Elk Rapids Harbor Days Rescheduled For 2026; Festival Will Occur One Week Later Than Normal

Those who had already marked their calendars for the 2026 incarnation of the popular Elk Rapids Harbor Days should ready their erasers. The four-day festival will be bumped one week later than normal in 2026, Elk Rapids announced via its official village government page on Tuesday afternoon.

“Due to contract negotiations between the Elk Rapids Lions Club and Arnold’s Amusements – an agreement entirely separate from the Harbor Days Association – the 2026 Harbor Days Festival will occur one week later than the traditional schedule,” the public bulletin noted.

Historically, Harbor Days has bridged the end of July and the beginning of August. This year’s festival, for instance, ran from July 30 to August 2. In 2026, Harbor Days will kick off on Wednesday, August 5 and close – with the traditional end-of-festival fireworks – on Saturday, August 8.

“We recognize that many residents, visitors, and long-time supporters plan vacations and annual gatherings around the historic Harbor Days schedule,” the announcement added. “This notice is being issued to allow the public to plan accordingly.”

2025 marked the 70th anniversary of Harbor Days, which got its start as a one-day fundraiser in 1955.