With the arrival of summer, we’re sprucing up our patios and decks, firing up our grills, and enjoying time in the garden. While spending summer days at home can be lovely, it’s also a great time to get out and explore our wonderful state. Michigan is a summer paradise, with 11,000 inland lakes that are ideal for boating and swimming, and tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams that are perfect for paddling and fishing! We also have plenty of white, sandy beaches and dunes, meandering wooded trails, and quaint little towns to discover, as well as hundreds of special events. It would be impossible to list all the summer events and attractions in our great state, but we’ve culled the list to provide a “starter guide” to an unforgettable Michigan summer.
Check Out These Events
- June 20- 22 – Thunder Over Michigan Air Show – You can actually feel the thunder when the Blue Angels take to the sky during this popular air show at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti. In addition to thrilling aerial stunts by a variety of performers, there will be aircraft rides, ground displays, and a kids’ zone. For a full schedule go to: https://thunderovermichigan.org/
- June 23-29 – Dow Championship – Attention golf fans, 144 of the world’s best golfers will tee off at the Midland Country Club for this LPGA tournament. In addition to golf, this event will include an Eat Great Food festival, youth activities, and more. Check it out at: https://www.midlandcc.net/Dow_GLBI.aspx
- July 17-19 – Ann Arbor Art Fair – This is one of the country’s largest outdoor art fairs! The streets of Ann Arbor will be transformed into a huge gallery of original artwork, including painting, photography, pottery and jewelry. You can also enjoy live musical performances, culinary treats, a family-friendly art zone, and sidewalk sales. Find out more at: https://heymichigan.com/ann-arbor-art-fair-2/
- August 28 – September 1 – Michigan State Fair – The original state fair was one of the first statewide fairs in the U.S. Though the venue has changed from the old fairgrounds to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, the number of attractions and activities is still amazing. In addition to the usual livestock and agricultural displays, you’ll find a midway of rides and games, musical performances, a farmer’s market, brewing and baking competitions, and of course, racing pigs. Visit https://www.michiganstatefairllc.com/attractions for a full schedule.
Have Fun at these Festivals
June 6 – 8 – The Michigan Lavender Festival – Held at the Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds in Imlay City, this festival has been called a “Symphony for the Senses.” It features a wide array of handmade goods, artisan booths, food trucks, live music and, of course, lots of lavender! Learn more and get tickets at: https://themichiganlavenderfestival.com/about
June 28 – July 5 – National Cherry Festival – This is the 99th year of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, where you can find all things “cherry,” from pies and ice cream to barbecue sauce. The line-up also includes parades, a festival of races, a farmer’s market, live music, fireworks, and much more. For more information go to: https://www.cherryfestival.org/
July 18-20 – Lavender Daze – This one-of-a kind festival is held at Indigo Lavender Farms in our hometown of Imlay City – the largest lavender fields in Michigan with 50 acres of private farm and over 14,000 lavender plants. Besides the heavenly scent, the festival offers an artist and maker market, food, drink, live music and more. Visit https://www.indigolavender.com/lavender-daze to learn more.
July 25 – 26 – Michigan Brewers Guild Beer Festival – Held outdoors along the Huron River at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, this festival showcases hundreds of craft beers from some of Michigan’s finest breweries. Sample some cold brews while enjoying live music from local bands and sampling a variety of food. Learn more and get tickets at: https://heymichigan.com/event/michigan-brewers-guild-summer-beer-festival/
August 29 – September 1 – Detroit Jazz Festival – In its 40th year, this is the world’s largest free jazz festival. Music lovers will enjoy a wide range of jazz, from legends to rising stars and local talent in downtown Detroit. There will be more than 60 performances, along with food and beverages from a variety of vendors. Get in the groove at: https://www.detroitjazzfest.org/
Discover Some Must-Do Activities
- Ride a dune buggy on a 200-foot mountain of sand and miles of beach in Silver Lake. (https://www.michigan.org/property/mac-woods-dune-rides)
- Sample wines and enjoy stunning views in Michigan Wine Country. (https://www.michigan.org/wineries)
- Spend a night or two under starry skies in one of the most beautiful campgrounds in Michigan. (https://www.michigan.org/article/trip-idea/beautiful-campgrounds-michigan)
- Set sail on a schooner. You can choose between the Appledore in Bay City (https://www.michigan.org/property/appledore-tall-ship-adventures-public-sails-sunset-cruises-more) or the Tall Ship Manitou in Traverse City (https://www.michigan.org/property/traverse-tall-ship-company).
- Climb Big Sable Point Lighthouse. Located in Ludington State Park, this lighthouse was erected in 1867 and rises over 100 feet along Lake Michigan’s shore. Tours are offered daily. (https://visitludington.com/big-sable-point-lighthouse-ludington-state-park)
What’s on Your Summer Bucket List?
Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing and paddleboarding, or prefer to immerse yourself in art and music, Michigan has something for everyone this summer. Why not try adding something new to your summer bucket list? Whatever you choose to do, we hope you’ll have a summer to remember.
For more inspiration, visit Pure Michigan at https://www.michigan.org/summer
