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2025 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: Event Schedule, Parade Route, Interactive Map, Lilac Walking Tours, Movies and FUN Things To Do!
Article: 2025 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: Event Schedule, Parade Route, Interactive Map, Lilac Walking Tours, Movies and FUN Things To Do!
This spring, hop aboard either the Shepler's or Star Line ferry and motor across to Mackinaw Island to immerse yourself in the scenic and fragrant Mackinac Island Lilac Festival! Chris and I visit Mackinac Island every year, maybe even twice a year! We love it!
The Mackinac lilac festival is the largest and most historic festival (started in 1949!) on Mackinac Island.
It's a super popular Michigan festival with tourists and locals alike.
Events include the Lilac Queen coronation, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours and planting seminars, kids activities, Michigan Cornhole tournament, music, and the super popular Grand Parade.
"They don't grow like this anywhere else in the world," per lilac specialist, Jeff Young
Mackinac Island was voted #1 Best Island in the Continental United States by Travel + Leisure?
When is Mackinac Island Lilac Festival?
June 6, 2025 - June 15, 2025
2025 Theme: "Mackinac Island is COOL"
FAQ's people are asking!
Answer: Depending on the weather, lilacs can bloom from two weeks to four weeks.
Answer: Yes! You will need to take Shepler's or Star Line ferries over to the island this spring.
Answer: Riding bikes, hiking the perimeter of the island, climbing to Arch Rock, enjoying a picnic along the shoreline, embarking on a kayak adventure, photography.
Answer: Mackinac Island, located in northern Michigan.
When is the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade?
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade is Sunday, June 15th, 2025 at 4:00pm.
Why Lilacs? Fascinating History of Lilacs on Mackinac Island
Are lilacs native to Mackinac Island? Nope.
Lilacs were first planted on the island by the Hubbard family from New Hampshire, per Mr. Jeff Young, the horticulturist for the island’s Lilac Festival.
Those who planted lilacs believed the fragrant blooms would bring them good luck. Many of the Mackinac Island lilacs near the Hubbard's old farm (that have since been developed into cottages) are approximately 100 years old! And these plants are offspring of plants that were also about 100 years old, which means lilacs have been on Mackinac Island for about 200 years!
Mr. Young believes the lilacs on Mackinac Island are the oldest in the United States or Canada. WOW!
Lilacs love lots of rainfall and the chance to harden over winter, which is in abundance at Mackinac Island.
Hence, Mackinac Island's lilacs are the largest in the country! Many stems are larger than two feet across at the base!
Stay at The Grand Hotel!
Consider staying at the famous Grand Hotel while attending the Lilac Festival Mackinac Island 2023.
The lovely Grand Hotel dates back to 1887 and earned the No. 6 spot on the list of the Best Hotels in the Midwest!
Map of Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Events
Grab your Google Map of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!
- Click on the plus and minus in the left corner to zoom in or out of the map.
- Click on the icons for more info, addresses and photos of the stops.
- Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas.
- In the Header, click on the rectangle in the upper left of the map to see a menu of all of our stops. Click on anything that looks interesting to see where it is on the map. To hide the menu, click the rectangle in the header.
- In the Header, click on the "square" icon in the upper right side to expand the map for better viewing.
Daily Schedule of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival - 2025 Schedule
Happening Daily During the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival (please note, events are subject to change).
- FREE Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point. Bounce houses on weekends.
- Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling excursions with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Times vary, see their website for costs and scheduling.
- Book Signings!
- Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade!
- Questions? MackinacIsland.org has lots of answers!
Friday, June 6, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
10 am - 6:00 pm: Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit
10 am - 5:30 pm: Art Exhibition: Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum
12:00 - 4:30 pm: Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point. Free!
Afternoons: Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys
1:00 pm: Walking Tour: Fort Mackinac
1:30 pm - 3:00 pm: Artist Reception for Lilac Festival Poster Contest
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Garden Tour: Mission Point Resort
5:00 pm: Coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and unveiling of the Lilac Festival Poster. Free event in
Marquette Park.
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm: Live Performance: The McCartney Years
Evenings: Explore downtown Mackinac Island to enjoy local pubs featuring live music, island cocktails, and fun!
Saturday, June 8, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac at 6:30 pm. Sign up before 4:00 pm at the Tourism
Booth on Main Street for a chance to fire the cannon!
9:30 am: Lilac Festival 10K Run & Walk. Begins at Windermere Point and finishes in the Mackinac
Island School Yard.
10:00 am: Enjoy a Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Begins behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. FREE!
10:30 am - 4:30 pm: Playground at Windermere Point. Free! Fun kids activity at the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art
Museum.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm: Vintage Bicycle Rally on the Rock at Marquette Park. Free springtime event!
11:45 am: Lil’ Lilac Kids Run. Begins and ends at Mackinac Island Public School
12:00 pm–3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener. Meet near the Art Museum in Marquette Park.
12:30 pm: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
Afternoons: Kite Flying with Treat Turtle Toys
1:00 pm -3:00 pm: Book signing with Linda Hughes
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar. Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds.
Free event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
6:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Line Dancing in the Street with West Michigan Bootscooters. Located on Market
Street between Fort Street and Astor Street. Free event.
9:00 pm–11:30 pm: Movie in the Fort. Located in Fort Mackinac. Free admission, bring a chair or blanket and your
favorite snack
Sunday, June 8, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
10:30 am - 4:30 pm: Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. FREE!
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art
Museum.
11:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Afternoons: Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds.
FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
6:00 pm–8:00 pm: Lilac Festival Puzzle Challenge! Fastest teams to complete the puzzle wins prizes! Sign up on the Tourism Bureau website. Free event going on at the Community Hall.
Monday, June 9, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
9:30 am: Lilacs and Warblers Birding Adventure!
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
10:00 - 7:00 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
11:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
1:00 -3:00pm: Book Signing with Cynthia Burk
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
Since You are Visiting Mackinac Island...
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
10:00 - 7:00 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
11:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
12:30-2:30pm: Walking Tour: Nature & History Tour at Bogan Lane Inn
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
5:30pm - 6:30pm: Walking Tour: Creating the Village of Mackinac Island at Windermere Point.
Since you are headed to Mackinac Island, grab our Mackinac Island guide! Best hotels, ferry info, our favorite restaurants and things to do!
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
9:30 am - 11:30 am: Walking Tour: Michigan, Governor's Summer Residence
10:00 - 7:00 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
11:30 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Movie Screening: Somewhere in Time at Mission Point Theater.
5:30pm-6:30pm: Walking Tour: Mackinac in the 1830s. Meet near the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
6:00 pm - 7:30pm: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
7:00 pm -8:00 pm: Open House, Artist-in-Residence Program. Located at Station 256 above the State Park Visitors Center.
Thursday, June 12, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
10:00 - 7:00 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
10:00 am - 11:30 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
4:00-5:00 pm: Activity: Music & Meditation at Ste. Anne Catholic Church.
5:00 pm - 7:00pm: Movie Screening: Mackinac: Our Famous Island. Mission Point Theater
5:30pm-6:30pm: Walking Tour: Mackinaw Mission Walking Tour. Meet near the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
6:00 pm: Movie Screening: This Time For Keeps at Mission Point Theater
6:30 pm-8:00pm: Live Music: Laura Rain & The Ceasars at Marquette Park.
Friday, June 13, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
9:00am - 4:00 pm: Sign up to Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac! Tourism Bureau.
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
10:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
10:30 - 4:30 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
12:30-2:00pm: Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs. Meet behind the The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park.
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Book Signing with Carrie Fancett Pagels at the Island Book Store.
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: The Anishnaabek at the Straits at Biddle House
Evening Night Life!
Saturday, June 14, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
9:00am - 4:00 pm: Sign up to Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac! Tourism Bureau.
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
10:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
10:30 - 4:30 pm: Family Fun Playground - 15-foot coloring mural at Windermere Point
11:00am-5:00pm: Michigan Cornhole Tournament at Windermere Point
11:30 pm–12:00 pm: Garden Tour at Island House Hotel. Learn about the history and beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. FREE!
Kite Flying with Great Turtle Toys at Windermere Point
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: MSU Master Gardener Activities. Smart Gardener program info near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, FREE! event.
12:30-2:00pm: Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs. Meet behind the The Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park.
1:00pm - 3:00pm: Book Signing with Rita Mace Malston at the Island Book Store.
1:00 pm: Walking Tour of Fort Mackinac
1:00-3:00pm: Horse Event at Grand Hotel Stables
2:00pm-5:00pm: Live Music with Jerry Sprague
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting, Pruning & Propagation Seminar held at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. FREE! event.
4:00-6:00 pm: Garden Tour of Mission Point Resort.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
Evening Night Life!
Sunday, June 15, 2025 | Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Schedule of Events
Various Times: Sip N' Sail Cruises! Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Paddle Boarding tours
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
10:00 am: Lilac Walking and Talking Tour. Meet behind the Art Museum, Marquette Park. FREE!
10:30 - 1:00 pm: Free Bounce Houses at Windermere Point
1:00pm: Walking Tour: Fort Mackinac
1:30pm-4:00: Grand Parade Pre-Party in the Park at Marquette Park
4:00pm-6:00pm: Garden Tour: Mission Point Resort
4:00pm - 5:30pm: Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade. Begins at Mission Point Resort, goes through Main Street and ends at Windermere Point.
5:00 pm - 6:30pm: Live performance by The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort.
5:30 pm: Lilac Festival Raffle Drawing at Mary's Bistro
Evening Night Life!
Author: Sherry Trautman
Author | Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander...read more about Sherry Trautman
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