Spring Festivals to Put on Your Calendar 

After enduring another long winter full of cold, shoveling and sliding around on the icy roads, no one deserves the spring sunshine more than Michigan residents. So, this spring, make sure you make time to get outside and play. And there’s nothing that says springtime fun like the bevy of festivals you can put on your calendar.  

 That’s one of the truly great things about Michigan: We’re up for any kind of a festival. And the spring lineup includes celebrations to match just about everyone’s favorite thing. From craft beer festivals to farming communities that celebrate the mighty asparagus spear, there’s so much to pick from. 

 Pack your sunglasses, sunscreen, a jacket (it is Michigan, after all) and some snacks. Follow along as we offer a sampling of spring festivals from across the state. For an updated lineup of fairs and festivals, check this events page at Pure Michigan, the state’s travel and tourism arm.  

Michigan Maple Weekends (March 18 to April 2): Experience the fun of a spring maple sugar bush. Tap some trees, taste the sweet sap, and see how maple syrup is made. There are three weekends celebrating all things maple syrup at various locations across the state. For more details, check here:  

• Southern Lower Michigan: March 18 and 19 
• Northern Lower Michigan: March 25 and 26 
• Upper Peninsula: April 1 and 2 

Spring festivals in Southeast Michigan 

Dance for Mother Earth Powwow (March 25-26), Ann Arbor: Hosted by the University of Michigan’s Native American Student Association, this gathering brings together hundreds of tribal members and people in the community.  

Zehnder’s Ragtime Festival (April 19-21), Frankenmuth: Lunch concerts, a night of dinner and music, and a Vaudeville performance. Check out all the ragtime music fun with a host of musicians bound to lift your spirits. 

Kensington Metropark Spring Festival (April 22), Milford: You can feel like a pioneer at this festival, where old-time skills will be on display. From sheep-shearing to blacksmithing – and even clowns – there will be fun for all ages at this free event. 

Mesick Mushroom Festival (May 12-14): Whether you’re a mushroom hunter, a cook who wants to learn new mushroom techniques – or are just mushroom-curious – this quirky festival near Cadillac is for you. Learn how to hunt the elusive morels, join in some sports activities and take in the parade. 

Spring festivals in West Michigan 

Grand Rapids Whiskey Festival (April 1): Whether you like your pours smooth with a hint of smoke, or sweet like bourbon, this grownups-only festival will have you raising a glass. Cheers!  

The Great Village Easter Egg Hunt (April 8), Spring Lake: Hunt for filled and colorful Easter eggs and win some fun prizes at this event for the whole family.  

Tulip Time Festival (May 6-14), Holland: Parades, marching bands, and an authentic Dutch windmill are all designed to delight visitors against a backdrop of thousands of multi-hued tulips. Some come for the carnival and the food trucks, while others love the costumed Dutch Dancers and this small-town festival with a big heart. 

Spring festivals in the UP  

Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival (April 21-22), Copper Harbor: From stargazing on snowshoes to tips for searching out the best spots to see the Northern Lights, this event on the Keweenaw Peninsula is perfect for dark sky lovers.  

Krusin Klassics (June 2-3) Escanaba: This festival celebrates all things automotive and features a fun run, a car show, and a swap meet. Car enthusiasts can see plenty of classic cars, and prizes are given to show vehicles in several categories. 

 Related:

• Michigan Bucket List: Public Golf Courses
• Making the Most of Spring 
• Planning for a Healthy, Sustainable Spring  

Photo credit: Getty Images