Unity Christian Music Festival: Three Days of Entertainment, Praise & Worship

Since 2000, a ministry entitled "Alive on the Lakeshore" has hosted the Unity Christian Music Festival, a three-day event held in Muskegon, Michigan. The event takes place at Heritage Landing, a lovely outdoor amphitheatre overlooking beautiful Muskegon Lake. Past festivals brought artists such as Nicole C. Mullen, Michael W. Smith, Third Day and Karen Clark-Sheard (just to name a few) to the stage.

The event was originally started with the purpose of bringing Christians together for wholesome fun and fellowship, and has grown into a mega event with people traveling from all over the U.S. and Canada to attend.

In addition to the main stage acts, there are performances taking place on other stages as well. These are usually less well known artists and/or alternative groups. As with any other festival there is also great food, a large simulcast screen, and other fun events such as rock climbing and other extreme sports. Of course there are lots of vendors/shopping opportunities as well.

Plan to get there early to avoid long lines and to get a good seat as there are no reserved seats. Being an outdoor event, you will need to bring your own chair or blanket. If you plan to be in the front with all of the teens or young at heart, be prepared to stand as you won't be able to see the stage if you are sitting. It is really a fun, but wild time!

This is a fun family get-away, or a great trip for a church youth group. I'd recommend staying downtown as you will be exhausted at the end of the night. The best, most affordable downtown hotel is the Holiday Inn. Rooms usually costs less than $100/night but in the summer time rates can run higher (especially during events like this) and rooms go fast. The other alternative is the Shoreline Inn, an upscale local hotel, or the Hackley Bed & Breakfast.

Many churches from all over West Michigan work together to see that this event goes off each year. There is also a prayer tent where those who have been touched by the Lord can go to learn more about Jesus and the gift of salvation, or to simply receive prayer.

This year the event will be held from August 10-12, 2006. The main acts are Steven Curtis Chapman, Audio Adrenaline, the Newsboys, Chris Tomlin, Casting Pearls, Faith 4, Matthew West and more. Tickets can be purchased for 1 day, 2 days or for the entire 3 day festival. A 3 day ticket purchased prior to August 6 is $60. Kids 12 and under are free.

Links:

Unity Christian Music Festival - Official Site
Holiday Inn Muskegon
Muskegon Travel/Visitors Information