National Cherry Festival

Now through July 11 | TRAVERSE CITY – Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2026, Michigan’s most iconic summer festival fills the shores of Grand Traverse Bay with parades, air shows, concerts, cherry-themed events, food vendors and family activities. Events occur throughout the day and evening, with many activities offered free of charge while select concerts and special events require tickets. Visitors can experience the beauty of northern Michigan while enjoying one of America’s premier summer festivals. For more information, visit https://www.cherryfestival.org

Manistee National Forest Festival

Now through July 25 | MANISTEE – This month-long celebration culminates with parades, concerts, arts events, carnival activities and community festivities honoring the heritage and natural beauty of northwest Michigan. Admission to many events is free. Visitors can enjoy Lake Michigan beaches and scenic outdoor recreation while participating in one of Michigan’s oldest community festivals.

For more information, visit https://manisteeforestfestival.com

Bear Lake Days

July 7-12 | BEAR LAKE – This longstanding northern Michigan celebration features parades, fireworks, a pig roast, fishing competitions, arts and crafts, car shows and community entertainment throughout the village and lakeshore. Many activities are free and family friendly. Visitors can enjoy small-town Michigan hospitality while exploring the scenic Manistee County region.

For more information, visit https://www.bearlakemich.org

Harbor Beach Maritime Festival

July 8-12 | HARBOR BEACH – Held at Judge James H. Lincoln Memorial Park along Lake Huron, this beloved Thumb-area festival celebrates Michigan’s maritime heritage with lighthouse tours, live music, beach activities, family entertainment, craft vendors and fireworks. Many activities are free, with select events requiring registration fees. The festival offers visitors a classic Great Lakes summer experience in one of Michigan’s most scenic harbor communities.

For more information, visit https://www.harborbeachmaritimefestival.com

African World Festival

July 10-12 | DETROIT – Hosted at the Detroit Historical Museum campus and surrounding cultural venues, this nationally recognized festival celebrates African and African American culture through music, dance, food, art and educational programming. Admission fees vary by event, with many activities offered free of charge. Travelers can experience one of the Midwest’s most significant cultural festivals while exploring Detroit’s revitalized cultural district.

For more information, visit https://www.thewright.org

Oakland County Fair

July 10-19 | DAVISBURG – One of Michigan’s largest county fairs, this annual event features carnival rides, livestock exhibitions, grandstand entertainment, agricultural displays, food vendors and family attractions. Admission and ride packages vary by day. Located near the Detroit metropolitan area, the fair combines traditional agricultural heritage with modern family entertainment.

For more information, visit https://www.oakfair.org

Eaton County Fair

July 13-18 | CHARLOTTE – Held at the Eaton County Fairgrounds, this popular fair offers carnival rides, livestock shows, tractor pulls, horse events, rodeos, motorsports and live entertainment. Admission prices vary by event and day. The fair provides travelers with a classic Midwestern summer experience in one of southern Michigan’s most historic communities.

For more information, visit https://eatoncountyfair.com

Alpenfest

July 14-18 | GAYLORD – Downtown Gaylord transforms into a celebration of Alpine culture with parades, traditional music, dancing, carnival rides, family activities and authentic food. Many activities are free, with ride and entertainment fees varying. Located in northern Michigan’s vacation country, Alpenfest offers visitors a distinctive cultural experience amid beautiful summer scenery.

For more information, visit https://gaylordalpenfest.com

Upheaval Festival

July 17 | GRAND RAPIDS – Held at Belknap Park overlooking downtown Grand Rapids, this major rock and metal music festival features nationally touring artists, food vendors and craft beverages. Ticket prices vary by package level. Music fans can combine the concert experience with exploration of one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing cultural destinations.

For more information, visit https://upheavalfestival.com

National Blueberry Festival

July 17-18 | SOUTH HAVEN – Celebrating Michigan’s blueberry industry, this popular lakeshore festival features parades, live entertainment, blueberry-themed foods, craft vendors, family activities and downtown events. Many activities are free. Visitors can enjoy Lake Michigan beaches while experiencing one of the state’s signature agricultural celebrations.

For more information, visit https://www.blueberryfestival.com

Lowell Riverwalk Festival

July 24-25 | LOWELL – This annual arts and entertainment festival along the Flat River features juried artists, live music, family activities, food vendors and outdoor recreation opportunities. Admission is free. Travelers can experience small-town Michigan charm while enjoying one of West Michigan’s premier summer arts festivals.

For more information, visit https://www.discoverlowell.org

National Baby Food Festival

July 22-25 | FREMONT – Celebrating Fremont’s historic connection to the baby food industry, this unique festival features parades, concerts, carnival rides, family entertainment, food vendors and community celebrations. Most events are free or low-cost. The festival offers visitors a distinctly Michigan experience in the heart of the state’s fruit-growing region.

For more information, visit https://nationalbabyfoodfestival.com

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