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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.

75 things to do in Michigan

International Cherry Pit-Spitting Championship

July 1, 2023 Event

Anyone can take part in this competition, which promises great fun for the whole family

Pictured Rocks Winter Hike

December–February Nature

Winter has its special power to create majestic landscapes. And the area of Pictured Rocks in Michigan during winter period turns into a real ice and snow masterpiece

Holland Tulip Time Festival

May 3-11, 2025 Event

Fun and flowers! Skim the cream off in Holland during the tulip festival

Michigan State Fair

August 29-September 2, 2024 Event

See the second oldest state fair in the United States

Kitch-Iti-Kipi (The Big Spring)

March–November Nature

Michigan’s largest freshwater spring is a geological phenomenon and a great fishing spot

Detroit Masonic Temple

all year round (1st & 3rd Sunday of the month) Activity

Visit the world's largest Masonic Temple built in an impressive neo-gothic style

Wayne County Lightfest

November 21–December 24, 2024 Event

A Christmas fantasy drive-through not far from Detroit

Plymouth Ice Festival

early February 2024 Event

Skilfully carved ice sculptures line the streets of downtown Plymouth

Zehnder’s Snowfest

January 29-February 2, 2025 Event

One of the top snow sculpting events in North America held in Frankenmuth, MI since 1990

MTU Winter Carnival

February 7–10, 2024 Event

One of the largest annual winter festivals in the U.S. takes place on the campus of the Michigan Tech University

Electric Forest

June 20–23, 2024 Event

Join in the forest family and feel the vibes and energy of this exuberant music festival in Rothbury, Michigan

U.P. Fall Beer Festival in Marquette, MI

September 7, 2025 Event

A large event for beer enthusiasts in Michigan

Michigan Summer Beer Festival

July 26-27, 2024 Event

A large outdoor beer brewers event near Detroit

Clinton Fall Festival

September 27–29, 2024 Event

A fun-filled fall weekend in a historic village

Port Huron Float Down

August 18, 2024 Event

Summer water fun event in Michigan

Woodward Dream Cruise

August 17, 2024 Event

The largest one-day classic car event in the world, drawing over 1-million people and 40,000 classic cars each year

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

July 3–7, 2024 Event

America's largest festival combining air show and hot air balloons

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

Fairy Doors of Ann Arbor

all year round Activity

Discover the magic world of the tiny ornate doors

Hash Bash

April 6, 2024 Event

The celebration of all things cannabis on the first Saturday of April

Skiing and Snowboarding

late November–mid-April Activity

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

Apple Harvest and Cider Season

mid-September–mid-November Activity

Apples, cider, and donuts—orchards and cider mills in the Ann Arbor area have it all

Fire & Ice Festival

mid-January 2024 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

Sandhill Crane Migration in Michigan

October–November Nature

Tens of thousands of cranes fly south from Michigan after breeding over the summer

Hummingbirds in Michigan

May–August Nature

You can easily seduce a couple of tiny nectar drinking birds to your backyard with feeders or suitable blooms

Detroit Christmas Lights

late November–mid-January Event

Get into holiday spirit with tree lightings and festivals

Christmas Lights in Grand Rapids

late November–early January Event

Take a stroll through America’s Jolliest City

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

Detroit Water Lantern Festival

September 7, 2024 Event

The magic of hundreds of illuminated lanterns in Michigan

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

Selfridge Open House and Air Show

July 9–10, 2022 Event

Appreciate the remarkable capabilities of the US Air Forces

Grand Rapids Comic Con

April 12–14, 2024 Event

Celebrate comic books and popular arts in G-Raps twice a year during the spring and fall comic cons

Motor City Comic Con

November 8–10, 2024 Event

Detroit's biggest fan convention

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

Donuts and Beer Festival

May 6, 2023 Event

Plenty of mouth-watering donuts and lots of beer are waiting for you at Donuts and Beer Festival

Detroit 4th of July Events & Fireworks

June 24–July 4, 2024 Event

Detroit celebrates America's birthday: from big-city parties to community gatherings

Ann Arbor, Michigan, 4th of July Fireworks, Parades & Shows

June 14–July 4, 2024 Event

This city has no shortage of things to do during the 4th of July weekend

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 13–15, 2023 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

OCIA Air Show & Open House

August 11, 2024 Event

An amazing festival, featuring aircraft performances, static displays, rides, and more family-friendly activities in Waterford, Michigan

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

Detroit International Jazz Festival

August 30–September 2, 2024 Event

One of the largest jazz festivals in the US brings world-class music to the masses

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival

February 21-23, 2025 Event

Ship burning and various fun activities at the Viking Encampment

Saline Celtic Festival

July 12-13, 2025 Event

Jousting, Highland games, and a marketplace at the most popular annual event in Saline

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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