Michigan's 2026 Summer Festivals

National Cherry Festival 100th Celebration (July)

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World, and visitors can expect eight days of special performances at the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage, anniversary pop up shops, the return of the Historic Bed Race, and so much more. The festival began in 1926 when Hawkins Bakery baked a giant cherry pie with more than 5,000 cherries for President Calvin Coolidge, and over the years the festival grew into a week-long, multifaceted celebration of cherries, summer and community.

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival (July)

Marquette's annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival has celebrated traditional music styles for going on 50 years — including bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk — held at Tourist Park. Visitors can camp at the park, which features miles of hiking and biking trails, while enjoying three days of acoustic concerts, songwriting workshops and more, including a teen-only dance, the Children's Parade and an art show. 

Art on the Rocks Fine Art Show (July)

Since 1959, this Marquette event has brought together artists and aficionados in the Upper Peninsula during the last full weekend in July. Over 100 artists are selected to showcase their works at Art on the Rocks, which is free and open to the public. 

Michigan Brown Trout Festival  (July) 

Head to Alpena to be a part of the longest-running fishing tournament in the Great Lakes. The Michigan Brown Trout Festival is 10 days of fish-loving festivities, with fun weigh-ins, daily prizes and a Kiddie Classic, along with live music and special activities for the whole family. 

National Blueberry Festival (August)

For more than half a century, South Haven annual National Blueberry Festival celebrates Michigan's agricultural bounty — Michigan produces over 100 million pounds of blueberries each year — and the region's thriving fruit-growing traditions. Located in Stanley Johnston Park, the festival features blueberry-themed food, lively entertainment, carnival rides, a craft market, pie-eating contests, tours of berry fields and more. 

Upper Peninsula State Fair (August)

Dating back to 1928, the Upper Peninsula State Fair is a weeklong festival held in Escanaba that invites visitors to share and celebrate the heritage and agriculture of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Enjoy thrilling midway rides, livestock shows, authentic regional cuisine, demolition derbies, and exhibits showcasing the region's unique farming and logging history. 

Porcupine Mountains Music Festival (August)

Set in the rugged Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, this two-day festival made history as the first music festival held in a Michigan State Park. The Porcupine Mountains Music Festival lineup features an eclectic mix of genres — Americana, blues, country, bluegrass, rock, folk and others — from touring bands from across the country and abroad. In addition, the all-acoustic Busking Barn stage will host a songwriter's workshop, and the colorful Kid's Tent holds plenty of crafts and activities for young audience members.

Traverse City Food & Wine Festival (August)

This milestone celebration of local flavors debuted in 2025 to showcase the bounty of the Traverse City region’s amazing agriculture, craft, and creativity. Through a variety of special events, guests are invited to indulge in bold bites from renowned chefs and restaurants, sip on local wines and craft beverages, taste foods that are distinctly “up north”, and learn from chefs, winemakers and experts. Set against the stunning coastline of Lake Michigan, Traverse City Food & Wine provides a true feast for the senses at every turn. 

Michigan Irish Music Festival (September)

Muskegon's Michigan Irish Music Festival is a four-day celebration of Irish and Celtic music and culture. Hosted at Heritage Landing, the festival showcases traditional Irish, folk and contemporary Celtic music on multiple stages. More than just concerts, the festival also includes Gaelic folk dance shows; hearty Celtic food, beer and spirits; an Irish market; and a lively Wee Ones Area for children.

Traverse City International Fireworks Competition (September)

The International Fireworks Competition championship made its debut in 2023 with an unforgettable lineup featuring teams from Germany, Mexico, France, and the USA, establishing itself as one of the most exciting fireworks showcases anywhere.