The Sweet Aroma of Lilacs Will Envelop You at the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Michigan summer up north officially kicks off when the lilacs start blooming on Mackinac Island.
Experience ten days of everything lilac at the 76th annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival at one of Michigan’s most famed vacation destinations.
The event runs June 7 – 16, 2024, and festivities include a horse-drawn grand parade, a 10K run / walk, the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen, walking tours and live music.
More things to look forward to:
Where to See the Lilacs
The lilacs are of course the big draw for the Lilac fest, one of the top Michigan festivals.
Their sweet aroma greets visitors the moment they arrive on the island.
Lilacs cover Mackinac Island, but the best place to see them is Marquette Park.
Be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School.
The lilacs are typically in bloom from mid-May through mid-June.
Favorite Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Events
Queen’s Coronation
Marquette Park, 7200 Huron St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival begins with the coronation of the Lilac Queen, Lilac Festival Princess and introduction of the Queen’s Court.
The Lilac Queen is selected by the students and classmates at Mackinac Island’s Public School.
It honors the student who has dedicated their time to their classmates plus community events throughout the year.
The coronation of the Lilac Queen begins at 5 PM on Friday, June 7, 2024, in Marquette Park.
Horse-Drawn Parade
Begins at Mission Point Resort, 1 Lake Shore Dr, Mackinac Island, MI 49757
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival ends with the big parade on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
This parade is truly unique. Since cars aren’t allowed on the island, it’s horse drawn.
Festival-goers line the streets beginning at 3 PM for the 4 PM start time.
The parade begins at Mission Point Resort and follows M-185 to Main Street and ends at Windermere Point.
Lilac-Themed Events
As you’d expect, there are plenty of lilac-centric events throughout the festival.
Take free docent-led walking tours, planting classes and lilac-themed lectures.
The primary lilac event is the docent-led walking tours. These free tours occur throughout the festival and explore different areas of the island.
Festival-goers can also attend free lilac planting seminars or a lilacs bouquet watercolor class ($48).
More Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Highlights
Things kick into high gear on Saturday, June 8, 2024, with the 10K run (adults’ and kids’ versions) along with walking tours throughout the day.
People love to grab a cold drink, hang out by the lilacs, and cheer on the racers
There’s complimentary admission to art museums plus the opportunity to sign up to fire the cannon at the fort.
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade wraps up the festival on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
Lilac Festival Dates & Times
Friday, June 7, 2024: 12 PM – 8 PM
Saturday, June 8, 2024: 9 AM – 11:30 PM
Sunday, June 9, 2024: 9:30 AM – 8 PM
Monday, June 10, 2024: 11 AM – 8 PM
Tuesday, June 11, 2024: 11 AM – 8 PM
Wednesday, June 12, 2024: 9 AM – 8 PM
Thursday, June 13, 2024: 10 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday, June 14, 2024: 9 AM – 8 PM
Saturday, June 15, 2024: 9 AM – 8 PM
Sunday, June 16, 2024: 10 AM – 7 PM
Location
Marquette Park, 7200 Huron St, Mackinac Island, MI 49757, and throughout the island.
Download the full Mackinac Island Lilac Festival schedule here.
