Fun and Festive: Discover Michigan's Most Unique Summer Festivals!

Summer in Michigan is anything but ordinary! From wacky events to colorful celebrations, the Great Lakes State offers an array of festivals that promise fun, excitement, and memories to last a lifetime. Here’s a sneak peek into some of the craziest, most festive, and utterly unique summer festivals happening around Michigan:

Dates: June 29 - July 6, 2024
Celebrate all things cherry in the heart of Traverse City! The National Cherry Festival features everything from pie-eating contests and pit-spitting competitions to parades and fireworks. Enjoy live music, cherry-themed culinary delights, and family-friendly activities against the beautiful backdrop of Lake Michigan.

Dates: July 12-13, 2024
Get all shook up at the Michigan ElvisFest, a tribute to the King of Rock 'n' Roll! Held in Ypsilanti, this festival features top Elvis tribute artists, classic car shows, and plenty of memorabilia. It’s the perfect event for Elvis fans and those looking to experience a bit of rock 'n' roll history.

Dates: July 12-14, 2024
Indulge your senses at the Michigan Lavender Festival in Imlay City. Wander through fragrant fields of lavender, enjoy artisanal lavender products, and partake in workshops and demonstrations. This festival is a fragrant escape into a world of relaxation and natural beauty.

Dates: July 17-20, 2024
Embrace your inner child at the Baby Food Festival in Fremont, home to Gerber Products Company. This family-friendly festival features baby food-eating contests, toddler races, carnival rides, and a grand parade. It’s a playful event that highlights the joy and innocence of childhood.

Date: July 20, 2024
Paws up for the Dog Days of Summer Festival in St. Clair! This unique festival celebrates our furry friends with pet parades, agility courses, pet adoptions, and doggie fashion shows. Bring your pooch and enjoy a day filled with dog-friendly activities, vendors, and demonstrations.

Dates: July 26 - 28, 2024
Experience a different kind of meat at the Yale Bologna Festival! This unique celebration in Yale features a bologna ring toss, outhouse races, a grand parade, and of course, plenty of bologna sandwiches. It’s a fun and quirky festival that’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Dates: August 2 - 4, 2024
Celebrate one of nature's largest living organisms at the Humongous Fungus Fest in Crystal Falls! This quirky festival honors the massive underground fungus with mushroom-themed dishes, a parade, a "fungus fest" 5K, and even a mushroom cook-off. It's a fun-gal event for the whole family!

Dates: August 8 - 10, 2024
Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for Boyne City and immerse yourself in the swashbuckling fun of the Boyne City PirateFest. Whether you’re a seasoned buccaneer or a landlubber, this festival promises adventure for all ages.

Dates: August 9 - 11, 2024
Check out the Saint John's Mint Festival for an action-packed, minty-fresh fun-filled weekend for the whole family!

Dates: August 9 - 18, 2024
Head to Caseville for a "cheeseburger in paradise" at this tropical-themed festival. Inspired by Jimmy Buffett's iconic song, Cheeseburger in Caseville offers a beach party atmosphere with live music, tasty burgers, a cardboard boat race, and the famous Parade of Tropical Fools. Don your Hawaiian shirt and join the fun!

Date: August 17, 2024
Rev up your engines for the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world's largest one-day automotive event! Cruise down Woodward Avenue and marvel at over 40,000 classic cars, hot rods, and custom vehicles. This Detroit tradition draws over a million car enthusiasts, making it a must-see for auto aficionados.


Whether you’re looking to indulge in local flavors, celebrate Michigan’s rich heritage, or simply have a blast with friends and family, these festivals offer something for everyone. Pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and make the most of Michigan’s incredible summer festival season!

Be sure to visit Pure Michigan for a more complete list of fairs and festivals scheduled for the summer!