Celebrating morels for 64 years!

Each spring hundreds of morel mushroom lovers from around the state, country and globe travel to small-town Boyne City, Michigan seeking and celebrating the marvelous morel at the National Morel Mushroom Festival. Found in the woods of beautiful northern Michigan, the elusive morel mushroom is savored by those lucky enough to find this delectable treat. The Festival is held the weekend after Mother’s Day, and features morel tastings, national competitive hunt, seminar, arts & crafts show, concert, carnival, and MORE!

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, May 16, 2024

3-10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions, Veteran's Memorial Park

5 - 9:30pm: Battle of the Bands sponsored by Boyne City PirateFest: Doors open at 5pm, and the Battle starts at 6pm. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park

Friday, May 17, 2024

12 - 6pm: Arts & Crafts Show + Food Trucks, Veterans Memorial Park

Craft Show Vendor Application

Food Truck Vendor Application

3 - 10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions, Veteran's Memorial Park

3:30 - 4:30pm: FREE Morel Seminar: Morel hunting seminar presented by Tony Williams, five-time winner of the "National Competitive Hunt." Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park

5:30 - 9:30pm: Morel Wine & Dine sponsored by Boyne Area Chamber: This event sells out every year so reserve your tickets early online or by calling 231.582.6222, $105 per person. Beach House Restaurant

5:30 - 7pm Seating Reservation

7:30 - 9:30pm Seating Reservation

7 - 10pm: Karaoke Contest + Party: DJ T-Bone will be spinning tunes and hosting a Karaoke Contest with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park

Saturday, May 18, 2024

7:30 - 8:40am: Registration for 64th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt, Boyne City High School

Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)

Competitive Hunt Rules & Information

8 am - Noon: Farmers Market, Veterans Memorial Park

9 -11am: 64th Annual National Competitive Morel Mushroom Hunt sponsored by Boyne City Kiwanis, Boyne City High School

Online Pre-Registration (Recommended)

Competitive Hunt Rules & Information

10am - 6pm: Arts & Crafts Show + Food Trucks, Veterans Memorial Park

Craft Show Vendor Application

Food Truck Vendor Application

10am - 6pm: Painting in the Park with Dan: Kids (and adults) can paint their own one-of-a-kind morel masterpiece alongside Daniel Duncan of Duncan Studios. Donations appreciated to cover the cost of materials. Veteran's Memorial Park behind Duncan Studios' booth in the Arts & Crafts Show. 

10am - 6pm: Boyne Area Skate Park Fundraiser: Mini skateboard lessons on basics and tricks by donation benefiting the construction of the future Boyne Area Skate Park. Veteran's Memorial Park

11am - 10pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions, Veteran's Memorial Park

12 - 3pm: TASTE OF MORELS, our Premiere Event: Largest concentration of morel mushroom cooking in the WORLD. Local Chefs prepare morel-infused delicacies and compete for the top three winning dishes as voted on by a panel of Celebrity Judges. Cash bar available. $10 Admission with tasting tickets for purchase. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.

4 - 5pm: Great Morel Giveaway: Enter to win a pound of morels or a $50 gift certificate at multiple participating downtown businesses. Entries are free and can be made in advance at as many businesses you like. Drawings begin at 4pm at Freshwater Art Gallery and travel through downtown in the "Morel Mob" until drawings are done. Must be present to win.

7 - 11pm: 64th MOTHERLOAD BASH, presented by Boyne City Hardware & Boyne Mountain Resort: Rock out to The Family Tradition Band, voted "Best Band" by Hour Detroit Magazine specializing in classic country rock; 21+ older with cash bar. $10 Admission. Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.

Sunday, May 19, 2024

12 - 3pm: Paint & Sip with Duncan Studios: Create a one-of-a-kind Michigan Morel painting with detailed instruction by artist Dan Duncan, complimentary glass of wine or beer (cash bar afterwards), $60 per person, Heated Tent in Veterans Memorial Park.

Pre-registration is required, plus a picture of the painting found here.

12 - 3pm: Arts & Crafts Show, Veterans Memorial Park

Craft Show Vendor Application

Food Truck Vendor Application

12 - 5pm: Schmidt Amusements Carnival sponsored by Boyne Valley Lions, Veteran's Memorial Park

Reminders:
- All city parks are tobacco, drug and weapon free.
- Dogs are not allowed in city parks during special events and festivals.

Date:
May 16-19, 2024

Location:
Various Venues,
Boyne City, MI

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