The Ultimate 2021 Guide of July Michigan Events, Festivals and Best Things to Do in Michigan This Weekend With Kids+ 4th of July, Blueberry U Pick & Cherry Festival

The ULTIMATE SOURCE of 2021 July Michigan events and things to do for families, couples and friends this summer! Grab our Boredom Zapping Ideas for fun in Michigan and add them to your events calendar! 

+Best Southwest Michigan events monthly calendar. See what's happening in Michigan today! Music festivals and activities with kids.

Destinations: Detroit, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Houghton Lake, Midland, South Haven, St. Joseph, Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Upper Peninsula and more!  

Plan your July Michigan trip or summer vacation around our inspiring festivals and events! 

Best Michigan July Events, 4th of July, Festivals and Fun Things to Do

July Michigan events and festivals are in full swing!  BBQ's, picnics, hiking, fireworks, boating, music festivals, sailing and exploring is at its max! 

Traveling Michigan in July is absolutely stunning as our State Parks are lush and green, our lakes are warm and sparkling, and our state is RIPE for discovery!  Summer in Michigan is absolutely spectacular! We have lots of kids activities too!

Join us on Instagram where I've posted all of our July adventures and activities!  We hope you enjoy our July Michigan events and fun things to do!

And as always, if you have July Michigan events and fun things to do in Michigan that you would like listed, let us know here!

Bay City Tall Ship Celebration

THE BEST July Michigan Events 2021

Traverse City National Cherry Festival

There are so many July Michigan things to see, do and explore!! No way you will be bored!

• Steamboat Park Live Music Cruises, June 24, 2021 - September 30, 2021 on Thursday's, Friday's and Saturday's on the Grand Lady Riverboat, 825 Taylor St, Jenison, MI 49428 (Grand Rapids). Enjoy a cruise and live music on the Grand River.

• Camaro Superfest 2021, Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, July 1, 2021 - July 4, 2021

• Waterfront Art Fair, Saugatuck,  July 3, 2021. Fantastic July Michigan event!

• Traverse City National Cherry Festival, July 3-10, 2021 Grab our Traverse City Cherry Festival Interactive Map and Guide for the tips, event locations and the schedule! Kick off the National Cherry Festival with the Air Show, micrcobrews, as well as the finest BBQ around!  Classic car shows, Midway, Blue Angels Air show, Cherry Pancake Breakfast, Arts and Crafts fair, Parades and Cherry Farmers Market.  So many things to do in Michigan!
  

• Battle Creek Field Of Flight Air Show and Balloon Fest, June 30- July 4, 2021. Air show, night air show, rock bands, balloon illumes, 2 amazing fire works shows, carnival and vendors galore! Fantastic summer Michigan event!

• Fireworks on the Bay/Fourth of July - Fireworks Cruise, Pictured Rocks Cruises, Sat. July 4, 2021
  

• Tour the Tawas Point Lighthouse-Tawas, Come tour the lighthouse! Tours are available at select times on select days. See their website for more information. Fee.  A Recreation Passport is required to enter the State Park.

• Bay City Tall Ship Celebration - 2025 for next visit to Bay City

Michigan Lavender Farms, Fields and Festivals

• Lavender Hill Farm, Boyne City. 7354 Horton Bay Rd. North, Boyne City, MI 49712, Guided tours and lilac labyrinth.(Open Daily May 10 - Oct 27 from 10 AM - 5 PM) 

• Lunch in Lavender, Lavender Hill Farm, 7354 Horton Bay Rd N., Boyne City, Dates TBD

• Visit Harbor View Lavender Farm-17770 Center Rd, Traverse City, MI, View and purchase gorgeous lavender plants and products! Fantastic summer Michigan event!

• South Haven Fireworks-Cancelled 2021 fireworks at dusk off the North Pier. Viewing from Riverfront Park, North & South Beaches. Coordinated with Music on Cosy 103.7 FM. 3-hour pre-show broadcast begins at 7:00 p.m. on Cosy.

• Bay City Fireworks Festival, July 1, 2, 3, 2021. Fireworks Schedule: Thursday, Friday and Saturday, fireworks begin at 10:12 pm. Saturday is the largest show, lasting 36 min. People travel from all over the United States to witness the amazing fireworks display!

• Jim Henson Exhibition at The Henry Ford: June 5, 2021 – Sept. 6, 2021, Time: 9:30 am – 5 pm

• Volkslaufe-The People's Race in Frankenmuth. July 3, 2021. Heritage Park, 601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth, MI.  More than 2,500 people train and anxiously anticipate the race that passes by several of Frankenmuth's popular landmarks.
  

• South Haven Art Fair, The South Haven Center for the Arts will host the Annual South Haven Art Fair on July 3, 4, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The South Haven Art Fair is longest running event in the region! Over 120 artists! We adore this July Michigan art fair and have attended it for several years.

• Grab our BIG list of Michigan fairs, carnivals and festivals!

Best Beaches in Michigan

July in Michigan is the absolutely best month to hit the beach! 

Enjoy the Best Beaches in Michigan! Get your toes in the sand with your kids this summer.

4th of July 2021 Michigan Events and Festivals

Traverse City, Saugatuck, South Haven and Petoskey are hot spots for 4th of July celebrations in Michigan!

Traverse City 4th of July 2021 - The National Cherry Festival (July 3-10, 2021) is in full swing and will have incredible fireworks!  Join the fun with the Traverse City Boom Boom Club 4th of July Fireworks Party, located near the National Cherry Festival Beer Tent Entrance.  Fun starts at 8:30 p.m. and concludes after the fireworks display at 11:00 p.m.

Saugatuck 4th of July 2021 - Saugatuck's 4th of July Parade & Fireworks are spectacular!  The 4th of July parade travels along Butler Street and begins at 2:00 pm.  Fantastic summer Michigan event!

South Haven 4th of July 2021 - Fireworks are cancelled for 2021. Enjoy art at the South Haven Art Fair on Saturday, July 3 – Sunday, July 4, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. located at Stanley Johnston Park, South Haven, MI

Petoskey 4th of July 2021 - Sunday, July 4th enjoy an Art Fair at Harbor Springs' Zorn Park. Harbor Springs is also hosting a parade down Main Street from 1:00 PM - 2:00, street vendors and activities, and fireworks launched from the harbor at dusk. We love this fantastic summer Michigan event!

Cadillac Freedom Festival - July 4th, 2021 celebrate our nations freedom and independence. Enjoy Live Music, Kid Carnival, 5k, fireworks and so much more!  It's a great 4th of July Michigan event!

July Michigan Events Continued...

• University of MI Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor. Check out the 9 outdoor gardens and conservatory!  Best viewed June to October, the perennial gardens begin blooming in June.  Lots of wildflowers too! 
  

• The Botanical Gardens at Historic Burns Park, 1490 Red Drive, Traverse City. This gorgeous 25-acre botanic garden offers a visitor center, workshops & guided tours. It's a fantastic July Michigan thing to do!

• W.J. Beal Botanical Garden at Michigan State University, W. Circle Drive, East Lansing.  July through August is just stunning!

• Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival Frankenmuth, 2021. July 8, August 12, and September 9. Pop on down to Frankenmuth River Place Shops (925 South Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI). Admission: FREE, Time: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM.  Support food trucks from across Michigan! Featuring around 20 food trucks, including a dessert option.  Fun July Michigan event!
  

• Appledore Dinner Sails, Sail the Saginaw Bay! Enjoy the sails, the sunset, and a delicious catered dinner. Friday night sails feature a light BBQ dinner and run from 6p – 9p. Saturday night Dinner Sails are four hours long and many feature live entertainment!  Things to do in Michigan

• Mad Dogs and Englishmen's British Auto Faire, July 10-11, 2021, Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners. So come out and visit this July Michigan!

• Rockin' the River (formerly known at the River Roar) - Bay City, MI July 10-11, 2021 Come out to see great boat racing and entertainment along the waterfront!

• Kindleberger Summer Festival of the Performing Arts, July 7 - July 11, 2021 is five days of exceptional outdoor community theatre at The Stage at Kindleberger, a Festival Day of exciting family-friendly fun in and around Parchment’s beautiful Kindleberger Park. 

• Birch Run Speedway and Event Center: 
Friday, July 2, 2021 is the Fourth of July Eve of Destruction​     

Friday, July 9 is the I-75 Modified Challenge Time Trial Challenge


Saturday, July 10, 2021 is the I-75 Modified Challenge and the MCR Dwarf Cars​ (Sunday, July 11, 2021 is the rain date)

​Friday, July 16, 2021 is the House Division Racing with Outlaw Street Stock Racing (2 of 3 Races) American Trucks, Pure Stocks, Mods

Tall Ship Celebration

• Frankenmuth Food Truck Festival, July 8, 2021. Next one is August 12, 2021. Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival is located at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun begins in May and will take place on the second Thursday of each month (May - September) from 3 pm – 9 pm each date. 

• Art In The Park, Plymouth, Michigan. This Plymouth Mi Art Fair is July 9, 10, 11, 2021. A signature Michigan event, Art In The Park welcomes over 400 artists with fabulous paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art & much more.  
  

• Blake's Lavender Market, July 9-11, 2021.  Blake's Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI. Featuring a lovely lavender market with 150+ local artisans.

• Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, Saturday – Sunday, July 10-11, 2021. Ticketed event this year. Saturday 10 a.m. -6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. This can't miss event brings together hundreds of artists and thousands of people in Southwest Michigan. We go to this show every year and it's exquisite.  Tons of shade trees but be prepared to walk several block for parking.
  

• Royal Oak Art Fair - July 10, 2021, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Memorial Park, 13 Mile and Woodward, Royal Oak, MI 48067
  

• Eat Great Food Festival Enjoy Great Lakes Bay Region Eateries Jul 11, 2021 Wenonah Park Downtown Bay City, MI CANCELLED 2021

Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational

• 2021 LPGA Tour, July 11-17, 2021. Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational in Midland, MI. The LPGA Tour and Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational experience: See the world's best female golfers, feast on Eat Great Food Festival flavors, travel the Eat Great Hospitality Trail, and explore the regional culinary and craft beer scene during Eat Great Restaurant Week! Awesome July Michigan event! Midland Country Club.

• 2021 Garden Walk, July 13, 2021, Midland, MI Enjoy gardens throughout Midland as homeowners open their gardens for a citywide “garden walk” to help Reece Endeavor of Midland raise funds to provide housing for individuals with special needs in Midland County.

• Art in the Park, July 17, 2021, 10 a.m.- 5 p.m., For over 30 years, approximately 130 booths have graced Pennsylvania Park, Petoskey, with items ranging from pottery to jewelry, from paintings to photographs, and much more.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

• Ann Arbor Art Fair, July 15-18, 2021. Outstanding art show that is actually 4 fairs. We have gone to this show every year for around 12 years!  Crazy hot but crazy good! It's one of our favorite July Michigan events! Read more here! 

• Frankenmudder, July 17, 2021, Frankenmuth. Get dirty for a cause!!  This three mile boot-camp style mud run is a fundraiser for Michigan's Military and Space Heroes Museum. 

• Cass River Living History Encampment, July 17 and 18, 2021, Frankenmuth. Free at Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Experience an 18th Century encampment of historical re-enactors representing British, French, and Americans. Visit and tour military camps and shop at historical vendors from 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 pm. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Witness Tactical Battle Re-enactments, Flag Raising, Musket Firing, Period Concert & Games, Fashion Show and many other events!
  

• Hot Air Jubilee, July 22-July 25, 2021 at Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, MI.

• Richland Art Fair, July 17, 2021, Downtown Corner Of M-89 And M-43, Richland, MI. This juried show features a diverse selection of original artwork, jewelry, and superior hand‑crafted items. Approximately 100 artists from all over Michigan and beyond exhibit their beautiful work for sale. We love this July Michigan art show as it's on grass (not too hard on the feet) with lots of shade trees!

• Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival 2021, Riverside Park - Depot Town, Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States, Friday, July 23, 2021 - Saturday, July 24, 2021(verify these dates on their website.) 
  

• Paranormal Lighthouse Tours, Recurring weekly on Friday at Marquette Maritime Museum and Lighthouse, Marquette, Michigan, July 23, 2021 - October 8, 2021, Weekly on Friday's, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM with Yooper Paranormal. 

• Corvette Envy, Sunday, July 29, 2020. 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners.

• Flower Festival, July 31-August 1, 2020. (Buy your timed tickets on line this year) Grandpa Tiny's Farm, 7775 Weiss Street, Frankenmuth, MI. A celebration of Frankenmuth's floral season. Enjoy garden tours, flower and art vendors, food, entertainment and beautiful displays, Awesome July Michigan event!

July is Michigan Blueberry Picking Season! Great Activity for Kids!

• Grab our MASSIVE list of U Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan!

HUGE list of U Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan

• Blueberry Festival - July 30, 2021, 10 am - 7 p.m. Marquette Downtown Development Authority, 337 W Washington St, Marquette, MI
  

• Keepsake Arts and Crafts Show, Friday, July 30, 31 and August 1, 2021, Main Street, Frankenmuth, MI. Other dates in 2021: 
• August 20, 21, 22 During Summer's End Festival
  
• August 28, 29 at Uncle Johns Cider Mill's Sunflower Days
• September 10, 11, 12 Frankenmuth Historical Museum Lot at Auto Fest

• Antique Fire Muster- July 31, 2021. Antique fire trucks will be on display in the Heritage Park.  Don't miss the exciting parade through downtown Frankenmuth on Saturday morning. Location: Heritage Park, 601 Weiss Street.
  

• Grand Haven Coastguard Fest, July 30-August 8, 2021, 113 N 2nd St, Grand Haven, MI. Tons of concerts, cardboard boat races, food and more! This is a fantastic July Michigan festival to attend with family and friends.

• Dahlia Hill-2809 Orchard Dr, Midland, MI, View eight exquisite terraces planted yearly with 3,000 dahlias - over 300 varieties late July through October. A favorite July Michigan event! ;)

We hope you enjoy our exciting July Michigan events and ideas of fun things to do!

Awesome July Michigan Activities for Kids!

When summer hits, sometimes it's hard to plan activities and fun for the kids! We have some great fun things to do for kids this summer! 

Splash into Summer (Coastal Kids), July 10, 12 p.m.-2 p.m. Play at the splash pad in downtown Grand Haven, eat some delicious pizza (provided) and go out for ice cream! Parents, please provide $5 for your child to get some ice cream! *Ages 4-4th grade.

Storytime in the Park, Tue, July 13, 2021, 6:30 – 7:30 PM Lincoln Park, 1120 Bridge St NW, Grand Rapids, MI. Bring the kids this summer for stories, free books and ice cream, special guests and more!

Zehnder’s Kids Camp – July 13-15, 2021 – SOLD OUT, Zehnder's of Frankenmuth. Awesome July Michigan event!

LEGO Mania at Mid-Michigan Children’s Museum, Saginaw, MI July 14, 2021, 9 AM – 4 PM, 315 W Genesee Ave, Saginaw, MI

Story Time, Fri, Jul 16, 2021, 10 – 11 AM The Mud Room, 971 E Beltline Ave NE Suite 103, Grand Rapids, MI Hear a fun story then paint a themed project. Limited quantities; pre-registration required.

Kids Series, Cooking 101: Fri, July 16, 2021, 12 – 2 PM, Sur La Table, 3050 Washtenaw Ave #109, Ann Arbor, MI. Your 7 to 11-year-old kitchen helper up for a fun week of cooking. Classes run about two hours each and last for five consecutive days. Your kids will get plenty of hands-on practice rolling fresh pasta dough, folding omelets, baking sweet treats and more!

Retro Summer Kids Event - July 18, 2021, 6 PM, 390 E Monroe St, Dundee, MI Enjoy tie dye and other crafts!

Kids' Summer DIY Craft Camp - July 19-23, 2021, 9 AM – 12 PM, Hammer & Stain West Michigan, 3901 Chicago Dr SW Suite 109, Grandville, MI. Perfect way for your kids (6+) to get creative this summer!

Childrens’ Music Series, July 21, 2021, 11 AM – 12 PM, Riverside Park, 3311 Squirrel Ct, Auburn Hills, MI

Kids & Bees, Fri, Jul 23, 2021, 7:00 – 8:30 AM Lavender Hill Farm, 7354 Horton Bay Rd N, Boyne City, MI. See what happens in a beehive? Join Three Bears Honey at Lavender Hill Farm to learn what the “Buzz” is all about! 

Family Experiences At Leslie Science & Nature Center, Tue, July 27, 2021, 9 AM – 5 PM, 1831 Traver Rd, Ann Arbor, MI. Book you own private family time to experience science programs! Choose an activity led by one of the educators for an outdoor hands-on learning experience.

Christmas in July - The Polar Express™ Screening, Owosso, Michigan on July 31, 2021.  Dreaming of a white Christmas? Join the first event of 2021 at the Steam Railroading Institute! This free outdoor event will offer an open house experience featuring miniature train rides, the Pere Marquette 1225 on display, a visit from Santa Claus, a nighttime screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS™, and more!

It's Michigan County Fair Time!

Ultimate List of Michigan Fairs Carnivals and Festivals!

If you LOVE fairs and carnivals as much as we do, be sure to grab our HUGE list of Michigan fairs and carnivals! Don't miss out on funnel cakes, Ferris wheel rides and baby goats!

Michigan Sunflowers

Michigan Lavender Farms, Fields and Festivals

Ann Arbor Art Fair

Bay City, Michigan

Don't miss a moment of July Michigan events and fun!  Join our newsletter to have events and fun delivered directly to your inbox!

What Michigan Events Are Coming Up Next?

Event Centers in Michigan

Still bored? Don't forget to check these Michigan event centers/theaters/auditoriums across Michigan for concerts, events, shows or comedy entertainment! 

Here are a few Michigan event centers to inspire you!  

• Cobo Hall-Detroit
• Midland Center for the Arts-Midland
• Dow Gardens-Midland
• Kalamazoo State Theatre
• Fire Keepers Casino
• Soaring Eagle Casino-Mt. Pleasant
• Wings Event Center-Kalamazoo
• Miller Auditorium-Kalamazoo
• Civic Auditorium-Kalamazoo
• Chenery Auditorium-Kalamazoo
• Kellogg Arena-Battle Creek
• LMC Mendel Center-Benton Harbor
• Franke Center for the Arts-Marshall
• The Bob-Grand Rapids
• Van Andel-Grand Rapids
• Devos Place-Grand Rapids
• Dow Event Center-Saginaw

Being bored sucks! Never miss another event! Join our network of Traveling Michigan Explorers!  Be a part of this amazing community of travelers!

Subscribe To Receive Exciting Destinations, Day Trips and Fun Directly to Your Inbox!

Traveling Michigan Newsletter

Sign Up to Our Newsletter to Get the 5 Free Must Have Apps to Travel in Michigan Like a Boss!

Follow Us on Instagram 

TravelingMichigan

View this post on Instagram

Butterflies will soon be blooming! Don't miss out! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So guys, I'M SUPER EXCITED for Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids (March 1- April 30, 2019) and Dow Gardens in Midland (March 1-April 21, 2019) to open their butterfly houses! So mark your calendars! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It's such a great break from our cold blustery winter to enjoy these little fluttery beings!! I like to visit several times as the light changes and different species of butterflies have emerged!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ HUGE TIPS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS: I always call ahead to see if there is a school group scheduled for the day of my visit...just sayin'. Also, I like to get there first thing in the morning when it's quiet and hopefully less traffic. Some places won't let you bring tripods so check ahead. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Please let me know of any other butterfly houses in MI that you love as I would like to check out some new locations this year!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #liveauthentic #beauty #nature #Michigan #puremichigan #greatlakesstate #travelingmichigan #michiganders #mittensmitten #butterflies #butterflies_lovers #butterfliesofinstagram #buterfliesandflowers #butterflieseverywhere #loving_butterflies #butterflyhouse #welivetoexplore #colorful #naturelovers #getoutdoors #adventure #instaphotographer #landscape #wanderlust #outdoors #keepitwild #fredrikmeyergardens⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #simplyadventure #lifeofadventure

A post shared by Michigan Travel+Food Adventure (@travelingmichigan) on Feb 17, 2019 at 10:00am PST

Check Out Our Traveling Michigan Videos on Youtube!

Check out our off-road Keweenaw Peninsula adventures on YouTube!

You May Also Like...