Discover the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival and More in Silver Lake and Hart

As the vibrant colors of fall begin to paint the landscape, Silver Lake and Hart, Michigan, transform into bustling hubs of activity and charm. These quaint towns come alive with an array of engaging local events and exciting outdoor adventures, making them perfect for a family getaway. At the heart of these festivities is the beloved SLSD Apple & BBQ Festival, a celebration that promises a delightful blend of culinary delights and fun-filled activities.

 

Apple BBQ Festival

Mark your calendars for the much-anticipated Apple BBQ Festival, happening on September 6-7, 2024. This annual event is a highlight of the autumn season in Silver Lake and Hart, bringing together the community for a weekend of delicious barbecue, mouthwatering apple pies, and a variety of entertainment. Set against the scenic backdrop of Silver Lake, the festival offers something for everyone.

Highlights of the Apple BBQ Festival:

Friday, September 11, 2026:

• Food Trucks : Open from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm, offering a wide array of delectable treats.
• Family Activities: From 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, enjoy yard games, a blow-up castle, rock-climbing slide, face painting, and gelly ball.
• Beer & Wine Tent: Serving refreshing beverages from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
• Live DJ Music: Enjoy performances on the Festival Stage from 2:00pm to 9:00 pm.

Saturday, September 12th, 2026:

• Apple A Day 5K Run/Walk: Start your day with this event at Mac Woods Dune Ride, with registration at 8:00 am.
• Arts & Crafts Show: From 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, explore handmade goods from over 125 vendors.
• Family Activities: Continue the fun from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with more yard games, blow-up castle, rock-climbing slide, face painting, and gelly ball.
• Food Vendors: Open from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, serving a delicious variety of cuisines.
• Live DJ Music: Enjoy performances throughout the day.
• Classic Vehicle & ORV Show: From 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Dunetown Mall.
• Apple Pie Contest: Check-in at 11:00 am, with awards at 12:30 pm.

For more details, visit the Apple BBQ Festival website.

 

More to Explore in Silver Lake

In addition to the Apple BBQ Festival, Silver Lake and Hart host a variety of events that bring vibrancy to the end of summer and the start of fall.

• Shelby Fruit Festival: On August th the Shelby Fruit Festival will take place at Shelby Township Community Park with a car show, food trucks, live music by The Pool Boys Band at 4pm, and fun activities for all ages!
• Little Sable Point Lighthouse: Visit the Little Sable Point Lighthouse
• Oceana County Fair: Held from August 25-29, this fair features food, fun, and festivities, making it a perfect way to close out the summer.

Embrace the Outdoors

The transition from summer to fall makes Silver Lake and Hart even more appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. The changing leaves create a stunning backdrop for various activities.

• William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail State Park: This 22-mile paved trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and inline skating, offering scenic views of apple orchards, farms, and woodlands.
• Silver Lake Sand Dunes: Experience the natural wonder of the dunes with an off-road adventure. Local companies like Silverback OffRoad ORV Rental and Silver Lake Buggy Rental ORV Rentals provide ORV rentals until October 31st, allowing you to enjoy the thrill of dune driving.

 

Experiences for All

Get ready to experience the seasonal charm of Silver Lake and Hart. From the mouthwatering delights of the Apple BBQ Festival to a variety of local events and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to welcoming you and celebrating the beauty of the season together!