Warmth is finally arriving, graduates are marching, and fests are popping up every weekend. It’s time for some summer fun. Here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in June 2019.
June 6-9 Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth
June means it’s time for one of Frankenmuth’s favorite weekends. Celebrate the heritage that made the town famous during this annual event. The Main Tent will be located in Zehnder park, with a number of traditional German entertainers and polka bands. There will be a Rock Tent behind Tiffany’s that on Friday and Saturday nights. The Chamber Platz will feature a beer garden and bands. Be sure to stick around until Sunday for the parade. Admission is $5 and free for children 12 and under. You may even learn how to say “Gemütlichkeit!”
June 7-16 Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island
Perhaps the only thing that can make an ordinary pop over to Mackinac Island more glorious is to visit while all of the lilacs are in bloom. The 71st Annual Lilac Festival is a ten-day party to celebrate the lovely flower that the island is known for. The lilac has a spectacular history. In fact, some are more than 200 years old. Enjoy the sites and scent of the island during this unique, bloom-filled time. Festivities include the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and Court, a 10K run, horse-drawn carriage tours, concerts, wine tastings, A Taste of Mackinac culinary event, the Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Show, and of course, the Lilac Festival Grand Parade.
June 8 14th Baraga County Lake Trout Festival – L’Anse
Baraga County has been named the Lake Trout Capital of the Great Lakes so this celebratory fest combines the Keweenaw Classic Fishing Tournament with some old fashioned family fun. Take the kids to the “Little Miss Superior” contest, a fishing pond, or pie-eating contest. Enjoy some local musical talent and shop at the craft fair.
June 8 National Cereal Fest – Battle Creek
Looking for a unique Saturday breakfast spot? How about the cereal capitol of the world for a morning like no other? Grab a spoon and celebrate the most important meal of the day at Battle Creek’s National Cereal Fest. Take a seat at an incredibly long table from 8am-11am for breakfast then hang around for the parade. The party also includes a variety of local, regional and national entertainment, exciting children’s activities, inflatables, vendors, and demos.
June 9 Little Traverse Bay Craft Cocktail Competition – Bay Harbor
If you’re looking for a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon, head to the Inn at Bay Harbor on June 9 from 2pm-5pm to taste unique craft cocktail tastings and appetizers, listen to love musical performances, and soak in the stunning views of Lake Michigan from the Inn’s Sagamore Room and terrace. For added fun, the inn will host 10 area bartenders and mixologists to compete in a judged competition for the best original cocktail using local distiller High Five Spirits’ Petoskey Stone Gin or Mackinac Island Rum.
June 10-15 American Heroes Week – Musekgon
The folks at Michigan’s Adventure are honoring first responders with a discounted rate to the theme park of only $27 (regularly $36). Personnel who qualify include firefighters, police officers, EMTs and any member of the armed forces. To receive the special offer, just present a valid public safety employee ID, active or retired military ID, or DD214 papers. The first responders and service members may also purchase up to six tickets for their spouses and children during American Heroes Week for the discounted price.
June 14-16 CheeseTown Festival & Races – Pinconning
Cheese, glorious cheese! The folks in Pinconning and Linwood really know how to make it, so of course they host a fest to celebrate the delicious dairy in all its many facets. It includes races, ball games, inflatable rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and even fireworks. Most of the fun takes place at Doc Letchfield Park, 200 N. Mable. Don’t forget to stock up on cheesy goodness to bring home with you.
June 14-16 National Strawberry Festival – Belleville
As Michigan’s agricultural season kicks into high gear, there are incredible events to honor the bounty of certain crops. In Bellville, the spotlight is on strawberries. Over 1,500 pounds of the juicy, red berries are served up during these three days. You’ll find them on shortcake, ice cream sundaes, cheesecake, and in intoxicating pies and delicious smoothies. Aside from the berries, you’ll also find carnival rides, a beer tent, music, crafts, a car show, a parade and of course, the Strawberry Queen. There is even a shuttle service running a continuous loop between the venues.
June 22 Founders Fest – Grand Rapids
In most towns a “founders festival” is all about the history of the community, which is nice too, but in Grand Rapids it’s all about great brew. Founders Fest has grown into one of Grand Rapids’ most anticipated summer events. In keeping with the season, will feature Founders Fest Wheat, along with some specialty brews. The music lineup includes: Gov’t Mule, Toots & The Maytals, Macy Gray, The War & Treaty, FBC All Stars, and Lady Ace Boogie. General admission is $40 in advance and $45 at the door.
June 23 Porch Fest – Port Austin
There used to be a time when you would find talented musicians just sitting out on a porch jamming together, but those days seem long gone. Porch Fest in Port Austin brings the tradition back. From 1pm-5pm porches throughout the town come alive with sweet sounds from local musicians. The party often continues well into the night.
June 28-30 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Howell
Who doesn’t love watching hot air balloons fill a sky with color? This annual event is one of the best places in the state to experience that magnificent site. Plus, it offers entertainment for the entire family–from skydiving and stunt kite shows to carnival rides, kid attractions, fireworks, and the always-popular balloon launches, fly-ins, and evening glow. Look up and enjoy.
June 29 International Bridge Walk – Sault Ste Marie
There is something extra special about walking across a bridge, especially one that links to great nations together. Once a year that opportunity returns to the Soo. The annual International Bridge Walk takes an easy pace and provides spectacular views of the twin Saults, the St. Marys River rapids, and the Soo Locks. Bicyclists are invited to join the round-trip Bike Parade, which leaves Lake Superior State University at 8:30am, while the walk steps off at 9:30am. Admission is free, and bus transportation is available for just $4 to bring walkers from Mill Market or return them to Norris Center.
Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in June 2019, 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.
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