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Michigan is not only gorgeous, but it’s also a vibrant hub for festivals all year round! These events range from food-centric celebrations like the National Cherry Festival and National Asparagus Festival to artsy gatherings such as the Scrapfest and Detroit Jazz Festival. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a music lover, or a foodie, Michigan has a festival fit for everyone.
Table of Contents
Winter Festivals Michigan Style
If you know Michigan, then you know that January and February are some of the coldest months of the year in this beautiful Midwest State. But that doesn’t stop a true Michigander from having good times! In fact, the wintertime is the best time to get the entire family out of the house and celebrate local food and local events.
So don’t let the cold and blustery winter months stop you from having a great time!
January
1. Tip Up Town USA – Houghton Lake
Kicking off the year with a bang is the Tip Up Town USA festival in Houghton Lake. This Northern Michigan event celebrates the best of winter with ice fishing tournaments, snowmobile races, ice sculptures, and even a frosty carnival. Join the fun on the frozen lake and experience the warmth of Michigan’s winter spirit.
February
2. Michigan Nordic Fire Festival – Charlotte
The Michigan Nordic Fire Festival takes participants on a journey back in time to celebrate the Nordic culture of the region. Held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds in Charlotte, this unique event features traditional Viking activities, including axe throwing, shield battles, and historical reenactments. Bring the whole family and embrace the spirit of the Norse (not North) at this one-of-a-kind festival.
3. Michigan Oddities & Horror Fest – Monroe
If you are a lover of all things eerie, mysterious, and, dare I say, creepy, the Michigan Oddities & Horror Fest may be the perfect Festival for you. Head over to Monroe in the Southeast part of the state. This spooky weekend is filled with horror films, haunted house tours, and macabre exhibits. Meet horror icons, shop for creepy collectibles, and dive into the world of the strange and unusual.
Spring Festivals Michigan Style
Once we get through the cold months and March arrives, Michiganders begin to think about getting outside and watching the snow melt. In April, we prep for the rain, and in May, the flowers. Oh, the beautiful flowers! The perfect way to welcome spring is with a festival full of fine art, family activities, and good food! A visit to Michigan in the Spring is the perfect time to enjoy a great festival!
March
4. Maple Syrup Festival – Shepherd
March brings the Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, where the sweet aroma of maple fills the air. This festival began way back in 1958 and is still alive and well each year in Shepherd. Come celebrate Michigan’s maple syrup industry with pancake breakfasts, sap collection tours, and fun activities for all ages. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in some delicious maple treats.
April
5. Fairy Festival – Jackson
Enter a world of enchantment at the Fairy Festival in Jackson. Dress in your best costume as a fairy, an elf, or any other magical creature, and join in the fun. The festival features crafts, storytelling, and performances that will transport you into the realm of pure fantastical fun.
May
6. Tulip Time – Holland
West Michigan is home to Holland’s Tulip Time Festival. If you have been following me, then you know that Holland is my hometown, and I couldn’t love her more! Tulip Time comes around the first full week of May each year and is a dazzling display of blooming tulips, attracting visitors from all over the world!
Admire the colorful flowers, enjoy Dutch dancers, and savor authentic Dutch cuisine in a town settled by the Dutch. The Tulip Time festival is a perfect blend of culture, beauty, and fun.
7. Petoskey Stone Festival – Torch Lake Township
Petoskey stones are fossilized coral pieces unique to Michigan and found mostly in the northern part of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
The Petoskey Stone Festival is an annual event that celebrates these natural treasures. Explore the shores of Torch Lake, hunt for Petoskey stones, and learn about the geological history of the area.
You’re almost guaranteed to find a Petoskey Stone while you’re here, but if you don’t, you will most certainly be able to purchase one on your visit!
8. Balloons over Bavarian Inn – Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth hosts an awe-inspiring hot air balloon festival that fills the sky with vibrant colors. The Balloons over Bavarian Inn event offers balloon rides, evening glows, and family-friendly activities for a memorable weekend.
9. Michigan Beer & Brat Festival – Crystal Mountain
Beer and brats are a quintessential Michigan combination, and the Michigan Beer & Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain pays homage to this culinary delight. Savor a variety of craft beers and indulge in delicious bratwurst while enjoying live music and breathtaking mountain views.
10. National Morel Mushroom Festival – Boyne City
The National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City is a celebration of the spring season and the delicious morel mushroom, which can be found all around Michigan. The festival features a variety of activities, including mushroom hunting, cooking demonstrations, and live music. This festival is a great way to learn about morel mushrooms and enjoy the beauty of Northern Michigan.
Summer Festivals Michigan Style
The vibrant season of summer in Michigan brings the very best in outdoor fun! From the colorful streets of Ann Arbor to the picturesque shores of Lake Huron, there’s an event for everyone. These summer gatherings are the perfect place for music enthusiasts, food lovers, or art aficionados. Come on in and immerse yourself in local culture, sample delicious treats from down-home restaurants, and enjoy live music and family fun during Michigan’s warmest months of the year.
June
11. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island
In June, Mackinac Island becomes awash with fragrant blooms during its annual Lilac festival. This ten-day event brings together locals and tourists alike who come to enjoy live music performances amidst beautiful lilacs in bloom. The island also hosts another sweet treat later in August – the Mackinac Island Fudge Festival which offers delectable treats from local restaurants.
12. Carson City Frontier Days – Carson City
Experience the spirit of the Wild West at the Carson City Frontier Days. This festival showcases rodeo events, horse shows, and western-themed entertainment, giving visitors a taste of the cowboy lifestyle.
13. Curwood Festival – Owosso
Owosso celebrates its famous native son, author James Oliver Curwood, with the Curwood Festival. The event features historical reenactments, a craft show, live music, and a Grand Parade, offering something for everyone.
14. Mancelona Bass Festival – Mancelona
The Mancelona Bass Festival is all about celebrating local culture, including fishing and outdoor activities. Enjoy the bass fishing tournament, carnival rides, and live entertainment during this community-focused event.
15. Michigan Lavender Festival – Imlay City
Relax and unwind at the Michigan Lavender Festival, a fragrant and delightful celebration of all things lavender. Enjoy lavender-themed crafts, culinary delights, and unique lavender products.
16. Empire Asparagus Festival – Empire
Another noteworthy event is The National Asparagus Festival held in Oceana County. This festival of all things asparagus celebrates the season’s largest asparagus harvest with fun-filled activities. While you’re here, indulge in delicious asparagus dishes, participate in family-friendly contests, and explore the scenic beauty of the Empire area.
17. National Cereal Fest – Battle Creek
Every year, Battle Creek – known as “Cereal City” – celebrates its heritage with the National Cereal Festival, a unique event honoring cereal’s place in American culture. This annual celebration is not just about cereal; it’s an exploration into how this humble breakfast staple became so deeply ingrained in American culture. And there’s no better place to celebrate than in Battle Creek, home of America’s breakfast cereal!
18. Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival – Battle Creek
Don’t worry if you missed the balloon festival in Frankenmuth. Good news! In addition to the National Cereal Fest, Battle Creek hosts the Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. Marvel at breathtaking aerial performances and enjoy hot air balloon rides during this action-packed event.
July
19. National Cherry Festival – Traverse City
This annual celebration features cherry-themed events like pie-eating contests and cooking demonstrations. One of , the National Cherry Festival is one of Michigan’s most renowned festivals, celebrating Michigan’s abundant cherry orchards. Enjoy cherry-themed foods along with concerts, parades, and family-friendly activities.
20. Michigan Elvis Fest – Belleville
Elvis fans rejoice! The Michigan Elvis Fest is a tribute to the King of Rock and Roll. Enjoy performances from Elvis tribute artists, classic car shows, and a nostalgic atmosphere that will transport you back to the ’50s.
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21. Munger Potato Festival – Munger
The Munger Potato Festival is a small-town celebration of Michigan’s agricultural heritage. Embrace the charm of rural life with potato-themed activities, carnival rides, and live music.
22. Yale Bologna Festival – Yale, MI (in the thumb area)
Yale pays homage to its namesake with the Yale Bologna Festival. Enjoy bologna-themed food and games, a car show, and a lively community spirit in the thumb area of Michigan.
23. Brown Trout Festival – Alpena
Alpena’s Brown Trout Festival is a treat for fishing enthusiasts and their families. Throw your line in for one of the fishing tournaments, enjoy live local entertainment, and explore the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. You might even consider a glass-bottom boat tour when you’re in Alpena. There is so much to do in the area!
24. Scrapfest, Old Town Lansing
Lansing’s Scrapfest is an eco-friendly celebration of art and creativity. Artists create sculptures using salvaged materials, showcasing the beauty of recycling and environmental consciousness.
25. National Baby Food Festival – Fremont
Fremont celebrates its unique history as the “Baby Food Capital of the World” with the National Baby Food Festival. Enjoy baby food cook-offs, a parade, and family-friendly activities during this charming event.
August
26. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival honors the brave men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard. The festival takes place in one West Michigan’s most beautiful lakeshore towns and includes parades, fireworks, and even a carnival. This celebration is the perfect time to learn about the Coast Guard’s important work.
27. Wild Blueberry Festival Arts & Crafts Fair – Paradise, Michigan
Paradise, Michigan, hosts the Wild Blueberry Festival Arts & Crafts Fair, where visitors can indulge in delicious blueberry treats and shop for unique handcrafted items.
28. National Blueberry Festival – South Haven
The National Blueberry festival held annually at Lake Bluff Park near Lake Michigan. With blue-themed events including pie-eating contests and blueberry cook-offs involving local restaurants around the South Haven area, this three-day event brings people together under sunny skies overlooking grand views of Lake Huron.
29. The UP State Fair – Escanaba
The Upper Peninsula State Fair in Escanaba celebrates the uniqueness of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula with agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and live entertainment.
30. Boyne Falls Polish Festival – Boyne Falls
Celebrate Polish heritage at the Boyne Falls Polish Festival, featuring traditional music, dance, delicious Polish cuisine, and a lively carnival.
31. The Bluegill Frolic – Marcellus
Marcellus hosts the Bluegill Frolic, a celebration of bluegill fishing and outdoor activities, perfect for nature lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and families looking forward to enjoying quality time outdoors before the school season begins again!
32. Great Lakes Surf Festival – Muskegon, MI
Are you a water sports enthusiast? Then the Great Lakes Surf Festival in Muskegon is a must-attend event. It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced paddler or if you’re just getting started. This festival offers plenty of opportunities to participate in paddleboarding, windsurfing, and kiteboarding. Oh! And don’t forget to enjoy some beachside fun.
33. Detroit Jazz Festival – Detroit
The Detroit Jazz Festival transforms downtown into an enormous stage where jazz musicians perform their magic on eager audiences. Enjoy world-class performances and immerse yourself in the smooth melodies of jazz.
34. Michigan Renaissance Festival – Holly, MI
Imagine stepping into a time machine and being transported back to the era of jesters, knights, and royalty. That’s exactly what you’ll experience at Holly’s annual Michigan Renaissance Festival. This immersive event is more than just an ordinary festival – it offers attendees a unique chance to live out their medieval fantasies.
Fall Festivals Michigan Style
As we bid goodbye to summer here in Michigan, we say hello to labor day weekend and harvest festivals, full of food vendors, fun things to do, and free family fun! The colors in Michigan are stunning at this time of year, so if you’ve been on the fence about a visit, jump on off and come over to say hello! You’re guaranteed a Midwest-friendly hello!
September
35. Romeo Peach Festival – Romeo
I love peaches! Peach everything for this Hip Grandma. That makes Romeo’s Peach Festival the perfect place for me each September. Romeo celebrates the region’s peach harvest with parades, live entertainment, and plenty of peachy delights to savor.
36. Michigan Irish Music Festival – Muskegon
The Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon showcases the vibrant culture of Ireland with traditional music, dancing, and Irish cuisine.
37. Copper Harbor Trails Fest – Copper Harbor (In the UP)
Copper Harbor Trails fest is an annual event that brings together nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers from all corners of the world. Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula region, this festival offers a chance to explore some stunningly picturesque routes while indulging in outdoor activities like biking and hiking.
38. Funky Ferndale Art Fair – Royal Oak
The Funky Ferndale Art Fair is a celebration of art, music, and community in Royal Oak. With more than 100 juried artists and 30 authors present, you’ll find no shortage of inspiration. And what kind of an art fair would it be without music? Check the website for a list of artists and activities so you can plan your perfect weekend!
October
39. Fennville Goose Festival – Fennville
For smalltown festival fun, don’t miss the Fennville Goose Festival. This little community is just down the road from my home. Fennville is known for the plentiful migratory geese that visit the area. Enjoy a parade, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities, including a 5k run, a chalk art event, the well-loved car show, and even a pickleball tournament! Oh! And don’t forget the food trucks!
November
40. Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids hosts one of Michigan’s premier culinary events—the International Wine, Beer & Food Festival. Savor an array of wines, craft beers, and gourmet dishes from local and international vendors.
More Winter Festivals Michigan Style
December
41. Christmas in the Village – Roscommon
As the year comes to a close, embrace the holiday spirit at Christmas in the Village in Roscommon. Enjoy festive light displays, holiday markets, and heartwarming community gatherings.
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FAQ’s in Relation to Festivals Michigan Style
Why do you think festivals are important?
Festivals foster community spirit, celebrate local culture and traditions, and offer unique experiences that bring joy and entertainment to attendees.
Where is the biggest fair in Michigan?
The Michigan State Fair, which is held annually in Novi, is the largest fair in the state, with a wide variety of attractions for all ages.
What values do festivals teach us?
Festivals can teach us about unity, cultural appreciation, creativity, and tradition. They also promote social interaction and community engagement.
What festivals are in Michigan June 2023?
The exact schedule may vary year by year. It’s best to check official tourism websites or festival organizers for accurate information closer to the date.
Wrapping it all up
Michigan is a state full of gorgeous sites and wholesome good times. Our many festivals offer a diverse range of events throughout the year, showcasing our rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm community spirit. Here in Michigan, we know how to celebrate, and it shows! The long list of festivals in Michigan is a testament to its vibrant culture and diverse interests.
Whether you’re interested in arts and crafts, food festivals, or outdoor adventures, Michigan has something special for everyone. Mark your calendar and start planning your next festival-filled adventure in the Great Lakes State.
If exploring these charming festivals intrigues you and makes you want to plan your next trip around them…you’re not alone! Many women like me, over 40 and discovering life with an emptying nest and a whole new schedule, are finding joy in discovering hidden gems like unique festivals all across the Midwest, and Michigan is a great place to start!
Hip Grandma Life is all about helping women like us explore more of what the Midwest has to offer. Join our community today as we navigate through this exciting journey together! If you’re totally focused on Michigan, hop on over to Facebook and join the Michigan Road Trips page. If you’re feeling Hip and want to get down and dirty to talk about life in the middle years, follow me on Facebook and Instagram. And pop into my Hip Grandma Life Facebook Group for the real fun!
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