2026 GLCC Balloons Over Bay Harbor
Balloons over Bay Harbor (M-5.5)
2026 GLCC NW Lake Michigan Pop Up Event
Come out and meet fellow GLCC members while enjoying the 7th Annual Balloons over Bay Harbor!
Organizers Port Captain Matt Perry and Rear Commodore Dee McClure have arranged for a great meet up event to watch Saturday’s balloon launches and night glow. Details are:
Date: Saturday, September 12th
Time: Balloon Launch from Bay Harbor Marina Lawn at 5:30pm and/or
Night Glow on Marina Lawn at 8:00pm
Place: Bay Harbor Lake Marina (M 5.5)
Arriving by Car: As you enter Bay Harbor, you will be directed to parking in the upper lots.
Arriving by Boat: Dockage is available at Petoskey Marina (M-5), the adjacent marina to Bay Harbor. Reserve dockage thru DNR.
Where to Meet: We are arranging to have 2-3 GLCC members boats on “B” dock adjacent to the first gazebo. These boats’ positioning (stern facing into fairway) will provide unobstructed viewing of the balloons. Additionally, we’ll have use of the adjacent gazebo (first one on B dock) as an additional gathering point. The GLCC member boats provides a boat-centric location to sit, meet fellow GLCC members and enjoy the balloons all while avoiding the crowds.
What to bring: A chair and BYOB is all you need to sit back and enjoy the show! Brandy’s Restaurant will be open, however that venue may be crowded. Consider bringing a cooler with food to enjoy at the gazebo and avoid the lines.
This is a meet up type of event where we provide a gathering spot to meet/greet other GLCC members throughout the day. Balloons over Bay Harbor is a family type event with activities throughout the day. Come for just Saturday or for the entire weekend’s activities. The final schedule has not yet been posted, although we expect it to be similar to previous years as follows:
Friday:
4:00 pm Artisan Market – Food trucks, balloon artist, etc.
5:30 pm Balloon Launch from Marina Lawn**
8:00 pm Balloon Night Glow on Marina Lawn
Saturday:
7:30 am Balloon Launch from Marina Lawn**
10 am 5K Dog Walk + Dog Show for BISSELL Pet Foundation (fundraiser)
Tethered BALLOON RIDES on Marina Lawn
Artisan Vendor Market Opens
12 pm Food Trucks Open
5:30 pm Balloon Launch from Marina Lawn**
6 PM Paint & Sip with Daniel Duncan (registration required)
8 PM Balloon Night Glow on Marina Lawn
Sunday:
7:30 AM Balloon Launch from Marina Lawn**
**All Balloon Launches/Flights are weather dependent. Based on wind direction, location of launch may be moved. Note that early morning provides less wind and therefore the 7:30am launches typically occur at Bay Harbor.
***There is no ferry service this year between Petoskey and Bay Harbor. For those wishing to attend by boat and reserving a slip at Petoskey, Bay Harbor Port Captain Matt Perry and Petoskey Port Captain Mike Kohut may be able to assist in providing transportation. If you are in need of transportation, reach out to Matt Perry prior to September 10th so arrangements can be discussed.
Time is short, so don’t delay! Make your dock reservations HERE
Headcount for Hosts: Kindly email Matt Perry (mhperry815@gmail.com) and alert him how many in your party will be coming so that we can plan accordingly.
Please reach out to either Matt or Dee with questions.
We look forward to seeing you in Bay Harbor!
Hosts: Matt Perry (mhperry815@gmail.com, cell: 513-235-0904)
Dee McClure (waterbeachsail@gmail.com, cell: 443-562-9488)