Photo by Joost Crop on Unsplash.com

Kaleva Heritage Days

July 19th-20th, 2025

Kaleva, in the center of Manistee County, holds a festival in mid-July. The festival includes Kaleva School Reunion, food, softball tournament, car show, pony rides, games and contests, parade, arts and crafts, and fireworks. Kaleva was founded by Finnish settlers and many of its streets boast Finnish names. The Bottle House Museum, built with 60,000 glass bottles by John Makinen, is listed on the National Historic Register. It is owned and operated by the Kaleva Historical Society and houses historical displays. Another landmark in Kaleva is the RR Depot Museum which houses railroad artifacts and displays.

Here's the most updated schedule for the event:

*Events take place at Village Park in Kaleva unless other wise noted

Saturday, July 19th, 2025

Throughout the Day – Tractor Show, call Les at (231) 299-5392 for more info
8:30am – 5k Fun Run beginning at the Community Center- 14407 Industrial Dr., Kaleva. Register at runsignup.com.
9am – Softball Tournament with ASA/USA rules. Register at facebook.com.
9am-3pm – Car Show, call Sean at (517) 554-6938 for more info
9am-4pm – Arts & Crafts Show. Visit facebook.com to register.
TBA – Bounce Houses
TBA – Concession Stand open until fireworks begin
TBA – Flea Market Fundraiser for KND students traveling to Europe next to Kaleva Barber Shop- 14351 9 Mile Rd., Kaleva.
TBA – Kaleva Reads discussion on “Cold Victory” by Karl Marlentes at the Manistee County Library- 14618 Walta St., Kaleva
TBA – Kids Games, Hayride, Face Painting
TBA – Meet Our First Responders
TBA – Open House at the Community Center
TBA – Free Rides by Dial-a-Ride to Kaleva Park, Memorial Walkway, Bottle House, Art Gallery, & Bark Recycling. Parking available downtown and at the Community Center. Rides every 20 minutes.
TBA – Finnish Wife Carrying Contest
TBA – Pie-Eating Contest (three age divisions: 7 and under, 8-12, and 13+)
TBA – Corn Hole Tournament Check-in
TBA – Music by 1Wave DJ’s
TBA – Corn Hole Tournament Begins
TBA – Water Ball Match with the Fire Department
TBA – Spaghetti Dinner at the Community Center
TBA – Kickball on the Baseball Field at the back of Village Park
TBA – Live music
TBA– Parade beginning at Village Park
TBA – Live music
TBA – Fireworks over Village Park