Shelby Chainsaw Carving Festival
🎉 The Chainsaw Carving Festival is coming back in 2026 — and this year will be even better! 🎉
Last year was such a hit—we had to bring it back!
🗓️ Save the Dates: July 10 & 11, 2026
📍 Shelby, MI
🪓 Live Chainsaw Carving Demonstrations
🍔 Food Trucks & Local Eats
🛍️ Craft Vendors & Sponsor Booths
🎯 Kids Activities for All Ages
🎤 Live Auction – Bid on One-of-a-Kind Carvings!
We’re planning more fun, more vendors, and even more jaw-dropping carvings. Bring the whole family and experience the artistry, energy, and community spirit that make this festival unforgettable.
Stay tuned for updates—we can’t wait to see you there!
Shelby CarvePrize
Last year’s Chainsaw Carving Festival was a huge success, we’re carving out something even bigger.
CarvePrize is a new community art experience inspired by Grand Rapids’ ArtPrize, but with a rugged Shelby twist. This open-air competition transforms downtown into a gallery of chainsaw-carved sculptures, attracting artists and visitors from across the state and beyond.
🔥 What is CarvePrize?
Think ArtPrize, but with chainsaw carvings.
Artists will submit carvings designed using only chainsaws, woodcarving tools, and paint to create stunning sculptures, all displayed throughout downtown Shelby in hopes of winning the cash prize. The event is designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship, and community spirit.
🗺️ Event Details
Timeline: Begins May 1st, culminating in the Chainsaw Carving Festival in July
Location: Public spaces throughout downtown Shelby
Sculpture Display: Mounted on 2’ x 2’ x 2’ decorative concrete blocks with custom metal housings
🗳️ How Voting Works
Interactive In Person Voting: Via geo-fenced app or QR code to encourage local shopping, eating, and tourism
Voting Period: From installation through the July festival
Winners Announced: At the Chainsaw Carving Festival
💰 Prizes & Auction
🥇 1st Place: $5,000
🥈 2nd Place: $1,500 + auction proceeds
🥉 3rd Place: $750 + auction proceeds
Silent Auction: Visitors can bid on sculptures throughout the event. The sales will be shared between the carver and the festival.
💡 Why CarvePrize?
CarvePrize has an upfront cost of $25,000, and we’re actively seeking sponsors to help launch this exciting new tradition. We believe it will quickly become self-sustaining—and more importantly, it will:
Boost local businesses
Attract tourism
Strengthen Shelby’s identity as a creative and welcoming community
🤝 Get Involved
Want to be part of something special?
If you or someone you know is interested in supporting CarvePrize, you can learn more about the festival by clicking on this link or contact Phil at the Village Office:📞 231-861-4401
