What’s Happening

Events, gatherings, and things to do on the Portage Chain

All Events

APR26

Portage Lake Association Spring Meeting

Community
Pinckney Community Education Center10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Annual spring meeting of the Portage Lake Association. Topics include water quality updates, boating safety reminders for the season, proposed dock regulations, and plans for summer community events. All lakefront property owners and residents welcome.

MAY3

Pinckney Farmers Market Opening Day

Farmers Market
Downtown Pinckney9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

The Pinckney Farmers Market kicks off the season! Fresh produce, baked goods, local honey, handmade crafts, and more from local vendors. Live music and kids' activities. Every Saturday through October.

MAY17

Lake Cleanup Day

Community
Portage Lake Public Launch9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Volunteer community lake cleanup. Kayaks and canoes welcome to help clean the shoreline. Meet at the public launch at 9am. Trash bags and gloves provided. Free lunch for all volunteers.

MAY26

Memorial Day Boat Parade

Boating
Portage Lake Public Launch11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Annual Memorial Day boat parade around Portage Lake. Decorate your boat in red, white, and blue and join the procession! Starts at the public launch, circles the lake, ends at Zukey Lake Tavern for a cookout.

JUN5

Summer Concert Series — Lakeside Park

Music & Entertainment
Lakeside Park6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Free outdoor concerts every Thursday evening from June through August. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy local bands performing rock, country, jazz, and more with the lake as a backdrop. Food trucks on-site.

JUN14

Kids Fishing Derby

Kids & Family
Portage Lake DNR Public Access8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Annual kids fishing derby at the Portage Lake DNR site. Ages 5-14. Prizes for biggest fish, most fish, and smallest fish. Poles and bait provided. Registration required.

JUL4

4th of July Fireworks Over Portage Lake

Holiday
Portage Lake9:45 PM - 10:30 PM

The annual Independence Day fireworks show over Portage Lake. Best viewed from the water or any lakefront property. Show starts at dusk (approx. 9:45pm). Rain date: July 5th.

JUL18

Pinckney Community Days

Community
Downtown Pinckney4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

The biggest weekend in Pinckney! Three days of carnival rides, food vendors, craft fair, live music, 5K run, and the legendary community parade on Saturday morning. Fun for the whole family.

OCT11

Fall Colors Kayak Tour

Sports
Base Lake Public Access10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Guided group kayak tour through the Portage Chain during peak fall colors. Approximately 2-hour paddle through the most scenic sections. All skill levels welcome. Kayak rental available.

JAN24

Ice Fishing Tournament

Sports
Portage Lake7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Annual ice fishing tournament on Portage Lake. Categories for pike, perch, and panfish. Cash prizes for top finishers. Registration includes a warm-up tent with coffee and donuts.

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