12 things to do in Michigan in August 2018

This month heats up with the last of the great summer fests, fairs, and cruises. Here are our things to do in Michigan in August 2018.

August 2-5 Rendezvous in Mackinaw-18TH Century Trade Fair – Mackinaw City

Travel back in time. Learn what trade was like in Michigan in the 1700s and 1800s through this fun and interactive experience sponsored by the Fort Michilimackinac Re-Enactment Committee. Enjoy history-related programs at the amphitheater. Participate in authenticity competitions, and even the battling and looting of the Mackinaw merchants.

August 2-5 Boyne Falls Polish Festival – Boyne Falls

If you love Polish food and culture, then this event is for you. Dine on golombki, pierogi, and kielbasa, and then get your polka on. If all of that is foreign to you, then it’s a great place to discover new tastes and experiences. There’s also a good old fashioned car show, carnival, parade, and other family fun.

August 3-4 Swinging Bridge Festival – Croswell

Croswell, located in the “thumb” area, is home to the only suspension bridge in Michigan. Naturally, they throw a party to highlight it. The 139-ft bridge was built in 1905. It can support fifty pedestrians at a time. The festival takes place along the beautiful riverfront area near the bridge, and features cardboard boat races and an outstanding fireworks display.

August 3-5 Buy Michigan Now Festival – Northville

Admittedly we might be biased, but there is no better place to celebrate Buy Michigan Week than at this festival. Sample Michigan-made foods and shop for locally-produced goods such as furniture, home décor, toys, apparel, jewelry and more. You can also relax in the Michigan Beverage Garden where you’ll find talented musicians. Head over to the Kids Zone to entertain the smaller members of your crew.

August 9-11 Mint Festival – St Johns

There’s nothing quite like fresh mint. It’s especially delightful when it makes its way into beverages, ice cream, and candy, not too mention soothing products like lip balms and lotions. Help locals celebrate over 100 years of mint-farming in Clinton County. This weekend event is filled with activities too. Look for arts and crafts, a flea market, a quilt show, and vehicles on display. Youngsters will enjoy pony and train rides, and mini golf. There are also many sports competitions and live music to entertain all ages.

August 9-11 Riverfest – Mendon

The St. Joseph River is calling. Come explore the quaint town of Mendon, and lounge in Reed Riverside Park. This spot features a strolling boardwalk, a large gazebo along the river, a pavilion, and a smaller gazebo overlooking the park. It’s worth a stop any time, but during Riverfest, you’ll also find a fishing tournament. Plus there are toy boat, canoe, and duck races. You can bring a bathing suit to join locals for the “Canoe Swamp,” or just enjoy a leisurely pontoon ride.

August 10-19 Cheeseburger in Caseville – Caseville

What started out as a little idea meant to end the summer with a tourism boost, has nearly become the primary identity for the small town of Caseville. The, now 10-day event, takes place on the shores of Lake Huron. It is filled with Jimmy Buffet-style tribute bands and original musicians. Expect to find plenty of flamingos, grass skirts, and parrot-themed décor. Thousands descend on the town affectionately known as “Key North” to celebrate summer, beachcombing, and, of course, cheeseburgers.

August 18 Woodward Dream Cruise – Southeastern Michigan

If you ask locals, they’ll say the Dream Cruise is much more than just a one-day event, but technically it officially takes place from 9am to 9pm on a Saturday. Vehicles cruise through eight communities: Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak. The annual auto pilgrimage has become one of the biggest car events in the world, drawing about a million and a half people from around the nation eager to check out more than 50,000 amazing cars.

August 17-19 Melon Festival – Howell

Melon harvest season provides a great excuse for one of the last summer celebrations in the lovely town of Howell. This 3-day community extravaganza includes a melon roll, tot trot, mascot dash, 5k/10k run, melon patch fun & games, mobile gaming unit, classic car show, historic steam train rides, music, theatrical performances, a Great Lakes Timber Show, and a carnival.

August 23 Market at the Capitol – Lansing

The Michigan Farmers Market Association (MIFMA) will host the second of three Farmers Markets at the Capitol from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The market will be held on the East Lawn of the Michigan State Capitol Building in Downtown Lansing. More than 70 vendors from across the state will be on hand selling Michigan-grown and produced products ranging from fresh produce to flowers, meat, cheese, baked goods, and prepared foods. It’s a unique setting to capture the true flavor of Michigan-made and grown products.

August 23-26 Folk Music Festival – Midland

Musicians and aspiring artists will have a phenomenal time at this celebration of simple sounds. Whether you play the Dulciimer, Guitar, Banjo, Fiddle, Mandolin, Bass, Autoharp, Dobro, Ukulele, or Whistle, you’re invited to join other musicians to play a tune. Guests may even camp overnight in the Midland County Fairgrounds where the event is held.

August 25-26 Civil War Muster – Jackson

Honoring the role that Michigan citizens played during the Civil War to preserve the union, abolish slavery, and defend the rights of others, hosting this commemorative event has become a Jackson tradition. This year the spectacle moves to Ella Sharp Park for the first time and will feature historic presentations from the likes of Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain as well as period music, medical scenarios, and battle reenactments.

Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2018, you got a chance to enjoy. Tag @BuyMichiganNow in your posts. For our things to do in Michigan next month and other travel tips, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.