Michigan Festivals 2024: 25+ Exciting Fairs in Michigan, Carnivals & Cotton Candy Included!

2024’s Most Crowd-Pleasing Fairs, Festivals & Carnivals in Michigan

Fairs, festivals, and carnivals are coming in hot in west Michigan!

Local carnivals are loaded with parades, festival food and of course, fireworks! Many will have markets boasting incredible handmade items from local artisans. Find animals and wild rides at the county fairs.

But what really makes Michigan carnivals unique are all the crazy themes that an entire festival is planned around. Who else has a pirate fest? Or a cereal festival?

We love celebrating everything from the Coast Guard to hot air balloons.

And yes, we even have a surf festival. No ocean needed – the Great Lakes can handle this, thank you.

Enjoy this list of the best festivals, fairs and carnivals for families in Michigan.

Check for up-to-the-minute details on the Facebook page or website of any fair or festival before heading out to avoid surprises.

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April 2024 – Michigan Festivals, Fairs, Festivals & Carnivals

Grand Rapids Lantern Festival

John Ball Zoo, 1300 W. Fulton St, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
April 10 – June 16, 2024
Wednesday – Sunday, 7:30 PM – 11:30 PM

John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan.

The lantern festival features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture.

The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages.

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival

Shepherd, Michigan 48883
April 25 – 28, 2024

Head to Shepard, the “sweetest” little town anywhere around, for the annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival.

Festivities include a 5K walk/run, arts & crafts show, classic car & truck show, parade, pancake eating contest and so much more.

Shepard Maple Syrup Festival

May 2024 – Festivals, Carnivals and Fairs in Michigan

Tulip Time Festival

Downtown Holland, MI
May 4 – 12, 2024

One of the earliest flower-themed festivals in Michigan.

Millions of tulips, walking tours, tall ship tours, yoga in the tulips, concerts, carnivals, arts and food take over downtown Holland every May.

Come for the riot of colors, local attractions, and wooden shoes as Holland, MI, celebrates its Dutch heritage.

WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS during Tulip Time in Holland MI
WINDMILL ISLAND GARDENS during Tulip Time in Holland MI

Kite Festival of Grand Haven

Grand Haven State Park, Grand Haven, MI
May 18 – 19, 2024

The sky over Grand Haven State Park will be filled with kites galore.

Head to the kite arena to catch kite teams performing choreographed routines flown to music.

Bring your own kite to fly on the open flying field.

Michigan Festivals: Grand Haven kite festival

Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days

Pomona Park, S 3rd Ave, Fruitport, MI 49415
May 23 – 27, 2024

The annual Fruitport Old-Fashioned Days festival is a Memorial Day Weekend tradition.

Tons of events for the whole family: a carnival, circus, ox roast, music, food, and TWO nights of fireworks! (Friday, May 24 and Sunday, May 26)

Plus a Petting Zoo, and Memorial Day parade too.

Fairs in Michigan: Fruitport Old Fashioned Days

June 2024 – Michigan Festivals, Fairs & Carnivals

Festival of the Arts

Downtown Grand Rapids, MI
June 7 – 9, 2024

A Grand Rapids staple, this is one of the festivals in Michigan that has been going on for a long time.

With stages across the city and a street lined with Cultural food booths, the Festival of the Arts is a delight for your senses.

Many hands-on art experiences are also available for all ages. Kids Paint In is an enduring favorite.

Paint In at Festival of the Arts in Downtown Grand Rapids
“Paint In” at Festival of the Arts in Downtown Grand Rapids, MI

Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival

Downtown Frankenmuth
June 6 – 9, 2024

Michigan’s largest celebration of Bavarian Heritage is the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival.

Come celebrate German heritage through Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands, watch two parades, enjoy the local schuhplattler dancers Da Frankenmuda Fratz’n, and dance music. 

Venues sell many varieties of German foods and desserts, along with imported and domestic beer. Fireworks, Bavarian Festival Olympics and so much more.

Also visit Zehnder’s Waterpark while you’re in town!

Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth, MI

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

Mackinac Island, MI
June 7 – 16, 2024

The 10-day lilac festival is the first summer event of the season on Mackinac Island.

Kite flying, parades, a poster contest, kids races, walking tours, cruises, and special tours of Fort Mackinac are all part of this festival.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade Float

National Asparagus Festival

16 S State Street Hart, MI 49420
June 8, 2024

The National Asparagus Festival of Oceana County, Michigan, is a fun event promoting the famous local asparagus industry.

The 3-day festival is held annually during the 2nd weekend in June.

Some of the many events include the Taste of Asparagus (formerly known as the Food Show), Asparagus Queen’s Pageant, Arts & Crafts Fair, Farm Tour, Kidz Zone, Joan Glover Royale Parade, Ryan Walsworth Spear-It 5K, live music and much more!

National Asparagus Festival Michigan

Hippie Fest

Treetoad Family Farm – 10834 W Willard Rd, Trufant, MI 49047
June 8 – 9, 2024

It’s Groovy, Baby!

Hippie Fest is a family-friendly music and arts festival featuring vibrant entertainment for all ages.

The festival features one-of-a-kind artists and vendors, bohemian shopping, and family-friendly entertainment.

Free admission for kids ages 10 and under.

South Haven HarborFest

South Haven Riverfront, MI 49090
June 14 – 15, 2024

Head down to South Haven for a Live Mermaid Tank, carnival rides and games, craft show, live music and a food fest.

Plus, 44-foot Dragon Boats return to the festival. Teams of up to 25 people paddle the big boats at the South Haven HarborFest.

South Haven Michigan harbor fest live mermaids

Berlin Youth Fair

2008 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne, Michigan 49435
June 17 – 22, 2024

Michigan’s longest-running fair- since 1855!

With an emphasis on youth and agriculture, they provide the community with a financially sound fair that educates, entertains, and allows for community involvement with a wholesome family atmosphere.

Horse pulls, livestock auctions, carnival rides, and more.

Montcalm County Fair

8784 Peck Rd, Greenville, MI 48838
June 23 – 29, 2024

Events offered include 4-H livestock, small animals, and still exhibits on display.

A carnival by Maple leaf Amusements, Grandstand events, and more!

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

Howell High School, 1200 W Grand River Rd., Howell, MI 48843
June 28 – 30, 2024

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is a family-friendly festival.

Activities include carnival rides, kid attractions, fireworks, and balloon launches, fly-ins, and evening glow.

$5.00 per person, per day – CASH ONLY
Children 3 & under admitted free.
Parking is free. 

Grand Haven Arts Festival

Downtown Grand Haven
June 28 – 30, 2024

The Grand Haven Art Festival transforms the downtown main street into a chic art gallery where you can buy beautiful artwork from your favorite artists.

The Art Festival provides the community and visitors with a unique opportunity to purchase one-of-a-kind art, directly from the artist.

Michigan Lavender Festival

Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds – 195 Midway Street, Imlay City, MI 48444
June 28 – 30, 2024

They are the largest lavender festival on the east coast and showcases Michigan’s top lavender farms, growers, and producers along with more than 175 artists & makers.

Many of the lavender farms in Michigan are represented at this event.

There’s also a Food Truck Gathering with Metro-Detroit’s BEST Food Trucks.

Guests can learn about the many benefits of lavender, including growing, harvesting, cooking, and crafting, along with medicinal and aromatic uses for this beloved herb.

Michigan Lavender Festival

National Cherry Festival

Downtown Traverse City, MI
June 29 – July 6, 2024

The beloved cherry festival in Traverse City dates back to 1910 when cherry growers in the Grand Traverse area began to hold informal “blessing of the blossoms” and the crowning of the first queen in 1925. It became a week long festival in 1968.

Over 150 events and activities throughout the week, including classic car cruise, sand sculpture contests, parades, food, races, concerts, midway, arts & crafts fair, and plenty of cherries. Virtual events include Cherries Got Talent and Very Cherry Porch Parade.

National Cherry Festival, Traverse City, MI

July 2024 – Festivals, Carnivals & Fairs in Michigan

Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

15551 S Airport Rd, Battle Creek, MI 49015
July 3 – 7, 2024

Voted one of the Best Air Shows in North America several years running.

Awesome Air Show, Balloons, Entertainment, Fireworks, Carnival, and SO MUCH MORE for the whole family!

Battle Creek Air Show
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival

Bay City Fireworks Festival

Saginaw River near Veterans Memorial Bridge
July 4 – 6, 2024

One of the greatest firework shows/festivals in Michigan!

Three nights of fireworks, pageants, a family carnival, live entertainment, trader’s alley, and a VIP viewing area are all things that make this the number one stop for Independence Day celebrations in Michigan.

Lowell Riverwalk Festival

Downtown Lowell, MI
July 11 – 13, 2024

This three-day event includes many activities for you and your family to enjoy including a community parade, crafts, food, duck raffle, concerts, fireworks, and more!

Lowell Riverwalk Festival
Lowell Riverwalk Festival – photo from Lowell Chamber of Commerce

Ionia Free Fair

317 S Dexter St, Ionia, Michigan 48846
July 11 – 20, 2024

Carnival rides with Arnold Amusements Midway (get a super fun pass for unlimited rides), fair food, musical acts, a monster truck showdown, 4H animals, and camping during the week-long event.

Special Days include kids day, dog day, ladies’ day, and more.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

Downtown Ann Arbor
July 18 – 20, 2024

The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of Michigan’s finest summer traditions and one of the largest outdoor art fairs in the nation.

The streets of Ann Arbor will be transformed into an art lover’s paradise and you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats, and a variety of sidewalk sales.

Create your own works of art in the Art Activity Zone (family-friendly art projects are open to all ages), peek into the creative process, and create and/or re-create a magnificent piece of Chalk Art.

Charlevoix Venetian Festival

Charlevoix, Michigan
July 20 – 27, 2024

This weeklong festival plays host to numerous events: concerts, street & boat parades, venetian games (pickleball, cornetian corn toss, beach volleyball), Aquapalooza beach & boat party, fireworks, a block party, and kids day.

Kids day includes a petting zoo, bubble land, yard games, and a giant coloring mural. With a $10 armband, kids get access to pony rides, crafts, jump houses, and a mechanical bull.

Carnival rides are also available via Arnold Amusements.

Aquapalooza at the Charlevoix Venetian Festival in Michigan

Ottawa County Fair

1286 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland, Michigan 49424
July 22 – 27, 2024

The Ottawa County Fair brings youth, young families, and adults of all ages together for agricultural education, affordable family fun and recreation within a safe and friendly environment.

Carnival Games and Rides, Attractions, Grandstand Events, 4H Animals and so much more!

Eastern Michigan State Fair

195 Midway St, Imlay City, MI 48444
July 23 – 27, 2024

The Eastern Michigan State Fair bring hours of fun to Imlay City every summer.

Admission includes unlimited rides, Grandstand events, petting zoo and free parking.

Eastern Michigan State Fair

August 2024 – Michigan Festivals, Fairs & Carnivals

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

Downtown Grand Haven
July 26 – August 4, 2024

The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is an annual celebration of all things Coast Guard. Parades, memorials, picnics, carnival rides, fireworks, car show, craft fair and the list goes on.

Grand Haven MI Coast-Guard-Festival
Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven, MI

Kent County Youth Fair

13801 Cascade Rd SE, Lowell 49331
July 29 – August 3, 2024

The Kent County Youth Fair is centered on developing character and leadership traits in young people with an interest in agriculture.

Special themed days throughout the week include Heroes Day and Auction Day. Tuesday is always Reading for Rides Day. Kids earn free rides for a completed reading log.

Whether you’re catching a show or taking a walk through the barns, you’ll enjoy every minute of your visit to Fair!

Kent County Youth Fair in Lowell, MI

Magic Get Together

Colon, Michigan
July 31 – August 3, 2024

This family-oriented festival features magicians from all over the world.

Magicians perform in the streets, restaurants and bars. Be sure to visit the annual craft fair on Friday and Saturday. Visit the Colon Historical Museum for a special Magic adventure or take a cemetery tour.

Each of the four days ends with a world class magic and variety show held in the air-conditioned Colon High School Auditorium. These are not your average birthday party magicians and each show is different, with comedy, large illusions, variety acts, and much more.

Boyne City Pirate Fest

Boyne City, Michigan
August 8 – 10, 2024

The Pirate festival where you are the pirates! Dress up and be part of the fun!

Real pirate street theater, kids games and workshops, a beverage tent with musical entertainment, boat parade and landing pageant, parade, costume contests, treasure hunts, and a pirate river race, reenactment of the famous and historic Great Lakes Battle of the Boyne City VS “Sadie The Goat” and her crew of profiteers (that some say never happened), to name some of the revelry.

National Blueberry Festival

South Haven, Michigan
August 8 – 11, 2024

South Haven’s signature event since 1963.

Highlight events include Farm Day (visit blueberry farms, meet the owners and have an immersive blueberry experience), pie eating contest and 5K. Purchase your favorite blueberry products and visit the craft fair.

National Blueberry Festival, South Haven, MI

Great Lakes Surf Festival

Pere Marquette Beach, 1601 S. Beach St., Muskegon, MI 49441
August 10, 2024

A festival at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon celebrating all aspects of surfing and playing on the Great Lakes.

They welcome all SUPers, Surfers, Kiteboarders, Kayakers, Windsurfers, Artists, and Yogis.

Great Lakes Surf Festival, Muskegon, MI

Upper Peninsula State Fair

2401 12th Avenue North, Escanaba, MI 49829
August 12 – 18, 2024

Since 1928, the Upper Peninsula State Fair has provided a place for folks from across the nation to experience and celebrate the unique culture and heritage of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. 

Enjoy free family fun all week: try fishing or shooting, visit animals, watch amazing woodworking chainsaw carvers, check out gorgeous sand sculptures, play games, enter contests and so much more.

Grandstand entertainment includes concerts and racing.

Upper Peninsula State Fair, Escanaba, MI

Michigan Fiber Festival

150 Douglas St, Allegan, Michigan
August 14 – 18, 2024

This Michigan Festival is the largest fiber festival in the state.

Come out and explore the work of artisans in fiber arts competitions, workshops, and vendor booths (over 100). Activities for kids include an Antique Tractor Display, a Historic Village, and live music in the Carousel. Camping available.

Animal Shows include Angora Rabbits, Mohair Fiber Goat, Pygora, and Sheep.

Danish Festival

210 S. Lafayette St, Greenville, MI
August 16 – 18, 2024

The Danish Festival is held the 3rd full weekend in August, in beautiful Greenville, MI.

The Danish Festival’s mission is to host a festival that celebrates the homecoming of family and friends and the area’s Danish heritage.

Enjoy the Grand Dansk Parade, main stage entertainment, an artisan fair & boutique & more.

Danish Festival, Greenville, MI

Hudsonville Community Fair

5235 Park Ave, Hudsonville, MI 49426
August 19 – 24, 2024

The Hudsonville Community Fair represents the last hurrah for young people and families before school begins the following week.

The 4-H exhibits at the Hudsonville Community Fair reflect the strong agricultural roots of the community.

HCF is full of family-friendly fun including concerts, magic shows and midway rides. Also Grandstand events including truck & tractor pulls, off-road derby, monster trucks and more.

Be sure to visit western Michigan’s “Biggest Little Fair in the State”!

Hudsonville Community Fair, Hudsonville, MI

September 2024 – Festivals, Carnivals & Fairs in Michigan

Michigan festivals aren’t just for summer. Keep having fun at fall festivals and fairs.

Michigan State Fair

46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
August 29 – September 2, 2024

The original event was one of the first statewide Fairs to emerge in the continental USA!

The Michigan State Fair is a private produced event. The Fair’s aim is to celebrate and encourage the fresh new direction of the Michigan Agriculture Industry, while also maintaining the beloved traditions of our grand old State Fair.

With so many events to explore and things to do, you will never be bored.

Attractions include baking contests, beer garden, nearly 20 different fun contests like watermelon seed spitting, live music, shrine circus, toddler area, Thursday night fireworks and so much more.

Michigan State Fair, Novi, MI

Romeo Peach Festival

150 Allegan Co. Fair Dr, Allegan MI 49010
August 29 – September 2, 2024

The Romeo Peach Festival is the second oldest festival in the state.

In addition to appearances of the Peach Queen, this yearly festival also includes parades, craft shows, car shows (include a night show), carnival rides, a 5K and a golf classic.

Allegan County Fair

150 Allegan Co. Fair Dr, Allegan MI 49010
September 6 – 14, 2024

Allegan County Fair is one of the largest fairs in the State of Michigan, 

This yearly county fair regularly hosts large music acts, animal shows, Taste of the Allegan County Fair, off-road demo derby, harness horse racing, midway carnival rides & concessions, as well as a rodeo and monster truck show.

A tractor pull and demolition derby are also part of the fun.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442
Weekends August 17 – September 29, 2024 + Labor Day & Festival Friday September 27

Dress up as a Viking, pirate, wizard or another fantasy character and head to an English-themed village modeled after the movie “All’s Faire in Love.”

Expect sword fight shows, knights on horses, bagpipers, highland games, juggling acts, arts and craft vendors, and food booths as well.
For the kids: face painting, rides, listening to music, food, unicorns & ponies.

Holiday Festivals in Michigan

Holly Dickens Festival

Historic Downtown Holly, Michigan
Lighted Dickens Parade 6pm, Friday, November 29
November 30 & December 1, December 7 & 8, December 14 & 15

The oldest, longest-running Dickens Festival in the United States!

Step back in time this holiday season to the days of Charles Dickens’ and become part of “A Christmas Carol.”

Stroll the streets, visit the unique shops, and dine the eateries. Sample roasted chestnuts, hot chocolate, and maybe some gruel!

Sing carols, shop the shops, enjoy the entertainment.

Local Festivals & Fairs Happening Now

While the big festivals might have fanfare, there are even more festivals around West Michigan to bring a smile to your face.

Girl eating cotton candy at a Michigan carnival or festival

About The Author

15 thoughts on “Michigan Festivals 2024: 25+ Exciting Fairs in Michigan, Carnivals & Cotton Candy Included!”

  1. Maritime Festival, Harbor Beach July 8-11.
    Music, car shoe, book sale, food, kids carnival. Bocce, Corn Hole, Volleyball, Sandcastle, and Jet Ski contests. Fireworks and a lighted boat parade. And more

    1. I have been hearing of several county fairs either considering canceling or possibly may have already canceled can anyone verify this ??

  2. The National Baby Food festival in Fremont runs from July 20 through July 23. Lots of activities for kids and families with a huge parade on the last day.

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