge amid a two-day event hosted by the St. Ignace Visitors Bureau.
The 11th annual event includes the parade across the bridge, food trucks, gear vendors, live music and trail riding in the eastern U.P.
Riders will stage their off-road vehicles in Mackinaw City, and there will be bus transportation to the staging area the morning of the parade, the St. Ignace visitors bureau website says. SXS, 3-wheelers, 4-wheelers and dirt bikes are the only vehicle types allowed.
Registration is required ahead of the event and includes the bridge fee, staging, bus transportation, drink voucher, meet-and-greet activities and Trek the Mighty Mac decal, per the visitors bureau.
When is Trek the Mighty Mac?
The event will begin Sept. 19, 2025, with machine drop-off and packet pickup in Mackinaw City from noon to 8 p.m. An evening meet-and-greet at Little Bear Arena in St. Ignace will run from 6-8 p.m. with live music and a beer tent, per the visitors bureau.
Sept. 20 will begin with a morning bus ride from St. Ignace to the Mackinaw City staging area. There will then be a 10:30 a.m. mandatory safety meeting and the parade will begin at 11 a.m. Participants can enjoy trail riding along suggested routes in the U.P. afterward.
What is the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk?
The Mackinac Bridge will close to vehicular traffic for the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk on Labor Day, when pedestrians can stroll across the bridge.
Walkers can go halfway and return to Mackinaw City or St. Ignace or walk the entire bridge length, the bridge authority’s website says. However, anyone who walks the entire length should arrange transportation to get back to the other side of the bridge.
Participants can see the bridge authority’s website for further details on the walk and what items are allowed on the bridge during the event.
When is the annual Mackinac Bridge Walk in 2025?
The bridge walk is set for Sept. 1, 2025, with traffic closed for the walk from 6:30 a.m. to noon, the Authority said.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Looking for a new way to see the Mackinac Bridge? 5 vehicle parades to cross span soon
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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