Featured in Michigan Travel Ideas 2010, beginning on page 96.
For every season, Michigan stages unforgettable events—sled-dog races, electric-boat parades and pie-eating contests. Most festivities include food and fireworks! Read on for details, updates and special travel ideas for every month of the year.
January
January 16–24; Detroit
North American International Auto Show. The Motor City rolls out 700 new models and concept cars, including more than 50 never-before-seen vehicle debuts, at one of the world’s premiere car showcases. More than 650,000 visitors, along with 5,500 journalists from 40 countries, pass through the doors of the Cobo Center to check out the next generation of transportation. Admission charged (248/643-0250; www.naias.com ).
January 22–24 and January 29–31; Houghton Lake
Tip-Up Town USA. Michigan’s largest winter carnival celebrates its 60th year with a grand parade, polar dip in the frigid waters of Houghton Lake, fireworks over the lake, softball on ice, hot-air balloon rides and entertainment in the family tent. In the fishing contest, droves of anglers ice fish with “tip-up rigs” on Houghton Lake. Admission charged (800/248-5253; www.tip-up-townusa.com).
January 22–24; Plymouth
Plymouth International Ice Sculpture Spectacular. Professional ice carvers from around the globe, along with high school and college teams, wield chain saws, chisels and blow torches to shape 200 tons of ice into more than 150 sculptures, from 8-foot-tall castles to life-sized horses, eagles and guitars. They’re displayed in downtown’s Kellogg Park, where colored lights illuminate the sculptures at night (734/455-1453; www.downtownplymouth.org ).
January 30–31; Iron Mountain
Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Tournament. Skiers from around the world, many of them Olympic caliber, flat out fly off the world’s largest manmade ski jump, reaching speeds of 55 mph and soaring more than 400 feet before touching down. At the tailgate party, thousands of fans line the ski jump to picnic, party and watch the skiers sail by. Admission charged (800/236-2447; www.kiwanisskiclub.com ).
January 31–February 6; Houghton
Winter Carnival. At Michigan Technological University in the UP’s Keweenaw Peninsula, where annual snowfall exceeds 200 inches, students and community members construct more than 50 elaborately carved snow statues, some up to 30 feet tall. The action snowballs with snow volleyball, wacky human dog sled races (with students pulling), ice fishing on Chassell Bay, ice bowling, curling, broomball and a stage revue. Admission charged to some events (906/487-2818; www.mtu.edu/carnival ).
February
February 4–7; Cadillac
North American Snow Festival. Let it snow, let it snow for this flurry of activities at Michigan’s largest snow festival: snowmobile drag races and motorcycle race on Lake Cadillac, ice-fishing tournament, a polar dip, snow sculpting, fireworks and a chili cook-off. During the nighttime parade of lights, snowmobiles circle Lake Cadillac with their headlights gleaming. Admission charged (800/225-2537; www.cadillacmichigan.com).
February 6; Sault Ste. Marie
International 500 Snowmobile Race. It’s like watching NASCAR on ice when daredevil drivers zoom 500 times around an oval one-mile ice track, topping speeds of 100 mph on the straightaways in the eight-hour-long race. Also at the 42nd running of this premiere snowmobile race, fans can arrive early to watch time trials during the week. Admission charged (800/647-2858; www.i-500.com).
February 12–14; Cedarville and Hessel
Snowsfest. Just three miles apart on the Lake Huron shore, these harbor towns team up for a wintry weekend filled with horse-drawn sleigh rides, an ice-fishing contest, chili cook-off, golfing on ice, cardboard sled races, crafts show, kids games and a snowmobile poker run. Snowmobilers can ride on 100 miles of scenic, groomed trails that connect towns in the eastern UP. Admission charged (888/364-7526; www.lescheneaux.org).
February 19–21; Marquette
UP 200 and Midnight Run Sled-Dog Races. At a rousing sendoff downtown by thousands of well-wishers, 40 intrepid mushers and their 12-dog teams set out Friday night (7 p.m.) on a 240-mile round trip across the Upper Peninsula. Spectators can follow this qualifying race for the Iditarod at designated checkpoints, and cheer the finishers Sunday noon at Mattson Park. Two other races start in the town of Gwinn: the Midnight Run that ends in downtown Munising and the Jack Pine 30 that finishes in Marquette (800/544-4321; www.up200.org).
March
March 7; Calumet
Great Bear Chase. In this final marathon before the snow goes, some 500 cross-country skiers compete in 26K and 50K classic and freestyle races through the scenic woods, hills and fields of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Races start and finish in downtown Calumet. The day before, kids compete in the Junior Bear Chase and everyone fuels up at the pre-race spaghetti feed. Entry fee (906/337-4520; www.bearchase.org).
March 10–13; Clare
Irish Festival. In this town named for Ireland’s County Clare, bagpipers, leprechauns and the crowd-favorite Scottville Clown Band from Scottville, Michigan, strut in the 1½-hour parade. Afterward, the clown band performs a concert and Celtic and jazz bands play around town at bars, churches and civic organizations. Bed races, crafts show, 5K and 10K road races and a leprechaun dress-up contest, along with corned beef, potato soup bowls and green beer, has everyone dancing a jig (888/282-5273; www.claremichigan.com).
March 27–28; Oscoda
Klondike Challenge. Ready or not, the Michigan Canoe Racing Association season kicks off with this chilly challenge (often in brisk 30 or 40 degree temperatures). Fifty one- and two-person teams start where the AuSable River and Van Ettan Creek join, then canoe up the creek to the dam and back in this 10-mile race. Spectators at viewing points cheer the hardy paddlers. The next day (March 28), runners and walkers get their chance in the 5K and 10K Klondike Challenge. Entry fee (989/739-4991; www.miracing.com ).
April
April 21–25; Kalkaska
National Trout Festival. The nation’s trout capital is filled to the gills with festivities celebrating the opening of trout season: the two-hour Grand Royale Parade, Taste of Trout cooking contest, Trout Entertainment Tent, classic car show, Great Lakes Timber Show, crafts and flea markets, Kalkaska Idol Contest, carnival and 5K and 10K races. Other prize catches: a trout-fishing contest worth cash and prizes and a kids’ fishing pond. Admission charged to some events (800/487-6880; www.nationaltroutfestival.com).
April 22–May 8; Kalamazoo
Irving S. Gilmore International Keyboard Festival. This biennial festival brings together the largest celebration of piano keyboard music in North America. International artists such as Piotr Anderszewski, Ingrid Fliter and Dr. John will perform for audiences in venues across southwest Michigan. The 17-day festival is filled with nearly 100 events from jazz and classical concerts, recitals, chamber music, lectures, master classes to films and live theater. Admission charged to some events (800/347-4266; www.gilmorekeyboardfestival.org).
April 23–25; Shepherd
Maple Syrup Festival. How sweet it is when tiny Shepherd (pop. 1,500) serves 350 gallons of its homemade syrup, all-you-can-eat pancakes and four tons of whole-hog sausage to 11,000 visitors. Also on tap: 125 crafts exhibitors, classic-car show, two parades, 5K run/walk, tractor pull, pancake-eating contest and variety show. At the sugar bush, guests learn how sap turns to syrup (2,120 gallons made last year) and buy fresh maple syrup (989/828-6844; www.shepherdmaplesyrupfestival.org ).
April 25–May 1; Benton Harbor and St. Joseph
Blossomtime Festival. The state’s oldest and largest multicommunity festival blooms (269/926-7397). For more information, www.blossomtimefestival.org
May
May 1–8; Holland
Tulip Time. Welcome spring with six million tulips, 1,100 wooden-shoe dancers, live concerts, trolley tours and three parades (800/822-2770). For more information,tuliptime.com/
May 13–16; Boyne City
National Morel Mushroom Festival. After a guided morel hunt into the forest Friday afternoon, the competition “mushrooms” Saturday during the national hunt when contestants win prizes for bagging the most morels in 90 minutes. Afterward, restaurants serve mushroom dishes at the Taste of Morels. Also at this 50th annual fest in Veterans Park overlooking Lake Charlevoix: a beer and wine tent, a gourmet Wine and Dine affair, carnival, crafts fair and concerts. Admission charged to some events (231/582-6222; www.morelfest.com).
May 15; Roscommon
Kirtland’s Warbler Wildlife Festival. When one of North America’s rarest songbirds, the Kirtland’s warbler (only 4,000 exist), returns here from its winter home in the Bahamas, birders migrate here, too, for biologist-led guided tours into the jack pine forest where the songbirds nest. Other wildlife attractions: juried nature fine arts show, traveling exotic animal zoo, horse-drawn nature tours, nature workshops and kids’ activity tent and fishing pond. Admission charged for age 15 and older (989/275-5000, ext. 242; www.warbler.kirtland.edu).
May 22–23; East Lansing
East Lansing Art Festival. Downtown’s hopping with bumper-to-bumper art, music and food happenings. Jazz, folk, world and rock musicians play on two free stages, and the international food court dishes up flavors from around the world. More than 200 artists from across the nation and Canada line downtown streets with booths selling paintings, ceramics, jewelry, sculptures, photography and more. Kids head straight for the petting zoo, puppet show, storytelling and hands-on fun (517/319-6804; www.elartfest.com).
May 29–30; Alma
Alma Highland Festival. Lads and lassies gather at one of the Midwest’s largest Scottish shindigs to watch hundreds of pipers and drummers compete and perform, along with highland dancers in the Great Lakes Championship. Also at this 43rd annual ceilidh (party): a two-hour-long parade, caber tossing and other strongmen competitions, 120 crafts booths, an entertainment tent and parade of tartans. Haggis, meat pies and shortbread are always on the menu. Admission charged (989/463-8979; www.almahighlandfestival.com).
May 29–31; Mackinaw City
Fort Michilimackinac Pageant. At Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 1715 French fur-trading post built on the grounds of the original fort, a cast of American Indians, French voyageurs and British redcoats re-enact a 1763 American Indian attack on the fort. Also part of Michigan’s longest-running free event (48th year): muzzleloader demonstrations, an 18th century fashion show and the state’s largest Memorial Day weekend parade (May 29), featuring the pageant cast, marching bands and floats (800/666-0160; www.fmpcfestival.org ).
Memorial Day –November 27; Jackson
Jackson County Rose Festival. Fireworks light up the sky on Memorial Day, July Fourth and Labor Day weekends. The series of special events parties on at the Party in the Park June 4–6 in Ella Sharp Park with live music, a chicken barbecue, kids activities, strongman competition and the two-hour Rose Parade (June 6). November 27 wraps it up with the Christmas Wish List Craft Show. Admission charged to some events (517/780-5884; www.jacksonrosefestival.org).
June
June 10–13; Frankenmuth
Bavarian Festival. “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” throws the state’s oldest (52nd year) and largest German gala. Polka dancers dance on the wooden floor while costumed German bands play. There’s also maypole dancers and face painting, crafts and other Kinder Tag activities for kids. Everybody fills up on brats, apple strudel and German beers and tops it all off with Sunday’s grand 100-unit parade. Admission charged to some events (800/386-3378; www.frankenmuthfestivals.com).
June 10–13; Saugatuck
Waterfront Film Festival. The curtain rises opening night on the downtown waterfront with an outdoor movie, along with live music and food booths at a street party. Throughout the run, film fanatics take their pick of flicks at screenings of 70 independent films from across the country. Directors, producers, actors and film luminaries lead seminars, workshops and panel discussions and answer questions after each film. Admission charged (269/857-8351; www.waterfrontfilm.org).
June 12; Leland
Leland Wine and Food Festival. With Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands as the backdrop, this 24th annual fest dishes out local wines from 16 wineries and cuisine prepared by local chefs. Live jazz music serenades while guests unwind at the harbor. Admission charged (877/ LELAND1; www.lelandmi.com).
June 11–12; Battle Creek
Battle Creek Festival. Friday evening’s parade ushers in the world’s biggest breakfast spread on the world’s longest breakfast table! The table’s spread from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, with an afternoon of family activities, historical highlights and healthy living ideas at Bailey Park (269/962-0592; www.bcballoons.com).
June 11–20; Mackinac Island
Lilac Festival. One of the country’s largest horse-hitch parades closes this celebration of beauty (800/454-5227; www.mackinacislandlilacfestival.org/).
Mid-June–Mid-July; Iron Mountain, Houghton and Marquette
Pine Mountain Music Festival. In its 20th season, this five-week festival produces some 35 events in nearly a dozen communities. The season includes world-class opera, chamber music, piano and organ concerts, popular revues and children’s concerts. Admission charged (888/309-7861; www.pmmf.org).
June 18–20; Saginaw
Greek Festival of Saginaw. Diners graze their way through Greece on the grounds of the St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church. Church members cook up the spread of dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), pastitio (lasagne), mousaka (eggplant), kalamari (deep-fried squid), saganaki (flaming cheese) and more. Greek musicians and dancers entertain and visitors can tour the ornate church. Admission charged (989/793-8822; www.stdemetrios.mi.goarch.org).
June 20; DeTour Village
St. Marys River Cruise. On this 13th annual St. Marys River cruise aboard a double-decker boat, passengers circle the off-shore, historic DeTour Reef Lighthouse on Lake Huron and experience going through the Soo Locks in Sault Ste. Marie with the big lake freighters. At the end of the day-long Father’s Day cruise, a bus returns passengers from Sault Ste. Marie to DeTour Village. Proceeds benefit lighthouse preservation and education. Admission charged (906/297-6051; www.DRLPS.com).
June 24–July 4; Muskegon
Muskegon Summer Celebration. For 11 nights in a row, different national recording acts rock the Muskegon Lake shore (such as The Counting Crows, Jason Aldean and Bare Naked Ladies last year). Artisan Weekend (July 2–4) draws 180 crafts booths and 160 fine arts exhibitors and at the popular Plumb’s Community Picnic, every food item costs a quarter. Other sizzling summer entertainment: a 90-unit parade, Barbeque and Blues, fireworks, midway and the Michigan Marketplace of food products. Admission charged to concerts (231/722-6520; www.summercelebration.com).
June 24–26; St. Ignace
St. Ignace Car Show. At this 35th annual, free bumper-to-bumper bash, nearly 1,000 antique and classic cars, hot rods, custom vehicles and pickups roll into this eastern UP town. On Friday night, the classics line up for the Down Memory Lane Parade and on Saturday, the vintage vehicles park along 2½ miles of main street for the crowd to get a close-up look. At another event, 25-year-old and older original cars motor in for the Antiques on the Bay (June 18–19). On September 17–18, big rugs rumble to town for the Richard Crane Memorial Truck Show and its spectacular nighttime parade of lights across Mackinac Bridge (906/643-8087; www.nostalgia-prod.com).
June 25–27; Howell
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest. Sky-high action features more than 50 hot-air balloons competing in the state championship, plus stunt kite shows, skydiving and a nighttime balloon glow. There’s plenty happening earthbound, too: three entertainment venues, a classic-car show, arts and crafts, carnival rides and kids’ games and crafts at the Family Fun Tent. Parking fee (517/546-3920; www.michiganchallenge.com ).
June 26; Alberta
Tin Lizzie Day. Tin Lizzies (Model T’s), Model A’s and other vintage vehicles motor to this historic sawmill village, the Alberta Village Museum, built in 1935 by Henry Ford in the western Upper Peninsula. Car enthusiasts admire the 40 antique autos (30 years and older) and tool around to the crafts and food stands, the pasty-eating and log-throwing contests and the Sawmill Museum, built as a mill when Ford used wood from the UP timberlands for wooden-sided “woodies” cars (906/524-6181; www.fordcenter.mtu.edu ).
June 26–27; Oscoda
Art on the Beach. At Oscoda Beach Park, 150 juried artisans line the Lake Huron shore with their jewelry, photography, wood works, crafts and more. Live music and food vendors add to the fun on these white sandy beaches (800/235-4625; www.oscodachamber.com ).
Late June; Detroit
River Days. This free festival along the Detroit Riverfront packs three days with family-friendly fun: music stages, tall ship tours, carnival rides, the Ultimate Air Dogs, Kids Zone and a nighttime boat parade on the Detroit River (313/963-8418; www.detroitriverdays.com).
Late June; Detroit
Fireworks and Official VIP Rooftop Party. At one of Detroit’s greatest summertime traditions, more than 1 million spectators line both sides of the Detroit River (or sit atop downtown’s Miller Parking Garage at the VIP Rooftop Party) to watch the 30-minute fireworks display shot from three river barges. Stop by for live music and food vendors at Hart Plaza before the 10:06 p.m. fireworks (313/923-7400; www.theparade.org).
July
July and August; Glen Arbor
Manitou Music Festival. Blues, folk, jazz and classical musicians perform a series of a dozen outdoor concerts on the Leelanau Peninsula. A free concert at the foot of Sleeping Bear Dunes near Glen Haven highlights this 20th annual season, along with performances in July and August at outdoor venues in Glen Arbor. Admission charged to some events (231/334-6112; www.glenarborart.org ). July 1–4; Battle Creek
Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. At W. K. Kellogg Airport, 50-plus hot-air balloons lift off in the early mornings and evenings and light up at night for the tethered Balloon Illume. A full-throttle air show with military jet teams and civilian stunt fliers zoom overhead, and center-stage entertainment, carnival rides, crafts, novelty and food booths and fireworks round out the high-flying fun. Admission and parking charged (269/962-0592; www.bcballoons.com ).
July 2–4; Manistee
Manistee National Forest Festival. Take a guided tour of the Manistee National Forest, then branch out to the 100-unit parade, fish boil, art exhibit, entertainment tent and midway. Admission charged to some events (231/723-2575; www.manisteechamber.com).
July 3–4; Ludington
Freedom Festival. This patriotic party steps off July 3 with the children’s and pet parade and ends with a bang July 4 when fireworks burst over Lake Michigan. The famous Scottville Clown Band from nearby Scottville, Michigan, brings up the rear of the two-hour-long parade on July 4 and gives a concert of big-band tunes afterward (231/843-4663; www.ludingtonareajaycees.org ). At a separate event in town this weekend: the annual West Shore Art League Fine Arts and Crafts Fair with 200 artists (231/845-0324; www.westshoreartleague.org).
July 3–10; Traverse City
National Cherry Festival. In the “Cherry Capital of the World,” pick from orchard tours, big-name concerts, pie-eating contests and a global wine pavilion, and indulge in cherry-chicken salad, cherry biscotti and other delights at the Cherries Grand Buffet. Also at Michigan’s largest family festival, an air show stars the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, two parades march by, including the 125-plus-unit Cherry Royale Parade, and fireworks over West Grand Traverse Bay wraps it all up. Admission charged to some events (800/968-3380; www.cherryfestival.org ).
July 13–17; Gaylord
Alpenfest. This “Alpine Village” celebrates it roots with alpenhorn playing, a yodeling contest, costume parade and coffee and donuts at the block-long “World’s Largest Coffee Break.” Parade bands perform Music on the Lawn following Saturday’s 1½-hour grand parade. More Swiss bliss: ethnic food alley, national and regional bands, 75 crafts booths and free food events daily (with a $3 pin), such as a wurst wagon and Pfannekuchen und Wuerstchen (pancake and sausage) breakfast (800/345-8621; www.gaylordalpenfest.com .
July 15–18; St. Joseph
Venetian Festival on the Saint Joseph River. Big-name concerts, a lighted boat parade, classic-car show, fireworks over Lake Michigan and the Taste for Southwest Michigan makes waves along the St. Joseph River. More action: a marathon swim, wine tasting, big-band dance and sand sculpting contest. Admission charged to some events (269/983-7917; www.venetian.org).
July 16–18; Jackson
Hot Air Jubilee. At this annual ascension at Jackson County Airport, 50 hot-air balloons lift off at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. and light up again for the night glow. Between launches, drift around to the stunt kite demonstrations, crafts and classic-car shows, air show, live entertainment and carnival rides. Youngsters land in Kids Kingdom for games and crafts. Admission charged (517/782-1515; www.hotairjubilee.com).
July 17; Port Huron and Mackinac Island
Bayview Mackinac Race. At one of the world’s largest freshwater races (in its 86th year), 265 sailboats launch from Port Huron and navigate 252 nautical miles on Lake Huron to the finish at Mackinac Island. Crowds cheer the start from the banks of the Black River or from a cruise boat, then hustle to Mackinac Island to greet the fleet when it arrives Sunday night and Monday. Beforehand, the partying gets rolling with live music and a beer garden Thursday and Friday nights when the boats dock in downtown Port Huron for viewing (810/985-8843; www.byc.com/mack/ ).
July 17; Harrisville
Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival. Staked out under a big tent at the Lake Huron harbor in Harrisville, Northeast Michigan’s largest wine and food festival wines and dines with fare served by local restaurants. More than a dozen Michigan wineries and breweries pour wine and beer. Music accompanies the 16th annual spread on the sunrise side of Michigan. Admission charged (989/724-5107; www.huronshoreschamber.com ).
July 18–24; Charlevoix
Charlevoix Venetian Festival. At this summer splash, it’s a blast watching fireworks explode from a barge on Lake Charlevoix July 23, followed by the grand fireworks finale at the electrical boat parade July 24 on Round Lake. The loaded lineup of free events includes national and regional music acts, a Kids’ Day at Lake Michigan Beach, street parade, and golfing, sailing and running events at the Venetian Games (231/547-3872; www.venetianfestival.com).
July 21–24; Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor Art Fairs. Four independently juried art fairs turn the streets of downtown and the University of Michigan central campus into one massive outdoor art gallery, drawing 1,000 artists and a half-million visitors. The four-day affair includes the original 51-year-old Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, State Street Area Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and the South University Art Fair. Buses shuttle between fairs (800/888-9487; www.artfairs.visitannarbor.org ).
July 21–24; Fremont
National Baby Food Festival. The birthplace of Gerber Baby Food pacifies the crowd with headline entertainment, a 100-exhibitor crafts fair, carnival rides, a 100-unit grand parade, bed races and a Kids’ Zone. Only in the “Baby Food Capital of the World:” contestants slurp strained apples in the baby food eating contest or fix a dish for the baby food cook-off, and tots creep for the finish in the baby crawl. Admission charged to some events (800/592-BABY; www.babyfoodfest.com).
July 24–25; Grayling to Oscoda
AuSable River International Canoe Marathon. When the starting gun fires at 9 p.m. July 24, more than 60 two-person teams from throughout North America grab their canoes and run two blocks to the river in Grayling. They paddle all night in this grueling 14-hour, 120-mile race from Grayling to Oscoda, the longest nonstop canoe race in North America and the richest (more than $50,000 in cash and prizes). Spectators hustle from bridge to bridge across the northeast Lower Peninsula to follow the action. Also this weekend: the AuSable River Festival in Grayling, and the Gagaguwon Traditional Powwow and AuSable River Days in Oscoda.
July 30–August 1; Harbor Springs and Petoskey
Little Traverse Yacht Club Annual Regatta. At the 50th sailing of one of the nation’s oldest regattas, 80 sailboats launch in Harbor Springs and race in Little Traverse Bay. Landlubbers can watch from the shores of Petoskey State Park or from the downtown waterfronts in Petoskey and Harbor Springs. Best viewing times: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (231/526-7919; www.ltyc.org).
August
August 3–8; Rogers City
Nautical City Festival. The Lake Huron shore hosts a fleet of family fun: a 1½-hour parade, carnival rides, fireworks, antique and classic car show, Polish and German dinners, softball tournament, kids’ fishing contests and dozens of other events. Bands play nightly under the big tent and a juried arts-and-crafts show on the courthouse lawn draws 100 exhibitors. Admission charged to tent (800/622-4148; www.rogerscity.com).
August 4–7; Colon
Abbott’s Magic Get-Together. It’s no illusion when hundreds of magicians from around the world appear in the hometown of one of the world’s largest manufacturers of magic tricks. Professional magicians entertain at five Las Vegas-style stage shows. Other hocus-pocus in the “Magic Capital of the World:” magic competitions, lectures, magic dealers, street magicians, crafts fair and fireworks. Admission charged to some events (269/432-3235; www.magicgettogether.com/events.html).
August 6–8; Mount Pleasant
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Powwow.At Michigan’s largest powwow, more than 350 dancers and 15 drum groups from across the United States and Canada compete in dancing and drumming contests at the Saginaw Chippewa Powwow Grounds. Seventy vendors sell blanket dogs, fry bread, corn soup and buffalo burgers to eat, along with bead and leatherwork, baskets, paintings and much more (800/225-8172, ext. 54071; www. sagchip.org/).
August 7; Escanaba
Waterfront Arts Festival. Eighty artists line the Lake Michigan shore with their jewelry, baskets, paintings, pottery and other fine arts and crafts. Barbershop quartets, jazz groups and the Escanaba City Band entertain at the band shell and artists demonstrate their skills in the Demo tent. There is an “Art Raffle” that draws for prizes every hour, all day, for artwork that has been donated by the artists in the show. Also: food vendors and a Young Artists’ market (906/786-3102; www.bayart.org).
Mid-August–Early October; Holly
Michigan Renaissance Festival. Huzzah! Inside the 16th century kingdom of Hollygrove, wenches and troubadours roam the grounds, trumpets herald jousting knights, and belly dancers, comedians and jugglers perform on 16 stages. Some 200 artisans sell costumes, jewelry, gallery-quality crystals, sculptures and other wares, and five food islands dish up fish and chips, Friar Tuck-sized turkey legs, Scotch eggs, apple dumplings and other fare fit for a king. Admission charged (800/601-4848; www.michrenfest.com ).
August 12–15; South Haven
National Blueberry Festival. One of the nation’s top blueberry-growing regions serves up a bumper crop of blueberry muffins and pies, blueberry brats, just-picked berries and blueberry plants at the Blueberry Central Pavilion. It’s the berries at the free concerts, hour-long parade, Kids’ Day, 5K run, crafts fair, pie-eating contest and blueberry pancake breakfast (800/SOHAVEN; www.blueberryfestival.com ).
August 14; Charlevoix
Waterfront Art Fair. Along the Lake Michigan waterfront in downtown’s East Park, 150 artists (chosen from 1,000 applicants) sell their handiwork to 25,000 art lovers. Michigan’s second oldest juried art fair (52nd year) features ceramics, glass, fiber, wood, paintings, photography and more (231/547-2675; www.charlevoixwaterfrontartfair.org ).
August 14; Hessel
Les Cheneaux Islands Antique Wooden Boat Show & Festival of Arts. Live music plays in Hessel harbor while visitors admire the 150 dinghies, rowboats, canoes, sailboats, runabouts, cruisers and other vintage wooden vessels, and shop at the food and nautical vendors. Passengers can board a tour boat that cruises among the 36 Les Cheneaux Islands on Lake Huron. Also on the waterfront, 70 exhibitors sell their juried arts and crafts at the Festival of Arts. Admission charged (906/484-2821; www.lescheneaux.org ).
August 14–15; Monroe
River Raisin Jazz Festival. National acts, including flutist Alexander Zonjic, perform for free in St. Marys Park on the Historic River Raisin, and the food court earns rave reviews, too, for its barbecue ribs, giant turkey legs, barbecued chicken and more. Regional and local jazz groups play at a second stage at the Downtown Fine Art Fair, where 60 fine artists sell their works (800/252-3011; www.monroeinfo.com/events.html).
August 17–22; Escanaba
Upper Peninsula State Fair. The UP stages a state fair of its own, with a roundup of music acts, midway rides, livestock shows, crafts and food judgings and a demolition derby. Families learn about UP native plants and wildlife at the Department of Natural Resources Pocket Park, experience old-time agriculture at the UP Steam and Gas Village and watch piglets being born at the Miracle of Life birthing exhibit. Everybody snacks on the Croatian chicken, elephant ears, corn dogs and ice cream from UP dairies. Admission charged (906/786-2192; www.upstatefair.org).
August 20–22; Paradise
Wild Blueberry Festival. Not just another day in Paradise, this weekend fest in the “Wild Blueberry Capital of Michigan” celebrates the area’s wild blueberry history with a blueberry brunch, 70-exhibitor crafts fair, ongoing live entertainment and blueberry pies, muffins and buckle for sale at the bake sale. The Blueberry Jamboree in the evenings kicks back with hayrides and more live music (906/492-3219; www.paradisemichigan.org/blueberry/festival.html).
August 27–29; St. Joseph
Epicurean Classic. Join guest chefs as they prepare dishes from their latest cookbooks. Specialty food tastings, wine seminars and cooking demonstrations also will be held downtown (231/932-0475; www.epicureanclassic.com).
September
September 3–6; Detroit
Detroit International Jazz Festival. The world’s largest free jazz festival stars more than 100 acts on six stages in the heart of downtown. Besides some of the biggest names in jazz, such as Chick Corea, Hank Jones, John Clayton and Dave Brubeck last year, this end-of-summer ritual also includes jam sessions, a Jazz Talk Tent, children’s area and Saturday night fireworks (313/447-1248; www.detroitjazzfest.com).
September 4–5; Harrisville
Harmony Weekend. When barbershop quartets and Sweet Adelines sing at the courthouse hill, their music drifts over the crowd shopping at the huge 400-booth arts-and-crafts show on the courthouse lawn. Another high note: the Sunday parade finishes at the harbor, where the singing groups perform in the pavilion (989/724-7197; www.harrisvilleartscouncil.com).
September 6; St. Ignace and Mackinaw City
Mackinac Bridge Walk. Governor Granholm (schedule permitting) leads the pack of 60,000 people that walks from St. Ignace to Mackinaw City across “Mighty Mac,” the five-mile bridge that links Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. It’s the only time all year that walkers are allowed on North America’s largest suspension bridge. Walkers can start their one-way trek anytime between 7 and 11 a.m. (800/666-0160; www.mackinacbridge.org).
September 10–12; Paw Paw
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival. In the heart of grape country, the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” toasts its harvest with a grape-stomping contest, winery tours, beer and wine tent and the Vineyard Classic Bicycle Tour. More vintage fun: three stages of entertainment, an hour-long parade, crafts fair, classic-car show and fireworks over Maple Lake. Admission charged to some events (269/655-1111; www.wineandharvestfestival.com).
September 11; Manistee
Port City Street Fair. A 60-exhibitor arts-and-crafts fair anchors this fest along downtown’s historic River Street. Also in this “Victorian Port City:” live music and entertainment, outdoor cafes and a classic-car show (231/398-3262; www.manisteedowntown.com ).
September 11–12; Holland
Tulipanes Latino Art & Film Festival. This Dutch city celebrates its Latino culture with a full lineup of free events in downtown’s Centennial Park: Latino musicians playing salsa and Mexican folk music, performances by folk ballet dancers, and Latin-themed films and art exhibits. The cantina serves tamales and tortas, plus there’s a giant piñata and special entertainment for kids (800/506-1299; www.tulipanes.org ).
September 11–12; Marshall
Historic Home Tour. Choirs and brass bands serenade while thousands of visitors marvel at the homes, museums and galleries in one of the nation’s largest National Historic Landmark District (850-plus structures). Also around town: quilt, art and antique shows, Civic Players production, big-band and dueling piano concerts, German dinner and Civil War-era costume ball. Admission charged (800/877-5163; www.marshallmi.org).
September 17–19; Oscoda
Paul Bunyan Festival. The “Home of Paul Bunyan” (the first Paul Bunyan tale appeared in a newspaper here in 1906) hails the legendary lumberjack with a timber jack show, the Great Lakes Chainsaw Carving Championship, classic-car and truck show, bands, crafts show, beer tent and food vendors. Bunyan wannabes compete in the log carrying challenge, ax throw and other Bunyan games and kids scramble for the sack races, inflatable games and pony rides. Admission charged (800/235-4625; www.oscodachamber.com).
September 30–October 3; Niles
Four Flags Area Apple Festival. Apple season peaks in southwest Michigan’s apple-growing region with peeling and baking contests, apple doughnuts, dumplings and pies for sale and tours of area orchards. Other core events: a 100-unit grand parade, carnival rides, 200 crafts booths, entertainment tent, classic-car show and fireworks. Parking donation (269/683-8870; www.fourflagsapplefestival.org).
October
October 7–10; Alpena
Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival. Lighthouse lovers take boat and helicopter tours to Middle Island and Thunder Bay Island lighthouses, or go exploring on their own to 40 Mile Point, Sturgeon Point, Tawas Point and other Great Lakes guardians (eight lighthouses open for tours and special activities) along Lake Huron. At the Thunder Bay Recreational Center in Alpena: maritime exhibits, nautical arts and crafts vendors, music and stories, guest speakers and a Coast Guard display. Admission charged to some events (586/566-1603; www.lighthousefestival.org ).
October 15–17; Midland
Northwood University International Auto Show. On the Northwood University campus, more than 500 students produce North America’s largest outdoor auto show. The 47th annual free event draws 55,000 guests to view more than 450 new cars, trucks, specialty and promotional vehicles parked on campus, along with a classic car show (989/837-4823; www.northwood.edu/autoshow).
October 29; Grand Rapids
Food, Wine & All That Jazz. At West Michigan’s premier wine tasting event, guests at The Public Museum choose from 300 domestic wine and beer selections from Michigan and North America. Also at this benefit for WGVU public broadcasting, live jazz plays as guests graze at more than 25 tables of gourmet foods. International wines are featured at a second tasting event, The Great Wine & Food Symposium February 26, 2010, at The Public Museum. Admission charged (800/442-2771; www.wgvu.org).
November
November 19; Lansing
Silver Bells in the City. A 60-unit electric light parade of glowing floats, snow plows, fire trucks and marching bands spark the season, and fireworks burst over the capitol dome after the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree. Also that evening, 50 arts organizations entertain with ethnic dancers, bell choirs, clowns and community bands that perform at downtown cultural institutions (free admission) and on the streets (517/372-4636, ext. 6; www.silverbellsinthecity.org ).
November 25; Detroit
America’s Thanksgiving Parade. It wouldn’t be the holidays without this beloved Turkey Day tradition that steps off at 9:20 a.m. and stretches almost two miles along Woodward Avenue. Curbside spectators stand by for the award-winning floats, giant balloons, marching bands, celebrities and a walking corp of antique papier-mache heads. Early-birds enter the Mashed Potato Mile, 5K Stuffing Strut or the 10K Turkey Trot. Entry fee for races (313/923-7400; www.theparade.org ).
November 26–December 30 (weekends and select weekdays; closed December 25); Flint
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic. Thousands of lights outline the Huckleberry Railroad, called Michigan’s largest moving light display, which takes passengers past twinkling trackside light displays in the forest and in the 1800s living-history Crossroads Village. Passengers mill around the village to watch a live stage show in the opera house, shop in the vintage stores, see costumed residents celebrating an 1800s holiday and to enjoy special holiday activities and crafts. At the November 26 kickoff, choirs and fireworks herald the lighting of the Tree of Lights. Admission charged (800/648-7275, ext. 6; www.geneseecountyparks.org ).
November 26–December 20; Owosso
North Pole Express. All aboard for a four-hour round-trip excursion behind the Pere Marquette 1225 steam locomotive used as a prototype for the Polar Express movie. The train chugs from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso to the “North Pole” at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds near Chesaning, where Santa, carnival rides, a magician, food court and light display entertain inside a heated building. Advanced tickets required (989/725-9464; www.michigansteamtrain.com ).
December
December 2–5; Manistee
Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend. Oh what fun it is to ride in this nostalgic Victorian parade (December 4) of horse-drawn sleighs and riders in period costumes. Draft horses bring up the rear, pulling the 40-foot-tall community Christmas tree on a sled to its downtown location. Throughout the weekend in this historic Lake Michigan village: a holiday production at the Ramsdell Theatre, tours of historic sites, a Festival of Trees, concerts and surrey rides. Admission charged to some events (231/723-2575; www.manisteechamber.com ).
December 3–4; Ida
Christmas in Ida Festival. Christmas draws a crowd of 40,000 to this village (pop. 1,020) to watch Saturday night’s nearly two-hour Parade of Lights and its glowing floats, fire trucks, bands and cartoon characters. A Friday night concert kicks off this 28th festival, which keeps rolling Saturday with three craft shows, fireworks, Santa’s Zoo with live reindeer, Radio Disney in concert, ice sculptures, the country’s largest crèche display and costumed canines in the Holiday Hounds on Parade. Admission charged to crafts show (734/269-9395; www.christmasinida.com).
December 3–5; Muskegon
Singing Christmas Tree. Carols fill the air as 300 Mona Shores High School students sing Christmas, Hanukkah, African and other holiday songs while standing on tiers of America’s tallest singing tree (67 feet). A full orchestra accompanies the performances at the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts. Admission charged (231/780-4711, ext. 8318; www.startickets.com/event.php?event=1126).
