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Best time to visit

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The best time to visit Michigan runs all the way from May to October. These months are warm and bright, and there are numerous balloon and music festivals to choose from, all across the state. However, summer is also the most crowded time of the year, so plan your trip well in advance, or opt for a late spring or early fall visit. Late fall and winter in Michigan can be chilly with an abundance of snow. This is good news for skiers, snowboarders, and budget travelers looking for great deals. Early spring is still cool and snowy in many parts of the state. This is when you can enjoy lower hotel rates, fewer people on the streets, and the astonishing Ice Shards on the Great Lakes.

41 things to do in Michigan

Ice Shards on the Great Lakes

mid–February–late March Nature

The ice cover gets shattered to knife-sharp pieces as spring takes over winter

Kayak to Turnip Rock

March–mid-November Activity

This wonder of nature on Lake Huron is one of the best weekend getaways in Michigan

Jackson Hot Air Jubilee

July 19-21, 2024 Event

One of the oldest ballooning events in Michigan

Frankenmuth Balloons over Bavarian Inn

May 24–27, 2024 Event

Hot air balloons and more fun in Michigan's little Bavaria

Labor Day Events

August 29–September 2, 2024 Event

The weekend full of outdoor concerts, picnics, and BBQs wraps up the summer season in Michigan

Upper Peninsula Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

Take in the explosion of yellow, orange, and crimson

Northern Lights

August–April (all year round) Nature

Go on an exciting aurora borealis chase in Northern Michigan

Skiing and Snowboarding

late November–mid-April Activity

Hit the slopes at one of the best ski destinations of the Midwest

Fire & Ice Festival

mid-January 2025 Event

Enjoy the pleasant ambiance during one of the premier winter events in Michigan

Grand Haven Winterfest

January 23-26, 2025 Event

A fun winter celebration on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan

Frankenmuth Christmas

November 29–December 31, 2024 Event

Frankenmuth Christmas lights make this Bavarian village an ultimate Christmas destination in Michigan

Christmas Lights in Michigan

November 21, 2024–January 19, 2025 Event

Millions of lights illuminate the holiday season in Michigan

Howell Balloon Fest

June 28–30, 2024 Event

Howell Balloon Fest is a family-friendly event in the Howell area, also known as Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

Midland Area River Days Festival

August 1–4, 2024 Event

Get a birds-eye view of the Tri-Cities region in Central Michigan

Nashville Hot Air Balloon Festival

May 6–8, 2022 Event

Enjoy panoramic hot air balloon flights in Barry County

Cherry Blossoms in Michigan

mid-May Nature

Capture the beauty of cherry blossoms in Michigan

Thunder Over Michigan

July 20-21, 2024 Event

Two days, four performances, tons of emotions—it's all about air show in Michigan

Stargazing

all year round (best in March–early December) Nature

Shrouded with lakes, Michigan offers an unparalleled dark sky experience

Burning Foot Beer Festival

August 24, 2024 Event

With the barefoot entry and camping on the beach, this beer fest is definitely not an ordinary one

Luna Pier 4th of July Fireworks, Festival & Shows

July 1, 2023 (canceled for 2024) Event

Don't miss this spectacular Independence Day celebration

Petoskey 4th of July Parade & Fireworks

July 4 Event

A traditional small-town celebration on Lake Michigan

Munger Potato Festival

July 25–28, 2024 Event

Plenty of free potato and lots of fun are waiting for you!

Metro Cruise

August 22–24, 2024 Event

Don't miss the biggest car event in the state

Tecumseh's Appleumpkin Festival

October 12–13, 2024 Event

One of the best community festivals in Lenawee County

St. Joseph County Grange Fair

September 15-21, 2024 Event

One of the top five fairs in Michigan

Hunter Ice Festival

January 17–19, 2025 Event

An exciting winter event in Niles, Michigan

Lake of the Clouds Fall Colors

late September–mid-October Nature

The most iconic fall spot in the Porcupine Mountains and entire Michigan's Upper Peninsula

Battle Creek Christmas Parade

November 23, 2024 Event

A must-visit Christmas event to get in the holiday mood

Bad Axe Christmas Parade

November 30, 2024 Event

Downtown Bad Axe transforms into a winter wonderland

Hudsonville Balloon Days

June 21–23, 2024 Event

Balloon flights and countless other activities over two days

Frankenmuth Dog Bowl

May 25-26, 2024 Event

If you love hot-air balloons just as much as you love dogs, this fest is for you!

Wings Over Flint

June 24-25, 2025 Event

An air show with rich history is making a comeback

National Cherry Festival Air Show

June 28–30, 2024 Event

One of the best annual events of the Grand Traverse region

Wings Over Muskegon

August 9-11, 2024 Event

Exciting aerobatics, adventure airplane rides, and plenty of ground displays to explore

Michigan Renaissance Festival

August 17–September 29, 2024 (selected dates) Event

A magical 16th-century Medieval village and plenty of entertainment

Fairy Festival

late April 2024 Event

A family-friendly event in downtown Jackson

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

February 21-23, 2025 Event

Ship burning and various fun activities at the Viking Encampment

Romeo Peach Festival

August 29–September 2, 2024 Event

Community's favorite Labor Day Weekend tradition that will leave you speechless

Posen Potato Festival

September 6–8, 2024 Event

Potato, potahto...learn all about this veggie at this annual potato fest!

Four Flags Area Apple Festival in Niles, MI

September 26-29, 2024 Event

Indulge in apple pastries, cookies, pies, and cider and have fun at Niles Apple Festival Fairgrounds

Michigan Lavender- Festival

June 28–30, 2024 Event

A summer festival that combines a relaxing retreat and participating in interesting workshops

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