Michigan Fern Festival

July 28-August 2 | TRUFANT – Hosted at Treetoad Family Farm, this eclectic festival combines live music, camping, artisan vendors, wellness activities and family-friendly entertainment in a rural setting. Admission packages vary by length of stay. The festival provides a unique alternative getaway experience amid central Michigan’s countryside. For more information, visit https://www.michiganfernfest.com

Tuscola County Fair

July 28-August 1 | CARO – One of Michigan’s premier agricultural fairs, this event features livestock competitions, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, agricultural exhibits and family activities. Admission prices vary by day and event. Visitors experience authentic Michigan agricultural traditions while exploring the scenic Thumb region. For more information, visit https://tuscolacountyfair.org

Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair

August 3-5 | MOUNT PLEASANT – Opening week activities include livestock exhibitions, carnival rides, family entertainment, agricultural demonstrations and community competitions. Admission and ride pricing vary. Located in the heart of central Michigan, the fair provides an excellent opportunity to experience traditional Midwestern summer festivities. For more information, visit https://isabellacountyfair.com

Boyne Falls Polish Festival

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 2 | BOYNE FALLS – Celebrating its Polish heritage for more than half a century, this northern Michigan tradition brings together authentic food, live polka music, cultural performances, parades, carnival rides, and family activities. Visitors enjoy a welcoming small-town atmosphere while experiencing one of Michigan’s longest-running ethnic festivals. It’s a wonderful excuse to explore the scenic beauty of the Boyne region during the height of summer. For more information, visit https://boynefallspolishfestival.com.

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 2 | GRAND HAVEN – Grand Haven proudly celebrates its designation as Coast Guard City, USA, with more than a week of parades, ship tours, concerts, fireworks, carnival attractions, and military demonstrations. Visitors can board Coast Guard vessels, enjoy events along the waterfront, and experience one of Michigan’s signature summer festivals. The beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline makes this an ideal extended weekend destination. For more information, visit https://coastguardfest.org.

Yale Bologna Festival

NOW THROUGH AUGUST 2 | YALE – Known as Michigan’s “Bologna Capital,” Yale celebrates its famous specialty with live entertainment, carnival rides, parades, classic cars, family activities, and plenty of bologna-inspired food. The festival combines hometown hospitality with a quirky tradition that has drawn visitors for generations. It’s a uniquely Michigan experience that makes for a fun summer getaway. For more information, visit https://yalebolognafestival.com.

Belle Isle Art Fair

AUGUST 6–7 | DETROIT – Set within Detroit’s beautiful Belle Isle Park, this juried art fair showcases exceptional artists displaying paintings, sculpture, jewelry, photography, ceramics, and handcrafted works. Visitors can browse outstanding artwork while enjoying one of America’s most scenic urban parks overlooking the Detroit River. The combination of fine art and historic surroundings creates an unforgettable summer experience. For more information, visit https://www.michigan.org/event/belle-isle-state-park-art-fair.

Northwestern Michigan Fair

AUGUST 9–15 | TRAVERSE CITY – This long-standing agricultural fair combines livestock exhibitions, horse shows, carnival rides, grandstand entertainment, youth competitions, and favorite fair foods into a week-long celebration. Visitors can experience northern Michigan’s agricultural heritage while enjoying one of the region’s largest annual events. Its location near Grand Traverse Bay makes it easy to pair the fair with wineries, beaches, and scenic drives. For more information, visit https://www.northwesternmichiganfair.com.

Armada Fair

AUGUST 17–23 | ARMADA – One of Michigan’s premier agricultural fairs features livestock competitions, carnival rides, concerts, figure-eight races, horse pulls, tractor pulls, exhibits, and family entertainment throughout the week. The fair has welcomed generations of visitors while celebrating the state’s farming traditions. Its wide variety of attractions makes it a favorite destination for families across southeastern Michigan. For more information, visit https://www.armadafair.org.

Lapeer Days Festival

AUGUST 21–23 | LAPEER – Downtown Lapeer comes alive with one of Michigan’s largest community festivals featuring live entertainment, a parade, carnival rides, food vendors, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. Visitors enjoy an energetic atmosphere while exploring the shops and restaurants of the historic downtown district. The festival offers something for every age and is well worth planning a weekend around. For more information, visit https://lapeerdays.com.

Michigan State Fair

AUGUST 21–30 | NOVI – Michigan’s State Fair continues a tradition dating back more than 175 years with livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, circus performances, concerts, specialty foods, and educational displays. Visitors experience both classic fair traditions and modern entertainment throughout the expansive fairgrounds. It’s one of the state’s largest annual events and a perfect destination for families. For more information, visit https://www.michiganstatefairllc.com.

Arts, Beats & Eats

AUGUST 28–30 | ROYAL OAK – One of the Midwest’s premier Labor Day weekend festivals brings together nationally recognized musical performances, outstanding artists, exceptional food, and interactive entertainment in downtown Royal Oak. Visitors can enjoy multiple stages of live music while sampling cuisine from restaurants across metro Detroit and browsing impressive art displays. The festival offers an exciting way to close out Michigan’s summer season. For more information, visit https://artsbeatseats.com.