What is the Meetup?
The Queercraft Meetup is an annual gathering hosted by Prism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building safe, affirming community for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Now in its tenth year, the Meetup brings attendees together each September in Saugatuck, Michigan for five days of connection, laughter, and belonging.
This is not a conference. It is not a festival. It is something harder to name: a long weekend with people who get it. Attendees share meals, stay under one roof, swim in the pool, sit by the fire, play board games, make things with their hands, explore the town together, and spend unhurried time simply being themselves. The pace is intentional. The space is safe. The people become family.
Whether you have been part of Queercraft for years or
you are encountering us right now for the first time, you are welcome here.
What is the Meetup?
The Queercraft Meetup is an annual gathering hosted by Prism, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to building safe, affirming community for LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Now in its tenth year, the Meetup brings attendees together each September in Saugatuck, Michigan for five days of connection, laughter, and belonging.
This is not a conference. It is not a festival. It is something harder to name: a long weekend with people who get it. Attendees share meals, stay under one roof, swim in the pool, sit by the fire, play board games, make things with their hands, explore the town together, and spend unhurried time simply being themselves. The pace is intentional. The space is safe. The people become family.
Whether you have been part of Queercraft for years or
you are encountering us right now for the first time, we can’t wait to see you.
Where is the Meetup?
The 2026 Queercraft Meetup takes place in Saugatuck, Michigan, often called “the Provincetown of the Midwest.” Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors with open arms since the early 1950s and is widely regarded as the most LGBTQ+-friendly small town in Michigan.
With over 140 LGBTQ+-owned or affirming businesses, a thriving arts community, and the world-renowned Oval Beach (named one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Nast and one of the top two in the United States by National Geographic), it is a destination that feels like it was made for us. All attendees stay together in a spacious private retreat, just minutes from the beach and downtown.
Where is the Meetup?
The 2026 Queercraft Meetup takes place in Saugatuck, Michigan, often called “the Provincetown of the Midwest.” Nestled on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, Saugatuck has welcomed LGBTQ+ visitors with open arms since the early 1950s and is widely regarded as the most LGBTQ+-friendly small town in Michigan.
With over 140 LGBTQ+-owned or affirming businesses, a thriving arts community, and the world-renowned Oval Beach (named one of the top 25 beaches in the world by Condé Nast and one of the top two in the United States by National Geographic), it is a destination that feels like it was made for us. All attendees stay together in a spacious private retreat, just minutes from the beach and downtown.
How much is the Meetup?
The 2026 Queercraft Meetup is $500 per person. Your registration covers:
- Lodging for the full five nights
- Round-trip transportation to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids
- Breakfast each morning
- Lunch daily
- Dinner on most evenings (one evening out is at your own expense)
- All group excursions
Payment Plan: Can’t pay in full upfront? No problem. Register now and split your balance into monthly installments due by August 15, 2026. The sooner you register, the smaller your monthly payments.
Scholarship: A limited number of need-based scholarships are available through the Alexandra “Hoon_Dogg” Calhoon Memorial Scholarship, covering 50% of the registration fee. To learn more and apply, visit our scholarship page.
How much is the Meetup?
The 2026 Queercraft Meetup is $500 per person. Your registration covers:
- Lodging for the full five nights
- Round-trip transportation to and from Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) in Grand Rapids
- Breakfast each morning
- Lunch daily
- Dinner on most evenings (one evening out is at your own expense)
- All group excursions
Payment Plan: Can’t pay in full upfront? No problem. Register now and split your balance into monthly installments due by August 15, 2026. The sooner you register, the smaller your monthly payments.
Scholarship: A limited number of need-based scholarships are available through the Alexandra “Hoon_Dogg” Calhoon Memorial Scholarship, covering 50% of the registration fee. To learn more and apply, visit our scholarship page.
What do we do during the Meetup?
No two meetups are exactly alike, and that is intentional. Each year brings its own rhythm: morning hikes, afternoons at Oval Beach, a wander through Saugatuck’s galleries and shops, a celebratory Prism Party on Saturday night where everyone is encouraged to wear their pride colors, and a farewell breakfast on the last morning that nobody is ever quite ready for. There is always a fire pit. There are always board games.
There is always a fire pit. There is always a hot tub. There is always a pool, a game room, and a table full of board games. Some of the best moments happen in between the scheduled things: in the kitchen, on the back porch, or crowded around a table at midnight laughing about something that will become an inside joke for years.
If you show up not knowing a single person, you will leave having found people who feel like home.
What do we do during the Meetup?
No two meetups are exactly alike, and that is intentional. Each year brings its own rhythm: morning hikes, afternoons at Oval Beach, a wander through Saugatuck’s galleries and shops, a celebratory Prism Party on Saturday night where everyone is encouraged to wear their pride colors, and a farewell breakfast on the last morning that nobody is ever quite ready for. There is always a fire pit. There are always board games.
There is always a fire pit. There is always a hot tub. There is always a pool, a game room, and a table full of board games. Some of the best moments happen in between the scheduled things: in the kitchen, on the back porch, or crowded around a table at midnight laughing about something that will become an inside joke for years.
If you show up not knowing a single person, you will leave having found people who feel like home.
