- Ultimate 2023 Michigan May Events Calendar and Best Things To Do in Michigan this Weekend
- Best May Events and Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
- Events and Things to Do in West Michigan in May
- May Events and Things to Do in Central Michigan
- May Events and Things to Do in Northern Michigan
- More to Do in Michigan in May
Ultimate 2023 Michigan May Events Calendar and Best Things To Do in Michigan this Weekend
Want to find out what’s happening in Michigan in May? We’ve put together a complete guide to the best May events and things to do in Michigan, so you won’t miss a thing!
In May, Michigan officially welcomes spring with open arms. A swath of green covers the state as trees bloom in full. Farmers markets pop up again and offer local foods for fair prices and locals get out to explore a nature preserve or find other fun events in Michigan.
This month is the perfect time for some pure Michigan fun with a spring road trip up north through the tunnel of trees to iconic sites like Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or the Pictured Rocks in the Upper Peninsula. Otherwise, there is plenty of fun in Michigan to be had in cities across the state.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with a group of friends or the whole family, there’s no shortage of options for events, festivals or fun this month. Below you’ll find tons of Michigan events happening in May that are worth checking out.
Best May Events and Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
Catch a Detroit Tigers Game – All Month Long
Comerica Park, 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
Professional baseball is in full swing during the month of May, and the Detroit Tigers have over a dozen home games scheduled during May. Take the family out to Comerica Park and participate in an all-American tradition. Make sure to bring a mitt to catch foul balls and some cash for hot dogs.
Day Out with Thomas – May 6-21 (Weekends Only)
Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd. Dearborn MI
During weekends in May, Greenfield Village is hosting “Day Out With Thomas,” a full day of fun and adventure with Thomas the Tank Engine. Climb aboard Thomas the Tank Engine for a colorful interactive train ride through Greenfield Village where you’ll see familiar characters like Sir Topham Hatt and participate in fun activities like storytelling, lawn games, arts and crafts, and more.
Great Lakes Mega Meet – May 11- 13
46100 Grand River Ave., Novi , MI
Make plans to visit the Midwest’s largest scrapbook convention, shop over 75 vendors, choose from over 50 classes, and scrapbook with us at one of our crops! The original “Ultimate Cropping, Shopping and Learning Event”!
Berkley Days – May 18-21
2400 Robina Avenue, Berkley, MI, 48072
Berkley Days Is a four-day fair organized by volunteers from various non-profit organizations. Berkley Days is the largest fundraiser of the year for those who participate. Berkley Days offers rides, games, live music, food, and other events to ensure there is something for everyone!
Motor City Comic-Con – May 19-21
46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI
For fans of all things pop culture, there’s no better time or place to geek out than at Motor City Comic Con. Dress up as your favorite movie, TV show, or video game character and interact with hundreds of other people dressed as theirs. If your costume is particularly good, you may want to consider entering the cosplay contest. Otherwise, walk around the convention center and explore countless stalls selling art or get in line to get your favorite voice actor’s signature.
Lake Orion Flower and Art Fair – May 19-20
Downtown Lake Orion, MI
This popular fair in downtown Lake Orion celebates it’s 22nd year with a variety of artists, crafters, farmers, food trucks, and more.
Kensington Art Fair – May 27-29
Maple Beach, Milford, MI
Summer is art fair season and the best way to kick it off is at Kensington Art Fair during Memorial Day weekend. Around 100 artists from all over will be at Kensington Metropark in Milford to show and sell their works. Buy something special and handmade for a loved one or just treat yourself. Be sure to check out the different activities around as well, from live music, food vendors and trucks, and more.
Brighton Memorial Day Parade – May 29
7878 Brighton Rd., Brighton, MI
Many see Memorial Day as the unofficial official start of summer, but the meaning behind the day stands as a time to honor those who served in the U.S. Military. Throughout Michigan, parades are put on to celebrate the veterans who put their life on the line to protect us, and in Brighton, the parade and celebration is simply wonderful. It’s supplemented by a ceremony run by several speakers and will leave you feeling proud, contemplative, and excited all at once.
Movement Electronic Music Fest – May 27 – May 29
Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 48226
Fans of electronic dance music simply can’t miss this Detroit MI tradition. This must-see Southeast Michigan music festival brings over 110 artists to Hart Plaza for three days of music and dancing. Movement Festival in Detroit begins on May 27 and runs through to May 29, 2023.
Events and Things to Do in West Michigan in May
Tulip Time Festival – May 6-14
78 West 8th St., Holland, MI
One of the state’s most iconic spring events can be found in Holland, MI just off the shore of Lake Michigan. Tulip Time celebrates spring with the blooming of countless tulips all over town, from the Windmill Island Gardens to the streets of downtown Holland. Throughout the celebration, events and activities are hosted all over town, and there’s no charge to visit this “Pure Michigan” town and simply explore.
Antiques on the Bluff – May 7
520-598 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph, MI
There are several “Antiques on the Bluff” events in St. Joseph throughout the summer and into fall, but the May 7th day kicks off the year. Head to Lake Bluff Park to sift through the offerings of over 50 vendors. Always remember: someone else’s trash could be your treasure, and even if it’s old, it’s new to you!
Mother’s Day Artist Market – May 13
1615 Monroe Ave., Grand Rapids, MI
If it’s the day before mother’s day and you still haven’t found that perfect gift for your mom or that important woman in your life, don’t worry, the Mother’s Day Artist Market in Grand Rapids has you covered. Take mom with you for a special day out bonding, or stop by in search of the perfect handmade gift from one of the local artists being hosted in the studio store.
Blossomtime Festival – May 13, 2023
Downtown St. Joseph
The Blossomtime Festival, established in 1906, is Michigan’s oldest and largest multi-community Festival. The Grand Floral Parade is the Crown Jewel of the Blossomtime Festival and will be
celebrating its 117th year in 2023.
The Grand Floral Parade features over 120 units including bands, floats, clowns, costumed characters, antique cars and tractors, unicycle teams, equestrian units and the famed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team.
PRO-TIP: St. Joseph is one of out favorite Michigan beach towns. Make a weekend of it and check out the best things to do in St. Joe’s.
Wine on the Water – May 20
715 Water St., Saugatuck, MI
The Star of Saugatuck offers a variety of fun cruise options in the summertime and one of the fan favorites is the Wine on the Water cruise. Set sail on the beautiful blue waters of Lake Michigan as you sip wine and savor the views. If you can’t make this one, don’t worry the Wine on the Water cruise sets sail once a month through October, so make plans for next time.
Grand Haven Kite Festival – May 20-21
1001 S Harbor Dr., Grand Haven, MI
If you need an excuse to go to the beach, the Grand Haven Kite Festival is the perfect reason. Spend a day walking along the sand as colorful kites of all shapes and sizes fill the sky around you. You can even bring your own kite to fly if you have one. From stunt kite fliers performing to music to kites the size of school buses floating gently in the breeze, there’s so much to see and do at this free festival.
Michigan’s Adventure Opening Weekend – May 26-29
4750 Whitehall Rd., Muskegon, MI
When the weather gets warm, a day at the amusement park seems to be the perfect way to let loose and have fun. Muskegon is home to Michigan’s largest amusement and water parks, Michigan’s Adventure, and opening weekend is coming up quickly. Thrill seekers of all ages are welcome to attend the event to be on one of the first rides of their favorite attraction, from the high speed excitement of rides like Shivering Timbers and Thunderhawk, to the family friendly rides at Camp Snoopy.
Beer on the Boat – May 27
715 Water St., Saugatuck, MI
If you saw the Wine on the Water event and thought it would be better with beer, the Star of Saugatuck thought you might, so they made a nearly identical event, except it’s all about local craft beer. Each month from May to October, a cruise is dedicated to local breweries, whose unique brews are sampled aboard the ship on Lake Michigan. So if you’re not into wine but love Michigan-made craft beer, book your cruise.
May Events and Things to Do in Central Michigan
Frankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival – May 11
925 South Main St., Frankenmuth, MI
With the onset of summer, Frankenmuth kick starts its annual food truck festival. Throughout the warm season, the Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival makes an appearance each month bringing over 20 trucks to Frankenmuth’s River Place Shops. Come with your family or a group of friends and around the food trucks for the perfect meal for each person – and don’t forget dessert! Otherwise, just kick back, relax, and enjoy plenty of live music and local craft beers in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.”
Downtown Tecumseh’s Art Walk – May 12
400 Maumee St., Tecumseh, MI
Head to downtown Tecumseh for a unique opportunity to meet with artists, learn about their work, and potentially buy some artwork at the Art Walk. During the Art Walk, businesses and merchants extend their hours and invite artists to display their work in their establishments, like their own mini art exhibit. Take a walk through the town and pop in at different locations to see unique works of art, meet the artists and learn all about the process of making different kinds of art.
World Expo of Beer – May 19-20
601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth, MI
With its strong German heritage, it’s no wonder that Frankemuth is home to Michigan’s largest beer sampling event, the World Expo of Beer. This annual event is organized and operated by the Frankenmuth Jaycees and all profits are donated to charitable organizations, so you can sip and sample to your heart’s content with a clear conscience, knowing your money is going somewhere worthwhile.
Alma Highland Festival – May 22, 2023
614 W Superior St, Alma , MI, 48801
The Alma Highland Festival & Games is one of the largest Scottish Festivals in the Midwest. The Festival is noted for its Piping and Drumming competitions and has had over 30 Pipe Bands performing and competing. The Festival averages 200 Highland dances in competition during the weekend events. There are over 40 clans participating in the gathering of the clans.
East Lansing Art Festival – May 20- 21
410 Abbot Rd., East Lansing , MI, 48823
The East Lansing Art Festival is proud to continue its 58 year tradition of bringing high quality art to the streets of East Lansing. The East Lansing Art Festival’s mission is to enhance the sense of community and appreciation of art, culture and creativity in East Lansing and the greater Lansing region.
May Events and Things to Do in Northern Michigan
Fort Mackinac Opening Day – May 4
7127 Huron Rd., Mackinac Island, MI
Fort Mackinac has stood strong on Mackinac Island for centuries. Each season, as the island gradually opens up for tourist travel, so does the fort. Guests are welcome to visit the fort as soon as May 4 to explore, learn, and be immersed in local history at this state treasure.
Grand Hotel Opening Weekend, May 5 – 7, 2023
Mackinac Island
Enjoy the view from the world’s longest front porch as you celebrate the Grand Hotel’s 137th season. Stay at the Grand from May 5-7 and experience Mackinac Island as you never have before, with all of the island fun in the sun you already love and the added benefits of this exclusive deal for the Grand Hotel’s first guests of the 2023 season.
PRO-TIP: Need a place to stay when you’re on the Island, use the guide to the best places to stay on Mackinac Island for a list of our favorite places.
Frankfort Elberta Restaurant Week
May 7 – May 13, 2023
Original Blessing of the Bikes – May 12, 2023
Baldwin, Michigan
Bikers come from all across the country to take part, beginning with the ceremonial entrance on Friday afternoon down the M-37 corridor, and culminating with the Blessing at the Airport on Sunday. Highlights include a multitufe of vendors, charming downtown landmarks, the rich cultural history of Lake County and the brotherhood of bikers drawn from all corners of the country. All are invited to attend and participate in the festivities.
Memorial Day Weekend Art & Craft Show – May 27, 2023
228 Newman Street, East Tawas, MI, 48730
This show has something for everyone. There are jewelers, woodworkers, painters & potters. A wide variety of over 130 skilled crafters makes this show a must to see to start off the summer season.
Native American Festival – May 27
500 N. State St., St. Ignace, MI
At the Museum of Ojibwa Culture in St. Ignace, a celebration of Native American culture will be taking place this month. It’s a day to recognize and to celebrate the heritage, culture, and contributions of Michigan’s indigenous peoples. The event will be high energy, with plenty to stimulate the senses, including the sound of traditional drumming, the sight of expressive dances, the smell of sacred herbal medicines, and more.
Petoskey Stone Festival – May 27
12298 Barnes Park Rd, Eastport, MI, 49627
The Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival celebrates one of Michigan’s finest natural resources – the unique Petoskey Stone, Michigan’s official state stone.
Spring Beer Festival – May 13
333 Stadium Dr., Traverse City, MI
The Spring Beer Festival in Traverse City is a must-do northern Michigan favorite for beer lovers. This massive outdoor tasting event is hosted at Turtle Creek Stadium, home of minor league baseball’s Traverse City Pit Spitters. Hundreds of beers from Michigan owned-and-operated breweries will be available to sample and your ticket entitles you to 15 tokens for samples, so choose wisely.
Mother’s Day Brunch at Bonobo Winery – May 14
12011 Center Rd., Traverse City, MI
If you or someone you love is a “wine mom,” then the perfect Mother’s Day gift might just be a weekend in Traverse City and the mothers day brunch offered at Bonobo Winery. Brunch includes a menu filled with delectable dining options and the best selection of wine Bonobo has to offer to pair with your meal. Not to mention, you’ll be situation along the Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail, where the rolling hills on the vineyards offer stunning views of the sparkling blue water.
National Morel Mushroom Festival – May 18-21
28 S Lake St., Boyne City, MI
Perhaps no mushroom in Michigan is as appreciated or beloved as the morel mushroom and May is morel season. During this peak season for the highly coveted mushrooms, Boyne City hosts the National Morel Mushroom Festival, inviting anyone and everyone to participate in the morel mania. Here you can participate in morel tastings, seminars, arts and craft shows, and even a national competitive morel hunt. This unique Michigan festival is one you won’t want to miss.
Use our Guide to the Best Things to Do to celebrate Memorial Day in Michigan.
Monday, May 29, 2023 is Memorial Day.
From Memorial Day parades to spring concerts; craft shows and festivals like the Mesick Morel Mushroom festival, there are things to do all month long.
More to Do in Michigan in May
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.