National Cherry Festival: A Delight for Cherry Enthusiasts The National Cherry Festival, held in Traverse City, is an annual extravaganza dedicated to celebrating all things cherry. It attracts visitors from across the country who come to indulge in cherry-themed activities and experience the charm of this scenic region.

July Festivals in Michigan 2023: Celebrate Summer with Exciting Events

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In: Explore, Featured Events, Festival, Fireworks, July 4th, Things to do

July Festivals in Michigan 2023

Michigan is a state known for its vibrant festival scene, and the month of July is no exception. As the summer heat sweeps across the state, Michigan comes alive with an array of captivating festivals and events. From the shores of Lake Michigan to the bustling streets of Detroit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this article, we will delve into the world of July festivals in Michigan, highlighting the top events that will take place in 2023. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage, lively music performances, delectable food, and the spirit of celebration that define these festivals.

With a diverse range of festivals on offer, Michigan caters to every interest and passion. Whether you’re a fan of cherries and want to indulge in the Traverse City Cherry Festival or you’re seeking an eclectic mix of art, music, and entertainment at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, July in Michigan promises an exciting lineup of events. From small towns to bustling cities, communities come together to showcase their unique traditions and talents. Each festival offers a glimpse into the rich history and vibrant present of the state, providing a melting pot of experiences for locals and visitors alike. Join us as we embark on a journey through the captivating world of July festivals in Michigan, discovering the wonders that await at every corner of this beautiful state.

July Festivals in Michigan 2023: Celebrate Summer with Exciting Events

1. What are some popular July festivals in Michigan?

Michigan is home to several popular festivals in July, including the following:

  1. Traverse City Cherry Festival: Celebrating the cherry harvest, this festival features live music, parades, carnival rides, and, of course, delicious cherry-inspired treats.
  2. Ann Arbor Summer Festival: This multi-week event showcases a diverse range of performances, including live music, theater, dance, and outdoor film screenings.
  3. National Cherry Festival (Traverse City): Another celebration of cherries, this festival offers cherry-themed events, including pie-eating contests, parades, and concerts.
  4. Lansing JazzFest: Jazz enthusiasts gather in Lansing to enjoy world-class performances by local and national jazz musicians.
  5. Michigan Lavender Festival (Imlay City): This festival celebrates the beauty and benefits of lavender with workshops, vendors, and demonstrations.
  6. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival: Honoring the men and women of the United States Coast Guard, this festival features parades, ship tours, and fireworks.
  7. Michigan Elvisfest (Ypsilanti): Elvis Presley fans gather for a weekend filled with tribute artists, concerts, and other Elvis-themed activities.
  8. Muskegon Bike Time: Motorcycle enthusiasts unite at this festival, which includes bike shows, live music, stunt shows, and group rides.
  9. Charlevoix Venetian Festival: This week-long event in Charlevoix features fireworks, parades, live music, and various water activities.
  10. Traverse City Film Festival: Founded by filmmaker Michael Moore, this festival showcases a diverse selection of independent films.

2. Traverse City Cherry Festival: A Celebration of Cherries

The Traverse City Cherry Festival is one of the most iconic festivals in Michigan, drawing thousands of visitors each year. This festival pays homage to the region’s renowned cherry industry and offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and events. Let’s explore some key features of the Traverse City Cherry Festival:

Event Highlights:

  • Cherry-Themed Parades: The festival kicks off with colorful parades featuring floats adorned with cherries and local performers.
  • Concerts and Live Music: Attendees can enjoy live music performances by renowned artists as well as local bands playing various genres.
  • Carnival Rides and Games: Thrill-seekers can experience exciting rides and enjoy classic carnival games throughout the festival.
  • Cherry Pie-Eating Contest: A favorite among festival-goers, this contest challenges participants to devour cherry pies as quickly as possible.
  • Farmers Market: Visitors can explore the farmers market, where local vendors offer fresh cherries, jams, baked goods, and other cherry-related products.
  • Fireworks Spectacular: The festival concludes with a grand fireworks display, lighting up the night sky with a dazzling show.

3. Ann Arbor Summer Festival: A Fusion of Arts and Entertainment

The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is a highly anticipated cultural event that transforms the city into a vibrant hub of arts and entertainment. Spanning several weeks, this festival showcases a diverse range of performances, attracting locals and tourists alike. Let’s delve into the highlights of the Ann Arbor Summer Festival:

Event Highlights:

  • Outdoor Concerts: The festival hosts a series of outdoor concerts featuring both emerging and established artists from various music genres.
  • Theater and Dance Performances: Audiences can enjoy captivating theater productions and mesmerizing dance performances by talented artists.
  • Film Screenings: Film enthusiasts can catch outdoor screenings of classic movies, independent films, and documentaries.
  • Workshops and Art Exhibitions: The festival offers interactive workshops and art exhibitions, allowing attendees to engage with the creative process.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families can participate in kid-friendly events such as storytelling sessions, puppet shows, and arts and crafts activities.
  • Food and Drink: Local food vendors and food trucks provide a wide array of culinary delights to satisfy every palate.

4. National Cherry Festival: A Delight for Cherry Enthusiasts

The National Cherry Festival, held in Traverse City, is an annual extravaganza dedicated to celebrating all things cherry. It attracts visitors from across the country who come to indulge in cherry-themed activities and experience the charm of this scenic region. Let’s explore the key highlights of the National Cherry Festival:

Event Highlights:

  • Cherry Pie-Smashing Ceremony: The festival kicks off with the ceremonial smashing of a cherry pie, symbolizing the start of the festivities.
  • Air Shows and Fireworks: Attendees can witness thrilling air shows featuring aerial acrobatics and spectacular fireworks displays.
  • Cherry Pit-Spitting Contest: A unique and entertaining event, the cherry pit-spitting contest challenges participants to spit cherry pits for distance.
  • Cherry Farm Tours: Visitors can embark on guided tours of cherry farms to learn about the cultivation and harvesting processes.
  • Concerts and Entertainment: Live music performances by renowned artists and local bands create a lively atmosphere throughout the festival.
  • Cherry Wine Tasting: Wine enthusiasts can savor the flavors of locally produced cherry wines through tasting sessions and winery tours.
  • Cherry Recipe Contests: Culinary enthusiasts can participate in cherry recipe contests, showcasing their creativity in incorporating cherries into dishes.

5. Lansing JazzFest: A Melodic Journey

Jazz lovers can immerse themselves in the rich sounds of this captivating genre at the Lansing JazzFest. Showcasing talented musicians from near and far, this festival brings the community together to enjoy a weekend filled with soulful melodies. Let’s explore the highlights of the Lansing JazzFest:

Event Highlights:

  • Live Performances: Renowned jazz artists and local bands take the stage, captivating audiences with their improvisations and musical prowess.
  • Workshops and Masterclasses: Aspiring musicians and jazz enthusiasts can attend workshops and masterclasses conducted by industry professionals.
  • Art and Craft Vendors: Festival-goers can browse through a selection of art and craft stalls, offering unique and handmade items.
  • Food Trucks and Beverages: Local food trucks provide a variety of delicious options, while beverage stands offer refreshing drinks to complement the music.
  • Jam Sessions: Musicians have the opportunity to participate in jam sessions, fostering collaboration and improvisation among performers.

 

Here is a comprehensive list of July festivals in Michigan:

These festivals offer a diverse range of experiences, including live music performances, parades, cultural celebrations, food fairs, and more. Each festival has its own unique charm and contributes to the vibrant festival scene in Michigan during the month of July.

 

JULY FESTIVALS IN MICHIGAN 2023

7/1* – Freedom Fest on the CauseWay – Croton
7/1* – Detroit Music Weekend – Detroit
7/1* – Kaleva Days – Kaleva
7/1* – Friske Farm Market Freedom Fest – Ellsworth
7/1* – Luna Pier Freedom Festival – Luna Pier
7/1* – Grand Rapids Fireworks – Grand Rapids
7/1-7/2* – Luther Days (formerly Luther Logging Days) – Luther
7/1-7/2* – Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Powwow and Summer Gathering – Sault Ste. Marie
7/1-7/2* – West Shore Art Fair – Ludington
7/1-7/2* – South Haven Art Fair – South Haven
7/1-7/2* – Baraga County Lumberjack Days – Baraga
7/1-7/2* – National Cherry Festival I – Traverse City
7/1-7/2* – Petoskey Antiques Show I – Petoskey
7/1-7/2* – Rosebush Red White Blue Celebration – Rosebush
7/1-7/3* – Muskegon Rockstock – Muskegon
7/1-7/3* – Hippie Living Fair – Berrien Springs
7/1-7/3* – Bahweting Summer Gathering and Powwow – Sault Sainte Marie
7/1-7/3* – Cadillac Freedom Festival – Cadillac
7/1-7/3* – 4th of July Festival – Port Hope
7/1-7/3* – Smiling Acres Music Festival – Trufant
7/1-7/4* – Greatest Fourth in the North – Lake City
7/1-7/4* – Michigan Rib Fest – Lake Orion
7/1-7/4* – Bessemer 4th of July – Bessemer
7/1-7/4* – Flint Water Festival – Flint
7/1-7/4* – Dorr 4th of July Independence Day Celebration – Dorr
7/2* – Great American Parade & Celebration – Hillsdale
7/2* – Third of July Fireworks Celebration – Baroda
7/2* – Fourth of July Celebration – Curtis
7/2-7/4* – Gibraltar 4th of July Celebration – Gibraltar
7/3 – Allegan July 3 Jubilee – Allegan
7/3-7/4* – Boyne City 4th of July Festival – Boyne City
7/3-7/4* – Clawson 4th of July Celebration – Clawson
7/3-7/4* – Hesperia Family FunFest – Hesperia
7/3-7/8* – National Cherry Festival II – Traverse City
7/4 – Kentwood 4th of July Celebration – Kentwood
7/4* – Eau Claire Cherry Festival – Eau Claire
7/4* – America Fest! – Nashville
7/4* – Alpha 4th of July Celebration – Alpha
7/4* – Corunna 4th of July Celebration – Corunna
7/4* – Thunder Bay Maritime Festival – Alpena
7/4* – Berrien Springs Pickle Festival – Berrien Springs
7/4* – Grandville July 4 Celebration – Grandville
7/4 – Gladstone Rock N’ Roll 4th – Gladstone
7/4* – Middleville Independence Day Celebration – Middleville
7/4* – Fenton Freedom Festival – Fenton
7/4* – July 4th Party in the Park (Rosefest) – Roseville
7/4* – Frankfort’s 4th of July Celebration – Frankfort
7/4* – Fowlerville Independence Day Celebration – Fowlerville
7/4* – Independence Day Celebration – Beulah
7/5-7/9* – Maritime Festival – Harbor Beach
7/5-7/9* – Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts – Parchment
7/6-7/8* – Elsie Dairy Festival – Elsie
7/6-7/8* – Lowell Riverwalk Festival – Lowell
7/6-7/8* – Blissfield River Raisin Festival – Blissfield
7/6-7/9* – Family Fun Fair and Bluegrass Festival – Niles
7/6-7/9* – Ubly Homecoming – Ubly
7/6-7/9* – Auburn Cornfest – Auburn
7/6-7/9* – Bluegill Festival – St. Helen
7/6-7/9* – Big Ticket Festival – Gaylord
7/6-7/9* – Uncle Sam Jam Fest – Woodhaven
7/7-7/8* – Manistique Folk Festival – Manistique
7/7-7/8* – Common Ground Music Festival – Lansing
7/7-7/8* – Copper Country Strawberry Festival – Chassell
7/7-7/8* – Grass Lake Traffic Jam’in – Grass Lake
7/7-7/8* – Michigan ElvisFest – Belleville
7/7-7/8* – LeRoy Razzasque Days – LeRoy
7/7-7/8* – Weidman Sawmill Days – Weidman
7/7-7/8* – Saline Celtic Festival – Saline
7/7-7/8* – White Pigeon Days – White Pigeon Township
7/7-7/8* – Scrapfest – Lansing
7/7-7/9* – Blissfest Music Festival – Harbor Springs
7/7-7/9* – Egelston Wolf Lake Festival – Egelston Township
7/7-7/9* – Our Lady of Lebanon Mid-East Festival – Flint
7/7-7/9* – Michigan Peace Festival – Constantine
7/7-7/9* – Lavender Daze at Indigo Lavender Farms – Imlay City
7/7-7/9* – St. Ignace Heritage Days – St. Ignace
7/7-7/9* – Bear Lake Days – Bear Lake
7/7-7/9* – Art in the Park – Plymouth
7/8 – Taco and Tequila Festival – Kalamazoo
7/8* – Nimby Pond Snowmobile Watercross Race – Buchanan
7/8* – Roscommon Arts Festival – Roscommon
7/8* – Midwest Soda Pop Festival – Gobles
7/8* – Laup Fiesta – Holland
7/8* – Flint Alley Fest – Flint
7/8* – Black Arts Festival – Kalamazoo
7/8-7/9* – Tawas Bay Summerfest – East Tawas
7/8-7/9* – Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff – St. Joseph
7/8-7/9*– Ludrock Music Festival – Ludington
7/8-7/9* – Crystal Falls Bass Festival – Crystal Falls
7/8-7/9* – Charlevoix Art and Craft Show – Charlevoix
7/8-7/9* – Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair – Royal Oak
7/9* – Polish Festival – Flint
7/11-7/15* – Gaylord Alpenfest – Gaylord
7/12-7/15* – Festival Ironwood – Ironwood
7/12-7/15* – Wyandotte Street Art Fair – Wyandotte
7/13-7/15* – Beaver Island Music Festival – Beaver Island
7/13-7/15 – Original Dulcimer Players Club Funfest – Evart
7/13-7/15* – Blue Water Fest – Port Huron
7/13-7/15* – Farmington Founders Festival – Farmington
7/13-7/16* – Muskegon Bike Time – Muskegon
7/14-7/15* – Aura Jamboree – Aura
7/14-7/15* – Upheaval Festival – Grand Rapids
7/14-7/15* – Cadillac Festival of Arts – Cadillac
7/14-7/15* – Centreville Covered Bridge Days – Centreville
7/14-7/15* – Shay Days – Harbor Springs
7/14-7/15* – Attica Days Festival – Attica
7/14-7/15* – Minden City Homecoming – Minden City
7/14-7/15* – A Taste of Brighton SummerFest – Brighton
7/14-7/15* – Houghton Lake Blues Festival – Prudenville
7/14-7/15* – Summer in the City – Dowagiac
7/14-7/16* – Blake’s Lavender Market – Armada
7/14-7/16* – Michigan Brown Trout Festival I – Alpena
7/14-7/16* – Rock the Coast – Holland
7/14-7/16* – Festa Italiana – Sterling Heights
7/14-7/16* – Remus Heritage Days – Remus
7/14-7/16* – Alpena Festival of Sail – Alpena
7/14-7/16* – African World Festival – Detroit
7/15* – Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival – Harrisville
7/15* – Battle Creek’s Caribbean Festival – Battle Creek
7/15* – Family and Friends Summer Festival – Ira
7/15* – Vestaburg Community Days – Vestaburg
7/15* – Alpena Bike Fest – Alpena
7/15* – Carleton’s Cruisin’ For A Cause – Carleton
7/15* – Main Street Celebration – Wayland
7/15* – Addison Township Firefighters Strawberry Festival – Leonard
7/15* – Mears Arts and Crafts Festival – Mears
7/15* – St. Ignace Fish Feast – St. Ignace
7/15-7/16* – Michigan Honey Festival – Corunna
7/15-7/16* – Cass River Colonial Encampment – Frankenmuth
7/15-7/16* – St. Joseph Parish Festival – Dexter
7/15-7/16* – Michigan Medieval Faire I – Lake Orion
7/15-7/16* – Camp Carson Music Festival – Carsonville
7/15-7/16* – Mid-Michigan Renaissance Festival’s Enchanted Forest I – Vassar
7/15-7/16* – Czech and Slovak Festival – Dearborn Heights
7/15-7/16*7 – Charlevoix Venetian Festival I – Charlevoix
7/16* – Detroit Festival of Books – Detroit
7/16* – Midtown Art Fair – Detroit
7/17-7/22* – Muskegon Heights Festival in the Park – Muskegon Heights
7/17-7/23* – Michigan Brown Trout Festival II – Alpena
7/17-7/23* – Charlevoix Venetian Festival II – Charlevoix
7/19* – Sad Summer Festival: Pontiac – Pontiac
7/19-7/22* – National Baby Food Festival – Fremont
7/19-7/22* – Baldwin Troutarama – Baldwin
7/19-7/23* – Sparta Town and Country Days – Sparta
7/20-7/22* – Ann Arbor Street Art Fair – Ann Arbor
7/20-7/23* – Indian River SummerFest – Indian River
7/20-7/23* – Fraser Lions Carnival – Fraser
7/20-7/23* – Pigeon Farmer’s SummerFest – Pigeon
7/20-7/23* – Mayville Sunflower Festival – Mayville
7/21* – Ravenna Dog Daze and Car Cruise-In – Ravenna
7/21-7/22* – Michigan Summer Beer Festival – Ypsilanti
7/21-7/22* – En Gedi Music Festival – Leonidas
7/21-7/22* – Bronson Polish Festival – Bronson
7/21-7/22* – Hot Air Jubilee – Jackson
7/21-7/23* – Faster Horses Festival – Brooklyn
7/21-7/23* – Maawanj’iding Powwow – Baraga
7/21-7/23* – Arcadia Daze – Arcadia
7/21-7/23* – Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival – Marquette
7/21-7/23* – Dunesville Music Festival – Lake Ann
7/21-7/23* – Roar on the River – Trenton
7/21-7/23* – Our Lady of the Lake Huron Summer Festival – Harbor Beach
7/22* – Harsens Island Roots Music Festival – Harsens Island
7/22* – Allen Area Community Day – Allen
7/22* – Art, Wine and Music Festival – Berrien Springs
7/22* – Walk the Beat – Whitehall
7/22* – Tyrone Township Pioneer Day – Fenton
7/22-7/23* – Arab and Chaldean Festival – Detroit
7/22-7/23* – Mid-Michigan Renaissance Festival’s Enchanted Forest II – Vassar
7/22-7/23* – Bay Harbor Arts Festival – Bay Harbor
7/22-7/23* – Michigan Medieval Faire II – Lake Orion
7/22-7/23* – AuSable River Festival I – Grayling
7/23* – Lemon Creek Winery’s Vintage Blues Bash – Berrien Springs
7/24-7/29* – AuSable River Festival II – Grayling
7/24-7/29* – Marshall Bluegrass Festival – Marshall
7/26-7/30* – Flint Jazz Festival – Flint
7/27-7/29* – Sidewalk Festival of Performing Arts – Detroit
7/27-7/29* – Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair – Sterling Heights
7/27-7/29* – Burr Oak Heritage Festival – Burr Oak
7/27-7/30* – Munger Potato Festival – Munger
7/27-7/30* – Great Lakes Flow Festival – Lapeer
7/27-7/30* – Antique-Tractor Engine and Craft Show – Walloon Lake
7/27-7/30* – YogaFest – Vanderbilt
7/27-7/30* – St. Clair River Classic – St. Clair
7/27-7/30* – Bryon Days Festival – Bryon Center
7/28* – Blueberry Festival – Marquette
7/28* – CRUZ’IN Classic Car Show – Whitehall/Montague
7/28-7/29* – Leilapalooza Music Festival – Battle Creek
7/28-7/29* – Art in the Park – Lincoln Park
7/28-7/29* – Tamarack Music Festival – Morley
7/28-7/29* – Holton Days – Holton
7/28-7/29* – Tommystock Music Festival – Lake Orion
7/28-7/29* – Saugatuck Venetian Fest – Saugatuck
7/28-7/30* – Bay City Moose Lodge Music Festival – Bay City
7/28-7/30* – Yale Bologna Festival – Yale
7/28-7/30* – Wild Thyme Music Festival at Fat Blossom Farms – Allegan
7/28-7/30* – Saginaw Chippewa Powwow – Mt. Pleasant
7/28-7/30* – Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival I – Grand Haven
7/29 – The Vintage Market: Mercantile Birthday Bash – Trenton
7/29* – Mackinaw City Heritage Village Festival – Mackinaw City
7/29* – Day on the Town – Birmingham
7/29* – Devils Lake Festival of the Arts – Manitou Beach
7/29* – Marina Fest – Escanaba
7/29* – Global Water Fest – Grand Rapids
7/29* – Ishpeming’s Italian Fest – Ishpeming
7/29* – Port Sanilac Summer Festival – Port Sanilac
7/29* – Michigan Bacon Festival – Lansing
7/29* – Port Sanilac Summer Festival – Port Sanilac
7/29* – Depot Music Fest – Cadillac
7/29* – Muskegon Summer Wine Up -Festivals In Michigan  – Muskegon
7/29 – Grace Christian Music Festival – Harrison Township
7/29* – Car Capital Auto Show – Lansing
7/29* – IndigoFest – Imlay City
7/29-7/30* – Mo Pop Festival – Detroit
7/29-7/30* – OutBack Art Fair – Marquette
7/29-7/30* – Art on the Rocks – Marquette
7/29-7/30* – Orchard Lake Fine Art Show – West Bloomfield Township
7/29-7/30* – Mid-Michigan Renaissance Festival’s Enchanted Forest III – Vassar
7/29-7/30* – Lumberjack Festival – Farwell
7/30* – Rendez-vous at Ste. Anne de Detroit – Detroit
7/31-8/6* – Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival II – Grand Haven

In conclusion, July festivals in Michigan offer an incredible array of cultural experiences, music performances, and culinary delights. Whether you’re captivated by the beauty of cherry-themed festivals like the Traverse City Cherry Festival and the National Cherry Festival, or drawn to the fusion of arts and entertainment at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. These festivals not only celebrate the unique spirit of Michigan but also provide opportunities to connect with local communities, indulge in delicious food, and appreciate the talents of musicians, artists, and performers. Plan your visit to Michigan in July 2023 and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere, where you’ll create unforgettable memories and be a part of the vibrant cultural tapestry of the state.

As you explore the diverse festivals in Michigan, from the Lansing JazzFest to the Charlevoix Venetian Festival, you’ll discover the rich cultural heritage and the spirit of celebration that permeates the state. The July festivals offer a perfect blend of entertainment, artistic expression, and community engagement. Whether you’re strolling through a farmers market, enjoying live music under the open sky, or witnessing the spectacle of fireworks, these festivals create an atmosphere of joy, unity, and celebration. So mark your calendars, gather your friends and family, and get ready to experience the best of Michigan’s July festivals in 2023. With their unique offerings and warm hospitality, these festivals will leave you with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural tapestry of the Great Lakes State.