Summer Festivals …In The Mitten
Festivals are one of our favorite summer features in Michigan! Whether you’re looking for entertainment, delicious food, fun local goods, or just a great activity for friends and family, you can find it all at one of our picks for Summer 2019 Festivals in Michigan!
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City, MI
June 29 – July 6
cherryfestival.org
There’s still time to hit this classic festival this week! Running through Saturday, Cherry Festival offers amazing cherry-based recipes and food, fun carnival activities and rides, concerts, movies, and more. Our favorite? The pie eating contest of course!
Tall Ship Celebration
Bay City, Mi
July 18 – July 21
www.tallshipcelebration.com
Each year, the Saginaw River in Bay City transforms in to something you would expect to see in 1819, not 2019. Tall ships from all over the world dock for a weekend, and tourists can board the ships, enjoy sailing education, do some tall ship themed crafts, and even eat Pancakes with Pirates!
Coast Guard Festival
Grand Haven, MI
July 26 – August 4
www.coastguardfest.org
While Grand Haven is a popular beach destination all summer long, you can’t beat the fun and energy of Coast Guard Fest. The 10 day festival, which started in 1937, features concerts from popular artists, cover bands and local favorites, a 5K and 10K, food, games, and of course the US Coast Guard is on site as well.
Ingham County Fair
Mason, MI
July 29 – August 3
Ingham Fair Website
This year marks the 165th Ingham County Fair. There will be fun events all week, including exciting grand stand events, tractor pulls, the family fun zone, and of course amazing food! The fair pays tribute to the agricultural heritage of Michigan, so be sure to check out the 4H exhibits as well.
National Blueberry Festival
South Haven, MI
August 8 – August 11
www.blueberryfestival.com
Michigan is one of the top 5 blueberry producing states in the nation, so we had to include Blueberry Fest! Check out the Kiwanis Blueberry 5K/10K, the Blueberry Craft Fair, the blueberry pie eating contests, and nightly entertainment.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Holly, MI
August 17 – September 29
www.michrenfest.com
The Ren Fest is one of the longest running festivals we found – it lasts for 6 weeks every summer! Jump in to a new world in Holly – where you’ll find knights, squires, Kings and Queens. We love the jousting competitions – and be sure to grab yourself an old-fashioned turkey leg to enjoy while watching.
Allegan County Fair
Allegan, MI
September 6 – September 14
www.allegancountyfair.com
One of the biggest fairs in Michigan each year, Allegan County Fair is an amazing wrap up for the summer! Often featuring huge names in entertainment, this year you can see both Little Big Town and Dan + Shay on the mainstage! The fair also features 4H exhibits, antique and farmers markets, carnival rides and the ever-important selection of pop up food vendors.
Didn’t see something in your area? Check out this full guide of Michigan Summer Festivals, available from Pure Michigan!