Michigan’s small towns come alive during the summer months with unique festivals that showcase local culture, heritage, and community spirit. From cherry celebrations to kite-flying extravaganzas, these festivals offer authentic experiences that big city events simply can’t match. Here’s my countdown of the top 10 small town Michigan festivals to visit in summer 2025.
10. St. Johns Mint Festival (August 9-11, 2025)
St. Johns, once the mint capital of Michigan, celebrates its agricultural heritage with this charming festival. The three-day event features a rodeo, children’s entertainment, parades, live music, and dancing. It’s a perfect slice of small-town Americana where you can experience the rich farming traditions of central Michigan while enjoying family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
9. Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days (May 21-26, 2025)
This Memorial Day weekend tradition at Pomona Park in Fruitport offers classic small-town festival charm. The five-day celebration includes a carnival, circus performances, an ox roast, live music, and food vendors. What makes this festival special are the TWO nights of fireworks (May 24 and May 26) and additional attractions like a petting zoo and Memorial Day parade, creating a perfect kickoff to the summer season.
8. National Asparagus Festival (June 13-15, 2025)
Hart’s celebration of the humble asparagus transforms this small town into a food lover’s paradise. The three-day festival promotes the local asparagus industry with unique events like the Taste of Asparagus food show and the Asparagus Queen’s Pageant. Visitors can also enjoy an arts and crafts fair, farm tours, a dedicated kids’ zone, the Joan Glover Royale Parade, and the Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K run.
7. Danish Festival (August 15-17, 2025)
Greenville celebrates its Danish heritage during the third full weekend of August with this cultural festival that’s been a tradition for generations. The event features the Grand Dansk Parade, main stage entertainment, and an artisan fair and boutique. This festival perfectly balances cultural education with family entertainment, offering visitors a glimpse into Michigan’s rich immigrant history.
6. Grand Haven Kite Festival (May 17-18, 2025)
The sky above Grand Haven State Park transforms into a colorful canvas during this unique festival. Professional kite teams perform choreographed routines set to music in the kite arena, while visitors are encouraged to bring their own kites to fly in the open flying field. The lakeside setting provides perfect breezes for kite flying, making this one of Michigan’s most visually stunning small-town celebrations.
5. South Haven HarborFest (June 13-14, 2025)
This waterfront festival combines carnival rides and games with a craft show, live music, and food festival. What makes HarborFest truly special is the return of the 44-foot Dragon Boats, where teams of up to 25 people paddle these massive vessels along South Haven’s riverfront. The beautiful Lake Michigan backdrop and maritime atmosphere create a quintessential Michigan summer experience.
4. Tawas City Summer Fest
This three-day festival takes place on the beautiful beaches of Lake Huron in the charming town of Tawas City. Visitors can enjoy the pristine shoreline while participating in various beach activities, browsing arts and crafts vendors, and sampling local cuisine. The relaxed atmosphere and gorgeous natural setting make this a perfect summer getaway for families looking to experience Michigan’s east coast.
3. Manistee National Forest Festival (June 30-July 4, 2025)
This charming Lake Michigan beach town comes alive during the Fourth of July weekend with old-fashioned fun. The festival features carnival games, arts and crafts activities, a marketplace with hand-crafted artisan goods, and spectacular fireworks over Lake Michigan. The combination of small-town charm and natural beauty makes this celebration particularly special.
2. Charlevoix Venetian Festival (July 19-26, 2025)
This week-long celebration in picturesque Charlevoix offers an impressive variety of activities. The festival includes concerts, street and boat parades, carnival rides, and Venetian games like pickleball and beach volleyball. Families will appreciate the dedicated kids’ day featuring a petting zoo, bubble land, yard games, and a giant coloring mural. With an armband (pricing to be determined for 2025), children gain access to pony rides, crafts, jump houses, and even a mechanical bull. The festival culminates with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Charlevoix.
1. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Taking the top spot is the enchanting Lilac Festival on car-free Mackinac Island. This celebration honors the island’s famous lilac blooms with walking tours, garden events, and the spectacular Lilac Festival Grand Parade featuring horse-drawn carriages adorned with lilac blooms. The island’s Victorian charm, combined with the sweet fragrance of lilacs and the absence of motor vehicles, creates a magical atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. The natural beauty, historic significance, and unique island setting make this Michigan’s most distinctive small-town summer festival experience.
These festivals represent the heart and soul of Michigan’s small towns, offering visitors authentic experiences, local flavors, and warm community welcomes. Whether you’re interested in cultural heritage, outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or simply enjoying the beauty of Michigan’s summer season, these top 10 small-town festivals provide perfect destinations for memorable summer getaways in 2025.