Pasty Fest: A Deliciously Quirky Celebration in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
Would you like to save this full guide?
We'll email this article to you, so you can come back to it later!
There’s something undeniably magical about the Keweenaw Peninsula in the summer — the cool breeze off Lake Superior, the historic charm of Calumet’s downtown, and yes, the smell of freshly baked pasties wafting through the streets.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to savor the flavors and fun of the UP, mark your calendar for Pasty Fest 2025, happening August 15–17 in Calumet, Michigan!
Whether you’re a devoted pasty connoisseur or just curious about this beloved Upper Peninsula tradition, this three-day festival blends Cornish heritage, local pride, and offbeat fun into one epic weekend.
Let’s dig in.
The Heart of It All: Saturday’s Street Festival
The main event unfolds on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., when downtown Calumet transforms into a medieval-themed celebration that would make even King Arthur trade his goblet for a gravy boat.
Expect streets lined with pasty vendors, local artisans, and performers, all set against the charming brick backdrops of one of Michigan’s most historic towns. Here’s a taste of what’s in store:
- Pasty Bake-Off: Sample four mini pasties from competing vendors and vote for your favorite in this fan-favorite contest. (But act fast — only 100 tasting kits are sold!)
- Pasty Eating Contest: Cheer on brave competitors as they attempt to devour as many pasties as possible in five minutes. It’s messy. It’s glorious. It’s peak Upper Peninsula.
- Pasty Pull: Where else can you watch people pull a vehicle down the street in pursuit of glory (and $300 in Keweenaw Cash)?
- Cool Cars Car Show: Classic cars line the streets for one of the coolest displays in the north. Registration starts at 10 a.m. — bring your ride!
- Live Music & Street Performers: Multiple stages host local musicians, jugglers, and entertainers throughout the day.
- Costume Contest: Embrace the 2025 theme — medieval renaissance — and compete in the Oak Street Stage costume contest for bragging rights and festive fun.
- Kids’ Area: Bubble machines, rutabaga bowling (yes, really), carnival games, cotton candy, and a photo op station make this a blast for little ones.
More Than a Day: Festivities All Weekend Long
Friday sets the stage for the weekend with:
- A Camborne/Calumet Twinning Sign Rededication and Cornish Tea at noon.
- A Pasty Music Competition at Eva’s Hideaway in the evening, where local songwriters compete with pasty-themed original tunes.
Sunday wraps things up with the Calumet Lake Pasty Fest Disc Golf Tournament — a chill way to end a high-energy weekend.
Get all the details for the weekend at UPPastyFest.com.
Who’s Making the Pasties?
Come hungry, because pasty vendors from across the Keweenaw and beyond are bringing their A-game. Past participants include:
- Slim’s Café
- Jen’s Kitchen
- Krupp’s Mini Mart
- East Fork Pasty Co.
- The Matador
- Griffin Café
- Bosio Biscuit Co.
Each brings their own spin on this handheld pie — from traditional steak and rutabaga to veggie or spicy varieties. No matter your taste, you’ll find your perfect pasty.
Shop Local, Celebrate Big
Beyond the food, the festival also features a farmers market at Agassiz Park (Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.), with local producers like Circle Back Farms, Boersma Family Roots, and Ghost House Farms. Browse handmade goods, baked treats, and UP crafts along the 200–300 blocks of downtown.
Why We Love Pasty Fest
Pasty Fest is one of those events that captures what we love most about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: a fierce love of tradition, a little bit of weirdness, and a whole lot of heart. It’s family-friendly, flavor-packed, and unlike any festival you’ve ever attended.
Whether you’re traveling from across the UP or making a summer road trip from downstate, Pasty Fest is worth the drive. Come for the pasties, stay for the people — and don’t forget your medieval costume.