Michigan Fourth of July: Parades, Fairs, Celebrations and More!
Excited to celebrate the 4th of July Michigan style?
Fourth of July is one of the top party weekends in Michigan. Everyone decked out in red, white, and blue ready to have fun in the sun all day long and enjoy beautiful firework shows at night.
Are you struggling to find something to do for the family or with your friends during this fun-filled weekend? Well, look no further. We have compiled a list of this year’s must-see and do Fourth of July activities and events.
The party is on this Fourth of July season in Michigan, with parades, fairs, cookouts, music festivals, and more. Read on to find Michigan July 4th events near you!
What is the 4th of July All About?
Why do we celebrate the Fourth of July, and what is it exactly? The answer is straightforward, Fourth of July or Independence Day is when the United States declared independence from Great Britain on July 4th, 1776.
The 4th allows Americans to show their patriotism and celebrate their freedom. This is another day to continually honor the ultimate sacrifice the men and women in the military make daily so Americans can keep their independence.
Fourth of July Celebrations in Michigan
Since so many activities and events are happening during the 4th, we have broken them down into different categories to help make finding your perfect event easier.
So once again, here are our top must-see Fourth of July parades, fairs, and other celebrations!
Fourth of July Parades
Tawas City Parade and Fireworks
Where: 550 W Lake St, Tawas City, MI
When: July 4
This spectacular parade takes place at 11 a.m. in East Tawas and makes its way South down to Whittemore Street. After the parade, you can enjoy everything Tawas City and Lake Huron before their firework display later that night.
Boyne City 4th of July Parade & Festival
Where: Boyne City, MI
When: July 3-4
Boyne City regards itself as having “the best 4th in the north,” and it seems steadfast with all the activities. Starting at 10 a.m. on the 3rd, there is an Arts & Crafts fair, bounce houses, and water slides. Noon marks the start of the Patriotic Boat Parade, and then at 4 p.m., the 46th Annual Independence Day Run begins.
On the 4th of July, another Run at 6:30 a.m., followed by an Independence Day breakfast. The kid’s decorated bike parade starts from 9-9:30 a.m., finishing just in time for the Grand Parade, which goes throughout downtown Boyne City.
Marquette County Fourth of July Parade
Where: West Washington St, Marquette, MI
When: July 4th
If you find yourself in the Upper Peninsula, the Marquette County Fourth of July Parade is a must. head to downtown Marquette to see the whole community come together to witness this wonderful parade. You can see old-fashioned cars, local marching bands, beautiful horses, and some whacky floats during the parade.
There will also be a boat parade at 9 p.m. in Lower Harbor. Watch as these boats and fireworks light up the Northern Michigan night sky.
PRO-TIP: July is the perfect time to visit one my favorite spots in Marquette, the Black Rocks Cliffs. Whether or not you decide to join the brave folks jumping off the cliffs into Lake Suerpior is up to you, but its a very beautful place to take in some amazing scenery.
Allendale Grand Parade
Where: Allendale, MI
When: July 4th, 10:00 am- 11:30 pm
The Allendale Grand Parade takes the traditional Fourth of July Parade to another level. The parade starts with a flyover by the Holligans Flight Team and is followed by an array of military and other emergency vehicles.
To make this year extra special, Allendale is honoring their health care workers as Grand Marshals of the parade for their brave work throughout the pandemic. The local business owners and multiple sports organizations within Allendale make up the parade creating a hometown experience.
Home to Grand Valley State University, Allendale is just west of Grand Rapids.
Fourth of July Fairs & Festivals: Find July 4th Michigan Fun!
Frankfort Carnival
Where: 800 Main St, Frankfort, MI
When: Jun 30, 5 pm- July 4, 10 pm
The Frankfort Carnival is the perfect activity for families during the Fourth of July Weekend. There are endless activities from open to close with classic carnival rides, games, and food.
Different events occur each night of the carnival with fireworks to close off the fun-packed weekend and celebrate independence.
National Cherry Festival
Where: Union St, Traverses City, MI
When: July 2nd- 9th
The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City falls under a Michigander Must! This is one of the best festivals in the state and has week-long fun-filled activities for the whole family to enjoy, no matter what age.
There are three parades, concerts, a talent show, an air show, various races, and a pageant competition for National Cherry Queen.
The most anticipated event for the festival is the two large concerts on July 4th starting at 6 pm. Bands Collective Soul and TESLA are performing on the Pepsi Bayside Stage. Both bands place a mix of current, the 80s, and 70s rock hits.
Manistee National Forest Festival
Where: Douglas Park, Manistee, MI
When: Jun 30, 4 pm- July 4, 4 am
The Manistee National Forest Festival is a tradition that stretches back 80 years. Tourists and locals come to experience everything this festival has to offer. There are carnival rides, train rides, camel rides, and a petting zoo. Local vendors from the surrounding areas come to showcase their products.
On July 4th, there is a parade and fireworks in Manistee to round out this action-packed weekend of fun!
Royal Oak Rib Fest
Where: 316 E Eleven Mile Rd, Royal Oak
When: July 3- July 5
The Royal Oak Rib, Beer, & Music is for those looking to celebrate what it truly means to be an American: Eating an absurd amount of food and consuming as much alcohol as possible. The Fest has an unbelievable selection of mouthwatering ribs, barbeque, and a wide variety of craft beers. There is also a full-service bar if you are not interested in a brew.
There is a long list of local bands for your enjoyment to go along with the food and drink. Multiple stages will be set up throughout The Fest, so feel free to walk around.
The Rib Fest has free admission for all ages and is also family-friendly. There is a kid’s zone with several activities for the little ones to enjoy. From monster truck rides, bounce houses, karaoke, chalk, and magic! What more could a kid ask for?
More 4th July Michigan Celebrations
There are tons of other Fourth of July Celebrations in Michigan outside this list. Here are a few more fantastic celebrations for you and your family.
Lake Michigan Shoreline Fireworks Cruise
Where: S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry Service, Ludington, MI
When: July 4, 5- 7 pm
Enjoy the fireworks and sunset along the Lake Michigan Shoreline in Ludington on board the S.S. Badger.
July 4th Firefighter Spray Park
Where: 518 E William St, Ann Arbor, MI
When: July 4, 11:15 am
After the parade, splash around and get sprayed by a fire truck in Ann Arbor. Check out our guide to the best things to do in Ann Arbor for more suggestions on how to have fun at the home of U-M.
Burning Mask Music Festival
Where: 4300 Chadburne Dr, Lansing, MI
When: July 3, 8:30 pm- July 4, 3:59 am
Come and enjoy the sweet sounds and beautiful art of various artists at the Burning Mask Music Festival.
Ypsilanti Jazz Festival
Where: Riverside Park, Ypsilanti, MI
When: July 2- July 30
The Ypsilanti Jazz Festival takes place throughout July and helps celebrate the city’s growth, spirit, and future through music.
More Michigan Fourth of July Fireworks
Fireworks and the Fourth of July go hand in hand. To check out some of the fantastic firework displays in Michigan, check out our guide to the best Fourth of July Fireworks in Michigan.
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About the Author~
Emily Lance is a Content Creator for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the small town of Dexter, Michigan, just outside of Ann Arbor, and is currently attending Michigan State University, where she majors in Journalism with a focus in Sports journalism and Media Relations and a minor in Media Photography. Emily has also loved writing and taking photographs/videos of her surroundings and travels. Emily loves exploring new places, kayaking, skiing, and boating in her free tim
connie Jo Reiterman
Sunday 3rd of July 2022
Is West Branch, Mi. going to have fireworks and a parade this 4th?
My Michigan Beach Team
Sunday 3rd of July 2022
Hi Connie Jo, Thanks for reaching out! The West Branch Fireworks are scheduled for July 9 at dusk at Hamburger Hill, the large field near Walmart. Happy Fourth!