2023 Michigan BLUEBERRY FESTIVALS Guide + Event Schedules | Top 6 FUN Festivals in South Haven, Paradise | Things to Do + Blueberry Season Michigan (Where to Pick Juicy Fresh Blueberries)
Top 6 Michigan Blueberry Festivals and Events (Schedules) in 2023 | South Haven, Paradise | + Blueberry Season Michigan (Where to Pick Fresh Blueberries)
By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Last updated: May 15, 2023
Not gonna lie, Michigan blueberry season makes me just giddy! Each year, Chris and I love attending Michigan blueberry festivals! There are so many family friendly things to do, so get ready to celebrate all things blueberry!
Chris and I also love going blueberry picking at Russell's blueberry farm in Freeland Michigan. Chris and I bake blueberry pies, blueberry crisps, and love making blueberry nice cream (just blend a handful of frozen blueberries, a frozen banana and some almond milk/water for a delicious treat!) YUMMY!
If you can only pick one Michigan blueberry festival, you won't want to miss the National Blueberry Festival South Haven this July!
- Keep reading for 2023 dates and our interactive map of Michigan Blueberry Festivals!
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Michigan produces upward of 100 million pounds of blueberries each year!
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Contents:
- Map of the best Michigan Blueberry Festivals Across Michigan
- Where to Pick Fresh Michigan Blueberries
- National Blueberry Festival South Haven
- Wild Blueberry Festival Paradise Michigan
- Montrose Blueberry Festival
- Blueberry Festival - Downtown Marquette
- Annual Blueberry Festival - Blueberry Lane Farms
- Harietta Annual Blueberry Festival
Interactive Map of Michigan Blueberry Festivals Across Michigan!
When is the Blueberry Picking Season in Michigan?
July is the prime Michigan blueberry picking season, however you can pick blueberries until about the third week of August, depending on the location of the farm and the weather.
Where Can You Pick Fresh Blueberries?
See our list of fantastic U Pick Blueberry Farms in Michigan + interactive map!
There Are Several Blueberry Festivals Held in Michigan Every Year Near You!
Michigan is well-known for its blueberry production, and there are several blueberry festivals that take place throughout the state.
1. National Blueberry Festival South Haven
When is the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven? - August 10 - 13, 2023
The National Blueberry Festival is one of the country's oldest continuously-running fruit festivals! The festival features a blueberry pancake breakfast, a blueberry pie-eating contest, a 5K run/walk, live music, a craft fair, and more.
Where is the National Blueberry Festival Held? Throughout downtown South Haven-schedule coming soon.
Events at the National Blueberry Festival:
- Blueberry Festival Craft Fair
- Farm Festivities
- National Blueberry Festival Parade: Saturday, August 12, 2023 (Line-up in place at South Haven High School by 10:00AM; Step-Off at 11:00AM)
- National Blueberry Festival 5k Run and Walk - Stanley Johnston Park, 202 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI. The 5k Run and Walk is Saturday, August 12, 2023. Runners start at 7:45am and walkers begin at 7:50 am. Cost is $35 per person. Price increases July 1.
- Blueberry Central Market - Huron Street Pavilion (Friday and Saturday 10-5, Sunday 10-2). Purchase fresh blueberries, blueberry pies, jams, plants, teas, jewelry and more amazing products!
- Kids Fun Zone Rides
- Blueberry Pie-eating contests
- Live Music
Is the Festival dog-friendly? They do not encourage dogs at the Blueberry Festival.
So many fun things to do at Michigan Blueberry Festivals this year! Come on out to the blueberry festival South Haven located in Southwest Michigan! This is one of our favorite things to do in Michigan in August.
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Van Buren County is the Nation's most prolific producer of highbush blueberries! South Haven, located in Southwest Michigan, is home to incredible blueberry crops!
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2. Wild Blueberry Festival Paradise Michigan - Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Wild Blueberry Festival is August 18 – August 20, 2023.
Location: Whitefish Township Community Center: 7052 M-123 Paradise, MI in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
The Paradise Blueberry Festival is held in Paradise, Michigan each August. It features a blueberry pancake breakfast, a blueberry pie-eating contest, live music, a craft fair, and more.
These festivals and many more are a great way to celebrate Michigan's blueberry harvest and enjoy a variety of blueberry-themed foods, drinks, and activities.
What is the wild blueberry capital of Michigan? Paradise!!
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Paradise is Considered the Wild Blueberry Capital of Michigan!
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2023 Paradise Michigan Events:
- Arts and Crafts Fair
- Blueberry Brunch
- Pie Building
- Blueberry Bake Sale
- Music and Entertainment
- Food Vendors
- Arts and Craft Show
Low bush blueberry varieties: Grow in open, sunny areas and will ripen from late July through August.
Highbush blueberry varieties: Grow in shade and ripen from late August through September.
Are Dogs Allowed at the Wild Blueberry Festival Paradise MI? Dogs are not allowed on the Wild Blueberry Festival Fair Grounds or Whitefish Township Community Center during the Blueberry Festival.
You will no doubt come home with several pounds of luscious, fresh blueberries after attending Michigan blueberry festivals! We recommend flash freezing your blueberries to maintain their nutrients and freshness!
Grab our guide: How to Freeze Fresh Blueberries!
3. Montrose Blueberry Festival Schedule - Central Michigan (Between Flint and Frankenmuth)
52nd Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival - August 13-20, 2023
Location: On M-57 just 8 miles west of I-75. The festival is located between Flint and Frankenmuth.
August 13-17, 2023 Schedule of Events:
- The 15th Annual Blueberry Festival Car Show - Sunday, August 13, 2023 in Lion's Park, 204 Park Street. 8 am - 4:00 pm.
- Softball Tournaments: Sunday, August 13, 2023, 8am - finish. Seymour Road Softball Complex
- Royal Tea Party: August 15, 2023, 1-3 pm. Meet and greet with the 2023 Blueberry Queen & Court along with other fairy tale princesses. Enjoy delicious treats, face painting and royal party favors. Lion's Park.
- Baby & Kid's Contest, Ages Newborn to 14 - Wednesday, August 16th
- Craft Beer & Wine Tasting - Thursday, August 17, 2023
Friday, August 18, 2023 Schedule of Events:
- Entertainment Tent Opens: 12-6 pm, 8 pm - 2 am at Lions Park
- Marketplace - 12-7pm. If you love flea markets and craft shows, check out the100+ vendors during the Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival! Lions Park
- Blueberry Store Opens: 12-7pm, Lions Park
- Anderson Midways - 12 to close. The carnival opens Friday, Aug. 18th and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20th. Hickory Street entrance behind Carter Elementary
- Elf Khurafeh Shriner's Annual Pig Roast - 4-7pm, Lions Park
- Slo Pitch Softball: 5-9 pm. Seymour Road Softball Complex
- Kid's Parade - The evening festivities kick off at 6 p.m. at the Hill-McCloy High School circle drive.
- Blueberry Pie Eating Contest- 6:45 pm-7:30 pm, High School Athletic Complex
Saturday, August 19, 2023 Schedule of Events:
- Traditional Blueberry Pancake Breakfast - Breakfast is served both Saturday, August 19th and Sunday, August 20th from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Montrose School Cafeteria, 302 Ray Street.
- Blueberry Pie Sale: 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.Montrose School Cafeteria, 302 Ray Street.
- Slo Pitch Softball: 8 am-8 pm. Seymour Road Softball Complex
- Queen's Breakfast - 9 am - 11 am at Montrose Schools Queen's Tent, 302 Ray Street
- Marketplace - 9am-7pm. If you love flea markets and craft shows, check out the100+ vendors during the Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival! Lions Park
- Blueberry Store Opens: 9am-7pm, Lions Park
- Food Booths open at Lion's Park - 9am-9pm, Lions Park
- Basketball Tournament: 9am-9pm, Barber Park Basketball Courts, Seymour Rd
- Entertainment Tent Opens: 10-6 pm, 8 pm - 2 am at Lions Park
- Anderson Midways - 10 am - 6pm. The carnival opens Friday, Aug. 18th and runs through Sunday, Aug. 20th. Hickory Street entrance behind Carter Elementary
- The Annual Blueberry Super Parade: 1 p.m.- 3pm. 2023 Grand Marshal, and 2023 Blueberry Queen & Court Enjoy a 100+ unit parade with Shriner's Mini Cars, Motorcycle Unit, Clowns, bands and more!
- Elf Khurafeh Shriner's Annual Pig Roast - 2-7pm, Lions Park
- Kids Karaoke-4-6pm
Sunday, August 20, 2023 Schedule of Events:
- 47th Annual Festival of Races - Annual 5k/8k Run & Walk, 7 am - 11am. Bob Hayes Athletic Complex, 301 Nanita Drive. After the race, enjoy a blueberry pancake breakfast then explore the entertainment tent/marketplace to shop the flea market and craft show.
- Traditional Blueberry Pancake Breakfast - Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Montrose School Cafeteria, 302 Ray Street.
- Blueberry Pie Sale: 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. Montrose School Cafeteria, 302 Ray Street.
- Slo Pitch Softball: 8 am- finish. Seymour Road Softball Complex
- Food Booths open: 9am - 5pm. Lions Park
- Marketplace - 9am-5pm. If you love flea markets and craft shows, check out the100+ vendors during the Annual Montrose Blueberry Festival! Lions Park
- Blueberry Store Opens: 9am-5pm, Lions Park
- Entertainment Tent Opens: 12-6 pm Lions Park
- Anderson Midways - 12 am - 6pm. Hickory Street entrance behind Carter Elementary
- Adult Karaoke-2-6pm
- Annual Duck Race - Ducks drop at 3 pm at Barber Park
Seymour Road
Locals and visitors alike love Michigan blueberry festivals! These lovely Michigan festivals bring lots of visitors to local shops, restaurants and businesses!
4. Blueberry Festival — Downtown Marquette (Michigan's Upper Peninsula)
Marquette Blueberry Festival July 28, 2023, 10:00 AM to 7:00 pm.
Location: Downtown Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula
The Marquette Blueberry festival, held in Marquette, Michigan, features a blueberry pancake breakfast, a blueberry pie-eating contest, live music, farmers market, and more.
Satisfy your blueberry cravings with everything blueberry! You might find blueberry pizza, blueberry beer and lots of blueberry fare throughout downtown Marquette.
5. Annual Blueberry Festival - Blueberry Lane Farms
Blueberry Lane Farms is the largest U Pick blueberry farm in the American Midwest! They have 22 varieties of blueberries!!! WOW!
Blueberry Lane Farms - Blueberry Festival July 22-23, 2023, 10am - 6:00 pm.
Location: 13240 Blueberry Ln, Otter Lake, MI.
Annual Blueberry Festival - Blueberry Lane Farms located in eastern Michigan.
- Help celebrate this farm’s 75th anniversary of being a family owned U-Pick Blueberry Farm in Michigan! There will be live music, great food, vendors, games, scavenger hunts, jugglers, pony rides, local artisans, petting zoo, bounce house and more!
Plus, their U Pick Blueberries orchard is open with 115 aces of berries! Open July through Labor Day
Hours:
- Friday: 4pm-8pm
- Saturday: 8am-8pm
- Sunday: 8am-6pm
There's also lots of goodies in the farm store too! So many fun things to do at Michigan Blueberry Festivals!
6. Harietta 16th Annual Blueberry Festival (West of Cadillac)
Date: August 5, 2023·Sat, 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Location: Harrietta Village Hall, 122 Davis Ave, Harrietta, MI 49638
Celebrate all things blueberry – Blueberry pancake breakfast, blueberry ice cream social, and blueberry pies.
Parade begins at 11 a.m. Other events include classic cars, geocaching, live music, children’s games, pie eating and frozen t-shirt contests, petting zoo, market place, rummage & bake sales and more!
Live music 11:30 am - 2:30 pm.
More Things to Do Nearby:
- Blueberry Hill u-pick & tours
- Visit State Fish Hatchery
- Visit the Oliver Family Nature Preserve
- Grab our Cadillac Michigan Guide of things to do!
Delicious Blueberry Recipes!
Chris and I love making blueberry nice cream: Just blend a handful of frozen blueberries, a frozen banana and some almond milk/water for a delicious treat!) YUMMY!
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Blueberry Love: 46 Sweet and Savory Recipes for Pies, Jams, Smoothies, Sauces, and More
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Juicing for Beginners: The Essential Guide to Juicing Recipes and Juicing for Weight Loss. I juice celery (enjoyed on it's own every morning before breakfast.) I also juice fruit like apples, blueberries, peaches and oranges.
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