The Water is Life Festival

08/10/2026

Camping accommodations available….
Please scan QR code On the Water Weekend Flyer

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

07/23/2026

⚡ LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT ⚡

They’re back.

We’re thrilled to welcome Northern Michigan psychedelic rock band Levitator back to the Water is Life Festival lineup!

Known for their electrifying live performances, expansive jams, and immersive sound, Levitator has become one of Michigan’s most exciting rising bands. Blending psychedelic rock, funk, blues, and improvisation, they create a live experience that’s equal parts dance party and sonic adventure.

Whether you’ve seen them before or you’re catching them for the first time, get ready for a set that will keep you moving from the first note to the last.

Join us as we celebrate music, community, and the waters that connect us all. More lineup announcements are still to come!

07/22/2026

My homelands…Niibi

07/03/2026

The Petoskey's Fourth American 250 Hometown Block Party is taking place today, July 3, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Petoskey's Pennsylvania Park sponsored by Odawa Casino and presented by Petoskey Rotary Sunrise.
Bring the whole family and enjoy an evening filled with hometown fun, including:
🌭 Community Picnic sponsored by Petoskey Rotary Sunrise & Meyer Ace Hardware - Petoskey Downtown
🍦 Ice Cream Social with First Presbyterian Church of Petoskey
🍉 Watermelon & S'mores with Preston Feather Building Centers
⚽ Family Games with Genesis Church Petoskey
💦 Water Activities with Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
🎨 Rock Painting & Crafts with Petoskey District Library
🇺🇸 Patriotic Pendant Decorating with League of Women Voters Northern Lower Michigan
🚲 Antique Bike Display
📸 Photo Ops at the Gazebo
🎶 Live music by the Charlie Millard Band
🤹 Street performances by Clark Lewis the Juggler and Jania the Magician
Come reconnect with neighbors, make new memories, and kick off Petoskey's Fourth of July celebration with an evening full of small-town charm. Make a donation to support these activites at https://www.petoskeyfourth.org/support

06/13/2026

🎶 LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT 🎶

The lineup keeps growing, and we’re excited to welcome Jon Hayes to the 2026 Water is Life Festival!

Based in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jon Hayes has built a reputation for crafting acoustic indie music filled with soulful vocals, thoughtful songwriting, and guitar-driven melodies. Drawing inspiration from artists like John Mayer, Jon Foreman, and Bon Iver, Jon creates songs that are both deeply personal and universally relatable.

With heartfelt lyrics and an authentic approach to storytelling, Jon’s music invites listeners to slow down, reflect, and connect — making him a perfect addition to a festival centered on community, culture, and our shared responsibility to protect the waters that sustain us.

Whether you’re already a fan or discovering his music for the first time, Jon Hayes is an artist you won’t want to miss.

Join us as we celebrate music, community, and the power of water.

More lineup announcements are on the way!

06/13/2026

See you at the festival Nick!

06/13/2026

Good news! Spoke with Nick to secure these folks as one of our FOOD TRUCKS for the festival!! Thanks Nick for agreeing to bring some scrumptious food to our attendees! You come highly recommended! See you SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 05, 2026 at Petoskey’s beautiful lakefront!

05/12/2026

🎶 LINEUP ANNOUNCEMENT 🎶

Let’s announce another artist in this year’s Water is Life Festival lineup to help kick off the week!

Next up is Petoskey’s own Kevin Johnson, performing in a special in-the-round set alongside three other Michigan songwriters (one still to be announced)!

Raised on the music of legendary songwriters like John Prine, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, James Taylor, and Kris Kristofferson, Kevin’s love for storytelling has shaped the heart of his music from the very beginning. Today, that passion continues through songs inspired by master lyricists like Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, William Prince, and beyond.

Once described as an “observational philosopher,” Kevin writes songs that cut straight to the heart — exploring love, loss, human connection, and the world around us with honesty and soul. Whether deeply personal or quietly reflective, his music captures the feeling of a moment in a way that stays with you long after the song ends.

We’re honored to have one of Northern Michigan’s finest songwriters joining us for this year’s celebration of music, community, and the water that connects us all.