Everyone’s Favorite Fall Bike & Adventure Weekend!

September 18–19–20, 2026  •  The Highlands — Harbor Springs, MI

One Weekend. All the Best of Northern Michigan.

Biketemberfest is a long-running fall bike & adventure weekend hosted by Zoo-de-Mack and Social Connection Events at The Highlands in Harbor Springs. As summer turns to fall, it’s your chance to get away to ride, connect, explore, and renew — a relaxed northern Michigan getaway filled with adventure and a weekend of making memories with friends old and new.

Cyclist passing behind vivid orange maple leaves

FRIDAY

POND HILL FARM TRIP 12PM-3PM
Arrive early for a bonus afternoon ride (or drive) to Pond Hill Farm — brewery, winery, casual food, outdoor games, live music, and barnyard animals.

KICK OFF PARTY 7:30-11:30PM
The Zoo Bar rocks with a live band for the Friday night kick-off party.

Group of riders cycling a quiet road in fall color

SATURDAY

MORNING 
The “Highlands to the Harbor” ride and waterfront lunch at Brandy’s Harbortown ~~ Mountain bikers hit the 22 mile trail Mountain Bike Park.

AFTERNOON 4-6PM
Then a Mountaintop Happy Hour with acoustic music & complimentary brews

EVENING
Bonfire Bash with tunes, mountain views and s’mores.

Scenic chairlift ride over fall colors at The Highlands

ALL WEEKEND

Guests of the Highlands enjoy heated indoor and outdoor pools & hot tubs, scenic chairlift rides and hiking trails, and Michigan’s vibrant fall colors from the top of the mountain. The chairlift is open Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday morning.

Paved bike trail with lane markings through golden fall forest

The “Highlands to the Harbor” Ride

Saturday’s centerpiece is a relaxed, mostly self-guided ride on the wellmarked course on the spectacular Little Traverse Wheelway, following the Lake Michigan shoreline from The Highlands toward Bay Harbor. A few rolling, forested miles lead to the paved path — then it’s level terrain along a centuries-old railroad grade, with breathtaking views of Little Traverse Bay around every bend.

Biketemberfest is not a race. It’s a day to savor with fellow outdoor enthusiasts in one of the most beautiful corners of Michigan.

15-30-60

Mile options — you choose

Flat & Paved

Easy, scenic terrain

~3 Hours

Actual riding time

350 Riders

Relaxed vs 2,400 in Spring

The ride is mostly self-guided, with a detailed route map and a fully marked course departing from The Highlands.

Highlights along the way include the sugar-sand beach at Petoskey State Park, the historic Victorian cottages of Bay View, downtown Petoskey’s Gaslight District, the scenic Bear River trail, Magnus Park, and many other memorable sights too numerous to mention.   View the Little Traverse Wheelway map →

Riders are encouraged to depart between 9:00 and 10:30 am, depending on the distance they choose and their pace. Want company? Join one of the group wave departures at 9:30 am or 10:00 am to meet new riders for a group ride experience.

15 – 30 – 60 Mile Options – You Choose what you are up for…
The official Biketemberfest ride is approximately 30 miles and is entirely paved and relatively flat.

Advanced or ambitious riders can continue past Bay Harbor along the Little Traverse Wheelway to Charlevoix and back for approximately 60 miles total.

Unsure about 30 miles? Don’t panic… there is also a 15 mile option and if you don’t ride or are just not feelin’ a bike ride is where it’s at for you, all good! There is plenty to see and do in the greater Petsosky/Harbor Springs area.

Ebikes are welcome.

Lunch is included and served from 11 am to 4 pm at Brandy’s Harbortown in Bay Harbor — a lakeside indoor/outdoor space with several lunch options included in your registration (vegetarian and vegan options available). After lunch, check out the shops nearby. Biketemberfest alumni: Brandy’s is located at the former “Knot Just a Bar” spot, completely renovated in 2024 — it’s a very cool place! BrandysHarbortown.com →

On the return route, take in the same spectacular sights in reverse — and if you’re feeling adventurous, explore the bike paths of the Bear River Recreation Area just off the Wheelway, check out downtown Petoskey or visit Beards Brewing and Petoskey Brewing. Several stops offer ZDM special offers and treats. Then it’s back to The Highlands for the Mountaintop Happy Hour (4-6pm).

Programmed Biketemberfest activities officially conclude Saturday night, but the weekend isn’t over yet! Make the most of your trip north by enjoying many of the local area adventures and attractions!

  • Tunnel of Trees: One of the most iconic drives in the country.  There are a few detours due to road repair, however you can still visit Pond Hill Farm Trilium Coffee, Goodhart General Store and make your way up to the historic Legs Inn!
  • Our friends at Big Bear Adventures offer ATV rentals as well as discounted fall kayak, canoe or rafting river trips.
  • Breweries abound including Petaoskey Brewing & Beards Brewing.
  • Downtown Petoskey is the pace to eat, shop and explore!
  • Lavendar Hill Farm
  • National Shrine of the Cross in the Woods
  • Skybride Michigan (Boyne Mountain)
  • and so much more…  https://petoskeyarea.com/play/attractions/

A Full Weekend, On and Off the Bike

Every part of the weekend is built around good company, great views, and zero stress.

Friday Night Party

The Zoo Bar at The Highlands will be rocking with a soon-to-be-announced band — the same great party the Zoo-de-Mack & Social Connection crew have been known for throwing for the past 36 years.

Mountaintop Happy Hour

Saturday after the ride, catch the chairlift up for views for miles around, great acoustic music, and cold brews — compliments of ZDM & The Social Connection (cash bar also available). Would you rather be anywhere else?

Bonfire Bash

Saturday night wraps up with an evening bonfire featuring music, s’mores, weekend stories, and mountain views — the perfect way to wind down the day.

Mountain Bike Park (additional cost)

A nationally renowned mountain bike park with 22 miles of trails — scenic wooded routes for newer riders, and banked turns, jumps, and narrow passages for the adventurous. Put your bike on the chairlift and ride from the top. The park is for ADVANCED mountain bike riders.  One-day passes are $42.   More info →

Pools & Hot Tubs

GGuests at The Highlands may relax in a variety of The Highlands’ outdoor heated pools and hot tubs all weekend long.

Chairlift Rides & Hiking

E Guests at the Highlands can behold Michigan’s vibrant color changes from atop the mountain. Ride the chairlift up to create your own picnic, explore the hiking trails, or just chill out and enjoy the view.  Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday morning.

Not a race. A weekend to savor.

Spots and discounted rooms are limited — book early for the best rates.

Choose Your Weekend

Two simple options: make it a full resort weekend at The Highlands, or bring your own lodging and just ride. The hotel package already includes your Saturday ride registration.

MOST POPULAR • BEST VALUE

Option #1: Stay, Ride & Play — Hotel Package

Includes Saturday ride registration for everyone in your room — no separate ride ticket needed.

  • Two nights lodging at The Highlands
  • The “Highlands to the Harbor” ride + waterfront lunch at Brandy’s Harbortown
  • Friday night party at the Zoo Bar & optional Pond Hill Farm afternoon ride/drive
  • Mountaintop Happy Hour with acoustic music & complimentary brews
  • Saturday evening Bonfire Bash with s’mores
  • Heated outdoor pools & hot tubs all weekend
  • Scenic chairlift rides for hiking all weekend

From $169 per person (quad occupancy — see rate chart below)

Limited rooms at discounted rates — subject to change, so book early for the best prices. The Highlands’ legendary breakfasts and the Slopeside Lounge (craft cocktails, chef-curated lunch & dinner) are available at additional cost.

or call 888.869.5942 daily 8 am–6 pm — use code 14M2GA

HAVE YOUR OWN LODGING?

Option #2: Bike Ride Experience — Non-Hotel

The full Saturday experience plus all the weekend parties — lodging not included.

  • The “Highlands to the Harbor” ride + waterfront lunch at Brandy’s Harbortown
  • Friday night party at the Zoo Bar & optional Pond Hill Farm afternoon ride/drive
  • Mountaintop Happy Hour with acoustic music & complimentary brews
  • Saturday evening Bonfire Bash with s’mores

Staying off-site? Browse local hotel & stay options in the Petoskey area →

Questions? Call or text our friendly event team at 248.543.1000

Option #2 (Ride Only) Additional Area Hotels

Other hotel options located in the nearby areas of Harbor Springs, Alanson, and Petoskey. Check hotel websites for current pricing.

CROOKED RIVER LODGE

Alanson
15 Min from Highlands – $228+

Crooked River Lodge is a family-friendly, pet-friendly hotel, open year-round, and features an indoor pool and hot tub and is within arm’s reach to river and recreational activities.

Colonial Inn - Bed 1

COLONIAL INN

Harbor Springs
10 Min from Highlands – $269+

For over 130 years, this award-winning historic retreat blends timeless charm with modern comforts. New “1894” bar now open. 
Almost Sold Out.

OTIS HOTEL

OTIS HOTEL

Harbor Springs
10 Min from Highlands – $300+

Otis Harbor Springs is located on South Lakeshore Drive, the most scenic portion of the Biketemberfest ride!
Almost Sold Out.

BEST WESTERN

Harbor Springs
10 Min from Highlands – $250+

Family-friendly with free continental breakfast, A/C, highspeed internet, fitness room, coin-operated laundry. Indoor pool and hot tub. AAA rated. Family owned and operated.

Baymont Petoskey

HOTELS.COM OPTIONS

Petoskey Area
20 Min from Highlands

BAYMONT ($207+)
SUPER 8 FROM ($249+)
HAMPTON INN ($271+)
DAYS INN ($309+)

Bay Inn Petoskey

VISITORS BUREAU STAYS

Petoskey Area Hotels
20 Min from Highlands

If you would like additional recommendations, please visit the Petoskey Visitors Bureau’s website to view hotel, motel, vacation rental, and resort stays.

Option #1: Estimated 2026 Hotel Package Rates
at The Highlands

All rates per person, based on availability. The Highlands offers many room options — hotel rooms to condos and houses. Call for the best fit.

HEATHER HIGHLANDS • CONDOS & SUITES

Inverness Standard & Deluxe

4 guests (quad) from $169pp
3 guests (triple) from $202pp
2 guests (double) from $273pp
1 guest (single) from $485pp
5+ guests call / online
Arrive Thursday from $175++
Add Sunday from $175++

HEATHER HIGHLANDS • CONDOS & SUITES

Pleasant View Suite

4 guests (quad) from $179pp
3 guests (triple) from $219pp
2 guests (double) from $297pp
1 guest (single) from $535pp
5+ guests call / online
Arrive Thursday from $195++
Add Sunday from $195++

MAIN LODGE

Various Room Types

4 guests (quad) from $169pp
3 guests (triple) from $190pp
2 guests (double) from $256pp
1 guest (single) from $452pp
5+ guests call / online
Arrive Thursday call / online
Add Sunday call / online

or call 888.869.5942 daily 8 am–6 pm — use code 14M2GA

Ready for the Best Weekend of Fall?

September 18–19–20, 2026 • The Highlands, Harbor Springs