We are definitely in the heat of summer now, where boats and barbecues abound. Fun can be found nearly everywhere. Naturally, we’ve highlighted some of the coolest in our 12 things to do in Michigan in July 2022.
July 1-31 Breath of Michigan World Record Attempt – Dearborn
This month Michiganders of a unique opportunity to learn a new artistic skill, while participating in a record-setting attempt, and supporting a local cause. The Glass Academy is inviting the public to participate in a basic glassblowing experience in order to create a 1,000 glass bubbles. Class admission is just $25 with $5 from each ticket going to support your choice of one of ten local community groups. The actual Guiness World Record judging will take place at the studio on July 31.
July 2-9 National Cherry Festival – Traverse City
It’s a TC party like no other. The Cherry Capital of the world celebrates its harvest of the delectable stone fruits this month. First of all, if you love cherries, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities to sip and savor that sweet cherry flavor. In addition, this incredible fest on the bay includes three parades! The musical lineup this year runs the gamut from Boys II Men to ZZ Top. There’s also performances by Nelly, Dwight Yoakam, Collective Soul, and Sheryl Crow. For a laugh, check out Jim Gaffigan. Style mavens will love the fashion show, while auto aficionados will be happy to find the Old Towne Classic Car Show. There really is something for everyone at the Cherry Fest. Be aware that many special events are ticketed so plan ahead.
July 8-10 Art in the Park – Plymouth
It almost seems hard to believe, but Art In The Park is now a Plymouth tradition in its 42nd year. Guests can expect to find over 400 artists from around the U.S. Creators will be selling paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art & much more. As always, fine entertainment and delectable cuisine will round out the experience. You can even catch a movie at the classic Penn Theatre for just five bucks.
July 15-17 Blake’s Lavender Market – Armada
Many people have found relief using lavender. It can fight anything from insomnia to stress, depression to pain, and even dementia. Plus, it looks and smells, lovely. Head to Blake’s for this wonderful annual market. Immerse yourself in the tranquil orchards and shop the open-air marketplace filled with local artisans. Sip on a refreshing lavender lemonade or ice cream, or indulge in a homemade lavender treat. There will also be free classes and demonstrations on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, farming, gardening, and more. General admission is $12 per person. Children 10 and are admitted at no cost, and will love the abundance of activities available at the farm.
July 16 Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race – Port Huron
In the ten decades that the Bayview Mackinac Race has been sailed, much has happened in the world, yet the race has always sailed on. In fact, President Franklin D. Roosevelt wired a message to Bayview during World War II when word reached the White House that the event might be canceled. That message read: “Sail your race.” Bayview did sail the Mackinac Race that year, and has done so every single year since. Get up early, head to Port Huron, watch the yachts and a bevy of other boats, parade out of the harbor. Then enjoy some time exploring the town. Grab a coffee and some scrumptious fresh food at Kate’s Downtown or a meal with a view of the Blue Water Bridge at Freighters. Conversely, head to Mackinac Island and enjoy the climactic arrival with one of the best island parties of the season.
July 16-24 Venetian Festival – Charlevoix
What began in 1931 as a candlelit boat parade in Charlevoix’s picturesque harbor, has now become an eight-day summer celebration complete with concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street parade, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, buskers, and of course, the foundational parade of boats. This year’s watery spectacle on July 23 should be particularly gnarly and awesome with a 1980s theme. It will be accented by fireworks careening across the sky.
July 21-23 Ann Arbor Art Fair – Ann Arbor
The big daddy of them all is back in full force. If you want to hit all the booths at this gigantic fair, then plan to spend the day in Ann Arbor, which happens to be an excellent place to spend a day. You’ll find work in all kinds of media ranging from clay to wood, fibers to furniture, photography to painting, jewelry to printmaking, and more. When you’re looking for a break, pop into Avalon for a fresh-baked bite or over to Jolly Pumpkin for a nosh and wash it down with one of the state’s best brews.
Hot air balloons taking flight over Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan.
July 22-24 Hot Air Jubilee – Jackson
There are 25-30 hot air balloons that float in from around the country each year to participate in this annual party. Guests to Ella Sharp Park during the event will be greeted by some longtime Jubilee favorites such as craft booths, the Kids Kingdom, vendors, and an auto show. At various times throughout the weekend you will also find helicopter rides, Monster Trucks, Model T rides, steam engine demonstrations, and the Famous Banana Car. Being at the park also offers a host of opportunities to experience the Hurst Planetarium, Ella Sharp Museum, a mini golf course, and much more. Jam to live music in the evenings before and after the Night Glow.
July 21-24 Mayville Sunflower Festival – Mayville
If you’re looking for something that will just make you smile, then by all means, seek out sunflowers. In fact, head into the Thumb area for a summer tradition that has lasted for three decades. Celebrate sunflowers and some good old fashioned summer fun. This fest includes a pancake breakfast, vintage baseball, a village-wide yard sale, cornhole tournament, food trucks, concerts, a Bump and Run Derby, a Grand Parade and fireworks.
July 22-23 Summer Beer Festival – Ypsilanti
For the 23rd time, fans of Michigan brews and the brewmasters who make them, will come together in Depot Town for the party of the season. The event runs from 5pm-9pm on Fri July 22 and again from 1pm-6pm on Sat July 23. The Summer Beer Festival hosts many of Michigan’s finest breweries sampling over hundreds of fresh, local Michigan beers. Food is available for purchase inside the festival, and guests can enjoy live music from a variety of Michigan bands.
July 30-31 Ausable River Canoe Marathon – Grayling
There are few rivers in America batter known for canoeing than the Au Sable. That’s just one of the reasons that it draws paddlers from around the world for these grueling feats of strength. Athletes will take to the river for a variety of battles, the most prestigious of which is the marathon. The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is considered to be North America’s toughest nonstop canoe race, and part of the sport’s Triple Crown. It goes from Grayling to Oscoda on the famed AuSable River. Revelers are invited to cheer paddlers on throughout the night. It can be tricky to seek out access to the river in total darkness in order to spot your favorite crew, but absolutely part of the fun and mystique. While in the Oscoda area, check out the River Road Scenic Byway.
July 30-31 Art on the Rocks – Marquette
Art on the Rocks has grown to one of the finest art shows in the country, attracting over 140 artists and 10,000 people each year. Sandwiched between Marquette’s historic downtown and the Cinder Pond Marina on beautiful Lake Superior, it’s easily one of the most beautiful locations you’ll ever find art on exhibit. To maintain the tradition of excellence, 30% of the show is made up of artists invited based on a scoring system used by previous show judges and the other 70% selected in a jury process.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations and events. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow or tag us in a picture on Instagram of Facebook when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in July 2022. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.
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