Every August, Mackinaw City welcomes hundreds of skilled ironworkers, their families, and visitors from across the United States and Canada for one of the area’s most unique annual traditions—the International Ironworkers Festival.
The Mackinac Bridge has connected Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas for more than 65 years. However, the bridge would not exist without the skilled ironworkers who built it. Every year, the International Ironworkers Festival in Mackinaw City celebrates their hard work and lasting legacy. During the festival, visitors can enjoy exciting competitions, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. In addition, the event offers a chance to learn about the history behind one of Michigan’s most famous landmarks.
How It Was Built
- Foundations and Towers: Workers sank massive concrete and steel caissons as deep as 210 feet into the bedrock of the Straits of Mackinac to anchor the towering piers.
- Catwalks and Heights: Ironworkers scaled high into the winds above the water, erecting temporary catwalks to reach the soaring 552-foot main towers. Read more here: https://www.michiganbuildingtrades.org/newspaper/mackinac-bridge-workers-recall-the-highs-and-the-lows-and-tell-tall-tales
- Cable Spinning: Crews spun 42,000 miles of wire on-site to form the two massive main suspension cables, weaving 12,580 individual wires per cable. Read more here: https://www.mackinacbridge.org/history/historical-construction-album/?
- Roadway Decking: Sections of the steel truss and roadway were hoisted into place and riveted or bolted together, utilizing nearly 4.8 million rivets and 1 million bolts. Read more here: https://americanbridge.net/featured-projects/straits-mackinac-bridge-deck-trusses/
The 42nd Annual International Ironworkers Festival will take place August 7–9, 2026, celebrating the craftsmanship, strength, and camaraderie of the men and women who build America’s skylines, bridges, and landmarks. The festival is open to the public and features exciting competitions that showcase the incredible skills of professional ironworkers. The competitions take place right behind the high school in Mackinaw City on W. Central Avenue.
What You’ll See
Visitors can watch competitors participate in events that highlight the precision and athleticism required in the ironworking trade, including:
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Competitions and Field Events
- Knot Tying: Fast-paced test of essential rigging skills.
- Rod Tying: Demonstration of precision and speed with rebar.
- Rivet Toss: Traditional test of accuracy and throwing power.
- Spud Throw: Classic ironworker tool-throwing contest.
- Column Climb: Field event scaling vertical structural columns.
- World Championship Column Climb: High-stakes main climbing showdown.
The festival also includes the Walk of Iron Ceremony, honoring the history and dedication of ironworkers who have helped shape North America’s cities and infrastructure.
You can read more facts about the Mackinac Bridge here: https://www.mackinacbridge.org/history/the-mighty-mac/
Make a Weekend of It
The International Ironworkers Festival is a wonderful reason to spend a summer weekend in Mackinaw City. While you’re here, take time to stroll along the waterfront, enjoy views of the Mackinac Bridge, visit local shops, the parade and live music, or catch the Saturday night fireworks over the Straits if you’re staying through the weekend.
Don’t Forget the Fudge!
No visit to Mackinaw City is complete without taking home fresh, handcrafted fudge. Whether you’re celebrating a competition, visiting family, or simply enjoying a Northern Michigan getaway, stop by Murdick’s Famous Fudge for our famous homemade fudge, caramel apples, saltwater taffy, and other sweet treats.
Our fudge is made in small batches using traditional methods, making it the perfect souvenir—or a delicious reward after a day at the festival.
We look forward to welcoming all the ironworkers, their families, and everyone visiting Mackinaw City for this exciting annual tradition. Safe travels, and we’ll see you during Ironworkers Festival weekend!