Lights Over the Lake 4th of July | Fireworks & Events in Ontonagon, MI

4th Annual Lights Over the Lake – Ontonagon, MI

Location: 23940 W State HWY M64, Ontonagon, MI

Date: July 4, 2025

Welcome to Ontonagon’s biggest, wildest, most pasty-filled 4th of July party "Lights over the Lake!" If you like fireworks, questionable food decisions, loud music, and watching people suffer through an ungodly number of pasties, then congratulations— Ontonagon, this is your Super Bowl.

What’s Happening?

#906rocks Battle of the Bands – Sponsored by 906 Services & 906 Outfitters.

Local musicians will battle for $500 in cash prizes and a guaranteed gig at next year’s "Lights over the Lake" event. Some will shred like rock legends, others will forget their lyrics mid-chorus, and at least one guy will probably knock over a microphone. Either way, you win.

Prizes:

1st Place: $350 + Guaranteed Gig at Lights Over the Lake 2026
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

#BigEater Bigfoot Pasty Eating Contest-sponsored by Syl's Cafe.

You vs. Bigfoot vs. a mountain of pasties from Syl’s Café. Who will come out victorious? Who will regret every life decision that led to this moment? Come watch the glory, the pain, and the carbohydrate overload unfold.

Prize for the Pasty Eating Champion:

1st Place: $350
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50
Ultimate bragging rights, and a certificate proving you’re the pasty-devouring GOAT.
Lights of Remembrance – Luminary Tribute
As dusk falls over Lake Superior, join us for a powerful moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity. The Lights of Remembrance Luminary Tribute is a heartfelt way to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, and support the fight against cancer.

Bouncy House Madness and Kids Activities.

Strictly for kids only. No grown adults launching themselves into orbit. We see you.

Lights of Remembrance – Luminary Tribute

As dusk falls over Lake Superior, join us for a powerful moment of reflection, remembrance, and unity. The Lights of Remembrance Luminary Tribute is a heartfelt way to honor loved ones, celebrate survivors, and support the fight against cancer.

Glowing Tributes, Lasting Memories

Instead of sky lanterns(#NoForestFires), we will illuminate the night with beautiful luminaries, creating a breathtaking display of love and remembrance. Each luminary will carry a personal message, a tribute to those we've lost, those still fighting, and those who have triumphed over cancer.

How It Works:

Personalized Luminaries: Available for a donation (TBA) – 100% of net proceeds go directly to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association.
Write a Special Message: Share your thoughts, prayers, or memories on your luminary before the lighting ceremony.
Live Acoustic Performance & Moment of Silence: Experience a touching tribute as soft music fills the air and the warm glow of hundreds of luminaries lights up the night.

Join us for this meaningful and serene experience at the 4th Annual Lights Over the Lake Festival—a moment to reflect, remember, and shine a light on hope.

Mystery Events.

Could be a surprise challenge, a shocking twist, or just some guy with a kazoo who refuses to leave the stage. You’ll have to show up to find out.

Fireworks Over Lake Superior at 10:30 pm. (Dusk)

We end the night with a sky full of explosions because that’s what America does best.

This isn’t just a 4th of July party—this is Ontonagon's very own Lights Over the Lake. It’s louder, crazier, and packed with more pasties than should be legally allowed.

Note: this entire event is free, but if you’re stuffing your face in the pasty contest or shredding your heart out in the #906rocks Battle of the Bands, we suggest a $25 donation.

All donations go straight to the Ontonagon County Cancer Association, helping families in our community—so basically, you can eat an irresponsible number of pasties and call it charity work.

Food Trucks & Vendors Wanted

Got food? Cool merchandise? Something weird but awesome? We want you! We’re still looking for vendors of all kinds to make this event even bigger. Contact us and secure your spot before someone else steals your thunder.