The Ultimate 2021 Guide of May Michigan Events-Best Things to Do in Michigan This Weekend! Festivals and Music!
By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan
The ULTIMATE SOURCE of 2021 May Michigan events and things to do for families, couples and friends! 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 on our May 2021 calendar!
Destinations: Detroit, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Midland, South Haven, St. Joseph, Grand Rapids, Upper Peninsula and more!
Plan your May Michigan trip or vacation around our inspiring festivals, music and events!
What Weekend is Memorial Day in 2021?
Memorial Day is May 31, 2021 so the weekend would be May 29-31, 2021
What is There to do in Michigan in May?
Autorama, Art Markets, Holland Tulip Festival, Cider Week, Blessing of the Bikes and so many more fantastic Michigan festivals, events and things to do! Keep Reading! So many fun things to do for your Michigan May calendar of events.
OMG! We've finally thawed out! You have no idea how ready I am for warm breezes, planting my garden and exploring our glorious state without having to "suit up" first. It brings me joy!
Join us on Instagram where I've posted all our May Michigan adventures! We hope you enjoy our Michigan May events and fun things to do! And as always, if you have an event that you would like listed, let us know here!
The Ultimate May Michigan Events 2021- So Many Fun Things to do in Michigan This Weekend!
Check out Detroit Autorama!
Autorama-Detroit, Cobo Center. March 4-6, 2022. Check out sweet rides, vendors and eats! We love this show and will be there again this year! It's one of our favorite May Michigan Events!
There are so many Michigan May events to see, do and explore!! No way you will be bored this month! Let's start traveling Michigan!
Fiesta, The Shops at Westshore, 12331 James Street, Holland, MI, April 30-May, 2021. A community favorite, the annual Fiesta is full of fun for the whole family! With live music and performances, amusement park, ethnic food, car show, and Latino musical acts that bring everyone to their feet! There will also be rides and activities for kids; and for the adults. Fun festivals in May Michigan.
Tulip Time Run, May 1, 2021, Holland, Kollen Park, Saturday, May 1, at Kollen Park.
2021 Antiques on the Bluff- St. Joseph, Mi, Sun. May 02, 2021, 10:00am - 5:00pm. Find something old that's new and exciting for you! Shop along Lake Bluff Park.
Boyne City Restaurant Week, April -May 2021 Dates TBD
Open the Grand, Grand Hotel, 286 Grand Avenue, Mackinac Island, MI, Mackinac Island-The Grand Hotel Opening Weekend- First Dinner service is May 6, 2021
Be one of the first guests at the Grand Hotel this year as they Open the Grand. Call soon to book a special packages in celebration!
Blossomtime Festival, Festival Grand Floral Parade- St. Joseph, MI. May 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Several events! Perfect May Michigan events and fun things to do in May!
Holland Tulip Festival May 1-9, 2021. Plan your Tulip Time visit with 2021 schedule of events! Optimize your day with our Tulip Time Map! It's one of the hottest May Michigan events of the month!
Kalamazoo Metaphysical Expo - Sat, May 1, 10 AM – Sun, May 2, 6 PM. Kalamazoo County Expo Center, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo, MI. Tarot, Henna Art, Artists, Crystals and Rocks, Classes, Books, Healing and more!
First Fridays Gallery Hops in Grand Rapids, 6:00-9:00 p.m. May 7, 2021. Avenue for the Arts, 100 S. Division Avenue, Grand Rapids, MI. On the first Friday of every month, South Division Ave is the place to be for art lovers! See artwork created by local artists, handmade goods, and food and drink specials.
Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival Frankenmuth, 2021. May 13, 2021, June 10, 2021, July 8, 2021, August 12, 2021 and September 9, 2021. 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. Chowdown is is one of our favorite things to do in Michigan in May!
The Market at Holland Town Center, May 8, 2021, Holland Town Center 8:30 am–2:30 pm
Boats at the Barn, May 8, 2021, Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, 9 am–4 pm
Spring Fling Military Truck Run, May 8, 2021, Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA, Marshall. 9am
Community Yard Sale, May 8, 2021, Turkeyville USA, Marshall, 10 am–4 pm
Gilmore International Keyboard Festival, The Gilmore’s Virtual 2020-21 season includes three of The Gilmore’s major series: Piano Masters, Rising Stars, and Jazz Club, as well as two special events that have been chosen specifically for this season. Enjoy 13 sensational classical and jazz live stream performances featuring world-class and emerging artists!
Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park Opening Day - May 7, 2021, Mackinaw City, See incredible demonstrations of cutting timber into lumbar and water wheels! Great walking paths and pretty ponds.
Great Lakes Boating Festival, May 14, 2021- May 16, 2021, Grosse Pointe Shores and the Grosse Pointe Yacht Club. Experience an awesome boat show!
MCMM Great Lakes Stampede All Ford & Mustang Show - May 15, 2021, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Birch Run Outlet Mall at 12240 S. Beyer Rd., Birch Run, Michigan
Arts & Craft Show, May 15, 2021, Turkeyville USA, Marshall, 9 am–4 pm
Kalamazoo Antique Toy Show, May 15, 2021, Kalamazoo Events Center, 9 am–2 pm
Lanterns on the Lake, May 15, 2021, Ramona Park, Portage, MI 8 pm
Gilmore Car Museum's May Shows! Hickory Corners
- Boats at The Barns on May 8, 2021: for classic wooden and fiberglass boats
- Vintage Travel Trailer Rally on May 15, 2021: for vintage campers, 9 am–4 pm
Cider Week-Grand Rapids, May 19-21, 2021 restaurant specials and fun with live music, food and Michigan ciders. In conjunction with Great Lakes International Cider and Perry Competition (GLINTCAP)-May 19-21, 2021 in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Perfect May Michigan events and fun things to do in May!
Visit University of MI Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor. Check out the wildflower garden that begins blooming late April and peaks in May!
Blessing of the Bikes Festival, Friday, May 14-16, 2021 There will be vendors from across the country set up all over the town of Baldwin. Food fest, blessing will be on Sunday May 16th at the airport. Gates will open at 9 AM and donation in $5 per bike (not per person). More than 40 thousands bikers come every year from all over the country.
World Expo of Beer, May 21-22, 2021, It is held at Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park, Frankenmuth, Michigan
Lake Orion Flower and Art Fair, May 21-22, 2021 This lovely fair located in Lake Orion, Michigan is a great place to shop for beautiful flowers, plants and items for your homes. You can see lots of landscaping ideas, DIY projects like (pot planting and wine glass painting). There will also be a Beer Garden featuring BBQ Pitmasters, games, live music and fun!
Art on Center Gallery Stroll, Downtown Saugatuck & Douglas on Center Street, May 22, 2021, 12-5 pm, Free
2021 Midland/Saginaw Spring Parade of Homes; May 8 & 9 and May 15 & 16 from 1-5pm
Motor City Comic Con May Comic Con has been postponed in 2021, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI. What a fun May Michigan event!
Great Lakes Stampede – All Ford & Mustang Car Show, May 15, 2021, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Birch Run Outlet Mall, Birch Run, MI
Michigan Beer & Brat Festival, Crystal Mountain, May 29, 2021. 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive, Thompsonville, MI, Enjoy live entertainment, sample a great selection of Michigan's finest microbrews, local hard cider, mead and tasty brats at the Michigan Beer and Brat Festival!
Mancelona Bass Festival, May 27-31, 2021. This annual festival rocks parades, a carnival, flea market, craft show and fun for the whole family!
Hot Air Balloon Championships, Frankenmuth, May 28-31, 2021 Flights are early morning and later evening weather permitting. These hot air balloon championships is one of my favorite events near me!
Shelby Lions Club Carnival - May 28, 2021 at 12 PM, 44585 Schoenherr Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. Rides, games, carnival food and fun!
Traverse City and the Leelanau Peninsula's cherry trees should be in full bloom around the last week of May. Awesome photo opts and time to visit the wine trail! The Leelanau and Old Mission peninsulas will be stunning mid May! Once in full bloom they last about a week!
Dog Bowl, Frankenmuth, May 29-30, 2021 So freakin' adorable! Swimming, agility courses, wiener dog races and so much fun! It's free and one of our favorite May Michigan things to do! Perfect Michigan event for families!
2021 Movement Electronic Music Festival Detroit - May 29-31, 2021, Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI If you love music festivals, this is the one to attend!
Local Appreciation Day, Castle Farms, 5052 M-66, Charlevoix, MI, May 2021 TBD, 9-5 p.m. Explore Castle Farms for free if you are residents with a valid driver’s license from Charlevoix, Emmet, Antrim, Otsego, or Cheboygan County. All others, just $5!
Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo is hosting several events this May if you enjoy performances and shows.
What is there to do on Memorial Day weekend in Michigan?
Memorial Day Weekend is a time of remembrance in Michigan. One of the biggest events is the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant that happens in Mackinaw City. See the schedule below and several other events this weekend.
Memorial Day Weekend Events, Activities and Things to Do
Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant -Memorial Day Weekend is the longest running free Memorial Day historical program in U.S. in Mackinaw City. See over 400 cast members bring to life the 1763 Fort Michilimackinac battle between the French, British, and Native Americans.
A highlight of the weekend is the Memorial Day parade through the streets of Mackinaw City! So many fun things to do for your Michigan May calendar of events.
Saturday
9 am, Fort Michilimackinac opens
1 pm, Grand Parade
3 pm, 18th Century fashion show, fort parade grounds
3:30 pm, Reenactment at Fort Michilimackinac
See the Fireworks at dusk at the water front state dock area.
Sunday
9 am, Fort opens
9:30 am, Voyageurs Knive & Hawk (Voyageurs Camp)
10:30 am, Voyageurs children's game, high school
2pm, 18th Century Mackinac Fashion Show, fort parade grounds
2:30 pm, Reenactment at Fort Michilimackinac
4:30 pm,Voyageurs Other Competitions (Voyageurs Camp)
Monday
9 am, Fort opens
10 am, Memorial Day Service: Marina Park/Cemetery
2 pm, 18th Century Mackinac Fashion Show, fort parade grounds
2:30 pm, Reenactment at Fort Michilimackinac
St. Louis Michigan: Each year on Memorial Day, the St. Louis V.F.W. sponsors a Memorial Day parade through town with a decorated bicycle contest, school bands and more. There will be a tribute to sailors lost at sea, a twenty-one gun salute and a Veterans service at the Veterans Hill section of Oak Grove Cemetery.
St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair, May 21-24, 2021. A Michigan tradition for years, this annual fair is held at St. Mary’s Preparatory School campus, which overlooks Orchard Lake. It is a popular Memorial Day weekend event. Enjoy carnival rides (including an 80-foot roller coaster!), music, dancing, kids activities, entertainment and authentic Polish food.
Civil War Remembrance at Greenfield Village - May 2021 Cancelled. Honor the sacrifices of all those who bravely fought in defense of our great nation during Civil War Remembrance weekend at The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village. See reenacted events, music, historic presentations. Free with Village admission.
Keepsakes Collection (Quality Art and Craft Shows) May 29, 20, 2021 at Uncle John's Cider Mill.
Movement (Techno Music Festival), Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit - May 29-31, 2021. Taking place every Memorial Day weekend, Movement is the city’s electronic music showcase. Listen to local legends and newbies from multiple outdoor stages. Sometimes there are more than 100 acts on Movement's lineup for this three-day event. Excellent Detroit events in May.
See the Kalamazoo Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day Parade: Downtown Saugatuck 9 a.m.
Memorial Day Parade: Downtown Douglas 10 a.m.
Memorial Day Parade: Downtown Hastings 9:30 a.m.
Oh, and FYI, May is Michigan Wine Month!
Kayaking on the Chippewa River, Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, MI. Travel-Mi.comKayaking on the Chippewa River, Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, MI. May 2021 TBD, 6-9 p.m. Reservations required. I love spending an evening paddling down the Chippewa River! You will be guided by a naturalist as you look for turtles, fish, herons, hawks, deer and eagles. After meeting at the Visitor Center, you'll travel to the Universal Access Site on Chippewa River Rd in a CNC van. You'll learn basic paddling techniques too, so don't worry if you are new to kayaking! I embark on at least two padding trips each summer and absolutely love this May Michigan activity!
Celebrate Mushrooms at the Morel Festival in Boyne City-May 2021 dates TBD. Did you know Northern Michigan is a hot spot to hunt for morels? At this Boyne City festival, hundreds of mushroom lovers from around the country converge to search Northern Michigan woods to take home the top prize for the most mushrooms found. Enjoy seminars, breakfasts, guided hunts, craft show, carnival and so much more!
Keep checking this event page for events in Michigan this weekend!
Michigan Farmers Markets to Check Out!
Holland Farmers Market | 150 W. 8th St., Holland, Wednesdays & Saturdays
South Haven Farmers Market | Huron St. Pavilion, Saturdays
Texas Township Farmers Market | 7110 W Q Ave, Saturdays
Kalamazoo Farmers Market | Mayors’ Riverfront Park, Saturdays
Portage Farmers Market | City Hall Parking Lot, Portage, Sundays
Battle Creek Farmers Market | Festival Market Square, Wednesdays & Fridays
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The Ultimate Map of Michigan - 31 Hottest Must-Visit Cities + Interactive Maps, Guides and Fun Things to do During Your Michigan Vacation
Are you searching for the Ultimate Map of Michigan for your Michigan vacation? We organized 31 of our favorite must-visit cities all in one place! There are interactive maps, guides for each city, hotel and restaurant recommendations, and so many fun things to do in Michigan!
What Michigan Events Are Coming Up Next?
Disclaimer: Please be sure to visit a particular event's website to verify dates, times, happenings and details. We make every possible effort to be verify these the event details but as we are human, mistakes can occur and event dates/times can change. If you see an error below, PLEASE let us know and we will correct it.
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!
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What Other Visitors Have Said
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What is there to do in Michigan in May? Not rated yet
We are looking for fun things to do with our 3 kids this May as we will be vacationing in Michigan at that time. You guys love to travel and explore, can …
What is there to do on Memorial Day weekend in Michigan? Not rated yet
Anything to do in Michigan on Memorial Day?
Answer
Hi Pip!
Thanks for asking! We definitely recommend the Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment …
What is there to do in Michigan this weekend? Not rated yet
Looking for fun stuff this weekend in Michigan. Any ideas for us? Thank you.
Answer
Hi Megan!
Thanks for asking! We have an up-to-date Michigan …
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