4th of July Bessemer Blast, June 30- July 4, 2010
This huge celebration of freedom includes a huge parade, music and games, helicopter rides, street bowling, Simon Says competition and bed and bar stool races capped by fireworks.
Summer Celebration, Muskegon, June 24- July 4, 2010
Continue the fun that began June 24, with music, midway thrills and much more fun for all ages.
Greatest Fourth in the North, Lake City, June 30- July 4, 2010
All-American fun including free entertainment, arts & crafts, ox roast and Strawberry Festival, fun contests, Saturday parade and July 4th fireworks.
27th Ann Arbor Summer Festival, June 18-July 11, 2010
Part of the three-week schedule that kicked off June 18 featuring live entertainment, films, and visual arts at four downtown venues.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival, July 1-4, 2010
The sky fills with colorful hot air balloons with both morning and evening launches. Balloon Illume & Night Air Show, aerial feats in the Air Show Saturday and Sunday, plus monster truck rides, carnival, entertainment and July 4th fireworks at the W.K. Kellogg Airport.
Cedar Polka Fest, July 1-4, 2010
Just try to not join in the dancing at this lively, music-filled weekend with top polka bands under the big tent, plus a parade and polka mass.
Algonac Lions Pickerel Tournament, July 1-5, 2010
It’s a fishing contest and a whole lot more, with fun-filled family activities along the St. Clair River featuring a big midway, fireworks display, parade and more.
84th National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, July 3-10, 2010
150 events on land, air and water offer something for everyone at this festive salute to the region’s important fruit. Cherry pies are just a piece of the fun, with parades, games, and entertainment at numerous sites around Traverse City and along Grand Traverse Bay.
Elsie Dairy Festival, July 8-10, 2010
The Dairy Capital of Michigan is filled with music, family fun and, of course, an ice cream booth.
National Bluegill Festival, St. Helen, July 8-11, 2010
Annual summertime celebration since 1949 features a Bluegill fishing contest, horseshoe tournament, arts and crafts, talent show and Grand Parade.
20th Welcome to My Garden Tour, Marshall, July 10-11, 2010
Admire six of the historic community’s very special gardens, and browse the native plants, art, and accessories at the garden market.
Alpenfest, Gaylord, July 14-18, 2010
The 46th annual family-friendly festival features entertainment, crafts, carnival, parade, the “Burning of The Boogg,” and World’s Largest Coffee Break, all with a Swiss theme rooted in the city’s past.
Indian River SummerFest, July 13-18, 2010
This year marks the 30th annual celebration of the season on the Inland Waterway, with LobsterFest and Pig Roast, Family Night Beach Bash, teen dance, carnival, entertainment, arts and crafts and boat tours of the Indian River.
Founders Festival, Farmington, July 17-19, 2010
Go Play in the Streets at this weekend of entertainment, art show, carnival, ice cream and pie social, and big parade.
Tall Ship Celebration, Bay City, July 15-18, 2010
Get your sea legs and enjoy the beauty of the billowing sails of Tall Ships docked on the Saginaw River or go for a sail aboard one of Bay City’s own Appledore vessels. Hear sea chanteys at the International Maritime Music Festival and learn the tricks of the pirates’ trade at performances of “The Pirate School.”
Bronson Polish Festival, July 15-18, 2010
The Sister City of Moryn, Poland opens its annual celebration with a bang—fireworks—followed by a weekend of Polish food, music, and one of the longest parades in the state.
Michigan Shakespeare Festival, Jackson, July 15-August 8, 2010
This Festival has been producing high-quality theatrical performances since 1995, on the campus of Jackson Community College.
U.P. Hog Wild, Kingsford, July 17-18, 2010
The BBQ competition is one of just 25 stops on the Kansas City Great American BBQ Tour. Good food, music and car show in Lodal Park.
Roscommon River Festival, July 18-19, 2010
Plan a paddling trip on the AuSable River, then enjoy the river-related demonstrations including fly tying and casting and paddling, wooden canoe show, and Dock Dog competition.
36th Michigan Brown Trout Festival, Alpena, July 17-26, 2010
The longest continuous fishing tournament on the Great Lakes focuses on Big Brownie, the elusive trout of Lake Huron.
Ann Arbor Art Fairs, July 21-24, 2010
The original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is celebrating “51 Years of Originality.” Three additional, simultaneous art fairs create a massive display of fine arts and crafts that attract a half million fans.
Festival of the Horse, Mackinac Island, July 22-24, 2010
The 2nd annual celebration of the horse. Tour Victorian era stables, enjoy the antique carriage and equestrian art shows, and kick up your heels at the Barn Raisin’ Dance.
54th Baldwin Troutarama Festival, July 21-25, 2010
A tradition since 1957, the annual celebration near the Blue Ribbon fishing on the Pere Marquette River features a youth fishing derby, entertainment, ice cream social, carnival, car show and parade.
Ionia Free Fair, July 22-31, 2010
The “World’s Largest Free Fair” since 1915 entertains midway rides and games, food, grandstand events, a circus and a wide range of performers.
AuSable River Festival, Grayling, July 19-25, 2010
Celebrate the storied waterway and start of the famous AuSable River Canoe Marathon with music, arts & crafts, kiddie festivities, parade, and the Avita Water Black Bear Bicycle Tour.
Yale Bologna Festival, July 23-25, 2010
The King and Queen of Bologna reign over the Big Bologna Parade, bologna ring toss, outhouse races, fireworks, craft show, carnival, and tasty bologna galore. And yes, there is a local bologna maker.
6th Traverse City Film Festival, July 27-August 1, 2010
Over 123 screenings of independent, classic and foreign films at multiple locations, including free outdoor screenings on an inflatable screen at the Open Space Park on Grand Traverse Bay.
The Earl Young Home Tour, Charlevoix, July 28, 2010
A one-day opportunity to see the inside eight of the fairy tale-like “Mushroom” or Stone Homes built by Earl Young.
Munger Potato Festival, July 29-August 1, 2010
A 55-year “Spud-tacular” tradition features carnival, Figure 8 Derby, live entertainment, a parade, and food (including tons of free potatoes!).
86th US Coast Guard Festival, Grand Haven, July 30-August 8, 2010
A 10-day tribute to the Coast Guard includes public tours of a Coast Guard cutter, parade, waterfront entertainment, carnival, and dancing in the streets.
Pig Gig, Bay City, August 5-8, 2010
Go whole hog at the rib festival cook-off and enjoy live entertainment, kiddie activities, cooking demos, fun contests and pig racing.
36th Boyne Falls Polish Festival, August 6-9, 2010
Event includes a Polka tent with great music and Polish food all weekend in salute to the heritage of the area. Grand parade, horse pull, plus Oldies Night and car cruise and Sunday Mass.
33rd Fish Sandwich Festival, Bay Port, August 6-7, 2010
“It takes two hands to hold one” of the original fish sandwiches at this bayside event. Thousands of them are served with a side of entertainment, arts & crafts, Bingo, and fireworks.
43rd Coloma Glad-Peach Festival, August 6-8, 2010
Fruitbelt fun celebrating two local crops includes tasty peach treats, bake fest, entertainment, carnival, Peach Pit Spit and parade.
The Wine Days of Summer, Southeast Michigan, August 7-8, 2010
Enjoy this self-driving tour along the Southeast Michigan Pioneer Wine Trail featuring picnic foods and compatible wines.
Summerfest Coopersville, August 9-15, 2010
The hometown of “Runaway” Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Del Shannon hosts a 5K “Runaway,” a car cruise and show in his honor plus a quilt show, rides on the vintage C&M Railway, fun for kids and more.
Au Gres Pirate Festival, August 7, 2010
Enjoy a day of fun with a pirate theme including a homemade raft race on the Au Gres River, games, costume contests and music.
Great Lakes Folk Festival, East Lansing, August 13-15, 2010
It’s a small world after all at this blend of multi-cultural music and dance performances, Folk Arts Marketplace, kiddie programs and Taste of Traditions food court.
International Ironworkers Festival, Mackinaw City, August 13-15, 2010
See ironworkers from across North America compete in skilled events and the World Championship Column Climb.
Ship & Shore, New Buffalo, August 13-15, 2010
See “the past in motion” with hundreds of antique gas, steam and oil engines on display, plus working blacksmiths and foundry, old time crafts demos, and flea markets.
St. Johns Mint Festival, August 13-15, 2010
Meet Minty, mascot of the festival that celebrates Michigan’s mint-growing history with a parade, games, car show, music and food at the downtown train depot. Don’t miss the mint chocolate chip ice cream.
12th Cheeseburger in Caseville, August 13-22, 2010
Huge crowds of Parrotheads turn out for Jimmy Buffett tribute bands, Parade of Tropical Fools, nautical parade, street dance, and a world of food including, of course, cheeseburgers.
Antique Wooden Boat Show, Hessel, August 7-8, 2010
Classic wooden boats typical of the Les Cheneaux Islands are on display in the water, accompanied by the fine Festival of Arts, live entertainment and local food favorites.
9th River Raisin Jazz Festival, Monroe, August 14-15, 2010
Big names in jazz perform in two days of free music outdoors, preceded by Thursday’s River Raisin Jazz Series and Jazz in the Square on Friday.
Buckley Old Engine Show, Cadillac, August 19-22, 2010
“Come see the past in motion” with hundreds of antique gas, steam and oil engines on display, plus working blacksmiths and foundry, old time crafts demos, flea market, and arts and crafts.
46th Annual Danish Festival, Greenville, August 19-22, 2010
This Scandinavian heritage celebration features hot aebleskivers and Danish cookies, Viking sword fights, music, hot air balloon flights and Grand Dansk Parade.
Mackinac Island Fudge Festival, August 21-22, 2010
A good reason to sample the sweet treat made fresh daily at 17 shops on the island. Highlights include performances by the Children’s Ballet Theatre of Michigan and a “golden ticket” vacation contest.
16th Woodward Dream Cruise, North Detroit Metro, August 21, 2010
The official cruise day is Saturday but more than 40,000 vintage vehicles and a million-plus car lovers arrive early in the week for informal events leading up to the world’s largest one-day gathering of classic cars and enthusiasts.
Michigan Fiber Festival, Allegan, August 21-22, 2010
Fun with fiber! Take classes, browse the marketplace featuring natural fiber products, books, dyes, spinning wheels and looms at the Allegan County Fairgrounds.
Corvette Crossroads Auto Show, Mackinaw City, August 28-29, 2010
Cool cars on display all day – and roll across the Mackinac Bridge in the Corvette Parade at 7 p.m. Saturday!
6th Porcupine Mountains Music Festival, Ontonagon, August 27-29, 2010
The sounds of folk, jazz and bluegrass music fill the wild and wonderful old-growth forest of the western Upper Peninsula in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park on the Lake Superior shoreline.
Riverdays Festival, Big Rapids, September 2-6, 2010
Fun along the Muskegon River includes the car show, music, and annual Labor Day car show and arts, crafts & antiques Show.
Elkton Autumn Fest, September 3-5, 2010
Lawnmower races, tractor pulls, demolition derby, Bingo, parade, entertainment tent and midway games make this a family-friendly event.
79th Michigan Peach Festival, Romeo, September 2-6, 2010
Celebration of the local fruit includes a packed schedule of events, from fun run to talent competition, bed race, car show, night parade and floral parade, plus peach pie.
31st Detroit International Jazz Festival, September 3-6, 2010
This year’s premiere free musical celebration pays tribute to 7 modern jazz geniuses, and features more than 100 acts on 6 stages at the Detroit Riverfront.
Thumbfest, Lexington, September 4, 2010
The Bluewater Folk Society hosts this traditional music festival with multiple stages, workshops, dance hall, and crafts along Lake Huron.
Mackinac Bridge Walk, September 6, 2010
Join tens of thousands of folks in the unofficial end of summer walk across “Mighty Mac” Bridge. The five-mile-long engineering marvel links Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas high above the waters of the Straits of Mackinac, where the Great Lakes Huron and Michigan meet.
Algonac: Dusk July 3, Riverfront Park, St. Clair River.
Allegan: Dusk July 3, downtown Allegan at Locust and Hubbard. 269-673-3456.
Alpena: Dusk July 4, at Mich-e-ke-wis Park. Fireworks are launched near the City of Alpena’s water treatment plant, and can viewed from the Starlite Beach, Mich-e-ke-wis Park, Blair Street Park, Thomson Park, Bay View Park, City Marina as well as other locations in the City. Free. www.alpena.mi.us.
Battle Creek: Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival runs July 1-4, and culminates with fireworks at 10:30 p.m. July 4, W.K. Kellogg Airport, 237 Helmer. Admission is $10 on July 4, kids under 4 feet tall admitted free. $5 parking. www.bcballoons.com.
Birmingham: Dusk July 3, Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 W. Fourteen Mile. Rain date is July 5. 248-644-1800.
Boyne City: 10:30 p.m. July 4 over Lake Charlevoix at Veterans Memorial Park, 207 N. Lake St. Arts and Crafts Show and musical entertainment begins Friday. Daylong festival has running races at 7:30 a.m., parade at 11 a.m.; music, food, kids’ activities in Veterans Memorial Park all day, Duck Race at 2:30 p.m., Soapbox Derby at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 10:30 p.m. . www.boynechamber.com.
Brownstown Township: Dusk July 2, Lake Erie Metropark, 32481 W. Jefferson. Teen Angels will perform 6-9:30 p.m.
Canton: 1-11 p.m. June 18, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. June 19, Heritage Park, 1010 S. Canton Center Road as part of Canton Liberty Festival. Offerings include midway rides and games, classic car show, vendors, activities for children and more. Highlights include the Verve Pipe (7:30 p.m. Fri.) and fireworks (dusk Sat.) Due to increased construction traffic, festival goers are encouraged to park at Freedom Park and Griffin Park. No parking areas will be enforced. 734-394-5460. www.cantonlibertyfest.com. www.cantonlibertyfest.com
Caseville: Dusk July 3, Caseville Harbor, Harbor St. At Harbor Breakwall. 989-856-3818. http://www.huroncounty.com.
Chesaning: Dusk July 3, Showboat Park, downtown.
Clawson: Dusk July 5, Clawson City Park at Elmwood and Washington. www.ci.clawson.mi.us.
Copper Harbor: Dusk July 4, at U.S. 41 and M-26 at the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula. 800-338-7982.
Dearborn: 6-10 p.m. July 1-4 at Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood. Pre-concert musical entertainment; kids activities; prelude concert featuring River Raisin Ragtime Revue; Detroit Symphony Orchestra concert; Fireworks finale accompanied by Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with live canon fire. Advance tickets $22.50, $14 children ages 5-12. Event-day tickets $27, $17.50 children ages 5-12, ages 4 and younger admitted free. 313-982-6001. July 1 through July 4 6p-10p
Detroit: 10:05 p.m. Monday at June 21, Hart Plaza along the downtown riverfront. www.theparade.org.
Dexter: Dusk July 3, Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial. Big Pinky and the Joint Effort Band will perform at the Activity Center starting at 7 p.m..
Frankenmuth: Dusk July 2, Heritage Park, 601 Weiss. 989-652-6106.
Gibraltar: Dusk July 3, Parsons Elementary School, 14473 Middle Gibraltar Road. Parade starts at 10 a.m. at City Hall and ends at the Community Center. Activities with food and entertainment at Hy Dahlka Park and the Community Center all day; fireworks at dusk behind the school. 734-676-3900.
Grosse Pointe Woods: Dusk June 27, Parcells Middle School, 20600 Mack. At Parcells Field on Vernier. 313-343-2440. http://www.gpwmi.us.
Harbor Springs: Dusk July 4, 368 E. Main at the Waterfront. Parade at 1 p.m. www.harborspringschamber.com.
Indian River: Dusk July 3, DeVoe Public Beach, 3435 S. Straights Highway.
Jackson: Dusk July 3, Cascade Falls Park, 1401 S. Brown St. Live entertainment at 7 p.m. $5 per person. 517-768-2902. www.visitjacksonmi.com.
Lake Linden: Dusk July 2, Lake Linden Village Park, M-26. 800-338-7982.
Leland: Dusk July 3 over Lake Michigan in downtown Leland near Leland Harbor and historic Fishtown. www.lelandmi.com.
Livonia: Dusk June 27, Ford Field, 33771 Lyndon. Grand Finale display. Family fun festival starts at noon Friday, June 25, and runs through June 27. www.livoniaspree.com.
Luzerne: Dusk July 3 in downtown Luzerne at Deeter and Park. www.oscodacountymi.org.
Mackinac Island: 6:30 p.m. July 4, “Ft. Mackinac, an American Picnic,” held at the Ft. Mackinac parade grounds with the Grand Hotel’s all-you-can-eat food, followed by fireworks. $42 adults, $21 for youths ages 5-17. Those 4 and younger admitted free. Same-day tickets prices are $10.50 more. www.mackinacparks.com/events.
Manchester: Dusk July 3, Carr Park, 601 W. Main. www.48158.com.
Manistee: Dusk July 4, as part of the Manistee National Forest Festival, First Street Beach, First Street. Parade, carnival rides, art exhibits, tours July 1-4, ending with the fireworks. www.manisteecountychamber.com.
Marquette: Dusk July 4, downtown Marquette at Lower Harbor ore dock. Rain date is July 5. www.marquettejuly4th.org.
Milford: Dusk June 26 at the Highland Golf Center, 201 Lone Tree as part of the Sparks in the Park festivities, which begin at 3 p.m. and continue through the fireworks Visit www.SparksinthePark.info for more details.
Mt. Clemens: Dusk July 2 in downtown Mt. Clemens at Main Street and Macomb Place as part of the Stars & Stripes Festival, which runs July 2-5. Details: www.starsandstripesfest.com.
New Boston: Dusk July 4 at Willow Metropark, I-275 and South Huron. 5:30 p.m.-11 p.m. Boogie Dynamite and the Rick Lieder Band will perform.
Oscoda: Dusk July 4 over Whitefish Bay at AuSable Shoreline Park, just south of the bridge. Parade through downtown starts at 1 p.m. 989-739-7322. www.oscoda.com/calendar.php.
Paradise: Dusk July 4 at the Whitefish Township Community Center, 7522 N. M-123. Downtown parade at 1 p.m., followed by games and events. www.paradisemichigan.org/calendar.html.
Pentwater: Dusk July 3 on the beach at Charles Mears State Park, 400 W. Lowell St.
Port Austin: Dusk July 4 in downtown Port Austin, M-25 at M-53. Parade starts at 1 p.m. — leaving from the old Port Austin School; fireworks begin at dusk at Port Austin State Harbor area. 989-738-7600. www.portaustinarea.com.
Port Hope: Dusk. July 3, Port Hope Community School, 7840 Portland Ave. On School grounds. Free. http://www.huroncounty.com.
Port Huron: Dusk June 26 at Great Lakes Maritime Center Vantage Point, 51 Water St. Festivities begin at 10 a.m. Details: 810-987-8687. www.bluewater.org.
Rochester Hills: 10:06 p.m. June 30 as part of the Festival of the Hills celebration at Borden Park, 1100 E. Hamlin. Festival includes games and a USO-styled swinging tribute by the Rhythm Society Orchestra. Free. 248-841-2666. www.rochesterhills.org.
Roscommon: Dusk July 4 at the Roscommon County Fire Training Grounds, Ballanger and Main. Rain date is July 5.
Saugatuck: Dusk July 4 over Saugatuck Harbor at Cook Park. Festivities including a parade and music begin at 2 p.m. www.saugatuck.com.
Shelby Township: Dusk July 3 at Stony Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park, off 26 Mile.
Skidway Lake: Dusk July 3 over Skidway Lake at Newman Park, Greenwood Road. www.wbacc.com/html/community_calendar.html
South Range: Dusk July 4 in downtown South Range at U.S. 45 and Trimountain Avenue. 800-338-7982.
St. Clair: Dusk July 4 at Palmer Park on North Riverside at Jay.
St. Clair Shores: Dusk Friday, June 25, at Veterans Memorial Park, Jefferson at Masonic. Rain date is June 26. 586-445-5350. http://www.stclairshores.net.
St. Ignace: Dusk June 26, July 4 over Lake Huron at North State Street. Fireworks show every Saturday night through Labor Day Weekend. www.festivalsandfireworks.com.
Tawas City: Dusk July 4 over Tawas Bay at Tawas City Park on U.S. 23. www.tawas.com.
Traverse City: Dusk July 4, July 10 downtown at State and Cass as part of the National Cherry Festival 2010, which runs July 3-10. Offers many events including musical entertainment, golf, kids’ activities, amusement rides, air show, fireworks and a cherry pie eating contest. 800-968-3380. www.cherryfestival.org.
Trenton: Dusk July 4, Rotary Park, 1 Harrison. Patriotic music by the Downriver Community Band at 8 p.m. 734-675-7300. www.trentonmi.org.
White Lake Township: Dusk July 3 over the north end of White Lake as part of the Red, White Lake, and Blue-Celebration. Boat parade begins at 2:15 p.m. at Mitchell’s Marina bay. www.wlcl.org.
Wyandotte: Dusk June 25 at Bishop Park on Van Alstyne at Superior. Can also be viewed from BASF Waterfront Park. www.wyandotte.net.
