An all-year-round vacation location in the Midwestern region in the United States, Michigan offers ski areas during the winter season and hiking trails on summer days. Whether you’re an adventurer, a thrill-seeker, a culture enthusiast, a historian, or a food lover who wants to try the state’s local cuisine, the place has something in store for you. If you’re into cars, you surely need to see Detroit, which is known to be the world’s car capital. Another city worthy of your visit here is Ann Arbor, also known as Tree Town, which features numerous recreational parks, ski areas, unique shopping options, and world-class restaurants, among others. Also, the state boasts many events and fairs throughout the year. In case you want to know more about these celebrations, make sure to read our list of the top festivals in Michigan, the USA so you can plan your trip accordingly.
1. National Cherry Festival
An event in Traverse City that happens every July, the National Cherry Festival was once called the Blossom Festival, which is celebrated to attract tourists to Northern Michigan and see the beautiful cherry blossoms bloom. This festival attracts up to 500,000 people annually. There are a lot of things happening during this time, ranging from cherry-related games up to parades and aerial shows. Also, you’ll find here numerous crafts and food vendors where you can buy your snacks and souvenirs.
National Cherry Festival
Address: 521 S Union St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Website: National Cherry Festival
Takes place: July
2. Nevertheless Film Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A festival promoting women empowerment, Nevertheless Film Festival is an annual movie event in Michigan wherein the films included in the roaster are made by women. To join this film festival, the movie entry you’ll be submitting must be 50-percent headed by women filmmakers–not just the director but also scriptwriters, editors, producers, and so on. The event aims to create a conversation about the importance of equal representation in the industry as well as inspire the audience through quality films, narratives, documentaries, short movies, and more. Don’t miss this chance to support the cause by attending the Nevertheled Film Festival and watching the high-quality entries.
Nevertheless Film Festival
Address: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Website: Nevertheless Film Festival
Takes place: July
3. Curwood Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Featuring a town festival atmosphere, Curwood Festival is a celebration in honor of James Oliver Curwood, an American writer, who wrote many novels at the now Curwood Castle. The castle was once a writing workshop of the novelist and given to Owosso as a gift. The festival starts with an opening ceremony at the castle grounds, while most of the events take place at Owosso City Hall and the Owosso fire and police departments. Also, to complete the celebration and the festival feels, there’s the Curwood Heritage Parade, which begins on Dewey Street and ends at Chipman Street. Additionally, you’ll also find many activities happening alongside the festival just like the Curwood Saga Writing Contest.
Curwood Festival
Address: 212 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867, United States
Website: Curwood Festival
Takes place: June
4. National Blueberry Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the oldest-running fruit festivals in Michigan, National Blueberry Festival started in 1963 when the locals of South Haven decided to make an event out of the Blueberry harvest. The area’s cultural heritage and economy revolve around this high in vitamins and sweet fruit. As the years pass by, the festival became so popular and attracted many tourists around the world. It is attended by many people, including growers, agritourism, packers, cottage industry, and more. It features cooking contests, sharing of recipes, a parade, crafts and food vendors, and many more. Don’t forget to come with family and friends and share learnings and recipes afterward.
National Blueberry Festival
Address: M-43, South Haven, MI 49090, United States
Website: National Blueberry Festival
Takes place: August
5. Original Michigan Lavender Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
In 2002, the Original Michigan Lavender Festival was an event that was held in the founder’s backyard. Today, it’s known as the largest lavender festival on the East Coast.
Those who plan to stop by this annual event, which takes place in June at Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds in Imlay City, can enjoy shopping for local handmade goods at the market. Workshops, artist demonstrations, and food trucks will also be present, so you can explore the fairgrounds while enjoying the sweet scent of lavender and enchanting harp music. Entrance fee is 8 USD for adults, 5 USD for active military and veterans, and free for children aged 12 and under.
Original Michigan Lavender Festival
Address: Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds - 195 Midway Street, Imlay City, MI 48444
Website: Original Michigan Lavender Festival
Takes place: June
Price: Adults: 8 USD; Active military and veterans: 5 USD (with ID); children 12 and under: free
6. National Strawberry Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Taking place in Belleville in Michigan, National Strawberry Festival is a fun event that started as a way of the farmers to honor the crop and the successful harvest. The celebration lasts for three days and offers numerous activities for everyone, attracting many people from Southeastern Michigan to come and enjoy. The festival has many venues which include churches and schools. It features bingo, a car show, strawberry-flavored desserts, a parade, a Strawberry Queen Pageant, and live entertainment. Bring the whole family with you when you visit for there will be activities for each one.
National Strawberry Festival
Address: 11575 Belleville Road, South of I-94
Website: National Strawberry Festival
Takes place: June
7. Detroit Jazz Festival
A must-attend music festival in Michigan, Detroit Jazz Festival is a free event that happens every Labor Day weekend in Downtown Detroit. It occupies Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park, where multiple stages are built for the celebration. Apart from the international and local acts and their live performances, there’s more to see and try, like educational activities for all ages, spectacular firework shows at night, late-night jam sessions, and the chance to meet and greet your favorite musicians. Take your friends with you when you attend the Detroit Jazz Festival for a more memorable time together.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Address: Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park in Detroit, Michigan
Website: Detroit Jazz Festival
Takes place: September
8. Romeo Peach Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Another must-attend festival during Labor Day weekend in Michigan, Peach Festival takes place at the charming village of Romeo, where a lot of activities await you. The festival is a collection of individually organized activities that cater to the whole family. There will be parades, live music, food and crafts stalls, flea markets, carnival rides, and many more. One of the highlights of the festival is the coronation of the Peach Queen so make sure to stay to witness this grand event that features the beauty of the locals of Romeo.
Romeo Peach Festival
Address: 228 N Main St, Romeo, MI 48065, United States
Website: Romeo Peach Festival
Takes place: September
9. Danish Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
One of the largest outdoor celebrations in Michigan that features Denmark’s heritage, the Danish Festival is a three-day event that happens every third weekend of August. It is full of fun-filled activities for the whole family, including a grand art and craft show, 3 impressive parades, entertaining live music, over 200 vendors, and exciting activities for the kids. And for the more active crowd, they offer a 5K run, games of softball, and a family walk. Also, to know more about the Danish people, try aebleskivers, a delicacy, and join traditional Danish breakfast or dinner.
Danish Festival
Address: 210 S Lafayette St, Greenville, MI 48838, United States
Website: Danish Festival
Takes place: August
10. Michigan Renaissance Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
An interactive outdoor event in Michigan, Renaissance Festival reenacts the features and feels of the Hollygrove, which is a fictional English village during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. If you watch the movie, “All’s Faire in Love,” the Renaissance Festival was their setting and the locals as well as the attendees played as the extras. Also, when you’re attending the festival, you should make an effort to dress up, for the fair-goers go here in costumes, making the streets full of wizards, Vikings, pirates, and other fantasy characters. The festival features permanent structures and stages that are built over the years and different acts and shows like juggling and sword fight shows. Moreover, you’ll find here numerous craft and art vendors as well as food stalls.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Address: 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442, United States
Website: Michigan Renaissance Festival
Takes place: August to October
Price: 15 USD
11. Holly Dickens Festival
The longest-running fair in honor of Dickens in America, Holly Dickens Festival takes place at the historic downtown of Holly, where a lot of attendees go donning their best 19th-century costume, complete with bloomers and top hats. The festival will take you to Merry Ole England with the century-old buildings, choirs, horse-drawn carriages, and the smell of roasting chestnuts. Also, you’ll see the famous characters from Charles Dickens’ novels come to life as you watch them at the street theater, which includes Marley, Scrooge, and Tiny Tim. Additionally, there are food carts and crafts stalls, as well as children’s activities.
Holly Dickens Festival
Address: Battle Alley, Holly, MI 48442, United States
Website: Holly Dickens Festival
Takes place: November to December
Price: 5 USD
12. Michigan Fiber Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
On its 24th year next year, Michigan Fiber Festival features exhibits about natural fiber as well as workshops focusing on fiber, dyeing, weaving, knitting, spinning, felting, basketry, crochet, and more. The festival aims to inform and give free knowledge about this particular topic and to further its development as well as to continue the high-quality business practice within the industry. Apart from the educational discussions, the festival also features live music, parades, shows, animal competitions, food options, and other activities for the enjoyment of everyone.
Michigan Fiber Festival
Address: 1861 43rd St, Allegan, MI, USA
Website: Michigan Fiber Festival
Takes place: August
13. Michigan Shakespeare Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A three-week theater festival celebrating the works of William Shakespeare, Michigan Shakespeare Festival is the official Shakespeare festival in the country. Here, for the duration of the fair, you’ll be transported in many places, as you watch the screenplays of Shakespeare come to life. The venues of the plays are in the beautiful Theater of Baughman and Canton’s Village Theater of Cherry Hill. In case you’re a big fan of the English playwright or a fan of the theater, you’ll surely have a lovely time attending the fair.
Michigan Shakespeare Festival
Address: 215 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49201, United States
Website: Michigan Shakespeare Festival
Takes place: July
Price: 40 USD
14. Marshall Bluegrass Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Taking place at Calhoun County Fairgrounds, with an area of 125 acres (50.59 hectares) that features campsites and hookups for RVs, Marshall Bluegrass Festival is the largest jamming festival started by the late promoter, Burke Coal, whose idea of a successful event is when people are having a good time and jamming. The festival features live music courtesy by regional acts, local musicians, and attendees who wish to jam. Aside from music, there are also activities for the whole family as well as food vendors. You’ll surely have fun listening to music while nibbling on snacks available in the area.
Marshall Bluegrass Festival
Address: 720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068, United States
Website: Marshall Bluegrass Festival
Takes place: July
15. Michigan Pride
Happening in Lansing, the capital of the state, Michigan Pride, is a colorful event celebrating the LGBTQ+ community that is attended by the locals and people from around in the Midwest. A parade that starts from Adado Riverfront Park and ends at Michigan State Capitol building, signifies the start of the festivity. After the parade, there will be a rally, and then the festival proper, which features talks and forums about the cause. Also, there is live music, food stalls, and crafts and art vendors.
Michigan Pride
Address: Lansing, Michigan
Website: Michigan Pride
Takes place: June
16. Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Is one of your favorite food chicken wings? If so, you’ll surely want to attend the Michigan Chicken Wing Festival in Lansing, which is included in the Super Bowl of Wing Festivals in 2015. Here, you’ll find and taste different flavors of chicken wings from different vendors. It is open to many businesses that want to showcase their products. Also, the fair offers live entertainment, musical performances, and a kid zone, featuring many activities like face painting, a bounce house, superhero characters, and more. In addition, it has many activities that cater to all ages, including a chicken wing eating contest that whoever wins will be titled as the King and Queen of the Chicken Wing Festival.
Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Address: 300 N Grand Ave, Lansing, MI 48933, United States
Website: Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 5 USD
17. Detroit River Days [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
River Days Festival marks the summer in Detroit. It is a festival that features both land and water activities, ranging from jet ski exhibition shows and beautiful sand sculptures up to live music and many more. For the past 13 years of the event, it attracts more than a hundred thousand festival-goers annually. The festival happens for three days so make sure you attend any in those three days and experience the River Days fun with your friends and families.
Detroit River Days
Address: West Riverfront Park
Website: Detroit River Days
Takes place: June
Price: 5 USD
18. Ann Arbor Film Festival
The oldest experimental film festival and the fourth-oldest film festival in North America, Ann Arbor Film Festival is a premier film fair for indie filmmakers and experimental movie-creators to exhibit their art. The festival is now in its 55th year and receives more than 3,000 entries from more than 6,000 countries throughout the world, with a 20,000 USD cash reward. Another unique thing about the event is it is a traveling festival with more than 30 venues, including universities, theaters, and galleries, throughout the globe.
Ann Arbor Film Festival
Address: Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
Website: Ann Arbor Film Festival
Takes place: March
19. Bay City Fireworks Festival
One of the most-awaited and grandest events every year in Mid-Michigan, Bay City Fireworks Festival draws people from all over America to witness this spectacular show to commemorate the country’s independence. The event lasts for three days and features the Skerbeck Family Carnival, vendors selling food, crafts, and arts, as well as regional and local entertainment, right on the bandshell stage at Wenonah Park. And on the third night, you’ll witness the majestic pyrotechnic displays like no other in the world, which will give you goosebumps and gratitude to be seeing it up close.
Bay City Fireworks Festival
Address: Saginaw River near Veterans Memorial Bridge in Bay City, Michigan
Website: Bay City Fireworks Festival
Takes place: 4th of July weekend
20. Dearborn Homecoming Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A three-day city fair, Dearborn Homecoming Festival is another celebration in Michigan that offers numerous attractions for people of all ages, from kids up to senior citizens. Its venue is Ford Field Park, which is close to Dearborn High School and Divine Child High School. One of its highlights is the carnival that features over 26 rides, including Berry-Go-Round, Giant Slide, and Dragon Wagon. And for the elderly, they have a section dedicated just for them, which activities range from bingo up to fun walk and music entertainment with dancing on the side. Other things to look forward include reunions, a grand fireworks display, a parade, food stalls, arts and crafts vendors, and more.
Dearborn Homecoming Festival
Address: 22051 Cherry Hill St, Dearborn, MI 48124, United States
Website: Dearborn Homecoming Festival
Takes place: August
Price: 37 USD
21. Electric Forest Festival
Taking place at the Double JJ Resort in Rothbury, Michigan, which features a golf course, an indoor water park, and a replica of an Old Western village, Electric Forest Festival is a much-awaited music event in the state, which attracts many people from all over America. The ticket prices here range from admission only up to several packages with accommodations. You can choose among cabins, tent rentals, or RV hookups. It is a four-day event featuring many local and regional acts performing multiple genres with emphasis on electronic music. Each day has a different line-up of bands and musicians so make sure you attend all four. Aside from music, the festival also offers various cultural activities.
Electric Forest Festival
Address: Double JJ Resort at Rothbury, Michigan
Website: Electric Forest Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 75 USD
22. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The first and the biggest summer fair in Mackinac Island, Lilac Festival is a 10-day event that features various activities and attractions for the whole family. This beautiful celebration is done in honor of lilacs which are abundant on the island and attract many visitors from all over the United States to experience everything it has to offer. The festival features a pageant that crowns the Lilac Festival Queen and Court. Also, there is a 10K run/walk, live music, walking tours, horse-drawn carriage tours, dog and pony shows, and a parade.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Address: Mackinac Island
Website: Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 14 USD
23. Venetian Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Venetian Festival in St. Joseph is one of the largest fairs in the Midwest. It happens at Silver Beach, where the St. Joseph River connects with Lake Michigan. It is a fun-filled, four-day event that opens with the selection of the admiral, and a ceremony blessing the river. Two of the highlights of the festival are the fireworks show at night and the illuminated boat parade. Other things not to be missed here include the amusement park, sand-sculpture contest, volleyball tournament, live performances, wine tasting, craft shows, and many more.
Venetian Festival
Address: 309 Petoskey Ave, Charlevoix, MI 49720, United States
Takes place: July
Price: Free
24. Tulip Time Festival
An annual event in Holland, Michigan, which is also the largest tulip festival in the United States, Tulip Time Festival is not a one-day celebration, where everything is squeezed into the schedule and pray it works. The fair starts from the first Saturday of May and ends on the second Sunday of the same month. The celebration is in honor of tulips, which the area has an abundance of that and which you can see lining up on its streets and in its many sprawling gardens. One of the highlights of the festival is the live music performances wherein a lot of international artists have already performed throughout the years, including Johnny Cash and Christina Aguilera. Other features include three parades, a Dutch market, fireworks display, dancing, and craft fairs.
Tulip Time Festival
Address: 42 W 8th St, Holland, MI 49423, United States
Website: Tulip Time Festival
Takes place: May
25. Pine Mountain Music Festival
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
A more sophisticated music festival in Michigan, Pine Mountain Music Festival, or commonly abbreviated as PMMF, is a far cry from your usual music festival where you can come across rowdy crowds. This festival features one major opera, acts from famous operas, piano and voice recitals, a symphony, and performances given by the members of the Orchestra Fellowship Program. Make sure to attend this event and experience a different kind of music fest with your friends.
Pine Mountain Music Festival
Address: Peter White Public Library, Marquette, Michigan, United States
Website: Pine Mountain Music Festival
Takes place: June
26. Ypsi Fest [Previously known as Ypsilanti Heritage Festival] [Last event in 2019]
Celebrated every fourth weekend of August, the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival occupies three landmarks–the historic Depot Town, Frog Island, and Riverside Park. The festival showcases different attractions and activities that will surely be enjoyed by each member of the family. They have here helicopter rides, concerts, bingo, acrobat shows, and theater plays brought to you by Ring of Steel, and a kid zone, with many rides and activities that are specifically made for them. The highlight of the fair is the Illumination@Ypsifest, where local businesses and establishments compete for the most beautiful illuminated sculpture. In the evening, there will be an illumination parade.
Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
Address: Frog Island Park, Riverside Park, and historic Depot Town
Website: Ypsilanti Heritage Festival
Takes place: August
27. Traverse City Film Festival [Last event in 2019]
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Organized by a nonprofit organization and charity institution and headed by the Academy Award-winning director Michael Moore, Traverse City Film Festival is a five-day event aiming to save the cinema, which is one of the United States’ indigenous art forms that is nearing extinction. The festival believes that one high-quality movie can make an impact on someone else’s life, enough to change it. The film entries are strictly by invites only. It also attracts many filmmakers throughout the world. There will be free movie screenings in various venues, as well as talks, forums, and classes about filmmaking for five days.
Traverse City Film Festival
Address: 232 E Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684, United States
Website: Traverse City Film Festival
Takes place: July to August
28. Unity Christian Music Festival
If you’re into Christian songs, you must attend the Unity Christian Music Festival. It is a three-day Christian music fest that happens in Heritage Landing every August. It draws about 20,000 festivalgoers annually from all over Michigan and the Midwest. The festival is also a fundraising event, wherein they recruit volunteers as well as give the proceeds of the festival to Christian Ministries. Make sure to bring your family with you and together praise and worship Christ through singing.
Unity Christian Music Festival
Address: Heritage Landing in Muskegon, Michigan
Website: Unity Christian Music Festival
Takes place: August
Enjoy Michigan
Michigan is one state that has so much to offer, with each city having a unique charm, to the bustling local food scene, and of course, fun-filled festivals. The state is home to various celebrations that each stands for something. If you want to know more about them, browse our list of the best festivals in Michigan, the USA and pick your next go-to celebration.
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