Things to Do

Pure Michigan June 2013 Events Roundup

May 23, 2013

June means the official start of summer in Pure Michigan! And with school out for the year and warm weather here to stay, it’s the perfect time to experience some of the great things going on around the state.

Below is a roundup of a few of the many events going on around Michigan in June. Please visit michigan.org for a complete listing of things to do across the state.

Week of June 2

Art & Orchard Festival
June 6-June 8, 2013, Washington
Washington’s Art & Orchard Festival will be the second weekend in June, June 6-9, 2013. The event will feature a carnival on Friday, live music, an arts & crafts show, fireworks Saturday night, petting zoo, beer tent and food station.

Cereal City Festival
June 7-8, 2013, Battle Creek
The Cereal City Festival is an event celebrating the Battle Creek community and its rich and varied past. A parade kicks off the festival on Friday, June 8th and the fun continues with the Cereal City Classic 5k/10k run and the World’s Longest Breakfast Table on Saturday morning. Throughout the day enjoy exciting events, bands and activities! Click here for more information.

National Asparagus Festival – Hart
June 7-8, 2013, Hart
Salute the shoots with a parade, 5K run, rodeo and crafts fair in downtown Hart. The National Asparagus Festival is held every year during the second weekend of June. For more information, visit the National Asparagus Festival website or call (800) 874-3982 or (231) 861-8110.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
June 7-16, 2013, Mackinac Island
The idea of the festival was to bring people to the island to enjoy a great horse drawn parade amidst the lovely lilacs that fragrance the island in June. Now this ten day festival includes a comedy show, afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel, music, walking tours, hayrides, arts and crafts, 10K run, Lilac Festival Queen, dancing, wine tasting, bingo, lilac strolls and much more. Visit the website for more information.

Leland Wine & Food Festival
June 8, 2013, Leland
Michigan’s oldest wine festival takes place at the Leland Harbor. Everyone has a chance to go see 17 wineries of the Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsulas on Saturday, enjoy great food and music and kick off the summer festival season in style! No need to purchase advance tickets – just show up rain or shine at the big tent in Leland’s picturesque Fishtown district. Admission is $15 and includes an etched wine glass and two tickets for wine tasting. For more information, call the Chamber of Commerce at (877) LELAND1 or (231) 256-0079.

Orion Music + More
June 8-9, 2013, Detroit
Make your way to Detroit June 8-9, 2013, for the Orion Music + More concert event. The lineup includes Metallica, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Deftones, Rise Against, The Dillinger Escape Plan. The event includes thirty-plus acts over five stages, a custom car and automotive show, Metallica Museum, and more. Two day passes are $150. For tickets, complete lineup details, and more, visit the website link.

Week of June 9

Ann Arbor Restaurant Week
June 9-14, 2013, Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Restaurant Week offers one price dining, one week, several options. Extraordinary three course dinner menus and fixed price fare lunch menus from Ann Arbor’s best restaurants. Experience cuisine that delights your palate and defines the art of dining in Ann Arbor. Now is your chance to discover new restaurants and enjoy favorites at a discounted price. Make reservations early at participating restaurants as tables fill fast during this gastronomically great event. For more information, visit the website link or call (734) 668-7112 ext 22.

Hamburg Family Fun Fest
June 12-15, 2013, Hamburg
The Hamburg Family Fun Fest brings family fun to the park like never before, attracting more than 50,000 attendees. Feature attractions include amusement rides, circus, petting zoo, talent competition, classic car show and arts & crafts just to name a few. A variety of concerts will also be held throughout the weekend on two stages. Click here for more information.

Heritage Coast Grand Prix
June 13-26, 2013, Tawas
Head to the Heritage Coast Grand Prix in Tawas for beautiful beaches, family fun and revved up racing. The event includes four fun-filled and family-oriented days of activities. Check out the boats, meet the drivers and experience the thrill of the races. Visit the website for more information.

Jazzin on Jefferson
June 14-15, 2013, Detroit
Jazzin’ on Jefferson is a free street music festival organized by the Jefferson East Business Association. For a schedule of main stage performances, visit the website link.

Pinconning CheeseTown Festival
June 14-15, 2013, Pinconning
Highlights of the festival include a mac & cheese dinner contest, the ultimate wine & cheese party, the cheesy CheeseTown parade, a teen concert, arts & crafts, fireworks, a beer tent with lots of live music, and in honor of Father’s Day weekend, a CheeseTown dad contest. The event is held at Doc Letchfield Park on M-13 in Pinconning. The event is in conjunction with the 30th Annual CheeseTown Challenge Race (5 mile race, 2 mile fun run/walk, and Little Meeces Race). For more information on this event, call (989) 879-2816.

Week of June 16

Quicken Loans 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
June 16, 2013, Brooklyn
The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to the Irish Hills on Father’s Day with the running of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series 400. NASCAR stars, such as former MIS winners Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Tony Stewart, and Jimmy Johnson return to MIS for another action-packed day of side-by-side racing. Forty-three drivers, 200 laps. Call (800) 354-1010 or visit the website for ticket and camping information.

East Jordan Freedom Festival
June 19-23, 2013, East Jordan
The East Jordan Freedom Festival is a family friendly festival with something for everyone including live music, parades, kids games, carnival, block party and fireworks over the south arm of Lake Charlevoix. For more information, call (231) 536-7351 or visit the website link here.

FinnFest USA 2013
June 19-23, 2013, Hancock
Hear the music, feel the summer breezes, smell the birch wood of the kokko and be where every Finn needs to be in June of 2013. For five days the Copper Country will host FinnFest USA 2013 – a festival spread across the region, with a variety of programming sure to interest everyone! Tori market, concerts, performances, dances, exhibits and gallery shows, local tours, sports and games, a parade, midsummer bonfires, street theatre, special guests and VIPs and much, much more! For more information, visit the website or call (906) 487-7205.

Kalamazoo Island Fest
June 20-22, 2013, Kalamazoo
Get ready for some good times with three days and nights of reggae music rocking downtown Kalamazoo. A great variety of quality Jamaican and Caribbean-inspired cuisine will be served. Food, drinks, beer and wine will be available. The live reggae music line-up runs all day and ranges from the top local talent to well-known regional and national headliners presented outdoors throughout the day. For more information visit the website or contact (269) 385-6200.

Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
June 21-22, 2013, East Lansing
This free two day jazz festival in the heart of downtown East Lansing features high-caliber local, regional, and national talent presented by the City of East Lansing, Wharton Center for the Performing Arts, and the Michigan State University College of Music. For additional event information, visit the web link or call (517) 319-6927.

Detroit River Days
June 21-23, 2013, Detroit
The 2013 festival will continue to celebrate Detroit’s maritime, ecological and culinary culture while again featuring many proven crowd-favorite, family-friendly activities and programming elements from previous festivals. Interactive exhibits, large-scale sand sculptures, strolling entertainers, eco-friendly kids’ zones, carnival rides, and live concerts with performances featuring more than 50 local, national and international music acts will be back this year. More information is available online.

Week of June 23

Ford Fireworks
June 24, 2013, Detroit
The Parade Company is excited to pump up the City of Detroit, on June 24th as we produce the 55th Ford Fireworks presented by Target, along the Detroit River. This event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators for one of the most anticipated summer nights in Detroit and one of the nation’s largest fireworks displays. Visit the website here.

St. Ignace Car Show Weekend
June 26-27, 2013, St. Ignace
This annual event is one of the largest all-make, all-model shows in the country. Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles are on display all day Saturday. Car enthusiasts can examine vehicles up close and see them in action during Kewadin Casino Cruise Night on Thursday evening, and the Down Memory Lane Parade on Friday evening. Contests, exhibits, vendor booths and more make this a fun, family event. For more information call (906) 643-8087 or visit the website.

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest 2013
June 28-30, 2013, Howell
Join us for the state championship of hot-air ballooning, June 28-30 in Howell. It’s a weekend full of high-flying fun for the whole family. Enjoy thrilling skydiving jumps, music, carnival, family entertainment, downtown activities and more. Don’t miss the fun including Play 1st Mobile Gaming, SmashZone and five scheduled balloon launches, Annabelle Road and the fabulous balloon glow on Saturday evening and the MediLodge Fireworks on Friday night. For more information on this event, visit the website link or call us at (517) 546-3920.

Grand Haven Art Festival & Fun Day
June 29-30, 2013, Grand Haven
The work of 150 of the finest artists in the country will be on display and for sale during the 51st Annual Grand Haven Art Festival & Family Fun Day, June 29 – 30, 2013. The festival will take place along Washington Avenue in downtown Grand Haven, transforming the area into an outdoor art gallery. Admission and parking are free and open to the public. Presented by The Chamber of Commerce Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg. (616) 842-4910.

National Cherry Festival 2013
June 29–July 6, 2013, Traverse City
Get your planner out and write down the dates for a great week or family fun when you attend the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City on June 29–July 6. There will be colorful parades, marching bands, music shows, sporting events, amusement rides along with carnival games on the midway and food items, pie eating contests and loads of luscious cherries prepared every way you can think of. For more information, visit the website link or call the Cherry Festival office at (800) 968-3380.

Week of June 30

Log Cabin Days & Antique Car Show
June 30, 2013, Michigamme
Tour the museum and the Dompierre House and walk around to see all the antique cars on display from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. For more information contact (906) 323-9016.

Coast West Music Fest
July 1-6, 2013, Muskegon
This event is a multi-day music festival with three stages, fireworks on July 4, food and refreshments. Acts announced so far: O.A.R., Josh Turner, Leann Rimes, Cheap Trick, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Allen Stone, Chicago and Foghat! For more information visit the website link.

Light up the Lake Fireworks & Parade
July 3-4, 2013, South Haven
At the south pier over Lake Michigan, watch a spectacular fireworks display July 3 and listen to the Light Up The Lake soundtrack LIVE on SuperHits 103.7 COSY-FM! The fireworks shoot off synchronized to the music! Parade will be held July 4 at 11am through downtown featuring local marching bands, pageant winners, patriotic floats, fire trucks, & lots of candy! Questions, call (269) 637-5252 or (800) SO-HAVEN.

Fourth of July Celebration
July 4-6, 2013, Cedarville
Enjoy the spectacular view of fireworks over Cedarville Bay from the Cedarville’s downtown waterfront park or the lawn of the Great Lakes Boat Building School on July 4. Earlier that day, our parade, kids games, hot dogs and burgers, Up in Smoke BBQ, races and contests, and more wind down into early evening with music on the bay by Dance Commander DJ and a Jersey Mud eating contest. For more information, call (906) 484-3935

Cedar Polka Fest
July 4-7 2013, Cedar
The Cedar Polka Fest is held yearly in Cedar, Michigan, under the big tent on the tennis courts. Highlights include a parade on Saturday at noon, softball tournament, a polka mass and polka under the big, big tent with the big names of polka. For more information on this event call (231) 228-3378 or visit the website.

These are just a few of the many events happening next month in Pure Michigan. Please visit michigan.org for a complete listing.

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From Our Community: Long Weekends in Pure Michigan

May 25, 2012

in Posts by Region

Earlier this week, we asked fans on Facebook for suggestions on how to spend a long weekend in Michigan. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Pure Michigan this Memorial Weekend, here are some great ideas to consider!

If we missed anything, feel free to post your ideas to the comments section below.

“Sitting lakeside!!!!” – Nancy Lawrence

“Sitting on Beaver Island watching the sunrise and sunset” – Nancy M. Peterson

“1. Find water. 2. Enjoy.” – Shantell Lynn ‎

“Goin to da U.P, Munising!” – Scott Korowin

“With family and friends @ AuSable Point cove on Lake Huron!!!” – Tim Printz

“Sitting on the sandy beach in Elk Rapids!!!! Great Food, Great Scenery, and Great People.” – Steve Parafin

“On a boat on the Great Lake Michigan, pulling into a Great Michigan harbor for a frosty Oberon and good eats” – Ellie Birch

“M-22 road trip…. love it!” – Al Schroeder

“GOLFING!” – Steve Williams

“Fishing on Crooked Lake ” – Monika McLaughlin

“with friends and family on our deck overlooking a beautiful farm at sunset” – Cathy Norwood

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Pure Michigan May Events Roundup

April 30, 2012

in Monthly Event Roundup

May in Pure Michigan means springtime fun and sunny weather. From BBQs and outdoor festivals to Memorial Day celebrations, it’s a great time of year to enjoy our state’s many offerings. For more suggestions on things to do this May in Michigan, visit michigan.org.

East Central

Cinco de Mayo
May 4-5, 2012, Imlay City
The streets of Imlay City will be alive with Hispanic music, art, crafts, food and entertainment as we celebrate Cinco de Mayo. For more information call (810) 724-1361, or click here.

Mother’s Day at the Zoo
May 13, 2012, Saginaw
Free admission for Mom on her special day! Zoo open 10am-5pm. Regular admission, Members free. Train and carousel rides, $2 per person, per ride. For more information on this event, call (989) 759-1408, or click here.

Barks, Bikes & Balloons
May 26-27, 2012, Frankenmuth
We’re launching the Summer Season Memorial Weekend. Activities for the whole family. Frankenmuth River Place is hosting the Dog Bowl. Competitions for all dogs. Tour de Frankenmuth bicycle road race starts on Saturday, May 26th at 8am. A Bike Expo is planned. Hot Air Balloons will take flight on Saturday, May 26 6:30am. Competitive Hot Air Balloon launches and Balloon Glows are planned. Call for more information (800) FUN-TOWN.

Lexington Memorial Day Parade 2012
May 28, 2012, Lexington
Come to Lexington for the patriotic Memorial Day Parade 11 am. Follow the parade to Lexington’s Historic Cemetery where there is a brief ceremony and tours of the Moore Historic Chapel.

Memorial Day Parade
May 28, Midland
Come to Downtown Midland to remember our heroes and enjoy the Memorial Day parade, beginning at 10am. Start your day with a breakfast at a Downtown eatery and after the parade enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of our many restaurants. Shop, dine and play in Downtown Midland. For more information, call (989) 837-3330, or click here.

Northeast

Mushroom Festival 2012
May 12, 2012, Lewiston
Come up to Lewiston for our annual Mother’s Day Mushroom Festival. Learn how to hunt for those tasty morel mushrooms and learn how to cook them in a variety of ways. This is a great way to spend Mother’s Day weekend. For more information call (989) 786-3160.

Tawas Point Birding Festival
May 17-20, 2012, East Tawas
Fellow bird lovers unite for this event held in cooperation with the Ausable Valley Audubon Society. This is your opportunity to see over 300 species of birds at a Nationally recognized Important Birding Area. There will be presentations from birding experts, demonstrations, and birding tours of Tawas Point, Kirtland’s Warbler habitat, Tuttle Marsh and Clarks Marsh. In addition you can climb the 70 foot tall Tawas Point lighthouse and get a bird’s eye view of Tawas Point. There is a $2 fee for touring the lighthouse. A Recreation Passport of $10 is your ticket to Michigan’s state parks and outdoor adventures! For more details contact the park at (989) 362-5041, or click here.

Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race
May 26, 2012, Mackinaw City
Gear Up for an Active Summer with the Mackinac Bridge Memorial Weekend Race. One of the only times of year that runners are allowed to run the Mackinac Bridge will be this year on May 26. Runners must register in advance and be able to run a minimum of 12 minutes per mile to race in the event. For more information on this event visit the link or call (231) 436-5664.

Au Gres VFW Memorial Day Parade
May 27, 2012, Au Gres
Parade held Sunday, May 27, 2012, at 1pm right down US-23 in Au Gres. Parade entries wanted- call to sign up! Parade line up at 12:30pm behind Bopp-Busch, N Main Street, Au Gres. For more information call (989) 876-6397, or click here.

Northwest

Mesick Mushroom Festival
May 11-13, 2012, Mesick
Mesick, the “morel mushroom capitol,” pulls out all the stops for the celebration including a grand parade, carnival, largest mushroom contest and more from May 11 – 13, 2012. For more details on our event, visit the link or call (231) 885-2679.

Morel Mushroom Festival 2012
May 17-20, 2012, Boyne City
This fun-filled festival is the ultimate signal that spring is here…carnival, mushroom hunting, cooking demonstrations and lots of morels! Come share in the fun and bring your appetite. Call the Boyne Area Chamber of Commerce for details at (231) 582-6222, or click here.

Empire Asparagus Festival
May 18-20, 2012, Empire
The lakeshore village of Empire greets the arrival of asparagus season with good food, wine & beer. Dancing & an annual oral poetry contest for the best “Ode to Asparagus.” For more information click on the web site link or call (231) 326-6081.

Harrison’s Memorial Weekend Events
May 26-27, 2012, Harrison
Saturday, May 26th, Car Cruise around Harrison and Budd Lake. Line-up is at 4pm at Hayes Township Hall. Afterwards; muddy mayhem at the Memorial Weekend Mud Bog at the Clare County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. The event begins at 7pm. On Sunday the 27th, Car & Bike Show in downtown Harrison. $10 registration; goody bags to first 75 registered. Registration available before by calling (989) 539-6011; or register day of event at 8am. Craft vendors will be on-site at the event. For more information, call (989) 539-6011.

Southeast

Jonesville River Fest – 2012
May 18-20, 2012, Jonesville
This festival is always held on the 3rd weekend in May in downtown Jonesville. Come join us for canoe races, a car show, music, food, and lots of fun. For more information, visit the website link or call us at (517) 320-1403.

Great Lakes Wine Fest
May 19, 2012
An annual event between Michigan International Speedway (MIS) and the Michigan Wine Foundation. The event will feature the tastes and toasts of Michigan wineries, breweries and eateries in a unique setting – a NASCAR racetrack. Guests may sample wines, beer and food from Michigan vendors and buy favorite wines by the bottle or case. Live entertainment throughout the weekend will also be featured. Advance tickets are $25. Tickets at the gate are $35. Gates open at noon and close at 9pm. This event is for guests 21 years and older. For more information call (800) 354-1010, or click here.

Romeo Victorian Festival
May 19, 2012, Romeo
On Saturday, May 19, from 9am to 6pm, the historic village of Romeo will host their Seventh Annual Victorian Festival. Events include ice cream making, Civil War reenactment camp, Victorian style children’s games and entertainment. For more information call (586) 752-4111, or click here.

Sumpter Country Festival
May 24-28, 2012, Belleville
The Sumpter Country Fest includes a carnival, beer tent, casino, bingo, free children’s entertainment, crafts, food, demolition derby, enduro racing, fireworks, live music, Impersonators/tribute bands, & much much more!!! Sumpter Township (Belleville, MI). For more information call (734) 461-6201.

Southwest

Blossomtime Festival
May 1-5, 2012 Benton Harbor
Blossomtime Festival April 29 – May 5. The Blossomtime Festival, which began in 1906 is an annual festival celebrating the agricultural industry in southwest Michigan. It is a multi-community event including 25 communities in southwest Michigan and is the oldest festival in the state. The Grand Floral Parade lasts two hours and has over 100 units, including floats with community queens and their courts, bands, clowns, costumed characters, antique cars and special units. 250,000 spectators come from the Midwest to enjoy this colorful parade which travels from St. Joseph across the river into Benton Harbor. Phone for more details (269) 982-8016, or click here.

Mayfaire Renaissance Festival
May 19-20, 2012 Marshall
The Mayfaire Renaissance Festival in Marshall, MI runs for two full weekends plus Memorial Day: May 19-20 & May 26-28, 2012. Event hours are 10am – 6pm (Open Rain or Shine!) See swordfighting, comedy, jugglers, musicians and shop for unique artisan wares in a beautiful wooded setting. For more information, call (269) 382-6120, or click here.

Saugatuck & Douglas Memorial Day Parades 2012
May 28, 2012, Douglas
Come join us in Saugatuck at 9am and Douglas at 10am for our patriotic Memorial Day Parades. For more information, visit the website link or call (269) 857-1701.

Upper Peninsula

Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival
May 1-31, 2012 Copper Harbor
This event, held throughout the month of May in Copper Harbor, offers superb daytime birding opportunities and plenty of fun activities for the whole family. There will be programs, speakers, bird walks, guided tours, and much more during the weekends in May. For more information on this event, visit the website link.

West Central

Tulip Time Festival 2012
May 5-12, 2012, Holland
Celebrating over 80 years of culture, heritage and beauty. The Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of Dutch heritage and culture, a multi-generational event that has a little bit of something for everyone including; three amazing parades, multiple Dutch Dance performances, concerts, theatre, Dutch attractions, Dutch food, children’s events, trolley tours and so much more! For more information on this event, visit the link or call us at (800) 822-2770 or (616) 396-4221.

Memorial Day Weekend
May 25-28, 2012, Pentwater
Memorial Day Weekend is the official start of summer, boating, beach, and family time! Come and start off your summer in Pentwater, Michigan. The annual Fishing Derby, Marine Corps League Pancake Breakfast, Annual Plant Sale, and our Pentwater Memorial Day Parade. Come visit us and start your summer off right! For additional information call (231) 869-4150, or click here.

Alma Highland Festival Games
May 26-27, 2012, Alma
Held on the campus of Alma College the last week in May, the Scottish Heritage festival features Old World competition and pageantry at the largest Midwest festival of its kind. For more information, call (989) 463-8979, or click here.

Hudsonville Memorial Day Service
May 28, 2012, Hudsonville
The Hudsonville Memorial Day Service honors the men and women who have so bravely served our country. Join us at 10am at Veteran’s Park in Hudsonville to honor our service men and women. May 28, 2012 at 10am. Veterans Park is located on the corner of 32nd Avenue and Central Boulevard and is adjacent to the City Hall property. For more information call (616) 669-0200 x 411.

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Pure Michigan April Events Roundup

March 28, 2012

in Monthly Event Roundup

April in Pure Michigan marks the start of spring festivals and outdoor events. From April Fools’ Day fun to food tasting and theme parties, it’s a wonderful time of year to spend time with family and friends in our great state. For more suggestions on things to do this April in Michigan, visit michigan.org.

East Central

Great Lakes Loons Opening Day Parade and Celebration
April 9, 2012, Midland
The Opening Day Celebration parade and festivities are free and open to the public. Free hot dogs and bottled water will be provided on the corner of Main and McDonald Streets beginning at 4pm plus free balloons! The parade will kick off at 4:30pm on Main Street near the corner of Gordon Street in downtown Midland. Upon the completion of the parade, there will be opening day festivities held at Dow Diamond. Following the parade and celebration is the Loons 2012 home opener, scheduled for 6:05pm. For more information or to order game tickets click here, call (989) 837-3330

Bringin’ Back the 80′s
April 20-21, 2012, Frankenmuth
Bring back hair teasing memories with music, trends and events from the 80′s Don’t sit back in your pegged pants and play Atari, come on down and have a great time. Admission $10. For more information call (989) 652-8008 or visit the link.

Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival
April 25-28, 2012, Frankenmuth
Zehnder’s Restaurant Ragtime Festival. Special events include vaudeville night, silent movies, sing-along, and dinner, lunch, and brunch concerts. Located at Zehnder’s Restaurant, 713 South Main Street-Frankenmuth. Join us for one or all. Prices vary. For more information call (800) 863-7999 or click here.

Freeland Walleye Festival
April 27-29,2012, Freeland
A three day festival celebrating all things walleye, including fireworks, a fish fry, the Walleye parade, walleye tournament, a Texas Hold’Em tournament, car show, teen dance and more. Call (989) 695-9512 for more information, or click here.

Go Wild! Celebrate Earth Day
April 28, 2012, Saginaw
Join us for a fun-filled day of games and activities focused on protecting our environment from 10am to 2pm . First 500 visitors receive free admission with empty recyclable beverage bottle. Regular admission: $5.00 per person, adults and children, everyone age one and up; train and carousel $2 per person, per ride; Zoo members enter and ride free. For more information, call (989) 759-1408.

Southeast

Festifools
April 1, 2012, Ann Arbor
Festifools is Ann Arbor’s homage to April Fools Day: an annual street parade featuring towering papier-mâché creations and various other hijinks. Get outdoors. Come downtown. Feel the sunshine on your face. Shout “Yes!” to the spring. Marvel at the towering, papier-mâché creations. Dance. Sing. Clap. Stomp. Smile. Festifools is for everyone! Parade is 4-5pm, free, and located downtown Ann Arbor. For more information visit the link or call us at (734) 763-7550.

Easter Egg Hunt
April 7, 2012, Royal Oak
Join us in Royal Oak’s Grant Park on Saturday, April 7 from 10am to noon for our second annual Easter Egg Hunt! Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny, play games, and find hidden Easter Eggs! For more information, call (248) 541-0613.

Easter Egg Hunt
April 7, 2012, Lansing
Join in on the annual Easter Egg Hunt on the Capitol Lawn on Saturday, April 7 from 10am to noon. Activities for children include crafts, games and prizes, and several special visitors will start at 10am; while the Easter Egg Hunt begins promptly at 11am. This is a free event. For more information please call (248) 716-0539.

Easter Eggstravaganza
April 7, 2012, Pontiac
An Easter Eggstravaganza will be held on the grounds (Featherstone Fieldhouse) of the Pontiac Silverdome, 10am-7pm. There will be something for the kids and the parents. Included in the $15 entry fee (all-day pass) is potato sack run, activity tables, egg hunt, clowns with balloons, meet and greet/ pictures with the Easter Bunny, face painting, and a children fun area with inflatables. There will be prize giveaways, shopping, and much more! Please note some items are only free during designated times. For more information, call (313) 492-5403.

The Great Egg Hunt
April 7, 2012, Milford
The Great Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, April 7 from 10:30am to noon, at Maple Beach. Kids will get an opportunity to pose for pictures with the Easter Bunny so bring your camera! Watch the Farmer John and The Barnyard Express animal show at 10:30am and 11:30am. The Easter egg hunt will be held promptly at 11am. Early arrival is highly recommended. Fee: $3 per child, payable at the event. For more information, call (800) 477-2757 or (810) 227-8910.

Michigan Spring Book Festival 2012
April 13-15, 2012, Livonia
Aimed at educating and encouraging youth to read and author books, this festival will bring together hundreds of book writers, role models and teachers of the literary craft. You are invited to join us for this informative and fun filled weekend. Bring the family, meet your favorite author and buy his/her latest book. Introduce your friends to the wonderful world of literature. Mandate that your children read at least two books per week while encouraging them to read more. Take the time to read with them and have dinnertime discussions about the books that you have read. We can be contacted by calling (313) 446-2262, or by visiting this link.

Southwest

Spring Fling – Wine & Beer Tasting
April 26, 2012, Allegan
Spring is in the air! It’s time to switch gears and try some great new wine and beer at the Spring Wine and Beer Tasting at The Silo; 1071 32nd St (M-40 South); Allegan, MI 49010. Enjoy a variety of wide spectrum wine as well as beers from several local Michigan breweries. Whether you enjoy bold flavors or easy sippers, you’re sure to find something new to enjoy! An appetizer buffet is included. Try some great finger-food, learn which foods pair best with what wines and beers, and get some ideas for the next gathering you host! Tickets are $25 per person. For more information, call (269) 355-1655, or click here.

Thornapple Woodpecker Festival
April 27-28, 2012, Middleville
The Thornapple Woodpecker Festival will feature guided birding walks, handicapped golf cart and kayak tours in the woodpecker nesting area along the Thornapple River. Guest speakers, art contest, craft booths, and Woodpecker Ball are part of the activities. For more information, visit the website link.

Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
April 27-29, 2012, Vermontville
Vermontville is the “granddaddy” of them all! We are the home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. Our festival starts Friday evening, continues through Saturday and Sunday and is always held during the last full weekend in April. We have something for everyone—Mid-America rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, various displays, games, free entertainment, a pancake derby and arm wrestling. Our syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever popular maple syrup cotton candy. For more information call (888) 482-8780, or click here.

Upper Peninsula

Life’s a Mountain Beach Party
April 14-15, 2012, Iron River
Come to our Beach Party and test your skills at our potato sack race, chili contest, three legged race, limbo contest, beach volleyball, and many other activities. For more information on this event, call us at (800) 362-7853 or (906) 265-4957.

West Central

Easter on the Green
April 7, 2012, Pentwater
In downtown Pentwater visit the Easter Bunny. We’ll have an Easter Egg Hunt, Easter Bonnet parade and contest, Easter Bonnet musical chairs, face painting, games, crafts, and a Golden Egg Hunt with the Merchants. For more information, call (231) 869-4150, or click here.

Grand Haven Easter Egg Hunt
April 7,2012, Grand Haven
A fun free event for kids up to 10. Over 5,000 Easter eggs filled with candy and prizes. Starts at 11am at Central Park in downtown Grand Haven. For more information call (616) 850-8465 or click here.

Maple Syrup Festival
April 27–29,2012, Shepherd
The village of Shepherd invites you to a great family weekend with parades, classic car display, carnival, tractor and horse pulls, bingo, arts & crafts, and of course, scrumptious pancake meals all weekend long. For more information, visit the link or call (989) 828-6486.

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Pure Michigan March Madness Update

March 19, 2012

in Posts by Region

Thanks to all of our Facebook fans who have voted in the Pure Michigan March Madness tournament to determine our fans’ favorite activity in Michigan. We are down to the final eight activities. The next round of voting will happen all these week on our Facebook page, and the semi-finals and finals will be next week. Let’s take a look at the matchups: