The Most Epic Annual Events in Michigan: Top 10 Must-Experience Festivals (Currently Open)
Michigan is a state that loves to celebrate—its culture, its seasons, and its people. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the heart of Detroit, every year brings an incredible lineup of festivals that capture the spirit of the Mitten State. Whether you’re into food, music, art, or history, there’s an event waiting to spark your sense of adventure.
If you’re looking to fill your calendar with unforgettable experiences, this guide highlights the top 10 must-experience annual festivals in Michigan that are currently open and thriving. Each one offers something unique, bringing locals and travelers together in true Michigan style.
Tulip Time Festival – Holland’s Blooming Wonderland
Every spring, the city of Holland, Michigan, transforms into a living canvas of color during the Tulip Time Festival. With more than six million tulips in bloom, this festival celebrates Michigan’s Dutch heritage and the beauty of spring.
Visitors can stroll through fields of flowers, watch traditional Dutch dancing, and enjoy the lively parades that fill downtown with music and color. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Windmill Island Gardens, where the authentic De Zwaan Windmill—the only working Dutch windmill in the U.S.—still turns gracefully against the skyline.
Tulip Time is family-friendly, photogenic, and full of charm. It’s the perfect way to welcome Michigan’s warmer months and one of the state’s most iconic annual traditions.
National Cherry Festival – Traverse City’s Sweet Celebration
When summer hits northern Michigan, Traverse City bursts into a celebration of its most famous fruit—the cherry. The National Cherry Festival, held each July, is a week-long extravaganza filled with live concerts, air shows, parades, and cherry-themed treats that capture the essence of Michigan fun.
What makes this festival so beloved is its blend of small-town warmth and big-time entertainment. Visitors can:
Watch the Blue Angels soar over Grand Traverse Bay.
Sample cherry pies, jams, and wines from local farms.
Join in the Cherry Pie Eating Contest—a sweet Michigan tradition.
With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and endless activities for all ages, this event is both a celebration of agriculture and a tribute to community pride.
Electric Forest – Rothbury’s Musical Magic
Hidden in the woods near Rothbury, Electric Forest is unlike any other festival in the Midwest. This multi-day electronic and jam-band music festival draws thousands of visitors from around the world for a truly immersive experience.
Imagine glowing art installations, towering trees lit in neon hues, and an atmosphere of pure creativity. The festival’s lineup has featured headliners like The String Cheese Incident, ODESZA, and Flume, blending genres and experiences under the Michigan stars.
More than just a concert, Electric Forest is an artistic journey. Workshops, yoga sessions, and spontaneous performances make it one of Michigan’s most transformative cultural events.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure that combines nature, music, and community, Electric Forest is an unmissable stop on Michigan’s festival calendar.
Detroit Jazz Festival – A Legacy of Sound
The Detroit Jazz Festival is the largest free jazz festival in the world, drawing music lovers to the heart of downtown every Labor Day weekend. Held along the Detroit Riverfront, this event showcases world-class performances from both legendary and emerging artists.
Past headliners have included icons like Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, and Diana Krall. But what truly makes this festival special is its accessibility—music flows through the streets, bringing people together from all walks of life.
Between performances, visitors can explore Detroit’s thriving food scene, take a riverwalk stroll, or visit nearby cultural landmarks like the Motown Museum. For lovers of rhythm and soul, the Detroit Jazz Festival is a true Michigan masterpiece.
Michigan Renaissance Festival – A Journey Back in Time
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into another era, the Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly delivers the magic. Running from August through early October, this beloved event recreates the splendor of a 16th-century village, complete with jousting tournaments, royal parades, and costumed performers.
Guests can:
Feast on turkey legs and mead fit for a king.
Watch knights battle in thrilling competitions.
Shop from hundreds of artisans selling handmade jewelry, leather goods, and crafts.
Each weekend features a unique theme, from Pirates & Pups to Highland Fling, ensuring every visit offers something new. For families, couples, and fantasy fans alike, the Renaissance Festival is pure joy—and a Michigan tradition that never goes out of style.
ArtPrize – Grand Rapids’ Global Art Phenomenon
For art lovers, few events are as exciting—or as ambitious—as ArtPrize in Grand Rapids. Launched in 2009, this open art competition turns the entire city into a massive gallery, featuring hundreds of installations displayed in public spaces, restaurants, and galleries.
Artists from around the world compete for both public votes and juried prizes, creating a lively, interactive experience for visitors. You can walk through downtown and encounter murals, sculptures, light displays, and interactive pieces at every turn.
Best of all, admission is free, making ArtPrize one of the most inclusive art events in America. It’s an inspiring celebration of creativity that brings energy, dialogue, and imagination to Michigan’s cultural landscape.
Upper Peninsula State Fair – Michigan’s Proud Heritage Festival
In Escanaba, the Upper Peninsula State Fair stands as a testament to Michigan’s agricultural roots and community spirit. Since 1928, this fair has celebrated the hardworking people of the U.P. with livestock shows, live entertainment, and traditional fair fun.
Visitors can expect:
Carnival rides and games that delight all ages.
Agricultural exhibits highlighting local farming heritage.
Local food favorites, from pasties to fudge.
The fair also hosts concerts, motorsport shows, and educational exhibits that showcase the beauty and industry of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. It’s a slice of Americana with a proud northern twist—and it’s still going strong.
Ann Arbor Art Fair – Creative Energy Meets Community
Every July, downtown Ann Arbor comes alive with color, creativity, and culture during the Ann Arbor Art Fair, one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation. Spanning nearly 30 city blocks, this event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to explore fine art, crafts, and live performances.
The fair actually includes four separate fairs in one, each with its own character and vibe. Shoppers can browse paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, and mixed-media art—all while enjoying local food trucks, music stages, and a lively summer atmosphere.
For artists and collectors alike, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is a cornerstone of Michigan’s arts scene and one of the most anticipated cultural events in the Midwest.
Cheboygan Waterways Festival – A Splash of Small-Town Fun
Set along the scenic Inland Waterway, the Cheboygan Waterways Festival is a celebration of summer, community, and Michigan’s love for the water. This multi-day event in northern Michigan features boat parades, live music, craft fairs, and fireworks—all framed by beautiful lakeside scenery.
Visitors can join in family-friendly events like kayak races, fishing contests, and sandcastle competitions. The festival also pays tribute to Cheboygan’s maritime heritage, reminding guests why the Great Lakes are so deeply woven into Michigan’s identity.
For those seeking a more relaxed, family-focused celebration, the Cheboygan Waterways Festival delivers small-town charm at its finest.
Winter Carnival – Michigan Tech’s Frozen Wonderland
Up in Houghton, where snow piles high and winter reigns supreme, Michigan Technological University hosts one of the most unique events in the country: the Winter Carnival.
Every February, students and locals build massive snow sculptures, compete in skiing and broomball tournaments, and light up the night with fireworks and parades.
The festival’s theme changes annually, sparking creativity and friendly competition. From ice bowling to sleigh rides, every activity embraces the U.P.’s winter magic. It’s a testament to Michigan’s ability to turn even the coldest months into a reason to celebrate.
Conclusion: Michigan’s Year-Round Celebration of Life
From spring tulips to winter snow sculptures, Michigan’s annual festivals are more than events—they’re experiences that connect people, history, and heart. Each one reflects a different side of the state’s identity: creative, resilient, joyful, and welcoming.
Whether you’re exploring art in Grand Rapids, tasting cherries in Traverse City, or dancing under the lights in Rothbury, Michigan offers something for everyone. These festivals are open, thriving, and ready to welcome you with open arms and pure Michigan pride.