Alpenfest – Saturday

Saturday Traditions Include:

7:30 am: The Alpenfest Run – Start and end at North Central State Trailhead. Bragging rights to top finishers. Free commemorative Alpenfest Run T-shirt and medals to the first 300 runners who register. (No shirts or medals for the 1 mile)

10:00 am – 11:30 am: Art Tent Make Some Noise – Get loud and parade ready, create noisemakers to cheer on the Grand Parade in style. Sponsored by Meijer

12:00 pm: Alpen Market, Beirgarten, Ethnic Alley, T. J. Schmidt and Company Carnival

12:00 pm: Alpenfest Grand Parade – The pageantry of Gaylord’s premier parade unfolds down Main Street and Otsego Avenue.

1:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Rosco the Clown – Under the Pavilion, join Rosco as he makes his way around the festival entertaining children and families of all ages. Many Gaylord parents grew up with Rosco at Alpenfest and now their children and grandchildren are enjoying his magic of balloon artistry.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Petoskey Steel Drum Band – Court and 2nd Street, The Petoskey Steel Drum Band brings a unique sound to events all over Michigan. This group of about 40 students performs a blend of Caribbean steel drum music with contemporary tunes.

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Art Tent Garden Wind Chimes – Design a unique wind chime that will add charm to your garden or porch. Sponsored by Otsego Conservation District

1:30 pm: Walking Tacos – West of the Pavilion. Come join us for some delicious walking tacos. Sponsored by Night to Shine

2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Grand Traverse Pipe and Drum Band – Under Pavilion. Get ready for the powerful sound and rich tradition of the Grand Traverse Pipes & Drums! Founded in 1974, this award-winning Scottish pipe band brings the spirit of the Highlands to Alpenfest with stirring marches, lively reels and jigs, and unforgettable performances that are sure to turn heads and raise goosebumps.

2:45 pm – 3:15 pm: Dance Performance – Under the Pavilion. Come and watch a beautiful performance by our local dancers from the Rose Dance Academy.

3:30 pm – 4:00 pm La Promenade Des Biscuits – Under the Pavilion. Join us for Gaylord’s version of a cakewalk. Sponsored by the Gaylord Girl Scouts

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Art Tent Reptile Show – Slither into this exciting show, featuring amazing animals from a local rescue group. Get up close with fascinating reptiles while learning fun facts about these unique creatures. Sponsored by Genesis Reptile Rescue

4:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Music in Claude Shannon Park, Check Out Local Talent

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Art Tent Reptile Show – Slither into this exciting show, featuring amazing animals from a local rescue group. Get up close with fascinating reptiles while learning fun facts about these unique creatures. Sponsored by Genesis Reptile Rescue

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm: Attaboy will Play Live Under The Pavilion – A fun-loving indie/pop band from Indiana!

9:00 pm: Alpenfest Comes to an End. See you Next Year – July 13th – 17th, 2027.

Alpen Car Show – May 22nd, 2027.