2023 Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival Complete Guide (NEW Updates)

2022 Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Complete Guide

Ever tried a cheeseburger in Caseville, MI? Now’s your chance! The Caseville Cheeseburger Festival, held every August, is the event of the season on Michigan’s Thumb coast.

We’re sharing EVRYTHING you need to know about the Cheeseburger Festival, including where to purchase buttons and wristbands, the must-see events and more. So fill up your cooler, grab you beach chair and get ready for one of Michigan’s TOP summer events!

Get Ready For FUN at the Caseville Cheeseburger Festival

Smell the cheeseburgers wafting through the air? Hear the sounds of Jimmy Buffett songs mingled with the laughs of partygoers on a Lake Huron beach?

Yep. It’s time for the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival. This highly-anticipated Huron County event is held mid-August , bringing thousands annually to the little town of 800 year-round citizens. It’s a great way to celebrate the final weeks of summer in Caseville, a fun Michigan resort town known for its beautiful beaches and casual, laid-back vibe.

We’ve got the complete 2022 guide to this fun fest on the shores of Caseville’s Saginaw Bay, including the schedule of all of the top events (like the Parade of Tropical Fools), musical entertainment, where to find the best food, and all the tips for attending the Caseville Cheeseburger Festival.

Read on for the Complete Guide to the 2022 Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival.

About the 2022 Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival

The 24th annual Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival is scheduled for August 12-21, 2022.

Folks are already making plans for some Michigan fun in the sun – but what IS the amazing Caseville Cheeseburger festival all about?

It all started with musician Jimmy Buffett’s signature song, “Cheeseburger in Paradise,” an ode to his “carnivorous” love of cheeseburgers and a dream of eating them in a tropical paradise. Inspired by Buffet’s tropical music and carefree attitude, the Cheeseburger in Caseville festival began in 1999 as a way to wrap up summer with a bang while drawing tourists into town.

Now, almost 25 years later, thousands flock to the shores of Caseville at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb to enjoy friends, family and fun at the “Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival” each August.

This popular festival grew quickly, Caseville has even earned the nickname “Key North,” an homage to Buffett’s beloved Key West. At this “celebration of life and the cruise we are making through it,” as Buffett says, you can enjoy ten full days of fun, games, music, sun, and (of course) cheeseburgers!

PRO-TIP: The Saginaw Bay coast between Caseville and Port Austin, is home to some of the prettiest beaches in Michigan. Be sure to use our Guide to the Best Caseville and Port Austin Beaches to find your perfect Michigan beach!

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Location

Caseville is located at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb, just about 20 minutes west of Port Austin. most of the festival events take place at the Caseville County Park Ampitheatre at 6400 Main Street.

How to Get to the Cheeseburger Festival

There’s parking throughout the city, but since Caseville is such a small town, it can be tight on the weekends and on Saturday, August 17, the day of the Parade of the Tropical Fools.

You might want to consider taking the Shuttle service offered by Thumb Area Transit which costs around $3 per ride. Bus stops in include Port Crescent State Park, Oak Beach County Park, Sleeper State Park and the ampitheatre at the Caseville County Park. The shuttle typically operates from 3 p.m. until midnight. You can find more info about the shuttle service here.

Buttons and Wristbands: Event Admission to Cheeseburger in Caseville

While almost all of the events at the Cheeseburger festival are free, the concerts at the ampitheter in the Caseville County Park are require admission. You can choose to purchase a button or wristband for admission. A button, good for one day, costs $8. Or, you can choose to purchase a button for $15, which is good for the entire 10-day festival.

You can purchase both buttons and wristabands from any local business in town. The money collected from the buttons goes to support the festival.

The Parade of Tropical Fools

The 2022 Parade of Tropical Fools is scheduled for Wednesday, August 17 at 5:30 p.m. If you’re looking to the ultimate summer beach party, this is the place to be. Put on your best grass skirts; brightly-colored shirts; grab your plastic flamingo head to downtown Caseville for this non-stop fun fest.

It’s a very popular event: you’ll join more than 70,000 others who line the streets, hoping to catch beads, candy, frisbees and other goodies that are thrown from the parade floats. Be sure and bring your camera, not only are the floats amazing, but the tropical costumes (think Cheeseburger hats) worn by the parade-goers are pretty fun, too!

Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival Events

There are events and contests that run for the duration of the festival. It’s a full 10 days of fun for all ages, complete with an actual “Parade of Tropical Fools.” The events starting on opening day and include daily concerts (see the schedule lineup below), sand castle-building contests, hula-hoop contests, family fun days and more! My favorite events include:

Annual Cheeseburger Best Photo Contest

Beginning on opening day, August 12, submit your best cheeseburger themes photo via email for a chance to win.

Annual Best Dressed Business in Town

Businesses in Caseville go all out for decorating during the festival. The top votes will determine which business is best dressed for Cheeseburger in Caseville.

Sandcastle Building Contest

Each weekend during the festival, enter the sand-castle building contest on the beach at Caseville County Park. Even if you’re not participating in the building, you’ll see amazing sand architecture right in front of your eyes!

Cardboard Boat Race

See some amazingly creative cardbord boats as they race toward the finish line. This is one of our favorite festival events!

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Daily Event Schedule

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On or Beginning Friday, 8/12

What: Daily Music and Activities
When: 8/12 – 8/21/2022
Where: Thumb Brewery

What: Electric Foil Boarding Lesson & Session – Call to Register 989 856-3333
When: 8/12 – 8/21/2022
Where: Thumbs Up Kiteboarding

What: Kayak Lesson & Session – Register at Thumbs Up Kiteboarding
When: 8/12/2022; 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Cheeseburger Museum / What Is It Contest Free / Gift Baskets / Winners Announced Saturday August 20th @ 3:00pm
When: 8/12 – 8/20/2022
Where: Historical Society Museum

What: Historical Tours
When: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Caseville United Methodist Church

What: Annual Kickoff to Cheeseburger Golf Outing – Download Registration Form
When: 8/12/2022; 1:00 PM
Where: Scenic Golf and Country Club

What: Best Cheeseburger Contest
When: 8/12; 4:00 PM
Where: Independent Bank

What: Slime Party $4 free
When: 8/12; 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Where: Key North Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Stand Up Paddleboard & Kayak Sunset Session; Call to register 989 856-3333
When: 8/12 – 8/21/2022; 8:00 – 9:00 PM
Where: Thumbs Up Kiteboarding

**SEE LIST OF EVENING CONCERTS and MUSICAL ACTS IN SECTION BELOW**

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On or Beginning Saturday, 8/13

What: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts sold at two locations until gone. Proceeds to the Caseville Public School Band
When: 8/13/2022; 8:00 AM
Where: Mainsail & County Park Entrance

What: Cheeseburger Kiddie Cruise – Fun Run; For info call 989 453-5252
When: 8/13; 8:30 – 8:50 AM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: Beach Volleyball
When: 8/13; 8:30 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Cheeseburger Fun Run
5K Run/Walk
When: 8/13; 9:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: Sidewalk Chalk
When: 8/13 – 8/21; 9:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Chuck’s Drive-Thru Diner

What: Yoga on the Beach; featuring Jana Riutta a certified yoga instructor. Just bring your mat.
When: 8/13; 10:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Sand Castles & Sculptures
When: 8/13; 10:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Hat Making Workshop & Flip Flop Off Contest; Flip Flop contest entry fee is $5.00.
When: 8/13; 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: World Famous Firehouse Burgers
When: 8/13; 11:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Caseville Fire Hall

What: Cornhole Tournament Registration starts at 11am. $40/team For details call Chaz 810 397-8680
When: 8/13; 12:30 PM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: D J Entertainment with Kurt Damrow and Kids Foam Party
When: 8/13; 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Memorial/City Park

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On or Beginning Sunday, 8/14

What: Bags, Balls & Burgers 2 Man – 9 Hole Scramble & Corn Hole Tournament Prize Money
When: 10:00 AM
Where: Caseville Golf Course

What: Seashell Hunt
When: 8/14; 10:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson & Session; Call Thumbs Up Kiteboarding at 989 856-3333 to register.
When: 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Worship Service
When: 8/14; 11:00 AM
Where: Amphitheater

What: DTE Free Family Fun Day with face painting, glitter tattoos, games, inflatables, petting zoo and pony rides.
When: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Wooded Island Sports Grill

What: Famous Chicken Dinners
When: 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church

What: Hat Making Workshop & Flip Flop Off Contest; Caseville Class of 2026. Flip Flop contest entry fee is $5.00.
When: 3:30 – 7:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Park

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On or Beginning Monday 8/15

What: Glitter Tattoos for Kids; Cost $3
When: 8/15; 10:00 – 1:00 PM
Where: Lemon Tree Marketplace

What: Kayak Lesson & Session; Call Thumbs Up Kiteboardung at 989 856-3333 to register.
When: 8/15; 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Frog Jumping Contest; $3 entry fee. Each participant receives a prize.
When: 8/15; 1:00 PM
Where: Key North Mini Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Water Balloon Toss Contest; (5-8 & 9-12 yrs old) – $1.00 entry fee Dairy Queen
When: 8/15; 2:00 PM
Where: Amphitheater

What: Family Bingo
When: 8/15; 3:00- 5:00 PM
Where: Lefty’s Diner

What: Flamingo Races for Children
When: 8/15; 3:00 PM
Where: Rainbow Motel

What: Kiddie Parade; Entrants meet at Independent Bank Parking Lot (Main & Elm Streets)
When: 8/15; 6:00 PM
Where: Prospect Street

What: Just Folkin Witcha Full Band
When: 8/15; 8:00 – 10:00 PM
Where: Thumb Brewery

What: Circle of Drums & Hula Hoops
When: 8/15; 8:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Fire Dancers – Flames & Dames
When: 8/15; 8:45 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Golfing Under the Stars; Glow Ball Night Golf – No Carts – Call for Reservations 989 856-2613 – $30 per person – 4 Person Scramble
When: 8/15; 9:00 PM
Where: Caseville Golf Course

What: Lighted Boat Parade
When: 8/15; 9:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Fireworks Display
When: 8/15; 9:30 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Tuesday 8/16

What: Health Expo
Where: 8/16; 10:00 – 2:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: Kids Caribbean Jewelry Making; Cost – $3
When: 8/16; 10:00 – 12:00 PM
Where: Lemon Tree Marketplace

What: Stand Up Paddle Board Lesson & Session; Call Thumbs Up Kiteboardung at 989 856-3333 to register.
When: 8/16; 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Paw Paw Beach Pet Competition with Nick Thomasama – Music
When: 8/16; 1:00 – 3:00 PM
Where: Thumb Brewery

What: Cone Eating Contest
When: 8/16; 1:00 PM
Where: Key North Mini Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Hoola Hoop & Limbo Contest
When: 8/16; 2:00 – 3:00 PM;
Where: Dairy Queen

What: Adult & Teen Joker Poker Run
When: 8/16; 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Where: Lemon Tree Marketplace

What: Best Dressed Cheeseburger House Award
When: 8/16; 8:00 PM
Where: Independent Bank

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Wednesday, 8/17

What: Hat Making Workshop & Flip Flop Off Contest; Flip Flop contest entry fee is $5.00.
When: 8/17; 10 – 2:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: Slime Party; $4.00 Entrance fee
When: 8/17; 1:00 PM
Where: Key North Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Cheeseburger Eating Contest; Cost $10
When: 8/17; 2:00 PM
Where: Wooded Island Bar & Grill

What: Music in the Park featuring Don Middlebrook
When: 8/17; 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Where: Memorial/City Park

What: Parade of Tropical Fools
When: 8/17; 5:30 PM
Where: Main Street

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Thursday 8/18

What: Kids Safety Day
When: 8/18; 10:00 – 2:00 PM
When: Caseville Fire Hall

What: Key North Classic Golf Scramble
When: 8/18; 10:00 AM
Where: Scenic Golf and Country Club

What: Stand Up Paddleboard Lesson & Session; Call Thumbs Up Kiteboardung at 989 856-3333 to register
When: 8/18; 10:00 – 11:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Water Balloon Battle Contest; $2 Entry Fee
When: 8/18; 1:00 PM
Where: Key North Mini Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Mud Bath- Bathe in the mud. Don’t forget your towel!
When: 8/18; 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Where: Located 1/2 mile south on Caseville Road

What: Foam Party
When: 8/18; 9:00 PM
Where: Dufty’s Blue Water Inn

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Friday, 8/19

What: Kayak Lesson & Session; Call Thumbs Up Kiteboarding at 989 856-3333 to register.
When: 10:00 – 1:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Bird Creek Cheeseburger Golf Scramble
When: 8/19; 1:00 PM
Where: Bird Creek Golf Club/Port Austin

What: Foam Party; Ages 2-12 years (6pm to 8 pm) and Ages 13-18 (8pm to 10 pm)
When: 8/19; 6:00 – 10:00 PM
Where: Key North Mini Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Golfing Under the Stars; Glow Ball Night Golf – No Carts; Call for Reservations 989 856-2613 – $30 per person – 4 Person Scramble
When: 8/19; 10:00 PM –
Where: Caseville Golf Course

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Saturday, 8/20

What: Krispy Kreme Doughnuts; Sold at 2 locations until gone
When: 8/20; 8:00 AM
Where: Mainsail & County Park Entrance

What: Yoga on the Beach featuring Jana Riutta a certified yoga instructor. Just bring your mat.
When: 8/20; 10:00 AM
Where: Caseville County Park

What: Sand Castles
When: 8/20; 10:00 – 3:00 PM
What: Caseville County Beach

What: Third Degree Burn Classic Rock
When: 8/20; 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Memorial/City Park

What: Slime Party
When: 8/20; 1:00 PM
Where: Key North Golf & Family Fun Center

What: Row, Row, Row Your Cardboard Boat
When: 8/20; 4:00 – 7:30 PM
Where: Amphitheatre

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Activities On Sunday, 8/21

What: Classic Car Show
When: 8/21; 10:00 – 4:00 PM
Where: Caseville County Beach

What: Cheeseburger Amateur & Professional Photo Contest Ends
Drop Off – 6632 Main St., mail to – PO Box 122 Caseville, MI 48725, or Email [email protected] Photos must be received BEFORE noon 08/25/2022 Winners will be announced on 09/02/22
When: 8/21; 5:00 PM
Where: Chamber Office

What: The Great Duck Race
When: 8/21; Noon
Where: Next to Key North Surf Shop

Our Favorite Caseville Cheeseburger Festival Events

• Grab some fresh Krispy Kreme Donuts to start your day off right, and then Get active by playing beach volleyball, committing to the Cheeseburger Fun Run – 5k, or doing relaxing yoga on the beach.
• Try a world famous firehouse burger and enjoy a variety of shows at the amphitheater, including the Conch honk contest and a military tribute.
• You’ll also find a lot of family activities including face painting, glitter tattoos, games, inflatables, a petting zoo, and even a seashell hunt.
• The Bags & Balls golf scramble and cornhole tournament is also today, so get a partner and get competitive.
• Later in the evening, try a famous chicken dinner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church if you need a break from burgers and join the Circle of Drums & Hula Hoop on the Beach.
• Dedicated family events like the Flamingo Races for Children, Family Bingo, and later on the Kiddie Parade in the evening. If you’re looking to take the family to Caseville this summer, this is a great day for kid-friendly activities.
• There are also variety of activities for all ages. From Kids Caribbean Jewelry Making and more Family Bingo to the Joker Poker Run & Teen Joker Poker Run. The Best Dressed Cheeseburger House Award is a fun one too.
• Two more contests tht you wont want to miss include the Hat Making & Flip Flop Contest, followed by the Cheeseburger Eating Contest, of course.

Relax and recuperate from the competitive day with trop-rock music afterwards and let loose at the Parade of Tropical Fools in the evening.

Historical Tours & Cooling Stations

Take a step away from the hot sun to enjoy the cool air and learn a little bit about Caseville at any time during the festival. Did you know that Caseville started as a lumber town? You can learn more about this on a historical tour that runs throughout the festival. Don’t miss the chance to tour the Caseville Museum, one of Michigan’s unique historical museums.

Musical Entertainment Schedule

Throughout the reserved festival space, a handful of music venues will host musicians for your entertainment. Enjoy the music in the air and the energetic atmosphere around you during this festive celebration of delicious cheeseburgers and summer sun.

Who: Mike Shilakes
When: 8/12/2022, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Jimmy and the Parrots- Buffett Tribute Band
When: 8/12/2022, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: DJ in the Park
When: 8/13/2022, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial/City Park

Who: Military Tribute
When: 8/13/2022, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Jonnie Russler and the Beach Bums Buffett Tribute Band
When: 8/13/2022, 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: DJ in the Park
When: 8/14/2022 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Memorial/City Park

Who: The Music Doctors
When: 8/14/2022, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: The Flashbacks Oldies Band
When: 8/16/2022, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Music in the Park
When: 8/17/2022, 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial/City Park

Who: Don Middlebrook Trop Rock
When: 8/17/2022, 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial/City Park

Who: St. Louis High School Steel Drum Band
When: 8/17/2022, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Parrots of the Caribean Buffett Tribute Band
When: 8/17/2022, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: David Paul Britton Contemporary
When: 8/18/2022, 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: Memorial/City Park

Who: Jimmy Lewis & Yves Levesque
When: 8/19/2022, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Air Margaritaville Buffett Tribute Band
When: 8/19/2022 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Third Degree Burn
When: 8/20/2022, 1:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Who: Jim Asbell and the Tropiholics
When: 8/20/2022 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Amphitheater

Enjoy the Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival

The Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival is one of the top summer festivals in Michigan. It’s a great chance to feel the tropical vibes at the top of Michigan’s Thumb! Don’t miss this family-friendly week of fun as an awesome summer comes to a close!

Caseville Cheeseburger Festival F. A. Q.

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About the Author-
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.