Iron County Lodging Association

131st Annual U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament

Caspian Gaastra FIrefighter

The 131st Annual U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament will be held July 24–26, 2026, in Caspian, Michigan, hosted by the Caspian–Gaastra Fire Department. For more than 130 years, volunteer fire departments from across Michigan's Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin have gathered during the last weekend of July for a weekend of competition, parades, community events, and camaraderie.

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    AI Travel Assistant: Plan Smarter, Travel Better

    Planning a trip to Iron County doesn’t have to be complicated. Our AI Travel Assistant is here to help you build a personalized plan whether you’re visiting for an event, outdoor adventure, weekend escape, or seasonal getaway.

    In seconds, you can get recommendations for things to do, where to stay, nearby attractions, and how to make the most of your time in Iron County. It’s like having a local guide available whenever you’re ready to plan.

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    What to Expect at the Tournament

    The tournament brings firefighters, families, and communities together for a weekend of competition and celebration.

    Visitors can expect:

    • Firefighter races and skills competitions
    • Obstacle challenges showcasing teamwork and speed
    • Dress Parade
    • Nightshirt Parade
    • Commercial Parade
    • Community events and gatherings
    • Street dances
    • Family-friendly activities throughout the weekend

    The tournament is organized through the Upper Peninsula Volunteer Firefighters Association and includes departments competing for awards and overall tournament honors. Tournament rules require departments to participate in multiple races and parade events throughout the weekend.

    Tournament 2026 Dates and Location

    • Dates: July 24–26, 2026
    • Location: Caspian, Michigan
    • Host Department: Caspian–Gaastra Fire Department
    • Participants: Volunteer fire departments from the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin
    ZLK | Fireman 1

    Planning a Trip to the U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament

    Tournament weekend brings visitors to Iron County from across the region. Between events, visitors can explore local restaurants, lakes, trails, waterfalls, and nearby communities throughout Michigan's western Upper Peninsula. Many attendees spend multiple days at the tournament, making it a great opportunity to experience both the event and the area.

    To learn more about the tournament, visit the official U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament website.

    Where to Stay in Iron County

    Make your trip easy by staying right here in Iron County. The Iron County Lodging Council represents locally owned hotels and lodging options that put you close to the area’s top attractions, events, trails, and outdoor recreation.

    Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, attending a local event, or building a longer Upper Peninsula adventure, staying in Iron County means less driving, more time exploring, and comfortable places to unwind at the end of the day.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    When is the U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament?

    Where is the U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament held?

    Who participates in the U.P. Volunteer Firefighters Tournament?

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    Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide

    Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.

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