12 things to do in Michigan in May 2018

This month is full of art, music, flowers, and of course, opportunities to salute our brave troops, past and present. Below are our 12 things to do in Michigan in May 2018.

May 4 Downtown Art Walk – Tecumseh

This is a lovely time of year for an evening stroll. You can hardly find a sweeter town in which to take one than Tecumseh. The experience gets even better on May 4, as downtown merchants partner with area artists to bring art into their businesses. Stores will also offer refreshments for the public to enjoy. Local artists will be on hand to greet people and talk about their work from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Creations will range from pottery to photography to music and more. This year is their largest yet, with thirty businesses participating and nearly sixty artists.

May 5-13 Tulip Time – Holland

Holland’s annual salute to one of spring’s best blooms is an event worth experiencing. Go at least once, if not every year. This one-of-a-kind celebration of West Michigan’s Dutch heritage includes dance performances, attractions, food, and demonstrations. Be sure to visit the Windmill Island Gardens for an explosion of color. The festivities also feature three different parades, concerts, live theatre, children’s activities, trolley tours, and of course stunning tulips. There are literally millions of the spring florals in and around every corner.

May 12 Say Yes! to Michigan Day – Lansing

Before there was “Pure Michigan” our radio and tv broadcasts were inundated with the popular slogan, “Say Yes to Michigan.” The Michigan History Museum is resurrecting the term for an interactive and nostalgic look back at our state’s storied past. Enjoy live music, mingle with a group of suffragettes, test your Michigan trivia knowledge, design your own lighthouse and much more.

May 13-19 Cider Week – Grand Rapids

Michigan is one of America’s largest producer of apples, many of which are grown on family farms stretching north from Grand Rapids, so it’s no surprise that hard ciders are becoming an increasingly large part of the local libations available in the city. So much so that a weeklong celebration is now dedicated to the discovery and enjoyment of these delectable beverages. The applicious frenzy is seven days of events and activities culminating with a cider festival on the Gillet Bridge.

May 17-20 National Morel Mushroom Festival – Boyne City

Whether you relish the hunt or just the decadent delights that follow, Michigan’s annual spring quest for morels is underway. The capitol of it all is Boyne City, especially during this treasured fest. Restaurants prepare scrumptious dishes built around morels, musicians sing of them, locals give hints about secret hunting places, foodies share recipes, and all about town the hunt is on. Go with others or explore on your own. Whether you find a bounty or not, there will be a chef waiting to serve some up.

May 18-19 World Expo of Beer – Frankenmuth

When you think German in Michigan, you probably think Frankenmuth, and when you think German beverages, you probably think bier. That makes the won an ideal spot for for a World Expo of Beer. Whether your seeking Michigan’s finest crafts or a chance to compare local brews to those from other countries, this is the place to be. Around 75 breweries are on site for this thirst-quenching annual fundraiser put on by the local Jaycees. Tickets may be purchased in advance for $18 each and include admission, 6 beer sample tickets (more may be purchased), and access to a fast pass admissions line.

May 20 Flower Day at Eastern Market – Detroit

If you really want to take in spring with all of your senses, go experience Flower Day at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market. Floral scents waft through the air, colorful flats extend nearly as far as the eye can see, happy chatter abounds, and scrumptious eateries and food trucks await your arrival. Bring a wagon if you’re able, to haul your stash of greenery back to your vehicle. Sheds and open areas are covered with every possible annual, perennial, herb, shrub and tree you can imagine in your yard, at prices well below typical commercial rates.

May 18-20 Blessing of the Bikes – Baldwin

What started out in 1972 with 4 bikes and 8 riders gathering at St. Ann Catholic Church to receive a blessing for a safe and happy riding season, has grown immeasurably. These days thousands of motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Baldwin each spring for a ritual that has motorcycles lined up for miles. It makes for quite a sight to behold.

May 26-27 Lemon Creek Winery’s Art & Wine Festival – Berrien Springs

Lemon Creek in West Michigan wine country plays host to this two-day celebration of art, music, food and wine. Enjoy the unofficial start of summer by taking in unique exhibits featuring hand-crafted stained glass, jewelry, pottery, photography and paintings. Stroll between installations with a luscious glass of wine in your hand, or sit, relax, and sip to the music.

May 27 Lost Boat Ceremony – Muskegon

Honor Memorial Weekend by paying tribute to those who were lost in service to their country. The USS Silversides Submarine Museum will be holding its annual Lost Boat Ceremony starting at 11AM. This year’s event features guest speaker Lt. Commander Matthew D. Post and a Warbirds fly over. The event ends with the running of the engines of the USS Silversides Submarine, which is more than 75 years old, and still running with crankshafts made in Muskegon. A free picnic lunch will be served after the ceremony.

May 26-28 Memorial Pageant Weekend – Mackinaw City

With one of the state’s longest military histories, there are few places better suited for spending Memorial Weekend than Mackinaw City. There is no admission charge for the historical reenactment pageant or related events. Costumed reenactors bring to life the June 2, 1763 battle between the French, British and Native Americans which helped shape the history not only of this region but of the entire state of Michigan and the nation. More than 400 cast members bring history to life during scheduled performances throughout the weekend at Colonial Michilimackinac, set along the shores of the Straits of Mackinac.   

May 26-28 Movement Electronic Music Festival – Detroit

Motown turned the music world on its ear a second time with the creation of genre once known as techno in the mid to late 1980s. Since then, young people from around the world have flocked to the city to experience the pulse-pounding musical mecca. At no time is that more true than during the annual Movement Electronic Music Fest. Multiple stages will be jamming from noon-midnight daily. Pre- and post-event parties are also abundant throughout downtown. Whether you want to dance or just people watch, this event will not disappoint.

Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in May 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.