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The Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville is a fun way to goof off for a day, eating, imbibing, and enjoying the Parrothead life. Here are the top hints for a great day trip to Caseville Cheeseburger Festival that started, August 8, 2025.
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History of the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival
The Cheeseburger in Caseville festival held every mid-August in Caseville, Michigan, began as a local idea in 1998 by Lyn Bezemek. It started as an end-of-summer three-day weekend event and quickly grew into a 10-day festival, attracting about 5,000 people from around Huron County to the first celebration. By 2004, the Caseville Chamber of Commerce president, Steve Louwers, took control, contributing significantly to the festival’s success. The festival includes concerts, sandcastle making, laser light shows, and the highlight, “The Parade of Tropical Fools.” Unfortunately, the 2020 festival was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deferring the 22nd celebration to 2021.
Having Fun At A Big Event in A Small Town
In years past, official estimates were that over 100,000 people visited Caseville during its 10-day festival. It’s a family-friendly event during the day, but offers a bit of craziness to those who appreciate the Jimmy Buffett lifestyle. Here are some hints for your day trip to the Thumb, provided by those who frequent the event each year, for your next Caseville Day Trip.
Be Prepared
This includes having your own water, a rain jacket, and comfortable walking shoes. Have a small backpack with snacks, sunscreen, and even a change of clothes. Double on this point if you’re bringing kids!!
Gas Up Before You Arrive
Suppose you’re getting here on fumes, gas up in Elkton, Kinde, Bay Port, Port Austin, or Bad Axe. The main street in Caseville gets busy and packed. You will feel better knowing you can get out without waiting an hour in line for a few gallons of gas.
Set Up a Base Camp
Park your car and plan on walking around. Park a few blocks away from Main Street so you can get easy in and out. Parking is crazy in Caseville County Park or near Main Street. Do not park on someone’s law
Do Not Drink on the Street
This is not the New Orleans Mardi Gras where anything goes. Open alcohol containers are a no-no. You will see the uninformed with an open beer walking down the street. They are a target for a ticket. Drink in closed, private designated areas.
Be Informed of Events
Make the best use of your valued time on your day trip to the Thumb by grabbing a free event calendar from the Caseville Chamber of Commerce. There are also several smartphone apps available that give the location, times, and details of many events.
Set up for the Parade of Tropical Fools Early
This is the highlight of the whole festival. By late morning on Wednesday, you should claim a spot for your clan with chairs and ribbon. Be cool about it. There will be up to 50,000 friends with you.
The festival atmosphere is electric, filled with anticipation and excitement. As you set up your chairs and tie ribbons to mark your territory, you can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with the thousands of other festival-goers around you. The energy in the air is palpable, as everyone eagerly awaits the kickoff of the parade.
Use Public Transportation
The Thumb Area Transit offers weekend and Wednesday rides (Parade Day). Bus stop locations are Port Crescent State Park, Duggan’s Campground, Oak Beach County Park, and Sleeper State Park. Shuttle Times begin at 3 p.m.- Midnight. (The 13th shuttle will start at 2 pm for the parade.) Shuttle Costs: $3 per person, per ride. Have the correct fare as the driver cannot make a change. Drop-off and return pick-up location will be The Caseville Amphitheatre. Additional pick-up locations & days may be made by scheduling a ride at 1-800-322-1125
Support Your Local Firefighters
The Caseville Fire Department only offers its famous Firehouse Burgers on the first Saturday. It’s for a great cause, and they are delicious.
Use the Porta-Potties
Guys, and Gals, public urination will get you arrested. Fortunately, there are hundreds of portal toilets. Some years, there are contests for the best selfie with a porta-potty.
Relax and Have Fun
Make a new friend, help a senior citizen, take crazy pictures, and post. It’s Key North and the best part of the summer. A Caseville Day Trip can be a highlight of your week.
Plan B – Do Something Else
If you or your kids have had enough #CheeseburgerFest and crowds, try something else. Our Things to Do When You’re Bored with Cheeseburger in Caseville. Has several fresh ideas for a day trip to the Thumb.
FAQ for Day Trip to Caseville Cheeseburger Festival 2025
When is Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville Mi?
The 25th annual Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival starts on August 8th and runs through August 17, 2025.
What events are there at the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival?
The Caseville Chamber of Commerce site has a full schedule of events, shows and music during the festival.
When is the Parade of Tropical Fools during the Cheeseburger Festival?
The highlight of the Cheeseburger Festival is the parade starting at 5:30 pm Wednesday, August 13th. It’s the largest attended event of the festival.
Related Reading for Cheeseburger Festival 2025
- Cheeseburger In Caseville 2022 – 24 Years Of Cheesy Fun
- 17 Amusing Things To Do In Caseville Besides The Cheeseburger Festival
- Things to Do in Port Austin
- Great Cheeseburger’s Start at Walt’s Meat
- Michigan Road Trip on M-25: Riding A Ribbon Around the Thumb
- Michigan Beach Closures & Advisories
