Festivals in Michigan this Weekend – My Michigan Adventures

This is the ultimate guide to Michigan summer festivals!

Enjoy family-friendly celebrations to keep you entertained. Enjoy summer fun in Michigan from June through August.

We’re sharing 24 of the most fun, exciting, and family-friendly festivals Michigan has to offer this year. We have them all, from the vegetable and flower-themed festivals to the fast and fun, and everything in between.

Scroll down to see the top weekend summer festivals and find out where you can find them. And if you want to search for “summer festivals near my area,” scroll down to the bottom to view an interactive map of Michigan’s summer festivals!

May Festivals in Michigan

Holland’s Tulip Time Festival

When: 5/7 – 5/15/2022
Where: Downtown Holland (MI)

This tulip festival in central Holland will kick off summer. Enjoy the Dutch architecture, charming shops on 8th Street and delicious local food. Take a “tulip tour” to see the vast tulip fields and take a unique photo.

This is the largest spring event in Michigan. It attracts visitors from all over the globe who visit to see more than a million tulips blooming in the area. For more information about this festival, see our Ultimate guide to Holland.

PROTIP: Make sure you have enough time to see more of this beautiful area in west Michigan. It is rich in Dutch heritage and offers many activities, including the famous “Big Red Ligthouse”.

National Morel Mushroom Festival

Boyne City (MI)
When: 5/13 – 5/14/22

This is the perfect May weekend getaway to northern Michigan for this annual celebration of the morel mushroom.

Enjoy morel-centric cuisine at local restaurants, or get out and hunt for morels during the annual morel hunting. There are many family-friendly events like the Lion’s Club Carnival or the annual arts and craft.

Michigan Petoskey Rock Festival

Torch Lake Township (MI)
When: 5/28/22

The Petoskey, Michigan’s state stone, is celebrated in northern Michigan. You can find them scattered around the shores of the lakes.

June Festivals in Michigan

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Where: Mackinac Island
When: 6/3 – 6/12/22

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival will help you start your summer in peace and tranquility. The island is flooded with sweet lilac aromas as the lilac tree blooms, adorning the island from head-to-toe in their beautiful flowers.

Participate in traditional events like the lilac racing, the queen’s coronation and the lilac poster unveil or one of the many Lilac Walks.

Because of the smaller crowds, spring is a great time to visit Mackinac Island. This makes it easy to see everything and stop by the cute shops along the main street.

PROTIP: Make sure to stay over on Mackinac Island for the best Mackinac Island experience. Also, check out our guide to the best areas to stay on Mackinac Island so you can find the right accommodation.

National Asparagus Festival

Where: Empire, MI
When: 6/4/22

Empire is the only place that celebrates Asparagus. They have been celebrating it since 1974, right in the heart Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This green vegetable festival in northern Michigan was hosted by has been. This festival offers everything, from the crowning of the Asparagus Queen at the beauty pageant to the ogling of the largest asparagus this season, to arts and craft, and much more.

PROTIP – Take some time to drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. It is a 7.5-mile loop through the dunes that offers some of the most stunning views in Lake Michigan.

Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival

Where: New Baltimore (MI)
When: 6/22-6/26/22

The festival, which is run by volunteers on the banks of Anchor Bay, has one purpose: to give back to the community. One scholarship will be given to a high school senior from the Anchor Bay School District. There is plenty of entertainment within easy reach, including carnival games, free games for kids, and the Miss Bay-Rama Pageant. This festival is full of family-friendly fun.

Marquette Trail Festival

Marquette
When: 6/24-6/26/22

This festival encourages you to get out your running shoes and bike gear, as it aims at enhancing the natural beauty of northern Michigan’s woodlands. Get ready for an active weekend of nonmotorized fun on Marquette’s nature trails.

You can participate in one of many races, such as mountain biking and trail running, or you can relax at one the social events at this festival that is nature-themed.

PROTIP: There are many things to do in Marquette . Marquette, located on Lake Superior is surrounded stunningly by beautiful landscapes such as the famous Black Rocks and Presque Isle Park.

Manistee National Forest Festival

Manistee
When: 6/30 – 7/4/22

The Manistee National Forest festival will make your Fourth of July Michigan weekend memorable. You can try your luck in the carnival games or buy hand-crafted artisan products from the market. Or just relax and watch the fireworks over the lake.

TIP: Manistee has some beautiful beaches and is a charming beach town on Lake Michigan. You can also explore downtown Manistee and the beautiful coastline.

July Festivals in Michigan

Michigan Rib Fest

Where: Lake Orion (MI)
When: 7/1 – 7/4/22

The rib fest at Lake Orion will spice up your Michigan Fourth of July celebrations. This event features mouthwatering barbecue, ice cold beer and live music. There are also monster truck rides. If you are looking for fun competitions, be sure to check the wiener dog races and pig races.

Traverse City Cherry Fest

Downtown Traverse City
When: 7/2 – 7/9/22

The National Cherry Fest in Traverse city is the best event of the summer. Enjoy fresh cherries, live music by award-winning artists, and take part in cherry-themed events while enjoying the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan. Combining it with a tour up the Old Mission Peninsula to take a visit of Traverse City’s wineries.

You can’t miss the Fourth of July fireworks display over Grand Traverse Bay.

PROTIP: There are many things to do in Traverse City , so make sure you hit the best beaches. You’ll find many gerat restaurants in Traverse City. Use our local’s guide to the best places.

Michigan Lavender Festival

Where: Imlay city
When: 7/3 – 7/4/22

This year’s 20 ^th Annual Celebration in Imlay City will see the return of the “Symphony for the Senses”. You can learn all about lavender at one of the many talks, or visit one of the booths to see fiber samples. You can also enjoy food from Michigan’s top food trucks, or buy lavender-themed artisan products from the market.

Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo & Wild West Parade

Iron River, MI
When: 7/8 – 7/9/22

Get ready to giddy-on-up at Michigan’s only PRCA rodeo in July, Iron River

This event brings together top cowboys from the great lake division to compete in exciting events such as bull riding. You can see your favorite cowboys in person at the Wild West Parade.

Plymouth Art In the Park

Plymouth, MI
When: 7/8 – 7/10/22

Plymouth Art in the Park hosts one of the most important art fairs in the State. It has been in existence for more than 40 years, and it has consistently been ranked among the best art fairs across the country. The July festival features the best art from Canada and the United States, as well as delicious food from local restaurants. There are also a variety of activities for children. This festival is located in downtown Plymouth and will be a huge hit with the whole family.

Tawas City Summerfest

Where: Tawas City MI
When: 7/9 – 7/10/22

Tawas Summerfest takes place on the sandy beaches at Lake Huron. It is a three-day festival that celebrates the busiest season for the area. The event is family-friendly and features classic cars, children activities, 5K races, live music, and kids activities. You can take a refreshing dip in one the nearby swimming pools if you feel too hot from the summer sun.

PROTIP: The Tawas area is one of Michigan’s most secretive areas. The summer is a great time to visit this fun resort town. At Tawas Point State Park, you’ll find beautiful lighthouse and sandy beaches. You can splash along the beaches in shallow water.

Brown Trout Festival

Where: Alpena (MI)
When: 7/15 – 7/24/22

Over the course of the 10-day event, the longest-running Great Lakes fishing tournament hosts several competitions including the new high-stakes tournament and children’s tournament. This festival offers more than just fishing. It also features live music and an extensive beer tent.

PROTIP: Alpena is an ideal vacation spot for kids, offering beautiful beaches with playgrounds, volleyball courts and picnic shelters as well as splash pads. You should bring a picnic lunch, and take time to relax at Thunder Bay’s shores.

Lake Bluff Summer Artisan Fair

St. Joseph, MI
When: 6/4, 7/16, 8/20, 9/3

The Lake Bluff Artisan Fair takes place every weekend during the summer months. It is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Bluff Park, and then shop at the many artisan markets. The arts and crafts are family-friendly so bring the whole family.

PRO-TIP : Pretty St. Joseph is often called the “Riviera” of the Midwest. Silver Beach is a popular spot to stop and enjoy the wide Lake Michigan shoreline. You can even rent a kayak/paddleboard for extra fun!

Coast Guard Festival

Grand Haven
When: 7/29 – 8/7/22

Coast Guard Festival takes place during the warmest months in Michigan’s summer. It sails in charming downtown Grand Haven and stretches down to the charming Grand Haven state park beach. The “must-see” event features a tribute band featuring classic songs every night right on Lake Michigan’s shores.

Marquette Art on the Rocks

Marquette, MI
When: 7/30 – 7/31/22

The Upper Peninsula summer art event is back at the 62 nd annual Art on the Rocks on picturesque Lake Superior. The market features a variety of vendors selling everything from sculptures to drawings, hand-painted pictures, and more.

August Summer Festivals in Michigan

Elk Rapids Harbor Days

Elk Rapids
When: 8/2 – 8/6/22

The Grand Traverse Bay’s east arm hosts this must-see summer event. Each day features a new set of family-friendly events, including a spectacular fireworks display over the lake. Make sure you check out the extensive brochure and plan your trip.

National Blueberry Festival

South Haven
When: 8/11 – 8/14/22

The Blueberry Festival in South Haven is the best. The festival in West Michigan offers fun for all ages, including live music, races, parades, and a blueberry eating contest for children. Make sure you stop by South Haven’s sandy beaches to enjoy the August sun.

PROTIP: South Haven in Southwest Michigan is a must-see on any Michigan summer vacation list. A charming, walkable downtown is available that is both child-friendly and dog-friendly.

Cheeseburger Festival

Caseville
When: 8/12 – 8/21/22

For the 10-day Jimmy Buffet-themed festival, Caseville, a quiet beach town, transforms into Margaritaville USA. Participate in cheeseburger-themed events like judging best dressed business and judging best cheeseburger.

Beach Pup Doggie Swimsuit Fashion Show and Beauty Contest.

Upper Peninsula State Fair

Where: Escanaba
When: 8/15 – 8/21/22

A state fair is the best way to have fun. The U.P. offers a unique opportunity to see the Upper Peninsula in all its glory. state fair. The celebration of Northern Michigan’s culture and heritage is fun for the entire family with carnival games for all ages.

Michigan Paranormal Convention

Sault Ste. Marie
When: 8/25 – 8/27

Michigan’s Paranormal Convention in Sault Ste. Marie. PARACON features experts and tv stars on fascinating topics like aliens, ghost hunting and demons. Get your tickets now for an exciting weekend in northern MI.

PROTIP: Michigan has some very spooky locations with interesting backgrounds. To learn more about paranormal activity, check out our guide to the 30 Most Haunted Places In Michigan.

Hops On The Harbor

Where: Manistique
When: 8/20/22

Hops on the Harbor offers something for everyone, from craft beer enthusiasts to casual hard cider drinkers. Although this event isn’t suitable for children, it is a summer tradition for older families. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious local food while enjoying a cold beverage in Manistique.

Michigan State Fair

Where: Novi
When: 9/1 – 9/5/22

The Michigan State Fair is the last, but not least, highlight of your summer fun. Novi Michigan hosts the largest festival in the state. It features a variety of events that everyone can enjoy. For the perfect end to a great summer, make sure you visit the State Fair.