Southwest
July 21-24, 2011, Bronson
A fireworks display opens this annual celebration of Polish food, music, and parade honoring the heritage of the area, which includes the Sister City of Moryn, Poland.
July 23, 2011, South Haven
Visit the farms along the Lakeshore Harvest Country trail, and learn about animals, pick fruit, take a wagon ride, or just enjoy a taste of country living.
July 25-31, 2011, Kalamazoo
A multi-dimensional event includes storytelling, poetry, a film festival, as well as art and music that focus on African American culture.
July 28-30, 2011, Dowagiac
There’s something for everyone at this annual event: 50 hours of a variety of live music, dance exhibitions, art exhibit, shopping deals and the 5K and 10K Steve’s Run.
Southeast
July 14-August 7, 2011, Jackson
The theatrical 17th season features three plays by the professional Shakespearean Company on the campus of Jackson Community College.
Detroit Navy Week & Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
July 18-24, 2011, Ypsilanti
Detroit has been selected as one of the cities celebrating Navy Week and the 100th Anniversary of Naval Aviation. The Navy Band will perform, a Navy Simulator will offer thrills, and The U.S. Navy Blue Angels will perform in the July 23-24 Air Show at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti.
July 20-23, 2011, Ann Arbor
The event includes the original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, more than 50 years running, plus three additional, simultaneous art fairs fill downtown with fine arts and crafts that draw over 500,000 fairgoers.
July 28-30, 2011, Sterling
In addition to entertainment at four free venues, Sterlingfest 2011 features food from a dozen local restaurants, the works of dozens of artisans, fun and games for kids, adult beverages in the Suds & Sounds Stage area, a family midway and snacks from several food vendors on the arts and crafts side of the festival near City Hall.
West Central
July 20-23, 2011, Fremont
The hometown of Gerber is the scene of family-friendly fun including baby food cook-off, baby food eating contests, Familypalooza games, arts & crafts, a midway, and Saturday’s Grand Parade.
July 21-30, 2011, Ionia
A midway, circus, games, grandstand events, and free entertainment are a part of this summertime tradition since 1915.
July 29-August 7, 2011, Grand Haven
Since 1924 this annual event has honored the men and women who serve in Coast Guard. Take in two parades, a National Memorial Service, waterfront entertainment, carnival, and dancing in the streets.
East Central
July 21-23, 2011, Port Huron
Watch sailors prep their boats for the Saturday morning start of the Pure Michigan Bayview Mackinac Race, a Lake Huron tradition since 1925. Stroll and shop for Michigan-made products, enjoy music, and a Taste of Port Huron dining scene. A Saturday evening parade of lighted boats caps the festivities.
July 28-31, 2011, Munger
Free potatoes—tons of them—are given away at this “Spud-tacular” celebration. Enjoy the carnival, the Figure 8 Derby, live entertainment, Mr. Potato Head, potato toss contests, parade, and plenty of potato brats.
July 29-31, 2011, Yale
Yes, there is a local bologna maker in the home of the King and Queen of Bologna and the Big Bologna Parade. Events include the bologna ring toss, outhouse races, fireworks, a carnival, and bologna galore.
July 29-31, 2011, St. Clair
A surf and turf event: Offshore Racing on the St. Clair River and food, arts & crafts and musical performances on the banks of the waterway.
Northwest
July 16-23, 2011, Charlevoix
From a candle-lit boat parade in 1930, the 81st annual event is a week-long celebration featuring live music, a street parade, two nights of fireworks, and a Grand Electrical Boat Parade.
July 20-24, 2011, Baldwin
Fishing for fun? Head to this annual celebration near the Blue Ribbon fishing on the Pere Marquette River for a youth fishing derby, entertainment, an ice cream social, a carnival, car show and parade.
July 26-31, 2011, Traverse City
Wear your shades and head to 100 screenings of independent, classic, and foreign films at multiple locations, including free outdoor screenings on an inflatable screen at the Open Space Park on Grand Traverse Bay.
July 29-31, 2011, Petoskey
Watch more than 100 sailboats compete all weekend in the waters between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Jaeger’s Battalion of Roger’s Rangers Encampment
July 29-31, 2011, Mackinaw City
The famous French & Indian War hero Robert Rogers (or a reasonable likeness) visits Colonial Michilimackinac with re-enactors who demonstrate life and fighting of that era.
July 29-31, 2011, Farwell
Chainsaw carvers, a free lumberjack show, chili cook-off, horseshoe tournament and old fashioned games and contests are highlights of this annual event.
Northeast
37th Michigan Brown Trout Festival
July 14-24, 2011, Alpena
Lake Huron is the scene of the longest continuous fishing tournament on the Greats, with a kid’s tournament and family-friendly activities on the shore as well.
July 23-31, 2011, Grayling
The storied waterway is the focus of festivities leading up to the famous AuSable River Canoe Marathon. Enjoy music, arts & crafts, kiddie fun ice cream social, good food, and the Avita Water Black Bear Bicycle Tour.
Upper Peninsula
July 20-24, 2011, Mackinac Island
This event honors the horse that is vital to the car-free island. Tour Victorian era stables, enjoy the antique carriage show, see trainer Clay Maier, and kick up your heels at the Barn Raisin’ Dance.
July 22-24, 2011, Marquette
Bluegrass, Cajun, Celtic, and acoustic blues & folk music by local, regional and national artists are featured at this 33rd annual outdoor gathering at Tourist Park.
July 22-24, 2011, Iron River
The Rodeo Concert kicks off the weekend of cowboy-and-cowgirl showmanship and related Rodeo Daze events, including the Art Round-Up, Chuckwagon Breakfasts, crowning of the Rodeo Queen and two days of competition at the fairgrounds.
July 23, 2011, St. Ignace
Relax to music by the Lake Huron waterfront in the “Home of the Fish Fry,” and enjoy fish prepared by local chefs, an art display and kiddie games, capped by fireworks over the bay.
Lumberjack Breakfast and Music Festival
July 23-24, 2011, Newberry
Fuel up on a hearty meal cooked on a wood stove and tap toes to music throughout both days. Bring an acoustic instrument to join the fun.
July 29-30, 2011, Sault Ste. Marie
“The Place Where Michigan Was Born” is the scene of a Native encampment, demonstrations of birch bark canoe building, blacksmithing, weaving and spinning, plus food and music.
July 30-31, 2011, Marquette
Stroll the waterfront Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior and take in the works of 200 fine artists and crafters.
Events That Have Passed
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
July 1-4, 2011, Battle Creek
Awesome air show featuring military demonstrations and top-notched civilian performers, carnival rides, games, arts & crafts displays, food, novelty gift vendors, specialty displays, daily center stage entertainment, fabulous fireworks display, and balloon night illumes.
38th Annual International Cherry Pit Spit
July 2, 2011, Eau Claire
Pit spitters compete for the championship title on this day of Spit-tacular fun at Tree-Mendus Fruit farm. Last year’s winner hit the 40 feet, 2-½ inch mark.
July 7-9, 2011, Kalamazoo
Performances by two dozen top national and regional acts on two Arcadia Festival Place stages.
July 9-10, 2011, St. Joseph
Rated one of the top art fairs in the nation, the 50th event features more than 200 artists in a beautiful setting overlooking Lake Michigan.
July 14-17, 2011, St. Joseph
The lighted boat parade and fireworks are highlights of this annual celebration of Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River that includes musical entertainment, sand sculptures, and a midway.
#110 Steam Locomotive Centennial Celebration
July 15-17, 2011, Coldwater
The smallest standard gauge Pacific locomotive turns 100 this year, and at least five steam locomotives will be at the party thrown by the Little River Railroad. Book a train ride, see model trains, the train museum, and have a piece of birthday cake.
Olde Tyme Tractor & Steamer Show
July 15-17, 2011, Galesburg
See antique tractors and farm equipment, watch blacksmithing and flour mill demonstrations, browse the garage sale, and enjoy the parade at Scotts Mill Park.
July 8-9, 2011, Ypsilanti
The best Elvis tribute artists shake, rattle and roll along the banks of the Huron River in Riverside Park. Saturday’s events include a Gospel Hour, car show, and Candlelight Vigil.
July 15-17, 2011, Farmington
“Go Play in the Streets” is the theme of this weekend of entertainment, art show, carnival, ice cream and pie social, artisans market, a movie under the stars, and a big parade.
July 15-17, 2011, Jackson
More than 50 hot air balloons take to the skies in morning and evening flights. Nighttime balloon “glows” and fireworks, aircraft and military displays, car and craft shows and family fun round out the activities at this free event.
July 16-17, 2011, Dearborn
The sounds of America’s early jazz age fill the streets of Greenfield Village from a dozen stages throughout the outdoor museum at The Henry Ford.
July 16-17, 2011, Waterford
For the first time in its 42-year history, the Inboard National Hydroplane Championships comes to Michigan and includes the fastest one-mile racecourse in the country, with 150 teams expected to race on Pontiac Lake.
Summer Celebration
July 1-4 and 6-9, 2011, Muskegon
Music for all tastes, from local and Midwest performers to nationally known acts, take to the stages while Art in the Park, carnival rides, and July 4th fireworks round out the schedule.
July 15-16, 2011, Grand Haven
More than 300 men, women, and children compete in the world’s largest outdoor pole vault event, on the Lake Michigan shore.
July 15-17, 2011, Muskegon
Downtown’s Western Avenue becomes a 10-block “Steel Horse Alley,” showcasing more than 30,000 rides in one of the biggest events of its kind. About 90,000 spectators enjoy live entertainment, contests, vendors, and the blessing of the bikes.
Bay City Fireworks Festival
June 30-July 2, 2011, Bay City
It’s a bang up time along the banks of the Saginaw River with three nights of pyrotechnics over the water, plus daily entertainment and a carnival.
Algonac Lions Pickerel Tournament
June 30-July 4, 2011, Algonac
It’s a fishing contest and a whole lot more, with fun-filled family activities along the St. Clair River featuring a big midway, parade and a spectacular fireworks display on the water.
July 7-9, 2011, Elsie
The ice cream booth is open each day as the Dairy Capital of Michigan celebrates with music, family fun, the Dairy Dash, pancake breakfast, and parade.
Chesaning Showboat Music Festival
July 8-14, 2011, Chesaning
Since 1937, this tuneful event has provided entertainment for all ages, family-friendly events, a car show and parade centered on the quaint showboat on the Shiawassee River.
Marine City Music & Arts Festival
July 14-17, 2011, Marine City
This “Celebration of the Creative Spirit” brings the visual arts and a variety of music to the waterfront, opening with Air Margaritaville and the Buffet sound at Thursday’s opening Beach Party & Food Fest.
Greatest Fourth in the North
June 29-July 4, 2011, Lake City
It’s All-American fun, featuring free entertainment, arts & crafts, the annual Ox Roast and Strawberry Festival, fun contests, parade and July 4th fireworks.
June 30-July 3, 2011, Cedar
Have a toe-tapping good time at this lively, music-filled weekend with top polka bands under the big tent, plus a parade and polka mass.
Manistee National Forest Festival
June 30-July 4, 2011, Manistee
The 75th annual celebration of the area’s logging heritage features carnival rides, arts & crafts, entertainment, the famous fish boil, fireworks, and a Grand Parade.
July 2-9, 2011, Traverse City
This festive salute to the region’s important fruit includes 150 events on land, air and water—many of them free. Cherry pies are just a piece of the fun, with parades, games, and entertainment at numerous sites around Traverse City and along Grand Traverse Bay.
July 8-10, 2011, Detroit
Unlimited hydroplane boats, vintage vessels and other boats bring racing excitement to the Detroit River for the 102ndrunning of America’s oldest trophy in motor sports.
July 8-10, 2011, Harbor Springs
The 31st annual celebration of music and art features jazz, folk, roots music and dance. This family friendly outdoor gathering on a farm includes arts and crafts and kiddie activities.
July 12-17, 2011, Indian River
This annual celebration of the season on the Inland Waterway features a Best Pizza of the North Contest, ice cream social, entertainment, arts and crafts, a Lobster Bake, and Pig Roast.
National Bluegill Festival
July 7-10, 2011, St. Helen
The 62nd annual summertime celebration includes a fish dinner, Bluegill fishing contest, horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts, talent show and Grand Parade.
July 12-16, 2011, Gaylord
A Swiss theme rooted in the city’s past sets the scene for the annual family-friendly festival featuring a yodeling contest, the “Burning of The Boogg,” entertainment, crafts, carnival, parade, and Alpenstrasse, an artist market.
July 16-17, 2011, Roscommon
Check out the handcrafted wooden kayaks and canoes, enjoy the river-related demonstrations including fly tying, casting, and paddling, and visit the AuSable River Center on the banks of the waterway.
4th of July Bessemer Blast
June 27-July 4, 2011, Bessemer
Salute the red, white and blue at this huge celebration of freedom that includes a parade, music and games, geocaching, fun runs, and a gigantic fireworks show.
July 1-2, 2011, Calumet
A parade, pasty bake-off, and other festive fun honor the meat and vegetable pie favored by Upper Peninsula copper miners.
30th Annual Sault Tribe Pow Wow & Summer Gathering
July 1-3, 2011, Sault Ste. Marie
The Jiigtamok, or Pow Wow, is an important historical, social, and spiritual gathering for American Indians who participate in traditional dance and song. The public is invited.
July 1-4, 2011, Sault Ste. Marie
Relax at the St. Mary’s River to watch workhorse tugs parade on Friday, race on Saturday. Flip over flapjacks at the pancake breakfasts on Sunday and Monday.
Les Cheneaux 4th of July Celebration
July 2-4, 2011, Les Cheneaux
The All-American good time includes hot dog eating contest, corn roast, BBQ, music, parade, and July 4th fireworks.
International Stone Skipping Tournament
July 4, 2011, Mackinac Island
Stone skippers from around the globe in youth, amateur and professional categories head to Windermere Pointe Beach to out-skip each other (last year’s pro hit 30 skips) in the contest named for Wilmer T. Rabe, founder of the 40-something-year-old competition.
63rd Copper Country Strawberry Festival
July 8-9, 2011, Chassell
It’s the berries! The famous shortcake stars, and there’s a fish boil, arts and crafts, chicken BBQ, french toast breakfast, parade, and more strawberry shortcake.
27th Great Lakes Sea Kayak Symposium
July 14-17, 2011, Grand Marais
The oldest kayaking symposium on the Great Lakes offers trips along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior, a sunset paddle, and presentations and clinics for beginners and experienced paddlers.
July 15-16, 2011, Kingsford
The 7th annual BBQ competition is one of just 25 stops on the Kansas City Great American BBQ Tour, with plenty of good food and music in Lodal Park.
July 15-16, 2011, Aura
Traditional music fills the air at the town hall in the tiny U.P. community of Aura, with old time music performances, dancing, and jam sessions.
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
This Review is great but we have already planned things for July this year. We are now planning things for Aug. Do you have the Aug. Review ready yet? We are 4 couples looking to plan something for August and September now. If and when you have a review of events happening in Michigan, we would like to receive that information. Thank you Bob Sobb
Hi Bob, Thanks for the comment. The August roundup isn’t available yet, but should be up on the blog on 7/22. We will post it here on Pure Michigan Connect, and link to it on our Facebook and Twitter. If you subscribe to our blog, then you will get the post sent right to you.
I must agree with Rob. The events listed here have concluded or are coming up so soon we can’t possibly make arrangements quickly enough to arrange a trip. Please give us some longer lead time. Thanks!
I agree with Bob and Emmy. It would be nice to have details a couple of months in advance and a list like that of events already past for the current and coming months as reminders. We need time to plan. Glenda B
I fail to see the notice of the Dulcimer Festival that is held the third full weekend end July. What do we need to do to put this on the Pure Michigan calendar? We have people come from all over the world to this event. There are concerts,workshops,vendors,and lots of room for camping.
What is happening in Michigan the weekend of September 17th?
i did not see any mention of the blueberry festival in paridise michigan in the upper peninsula. are they going to have it this year?
For those looking for upcoming events in northern Lower, you might try the Hoxeyville Music Festival, Wellston, Aug. 19-21 (www.hoxeyville.com); Hughston’s Cow Camp Rodeo, McBain, Sept. 2-5; the Honor Coho Festival, Honor, Aug. 26-28; the Benzie Fall Fest, Beulah & Benzonia, Oct. 1-2. For the last one, be sure to check out Pumpkin Ed’s display of incredible pumpkin carvings (www.pumpkined.com)!
Yes they are, but it is in August. Check this post for more information – http://www.puremichiganblog.org/events/fairs-festivals/august-2011-events-roundup/
We do not have a blog post with September events yet, but you can always go onto http://www.michigan.org/default.aspx and do a search for events there.
Here is the form to fill out to get your event onto michigan.org – http://ref.michigan.org/mtr/add_events/
We try to post the next month’s events at least two weeks before the beginning of the month, but if you are looking for dates before that, please go to michigan.org and do a search for events there. They are listed more in advance than the blog, and is updated regularly.
Where can we get a list of events in October….that is our anniversary month and we like to take our vacation at that time…
Thanks…..