Best Family-Friendly Michigan Summer Festivals

Michigan is renowned for its summer festivities, as they come in abundance. From celebrations for flower blooms to art walks and live music, there isn't a dull moment in the state of four seasons once summer unravels. The lively crowds from far and wide to partake in Michigan's summer festivals feel the anticipation of engaging with community vendors and public spaces.

A top inquiry that locals, tourists, travelers, and migrating residents are stumped with; is "which festivals are best suited for families?" The state is one of the most beautiful to raise children in, so let's back that up with an itinerary of the best family-friendly Michigan Summer Festivals.

Here are the Best Family-Friendly Michigan Summer Festivals to check out! All the listings here are expected to occur annually, with specific dates for the upcoming schedules available where public event details are posted.

1. National Traverse City Cherry Festival

The National Traverse City Cherry Festival couldn't be a more ideal Michigan family-oriented event. Typically hosted during the first week of July, with the fourth being the focal date at which things are planned around. With the whole city (and beyond) of Grand Traverse getting involved in the festivities, the National Cherry Festival is one of the most enticing summer celebrations in the state.

With an extravagant lineup of performers and community engagements, this weeklong experience is a beautiful opportunity for all ages. There are special days during the festival that are specific to cost-effective exploration for children, such as Kids Day at the carnival. Check out the official National Traverse City Cherry Festival website to optimize planning and ensure no one misses out on preferred opportunities.

2.     Tulip Time Festival

This festival dates back to 1929, making it a relic in the state's history. With over 5 million tulips planted for the festival, the city of Holland, MI is not short on vibrance come springtime. Tulip Time is welcome to ALL, with events and activities targeting a broad demographic. Nonetheless, it is also a heritage festival orientated at celebrating the Dutch culture that still is prominent in the city of Holland today. With that consideration, plan for some unique celebratory styles! 

3.     Centerline Festival

The Centerline Festival is an early summer opportunity, though despite does attract a lot of tourism. For this reason, the festival has only improved over the years. Annually there are provisions of the same format; carnival rides, trains, petting farms, inflatables, live entertainment, fireworks, parades, and so forth. During the last few years of operation, a car show has been included in the schedule, as well as opportunities for helicopter rides. These are great for families looking to spice up their weekend or any young aviation enthusiast.

4.     Michigan Renaissance Festival

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is a magical experience for all ages. With abundant opportunities to embrace the unforgettable elements of the 16th century, this festival can leave a warm space in a child's heart, just as much so as your own. The wonder that is instilled through the eclectic attires, otherworldly events and activities, and sometimes unbelievable characters (typically sponsored by the festival) is imprinting on the ample curiosity that younger attendees carry in with them. While there are brew tents and adult-only opportunities within the festival, rest assured it is welcoming to all ages.

5.     Harvest Festival

This backwoods hippie extravaganza is one of a kind! Travelers from across the country travel to the small town of Lake City for a weekend that can't be forgotten. The Harvest Festival is famous for its eclectic performance lineups, artistic flare, and organic experiences. This event is great for the whole family, with a little of something for everyone. Children are not only welcomed but rather encouraged to be a lively addition to the scene. This is the place and space for all those wild ones (minus the glass blowers' tent)!

6.     Grosse Ile Islandfest

Usually during the first weekend of June, this Grosse Ile Islandfest is an eclectically organized goodtime for the whole family. With carnival rides that accommodate for all ages, a petting zoo, live music, parade, fireworks, and a car show to wrap things up; it is not surprising to learn that it is a top choice for out of state families when vacationing during early summer.

7.     Detroit Jazz Festival

For the music-enthusiastic family, the Detroit Jazz Festival can be a one-of-a-kind experience. During Labor Day weekend, this festival includes lineups of over 60 iconic performances and many impromptu late-night treats. The stages stay busy, the crowd is festive and enjoyable for all ages, and the opportunities to meet musical legends are abundant. Well worth considering if live music is a family muse!

8.     Lilac Festival

In the iconic city of Mackinac Island, the Lilac Festival is a top choice for family-oriented Michigan adventure. The Lilac Festival typically follows an annual theme, so be sure to check online, as many repeat attendees enjoy dressing up for the occasion (and your family might, as well)! The festival is the largest, longest-running festival on Mackinac Island, with 10 days of celebration to look forward to. Many exciting events occur during the festival, from the Grand Parade to the 10k run/walk to the lilac walking tours. There are typically bounce houses, face painting, and other miscellaneous activities for the little ones to enjoy in the mix of planting flowers, running races, and eating local.

9.     Traverse City Film Festival

The Traverse City Film Festival is typically weeklong, with various entertainment options. There are indie films, pop culture films, and unique presentations scheduled throughout the week. Events are ongoing in many spaces within the city, with one primarily viewing location being the Open Space off Parkway Drive. During the tapering of the festival, usually on a Saturday, there is a Kids Day Event that gives special attention to all the small movie enthusiasts. Each year is a little different, but the typical theme includes dress-up opportunities, bounce houses, and movies on the lawn.

10.  Michigan Lavender Festival

The Michigan Lavender Festival is a favorite for families who enjoy arts and crafts and unique food choices. The festival provides lush foliage to enjoy or purchase, make-and-take workshops for the whole family, and food trucks from all over the state. This is a casual, family-fun festival that won't break the bank (if you are already planning on eating out, that is). 

11.  Milan Carnival

This Metro-Detroit carnival is ideal for families, with even a special Kids Day Event on the last celebratory day— typically Saturday. Come enjoy carnival rides, live entertainment, a parade, fireworks, and all the fair food you can stomach.

Don't hesitate to plan your summer around some of these festivals. The dates and lineups are typically available early into the prior fall, with time for adjustments. 

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Make sure to tag @northernailpolish on Instagram if you find yourself at any of these events on our behalf— and include the polish you're sporting for a chance to get in our story!