Looking for the Best Things to Do in Michigan in June? Find Top June Events in Michigan, Concerts, Lilac Festival, Art Festivals, Balloon Fest and More
The summer season is heating up with tons of events and things to do in Michigan in June. Michigan festivals and events in June are all about kicking off summer with great outdoor fun in the sun.
Whether it’s a festival of the arts on a quaint downtown street in a Lake Michigan beach town, or a music festival unlike any other in the heart of one of Michigan’s largest cities, like Detroit or Grand Rapids, there’s something for everyone.
June in Michigan
Michigan in June is a time to welcome the warm weather with plenty of events festivals and county fairs. Here are some of our favorite can’t-miss Michigan events this June and amazing places to visit in June.
We’ve divided them by region to make it easier if you’re looking for “things to do in June near me!”
PRO-TIP: Don’t miss Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend on June 10 -11. Residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on both inland and Great Lakes’ waters for all species of fish. This also means you will not need a state park recreation pass to enter Michigan’s state parks. From Lake Huron and the AuSable River to South Haven and St. Joseph and beyond, this is a great opportunity to do some fishing!
Things to do in East Michigan in June
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Mini Master Model Builder Competition
Where: LEGOLAND,4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
When: Saturday, June 10th, 8:30am – 10am
Ages 5-10 are invited to enter this bricktastic competition that will be held Saturday, June 10th from 8:30am to 10a at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan!
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Birthday Parties
Where: LEGOLAND,4240 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
When: Saturday, June 10th, 8:30am – 10am
Birthday Parties are back at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan! Make your child’s next birthday BRICK-tastic when you book a birthday with us!
Swartz Creek Hometown Days
Where: Swartz Creek
When: June 1-4
You’ll find carnival games, lunch, rides, music and much more at this popular festival in Swartz Creek just south of Port Huron on Michigan’s Thumb Coast. It’s the largest festival in the area, drawing almost 40,000 people annually.
Original Michigan Lavender Festival
Where: Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds; 195 Midway St, Imlay City, MI
When: June 3-4
Immerse yourself in the sights and smells of lavender at a true “symphony for the senses” in Imlay City. For 20 years the Original Michigan Lavender Festival has provided a relaxing atmosphere where lavender lovers can appreciate the herb and support local artisans. Over the years this festival has settled comfortably at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds as the largest lavender festival on the east coast.
Birthday Parties at SEA LIFE
Where: SEA LIFE, 4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
When: Saturdays – 11am, 1pm, 3pm, & 5pm; Sundays – 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Birthday Parties are back at SEA LIFE Michigan! Shell-ebrate your birthday child with a party fit for a SEA star!
Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix
Where: 300 Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI 48243
When: June 2-4
Belle Isle Park comes alive in June with the sound of roaring engines, and the 33rd Grand Prix event in Detroit is sure to draw a crowd. This event includes several races, the Chevrolet INDYCAR Grand Prix, the Chevrolet Sports Car Classic, the Indy Lights Series, and more.
The Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix is fun for the whole family, but fans of cars or vehicular racing especially will really love this event.
PRO-TIP: Plan some extra time to visit the Detroit Riverwalk and take in the amazing views. You’ll see Canada across the Detroit River, and great views of Detroit, too.
Motor City Pride at Hart Plaza
Where: 1 Hart Plaza Detroit, MI
When: June 10-11
Motor City Pride is a long-standing tradition in Detroit with roots back to the 70s. This is Michigan’s largest pride celebration with over 50,000 participants throughout the events, including the parade, which marches down Griswold to Hart Plaza on the 11th, but dont miss the kickoff celebration on Saturday June 10th
SEA LIFE “Cheers to 21 Years, Benson!”
Where: SEA LIFE, 4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326
When: Friday, June 16th
Our Green Sea Turtle, Benson, is turning 21 and we’re celebrating with treats, gifts, and good times! Come celebrate with us by visiting on Friday, June 16th and wish Benson a ‘Happy Birthday’ in person! We’ll even be handing out special party favors to the first 100 families that visit.
Arts and Acts Festival
Where: 215 W Cady St. Northville, MI
When: June 16-18
During the third week of June contemporary art, handicraft works, and all other kinds of unique creations are celebrated and showcased in downtown Northville during this summer arts fair. Visitors are welcome to enjoy family-friendly activities throughout the festival weekend including the Northville Art House Chalk Festival, live musical performances, food vendors, and more.
2022 Ford Fireworks
Where: Downtown Detroit
When: June 26
The Ford Fireworks are a summer favorite in Detroit and every year they seem to get better and better. This year’s theme is “Hey Detroit! The Sky Shines for You,” which recognizes Detroit’s strength and resilience.
Detroit’s summer kickoff, The Rooftop Party presented by Ford, is again held by The Parade Company. Attend The Rooftop Party with friends for the best views of the show and plenty to eat and drink.
Michigan Challenge BalloonFest in Howell
Where: Howell High School 1200 W Grand River Rd, Howell, MI
When: June 23 – 25
Have you ever seen the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons in flight? Here’s your chance.
It’s worth a road trip to southeast Michigan to visit the 37th annual balloon festival, which has become a June destination for visitors across the country.
You’ll find a full weekend of family fun entertainment in addition to the balloon competition, too. There’s a lot going on here: a carnival, an arts festival, food, music, sky-diving jumps and more. The highlight of the event is the Balloon Glow on at dusk on June 24, when about 20 hot-air balloons will inflate on the launch field and glow against the beautiful summer night sky.
Best Events and Things to Do in West Michigan in June
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair
Where: 200 S Rose St. Kalamazoo, MI
When: June 2-3
The Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair is one of the longest running art and crafts fairs in the whole country and it happens each year in Bronson Park. During the festival, downtown Kalamazoo becomes a creative destination, hosting over 100 artists who come to share and sell their works. Aside from art, make use of the shopping, music, food, and drinks available to visitors at this crafts fair.
National Cereal Festival
Where: 25 McCamly St. S. Battle Creek, MI
When: June 10
Home to Kellogg Co. and thus famous for cereal, it’s no surprise that Battle Creek hosts one of the largest celebrations of the breakfast staple. The National Cereal Festival takes place in the appropriately named Kellogg Arena where there’s plenty of fun for the whole family. From music to inflatables and plenty of free cereal to go around there’s something for every breakfast fanatic at this Pure Michigan festival.
Electric Forest Music Forest
Where: 5900 S Water Rd. Rothbury, MI
When: June 22-25
Summer is music festival season and one of the most popular in the state happens on the west side this month, about an hour north of Grand Rapids. Electric Forest features more than 50 artists across several genres with an emphasis on electronic music and jam bands. Get your tickets now – see you in The Forest.
Grand Haven Art Fair and Festival
Where: Grand Haven Main Street DDA, 519 Washington Ave. Grand Haven, MI
When: June 23-25
Watch as the influx of around 85 artists transforms downtown Grand Haven’s Washington Avenue into a chic outdoor art gallery. Peruse many unique works of fine art through mediums of all kinds. If you find something you like, feel free to purchase something handmade for yourself or someone special.
Fenn Valley Wine Festival
Where: 6130 122nd Ave. Fennville, MI
When: June 24
Wine enthusiasts know that western Michigan makes stellar wine, but you don’t need to go way up north to try it. Fenn Valley Vineyards grows their own grapes and makes local wine along the Lake Michigan coast, near Saugatuck, and during June they host the Fenn Valley Wine Festival.
This celebration of local wine making offers wine tastings, live music, food from community establishments, and plenty of wine available for purchase.
National Asparagus Festival
Where: 16 S State St, Hart, MI
When: June 10, 2023
Did you know that Michigan is a U.S. leader in asparagus production? In fact, West Michigan grows so much asparagus that Oceana County is known as “The Asparagus Capital of the Nation.” In Hart, Michigan, the National Asparagus Festival has celebrated the cultivation of asparagus since 1974, making it the longest-running asparagus festival in the country.
Stop by for plenty of activities, games, and food, all centered around this favored crop. The annual Queen’s Pageant will even crown 2023’s Asparagus Queen.
Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival
Where: 3140 5th Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037
When: June 29 – July 4
Make your way to W.K. Kellogg Airport, where you’ll find more than 50 hot air balloons, and an air show featuring the US Air Force Thunderbirds. You’ll find a lot more fun, here, too, including a carnival, crafts, a flea market, music and food. Stick around to see a ½ mile drag race, too.
Best Events and Things to Do in Mid-Michigan in June
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
Where: 740 S. Main St. Frankenmuth, MI
When: June 8-11
In June Michigan’s own “Little Bavaria” celebrates its roots with the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. The main tent will be set up in Zehnder Park and will host most of the main entertainment, like polka bands. Otherwise, explore downtown Frankenmuth and participate in a variety of festival events, including a parade, a cornhole tournament, and even a zip line.
Lansing Beer Fest
Where: 1100 S. Washington Ave. Lansing, MI
When: June 10
The Lansing Beer Fest is mid-Michigan’s premier event for breweries and the people that love them. On June 10th REO Town will host over 20 MIchigan breweries and over 100 craft beers and ciders. Grab a drink, listen to some live music, play some giant chess or checkers, and have fun at one of Michigan’s best beer festivals.
517 Juneteenth Weekend
Where: S. Washington Ave. (Between South St. and E. Elm)
When: June 16-19
Take the opportunity to celebrate black culture, expression, and experience in REO Town this summer. The 517 Juneteenth Weekend focuses on uplifting and recognizing the power behind black voices and looks towards the future of entrepreneurship, creation, and education in Lansing’s black community.
Midland Classic Car Show
Where: 6905 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48642
When: June 3 – 4
At the Midland County Fairgrounds, summer is welcomed warmly with Mid-Michigan’s largest car show. See plenty of classic, antique, hot rod, muscle, and special interest vehicles as they come out from storage to ride for the summer. This event is fun for the whole family, especially for those with a particular interest in unique or vintage automobiles.
Best Events and Things to Do in June in Northern Michigan
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Where: Mackinac Island
When: June 9 – 18
The Lilac Festival is the largest and most historic festival that takes place on Mackinac Island. This 10-day celebration highlights the unique history of lilacs on Mackinac Island with lilac-themed activities for all ages, including a 10K, the Lilac Queen Coronation, lilac walking tours, and live music performances, and more.
Don’t forget to watch the Grand Parade as it comes through downtown Mackinac, and remember, this year’s theme is “Flower Power: Peace, Love, Lilacs.”
PRO-TIP: Plan ahead for somewhere to stay using our Guide to the Best Hotels on Mackinac Island.
Alpena Flower Festival
Where: 124 E. Chisholm St. Alpena, MI
When: June 2-3
This celebration of all things floral takes place in downtown Alpena, on Lake Huron. Each year the Alpena Flower Festival welcomes spring with huge floral installations all over town. Flowery photo ops make for instagrammable moments and the fresh fragrance wafts wherever you walk.
Tall Ship Manitou Sails
Where: 13258 S W Bay Shore Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684
When: June – September
This summer, the Tall Ship Manitou sails out of Traverse City. This ship is a replica of an 1800’s “coasting” cargo schooner, which is like those which sailed the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean during that era. Look into the different cruises offered, including Moomers Ice Cream Cruises, Evening Sails, Brunch Cruises, and more to curate your perfect Great Lakes sailing experience.
PRO-TIP: This is only one of the 30 Top Things to Do in Traverse City!
Boyne City’s Stroll the Streets
Where: Downtown Boyne City
When: June 9
Stroll the streets of Boyne City, listen to music, visit merchants, dine in the many restaurants.
Harbor Springs Cycling Classic
Where: Birchwood Inn, 7291 S. Lake Shore Drive, Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740
When: June 10
Bike through the Michigan’s famous Tunnel of Trees just north of Harbor Springs. Choose from a 20, 42, or 62 mile routes.
M-22 Challenge in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Where: 6900 South Dune Highway, Empire, MI US 49630
When: June 10
Voted the “Best Endurance Event” in northern Michigan, the M-22 Challenge gives you the chance to run, bike and paddle through Sleeping Bear Dunes. It’s a 17-mile ride through scenic Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, along with a 2.5 mile run and a 2.5 mile paddle.
Even if you’re not participating, it’s fun to cheer the athletes on to victory in beautiful Empire and Glen Arbor, MI.
Torch Lake Whitefish Festival
Where: Depot Park in Alden, MI
When: June 10-11
This two-day long nature-themed arts and craft show also features a fishing tournament. You’ll find a wide variety of boating and fishing vendors as well a chance to taste some delicious whitefish.
Bay Harbor Vintage Car and Boat Festival
Where: Village at Bay Harbor, 4000 Main Street, Bay Harbor, MI 49770
When: June 24
See a fantastic collection of classic cars and wooden boats at this popular festival near Petoskey, MI. Don’t miss the parade of classic cars at 10 a.m.!
Charlevoix Summer Art Festival
Where: Downtown Charlevoix
When: June 24-25
It’s the 24th annual summer art show in “Charlevoix the Beautiful.” Find a mix of art and crafts displayed on the shores of scenic Round Lake in downtown Charlevoix.
June Events in the Upper Peninsula
Carney Round Up Rodeo
Where: US 41Carney, MI 49812
When: June 3-4
Ever seen a real, live rodeo before? Here’s your chance! Find family-friendly entertainment at the 13th annual rodeo in the western Upper Peninsula.
Kruisin Klassics Car Club Fun Run and Car Show
Where: UP State Fairgrounds 2401 12th Ave N Escanaba, MI 49829
When: June 2-3
Pictured Rocks Days
Where: Binsfeld Bayshore Park
When: June 10 – 11
What better way to celebrate the beauty of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore than with a festival on the shores of Lake Superior?
Pictured Rocks Days is a two-day festival held in Greater Munising in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Adults will love the live music, food trucks, vendors, and beer tent, but kids will have plenty of fun with bounce houses, a petting zoo, and plenty of arts and crafts.
Yooper Ride Free Days
Where: Bay Shore Park, Munising
When: June 10-11
If you live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and have never seen the beautiful Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore from the water, Saturday and Sunday, June 11 & 12 is your opportunity to do so for free!
St. Ignace Car Show
Where: 6 Spring Street, St. Ignace
When: June 22- 25
Go See a Michigan Minor League Baseball Game
Nothing goes together better than Michigan summers and baseball. Check out our guide to Michigan Minor League Baseball teams and get reay for some summer fun at the ball park!
Art Fairs in Michigan
Summertime is art fair season. The nice warm weather welcomes artists and art-lovers to festivals all around the state to appreciate art, and to buy and sell artworks. Here are some must-visit art fairs in Michigan.
- Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair, Kalamazoo
June 2 – 3 - Summer Art Fair, Midland
June 3 – 4 - Flint Art Fair, Flint
June 10 – 11 - Art in the Sun and Maker’s Mart at Arts and Acts, Northville
June 16 – 18 - Grand Haven Art Fair and Festival, Grand Haven
June 23- 25 - Lakeshore Art Festival, Muskegon
June 24 – 25
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About the Author-
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.