The long-lasting Perseid meteor shower will be the backdrop to some sweet events taking place at several Michigan state parks this August.

Some state park staff are building special night-sky programs around the annual meteor event, and others are just putting out a buffet of s’more supplies and inviting people to gather and have fun making the summer staple of graham cracker-chocolate-marshmallow perfection.

The state parks’ “Meteors and S’mores” events will take place Aug. 3-14. If you’re camping at one of the state parks hosting an event, that’s great. If not, you can head to the nearest one and enjoy these free events.

It’s suggested participants bring a blanket or chairs, bug spray, water and other snacks.

The Perseids are a fun meteor shower for sky-gazers because they can be seen without a telescope. Fireballs from this display are already showing up in the night sky.

Though the Perseids don’t peak until around Aug. 12, now is a good time to start looking because this year’s peak time hits when we will have a full moon, astronomers told MLive Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa. Now through Aug. 9 might actually be the best time to see them.

“NASA’s network of all-sky cameras are picking up an unusually high number of fireballs from the Perseids so far this season. These are the really bright meteors, as big as pebbles and golf balls instead of the usual grains of sand," astronomer Brian D. Ottum told Torregrossa.

Mike Murray, astronomer at Delta College Planetarium, thinks the increased amount of fireballs is due to Earth moving through the center of the debris field of Comet Swift-Tuttle, where the density of rubble is greater.

For a complete list of Meteors and S’mores locations and other dark sky events, visit Michigan.gov/DarkSky.

Here are the ones we found for August, with the park’s description of each:

#1. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Muskegon State Park

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Muskegon State Park , 3560 Memorial Drive, North Muskegon, MI 49445

About the event: Grab your favorite people for one of nature’s greatest “light” shows – the perseid meteor shower. Join local astronomy experts under the night sky to view this annual display of “falling stars” while you enjoy s’mores provided by the park. All that’s needed is a blanket or lawn chair to experience what will likely become an annual family tradition! Meet at the beach day use area (park in the north lot). Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

#2. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Van Buren State Park in South Haven

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Van Buren State Park, 23960 Ruggles Road, South Haven, MI 49090

About this event: Come and enjoy the perseid meteor shower. We will roast marshmallows and spend some time under the night sky as the stars put on a “light show” you’re sure to remember. Meet in Parking lot 3. Bring blankets, chairs and come prepared for weather and outdoor elements like bugs.

#3. Saturday, Aug. 3 at Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:45 PM

Location: Clear Lake State Park, 20500 M- 33 North, Atlanta MI 49709

About this event: Come watch hundreds of meteors flash across the night sky during the Perseid meteor shower. A campfire with delicious s’mores materials will be provided. Participants should meet at the day use pavilion. Bring a blanket or chair and be sure to dress for the weather.

#4. Friday Aug 9 at South Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: South Higgins Lake State Park, 106 State Park Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653

About this event: Come to the Marl Lake Boating access site to stargaze and enjoy s’mores during the Perseid Meteor Shower. We recommend bringing a blanket or chair and lots of bug spray. S’mores materials are provided while supplies last.

#5. Friday, Aug. 9 at Waterloo Recreation Area in Grass Lake

Time: 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Waterloo Recreation Area - Portage Lake Unit, 11500 Seymore Road, Grass Lake, MI 49240.

About this event: Stay up late to watch the annual Perseid Meteor Shower with campfire melted s’mores. Bring a blanket to the grassy area between the Day Use Parking Lot and the Beach Bath House. Telescope, campfire, and treats provided. Park at the Portage Lake Day Use Beach off Seymour Road.

#6. Friday, Aug. 9 at Rifle River Recreation Area in Lupton

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Rifle River Recreation Area, 2550 E. Rose City Rd., Lupton, MI 48635-0098

About this event: Come watch hundreds of meteors flash across the night sky during the Perseid Meteor Shower. A campfire with delicious s’mores will be provided. Participants should meet at the ranch ball field. Bring a blanket or chair and dress for the weather. In the chance of cloudy skies still come enjoy a s’more. All children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult.

#7. Friday, Aug. 9 at Seven Lake State Park in Holly

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:45 PM

Location: Seven Lakes State Park, 14390 Fish Lake Road, Holly, MI 48442

About this event: Join this out-of-this-world program as we experience the annual occurrence of the Perseid meteor shower! Learn how this celestial event occurs and the differences between a meteor, meteorite and comet. S’mores will be available, while supplies last, throughout the program, so feel free to stargaze and snack at your leisure. The park will remain open past normal operating hours to accommodate this event. Be sure to bring a blanket to lay on, dress for the weather and bring bug spray. Participants should meet at the Big Seven North Shelter. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

#8. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Island Lake Recreation Area in Brighton

Time: 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Island Lake Recreation Area, 12950 E. Grand River Ave., Brighton, MI 48116

About this event: Join local astronomy experts from the Ford Amateur Astronomy Club for one of nature’s greatest “light” shows: the Perseid meteor shower. Sit under the night sky to view this annual display of “falling stars” while you enjoy s’mores provided by the park. Items to bring with you include blankets, lawn chairs and bug spray. Only red lens flashlights are permitted during this event. The event will be canceled if rain or severe weather is forcasted. In the chance of overcast skies a brief educational program regarding meteors will be presented and s’mores will be served. Meet at Spring Mill Pond.

#9. Saturday, Aug. 10 at North Higgins Lake State Park in Roscommon

Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Location: North Higgins Lake State Park, 11747 N. Higgins Lake Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653

About this event: Come visit during the Perseid Meteor Shower. With your naked eye you will be able to watch potentially hundreds of meteors flash across the sky as they enter our atmosphere. Visitors should meet at the parks pavilion located near the beach at North Higgins Lake State Park where free S’mores will be provided for everyone to enjoy during this star-gazing opportunity. They are best viewed while lying on your back, so it is advised visitors bring a lawn chair or blanket. Also, dress according to the weather and bring bug spray. S’mores will be available while supplies last.

#10. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Leelanau State Park in Northport

Time: 9:00 PM - 10:30 PM

Location: Leelanau State Park, 15310 N. Lighthouse Point Rd., Northport, MI 49670-9717

About this event: Visit Leelanau State Park during the Perseid meteor shower. With your naked eye, the potential to see hundreds of meteors flash across the sky is good. Visitors should meet at the day-use pavilion where complimentary s’mores will be provided during this star-gazing opportunity. The meteors are best viewed while lying on your back, so it is advised visitors bring a lawn chair or blanket. Please dress according to the weather, bring bug spray and your own snacks.

#11. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Indian Lake State Park in Manistique

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Indian Lake State Park, 8970 W County Road 442, Manistique, MI 49854

About this event: Meet Explorer Guide Leah at the beach in front of the beach shelter in hopes of viewing the Perseid meteor showers and enjoy some s’mores. Our annual event will offer guests a look into the constellations and Perseid meteor showers. After the educational program and s’mores, you can stroll down to our beach for self-guided viewing.

#12. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:45 PM

Location: Warren Dunes State Park, 12032 Red Arrow Highway, Sawyer, MI 49125

About this event: The evening begins with story-telling around the campfire. Watch the sun set while you listen to tall tales, Indian legends, and ghost stories. At 10 p.m. we will have supplies to make S’mores for everyone and we will set up the telescopes for the astronomy program. We will see shooting stars, planets and satellites. The parking lot will be open until midnight so visitors can continue to watch for meteors. Children must be accompanied by an adult. The beach area is closed except for stargazing. Participants will be asked to park in the north parking lot. S’mores will be available while supplies last.

#13. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Burt Lake State Park in Indian River

Time: 9:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Burt Lake State Park, 6635 State Park Dr., Indian River, MI 49749

About this event: Join Explorer Guide Kyle in viewing the Perseid Meteor Shower from the shores of Burt Lake. We will start the event with S’mores and a talk about meteors and stars. Children under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. S’mores are available while supplies last. Sturdy shoes and bug spray are recommended. Meet at the explorer guide building.

#14. Saturday, Aug. 10 at Bald Mountain Recreation Area in Lake Orion

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Bald Mountain Recreation Area, 1330 E. Greenshield Road, Lake Orion, MI 48360-2307

About this event: Come enjoy some Meteors and S’mores. Every August, the Perseid meteor shower puts on a show for all to enjoy as meteors flash across the night sky. Even if it’s cloudy we will have educational materials and a bonfire on the beach to enjoy making s’mores, materials will be provided. Be sure to dress for the weather and we recommend bringing blankets or lounging chairs for viewing. RSVP by calling the park at 248-693-6767.

#15. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Negwegon State Park in Harrisville

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Location: Negwegon State Park, c/o Harrisville State Park, PO Box 326, Harrisville, MI 48740

About this event: During the Perseid Meteor shower we invite you to visit one of the state’s designated Dark Sky Preserves. A small campfire and S’mores will be provided along with a pristine stargazing opportunity. S’mores will be available at 9:00 p.m. while supplies last. Participants should meet at the main beach. Bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks.

#16. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Young State Park in Boyne City

Time: 9:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Young State Park, 2280 Boyne City Road, Boyne City MI, 49712

About this event: We invite you to enjoy magnificent views of the Perseid meteor shower. The Perseid meteor shower is one of the best opportunities to see shooting stars with the naked eye. Bring blankets, seating, bug spray and snacks and enjoy a night of stargazing – campers and visitors are all welcome! Complimentary s’mores and campfires are part of the celebration. S’mores are available while supplies last. Meet at the baseball field across from Loop 4.

#17. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Van Riper State Park in Champion

Time: 9:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Location: Van Riper State Park, 851 County Road AKE, Champion, MI 49814

About this event: Celebrate Michigan State Park’s Centennial with us in hopes of viewing the Perseid meteor showers. At 9:30 p.m. our explorer guide will talk about the night sky as you snack on s’mores. The program will take place in the day-use area in the shelter building. After the educational program and s’mores, you can stroll down to our beach for self-guided viewing.

#18. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Holland State Park

Time: 10:00 PM - 11:30 PM

Location: Holland State Park, 2215 Ottawa Beach Road, Holland, MI 49424

About this event: Join us as we learn about the night sky and view the Perseid meteor shower. Local astronomy experts and enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions and give advice. Enjoy S’mores by the warmth of a campfire and see one of the wonders of the cosmos. Participants should bring a lawn chair and/or beach blanket and dress for the weather. A limited number of S’more materials are provided. This event may be cancelled in the chance of severe weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult, bring chairs and dress for the weather. Participants must let the rangers at the gate know that they are there for the event and should stay on the multi-purpose courts during the event.

In addition to these events, the state has designated Dark Sky Preserves in the following state parks. They are great places to do a little star-gazing or meteor-watching:

Lastly, don’t forget Michigan is home to an International Dark Sky Park. It’s called Headlands, and it sits just outside of Mackinaw City. It’s a fabulous place for stargazers who love a side of waterfront with their dark skies. Bring a beach chair and blanket and set up along Lake Michigan, or check out a program run by the visitor’s center there.

Headlands has free programming leading up to the Perseids’ peak on Aug. 12, and a special program that night called Lights out for the Perseid Meteor Shower.

The park staff explain it this way:

"Once again, Emmet County’s International Dark Sky Park at the Headlands challenges the communities around Northern Michigan to a friendly competition to see who can achieve greatest darkness during the peak of the Perseid Meteor Shower!

"We’re challenging the local communities in a friendly area-wide competition to see who can get darkest in the 10 to 11 p.m. hour during the Perseid Meteor Shower Monday, August 12, 2019.

"The Mackinac Bridge Authority turns off its cable lights; St. Ignace and Mackinaw City turn the lights down low; and visitors, residents, and business owners around the Little Traverse Bay communities of Petoskey and Harbor Springs get a chance to show off their stars by shutting the lights off. Please note that participation is voluntary, so help us get the word out!

“The ‘Light’s Out Challenge’ is designed to help raise awareness about the effects of artificial light at night on nocturnal habitat, human health, and the way we use our energy resources.”

For more on the Headlands and its programming, check its website here.