Michigan’s Must‑Attend Festivals & Events

Witness over five million tulips in bloom around Windmill Island Gardens. Kids love the daily parades in Dutch costumes and the interactive “Street‑Scrubbing” contest—grab miniature brooms and join in the fun.

Turn your family into expert foragers on guided morel hunts, then enjoy cooking demos showcasing these prized mushrooms. The children’s craft tent keeps little hands busy while parents taste local brews.

Stroll through four blocks of juried artwork stalls and catch live chalk‑drawing competitions. The “Kids’ Creation Station” offers free art projects, making this a creative weekend for budding Picassos.

Feel the breeze as vibrant kites soar along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Families can build and decorate their own kites at the workshop tent, then compete in friendly “Longest Flight” contests.

Pet‑palooza meets hot‑air magic! Watch pups race through obstacle courses and marvel at tethered balloon glows at sunset. The Bavarian Inn’s family buffet offers kid‑approved German fare—pretzels and all.

Breathe in the scent of 150‑year‑old lilac bushes on horse‑drawn carriage tours. Don’t miss the Lilac Parade—stick around afterward for pony rides and flower‑crown making at Fort Mackinac.

Wander fields of fragrant lavender, then let the kids craft sachets in the “Lavender Lab.” Enjoy live music on the main stage and lavender‑infused treats like ice cream and lemonade.

Celebrate diversity with family‑friendly art projects, drag‑story hours, and an energetic pride parade. The “Kids’ Rainbow Zone” features face painting, balloon animals, and inclusive storytelling.

Experience European charm with kid‑friendly oompah music, brat‑eating contests (junior size!), and German cookie decorating. The Children’s Playland has carnival rides safe for ages 3–12. Admissions are $10 – all weekend!

Taste creative asparagus dishes from chefs across the state, then let the little ones run through the asparagus‑themed relay races. Free crafts include asparagus stamping and veggie‑painting.

Bring blankets and picnic dinners to outdoor movie nights and free concerts on Ingalls Mall. The Kids’ Zone offers interactive theater, puppetry, and storytelling under the stars.

Celebrate all things strawberry with pie‑eating contests, U‑pick strawberry fields, and a 5K fun run. Kids can decorate strawberry‑shaped cookies and join the berry‑crown parade.

Enjoy sandcastle‑building competitions on the beach and family boat tours of the harbor. The Little Mariners’ tent hosts knot‑tying demos and seashell‑craft stations.

Marvel as the world’s widest and heaviest double‑decked vertical lift bridge comes alive with parades. Kids will love the kiddie tractor pull, firefighter hose races, and nightly fireworks over the water.

Learn about the fascinating fishfly phenomenon with guided nature walks. The “Junior Entomologist” tent offers bug‑painting and magnifier stations for tiny critter spotting.

Feel the roar of historic warbirds and modern jets overhead. Young aviators can climb into cockpit displays and build model planes in the “Flight Workshop.”

Six days of carnival rides, mini‑golf tournaments, and nightly light shows. The “Lil’ Spree” zone is fenced and shaded, perfect for toddlers to ride gentle carousels and play inflatable obstacle courses.

Vintage cars line the scenic Mackinac Straits waterfront. Kids can vote for their favorite “Coolest Kid’s Car” and participate in pedal‑car races along the promenade.

Cap off June with mass balloon launches at dawn and “Night Glow” light shows after dark. Children’s tethered rides and face‑painting booths make this a memorable finale to summer’s first half.

• Plan Ahead: Many festivals offer discounted family‑packs online—buy tickets early to save.
• Pack Smart: Bring sunscreen, hats, and refillable water bottles—Michigan sun can surprise you.
• Local Eats: Sample regional specialties (cherries, strawberries, lavender treats) at vendor markets.
• Get Comfy: Lawn chairs and picnic blankets are a must for park concerts and outdoor shows.
• Explore More: Extend your trip with a day at Top Michigan Waterfalls to Visit in 2025 or unwind on Top Michigan Beaches to Explore in 2025.