Bridgefest was organized to celebrate the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which officially opened in 1959. The Bridge is a vital link between the communities of Houghton and Hancock, and is a gateway to the rest of the historic Keweenaw Peninsula.

Lake Superior Magazine and LakeSuperior.com named Bridgefest as "Best Festival" in its 2016 Best of the Lake Awards.

The weekend celebration includes a wide range of events including outdoor concerts, sporting events, and the annual Bridgefest parade and Jon Davis Memorial Fireworks. The waterfront is a scenic venue in which to browse exhibits from local artisans, as well as a place to grab a quick snack in between the many activities. Sponsored by the Keweenaw Peninsula Chamber of Commerce, Bridgefest provides a variety of delicious foods and beverages in the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park on Friday and Saturday. To learn more about the history of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, you can visit the City of Houghton's Historic Tour online or browse the City of Hancock's history.