Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 2025: Full Guide to Michigan’s Most Beautiful Flower Festival
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is one of Michigan’s most unforgettable summer traditions—and the perfect reason to visit the island in full bloom.
Held every June, this 10-day celebration honors the island’s 250+ varieties of fragrant lilacs with parades, garden tours, carriage rides, afternoon teas, and more. It’s a uniquely charming event where history, nature, and small-town celebration come together on an island with no cars, just horse-drawn carriages and bicycles.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or it’s your yearly tradition, this updated 2025 guide will help you plan the perfect visit to the Lilac Festival—complete with bloom schedules, event highlights, and how to get there.
Read on to start planning your trip and use the comment section at the bottom of the page if you have questions.
🌸 Quick Facts – Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 2025
- 📅 Dates: June 6–15, 2025
- 🌺 Bloom Season: Late May to early July
- 🏞️ Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan
- 🐴 No cars—walk, bike, or take a carriage
- 🛳️ Ferries from Mackinaw City and St. Ignace
- 👑 Don’t miss: Parade, Queen Coronation, 10K Run
🌿 2025 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Dates
The 2025 Lilac Festival is scheduled for June 6–15, 2025.
That’s when Mackinac Island’s streets, parks, and Victorian inns come alive in shades of lavender, purple, and white—and the scent of fresh lilacs floats on the Lake Huron breeze. This will be the 77th year of the festival, making it the longest-running flower festival in the state
🌸 When Do Lilacs Bloom on Mackinac Island?
Lilacs typically begin blooming in late May through early June, with some early and late varieties allowing a bloom window of up to six weeks. While weather plays a role, most visitors can catch peak blooms during the festival window.
While that means plenty of time to visit Mackinac Island, the jewel of the Great Lakes, to see the pretty purple flowers, you’ll want to be sure and plan your trip during the island Lilac festival.
💡 Travel Tip: Book your lodging early—hotels sell out quickly during peak bloom season!
EXPERT TIP: This is a very popular Michigan flower festival, attracting tourists from around the world. The earlier you start making your reservations, the better chance you have at finding the room you want.
🎉 What to Expect at the Lilac Festival
Here’s a look at the most popular 2025 Lilac Festival events and activities:
👑 Lilac Festival Queen Coronation
Held at Marquette Park, this ceremony kicks off the festival in classic Mackinac style—with music from the Grand Hotel orchestra and a festive crowning.
🏃♀️ Lilac Festival 10K Run & Walk
Enjoy a scenic run or walk along Mackinac’s tree-lined roads and lakefront views on Saturday, June 7. The course loops around the island, with the Mighty Mac Bridge in the background.
🎭 Grand Parade
The Lilac Festival Parade is a fan favorite, closing out the festival on Sunday, June 15 with a cannon salute from Fort Mackinac and horse-drawn floats through downtown.
🎨 Free Admission to Mackinac Art Museum
From June 6–15, enjoy complimentary entry to the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, featuring island-inspired photography and artwork.
🌼 History of Lilacs on Mackinac Island
Though not native to Michigan, lilacs have thrived on Mackinac Island for over 200 years. The first bushes were brought by the Hubbard family from New Hampshire in the 1800s, a tradition from European settlers who believed lilacs brought good luck.
Thanks to the island’s alkaline limestone soil, lake-effect weather, and lack of heavy urban development, Mackinac’s lilacs grow exceptionally tall—some with trunks over two feet wide.
Many of today’s lilacs are direct descendants of those original plantings, making them among the oldest and largest lilacs in North America.
🐎 Getting to Mackinac Island for the Festival
🚢 By Ferry
Take a passenger ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace with:
- Shepler’s Mackinac Island Ferry
- Star Line Ferry
Ferries depart every 30–60 minutes from April through October and allow bikes, leashed pets, and luggage.
✈️ By Plane
You can fly into Mackinac Island Airport via charter services:
- Great Lakes Air (St. Ignace)
- Fresh Air Aviation (St. Ignace)
Flights take about 7 minutes and offer scenic views over Lake Huron.
🚲 Getting Around Mackinac Island
No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, making it feel like stepping back in time. Choose from:
- Biking (bring your own or rent on the island)
- Walking (the island is compact and scenic)
- Horse-drawn carriages (available for tours or taxi service)
Explore scenic sites like Arch Rock, Skull Cave, Fort Mackinac, and the shops along Main Street.
🏨 Where to Stay on Mackinac Island During the Festival
We have a complete guide to the best places to stay on Mackinac Island, which includes hotles, inns and BnB’s. Some popular places to stay include:
- Grand Hotel – iconic and elegant
- Mission Point Resort – family-friendly with lake views
- Bicycle Street Inn – centrally located downtown
- Island House Hotel – historic charm
💡 Tip: Many hotels offer Lilac Festival packages, so book early!
💬 Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love the Lilac Festival
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival isn’t just about flowers—it’s about memories. Whether you’re sipping tea at the Grand Hotel, admiring lilac-lined streets by carriage, or dancing to live music in the park, the festival is a reminder to slow down and savor the season.
It’s one of Michigan’s most beloved summer traditions—and one you won’t want to miss.