August is peak summer in Bellaire—and there’s no better time to visit than Rubber Ducky Festival Weekend. This playful, family-friendly celebration fills downtown with color, music, and community spirit, making it the centerpiece of our August Playcation.
From the excitement of the Big Duck Race and live music on Friday night, to a full day of festival fun on Saturday—complete with the parade, duck drop, and entertainment in the park—this weekend is all about celebrating summer in a town that knows how to host a good time.
3:00–6:00 PM — Check-In at Your Lodging Partner
Afternoon | Check In & Get Oriented
Arrive, check in, and take a quick downtown stroll
Grab an early dinner or casual bite before the evening events
Pick up festival info and scout viewing spots along the river
Evening | Big Duck Race & Live Music
Watch the Big Duck Race—a signature, can’t-miss moment (this is called the "Big Duck Race" because the ducks are larger in size. There are only 50 ducks in this race. Each duck is purchased for $100 - usually by local businesses. They decorate the duck - this is one of the best parts! Then they are dumped off the bridge and they race to the finish line to see which business gets bragging rights!)
A pre-race party is at Fireside Lounge - here you can see all the decorated ducks and vote for your favorite duck! The winner will receive a prize from Fireside Lounge. Judging is from 4pm-5pm at Fireside Lounge.
The race is at 5:30pm prompt! So head down to the starting line on the bridge by Stonewaters Inn.
Enjoy live music, food, and drinks after the race on Broad Street downtown
Kids’ activities and family-friendly fun throughout the evening
Settle into the lively downtown atmosphere and ease into the weekend - check out the festival activities here
Friday night is high-energy and festive—the perfect welcome to Bellaire.
Dinner Date Night at a local restaurant featuring Valentine’s specials, craft cocktails, or wine pairings.
6:00–7:30 PM — Dinner options in Downtown Bellaire
Short's Brewing - Downtown, casual, brew pub, craft beer, gourmet deli, pizza. No reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Known for their pizza, white pepper sandwich and beer! Take out available.
Fireside Lounge - Downtown, 21+ only, upscale casual, lounge, full cocktail bar, great wine selection, beer, food. no reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Known for their great cocktails and rice bowls. Sushi available on Thursdays only. Take out available. Can order online.
Toonies Steakhouse- Downtown, casual, no reservations. Take out available. Great place to get whitefish, ribs or soup plus a full food menu. Full bar.
Chloe's Chophouse - Downtown - fine dining. Reservations call or online Chloe's Chop House ADA accessible. Full bar.
Dockside -
The Pelican's Nest - on the Chief Golf Course by Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great burgers. No reservations. Take out available. Full bar.
The Lakeview Restaurant - at Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great views. Reservations on Open Table. Shanty Creek Resort Full bar.
The Pelican Inn -
Torch Lake Cafe -
Book an escape room adventure for Saturday Escape Bellaire
NIGHTLIFE
Post-dinner drinks by the fire or live music at a local brewery, distillery or cocktail lounge
Stroll downtown for: Live music, an old fashioned, cold beer, expresso martini's and dessert specials. The perfect way to ease into your Playcation! You never know what type of entertainment to expect - downtown Bellaire is very local friendly and there's always something happening and friendly people to chat with.
End the night with a moonlit walk or stargazing—Up North nights set the mood
Transportation tip: Bellaire does not usually have Uber or Lyft available. Everything downtown is walking distance. Shanty Creek Resort has a resort bus that will do trips downtown. See Shanty Creek for their schedule. Stonewaters Inn, Spillway Lodge, Grand Victorian, Park Street Inn are all within walking distance to downtown. Some airbnbs are within walking distance. Downtown bars typically close by 11pm on Fridays.
SATURDAY BREAKFAST
8:00–10:00 AM — Breakfast at one of these locations:
Toonies - full breakfast menu, casual dining. Open Saturdays 7am-2pm for breakfast & lunch. No reservations. Inside Seating. ADA accessible. Bathrooms not ADA compliant.
Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery - coffee shop and pastries, quiche, biscuits & gravy. Open Saturdays 7am-7pm. No reservations. Inside & outdoor Seating. ADA accessible via side door.
Build your day around the festival, then layer in shopping, dining, and relaxed exploring between events. With a full schedule of activities and a welcoming, walkable downtown, the Rubber Ducky Festival is the perfect reason to turn a summer weekend into a Bellaire Playcation.
Click here for the Rubber Ducky schedule of events
Dinner & Drinks
Try seasonal plates, winter cocktails, or family comfort food.
Fireside Lounge - Downtown, 21+ only, upscale casual, lounge, full cocktail bar, great wine selection, beer, food. no reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Great cocktails! Cocktail Lounge | Fireside Lounge
Shorts Brewing - Downtown, casual, brew pub, craft beer, gourmet deli, pizza. No reservations. ADA accessible. Nightlife. Great pizza! Bellaire Pub - Short's Brewing Company
Chloe's Chophouse - Downtown - fine dining. Reservations call or online Chloes Chop House ADA accessible. Best steak!
Dockside -
The Pelican's Nest - on the Chief Golf Course near Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great burgers. The Pelican's Nest |
The Lakeview Restaurant - at Shanty Creek Resort. ADA accessible. Great views. Reservations on Open Table. Michigan Lodging - Top Northern Michigan Golf and Ski Resort : Shanty Creek Resort
The Pelican Inn -
Torch Lake Cafe -
NIGHTLIFE
Saturday Night Entertainment
Choose your vibe: Live music, pub & craft beer, cozy lounge, dessert crawl. A perfect winter night out!
Great dessert spots:
Chloe's Chophouse, Toonies, The Pelican's Nest, Sweet Ree's Candy Shop
Great nightlife spots:
Fireside Lounge / Short's Brewing / Toonies (OPEN LATE ON SATURDAY NIGHT) / The Nest / Torch Lake Cafe
Transportation tip: Bellaire does not usually have Uber or Lyft available. Everything downtown is walking distance. Shanty Creek Resort has a resort shuttle that will do trips downtown. See Shanty Creek for their schedule. There is one late night bar open downtown Bellaire - Toonies on Saturday nights only. They keep their bar and kitchen open late - sometimes until 1am. Frequently there is karaoke and/or other entertainment.
Morning | Easy Start
Start your day with a warm breakfast before you start your day. Sunday morning is your choice of a coffee house or brunch at the pub.
Ruthann's Gourmet Bakery - coffee shop and pastries, quiche, biscuits & gravy. Open Saturdays 7am-7pm. No reservations. Inside Seating. ADA accessible via side door.
Short's Brewing serves Brunch on Sundays. Open at 11am.
Morning — Church Service Options (Optional) local Churches welcome visitors for Sunday services.
Take one last walk through shops for souvenirs and local treats
Midday | Fresh Air or Relaxation
Take a scenic walk, short hike, or bike ride
Enjoy the river, a park bench, or a quiet patio
Ideal time for photos and a relaxed pace before the drive home
Afternoon | Head Home Happy
Depart feeling refreshed, festive, and already planning next year
We hope you enjoyed your Playcation in Bellaire! So much that you'll come back and do it again! Because some places you visit, and some places feel like they've been waiting for you. Bellaire, Michigan
Check out more Playcation Weekends...And what are you waiting for? Book your Playcation today!
