Best Michigan Fairs and Carnivals 2022
If you’re looking for the best summer carnivals and fairs in Michigan, you’re in the right place.
We’e put together a complete list of the best Michigan state fairs, county fairs and carnivals in Michigan. We’ve even snuck in some dont-miss Michigan art fairs and kids carnivals, too!
One of the best parts of summer in Michigan is the several fantastic fairs across the state. With rides that will make you scream with joy and some of the best junk food on the planet, fairs are a great way to create summertime memories that will last a lifetime.
In many cases, fairs give visitors a chance to experience small-town America as many fairs include animal barns. Teens and younger kids showcase their animals in showmanship and best breed competitions.
Here is our list of the best state fairs in Michigan that you need for your ultimate Michigan summer!
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in July
Ann Arbor Art Fair
July 21-23
The Ann Arbor Art Fair isn’t a traditional fair with rides and carnival games, but it is still highly regarded as one of the best art fairs in Michigan. The art fair takes place throughout downtown Ann Arbor and has many activities for kids.
Ann Arbor Art Fair consists of several different mediums of art, from music to sidewalk chalk. Several live music performances are happening at popular music venues, such as The Ark. Artists will have booths set up throughout the city, and vendors of all kinds will be selling their products.
Local restaurants and bars often have deals, specials, or unique entertainers during the week of the art fair for visitors to enjoy.
More Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in July
July 2-3
West Shore Art Fair, W Ludington Ave, Ludington, MI
July 2–July 3
South Haven Art Fair – Stanley Johnston Park, 202 Dyckman Ave, South Haven, MI 49090
From local to regional, or even to national artists, you are sure to find a unique piece that will bring back fond memories for years. Whether you prefer oil based paintings, pastel, acrylic, watercolor, or art made of wood, glass, clay, there are plenty of options. Other options include drawings, sculptures, or wearable art.
July 8-10
Plymouth Art in the Park Art Fair – Downtown Plymouth, MI
July 9
Pentwater Arts & Crafts Fair – Downtown Pentwater Village Green, 327 S Hancock St. Pentwater, MI
July 11-16
Gladwin County Fair – 401 S State St., Gladwin, MI
July 11-17
Eaton County Fair – Eaton County Fairgrounds, 1025 S Cochran, Charlotte MI
July 15-23
Ionia County Fair – 317 S Dexter, Ionia, MI
July 16
Richland Art Fair – Gull Meadow Farms, 8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI
For 48 years this art fair has allowed artists to showcase their work, spanning from fine art to handmade crafts. While there are limited spaces available, that just ensures that each artist and their work is handpicked for you to see.
July 18-23
St Clair County 4-H & Youth Fair – 8254 County Park Dr, Goodells, MI
July 18-23
Van Buren Youth Fair – 55670 Co Rd 681, Lawrence, MI
July 19-23
Arenac County Fair – 2392 Airpark Drive, Standish, MI
July 20
Glen Lake Women’s Club Art Fair – Downtown Glen Arbor, MI
The Art Fair features artisans in many mediums including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry.
July 23-31
Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair – 500 N Mission Rd, Mt Pleasant
July 23-30
Osceola County 4-H Fair – 101 Recreation Ave, Evart, MI
July 24-30
Lenawee County Fair – 602 N Dean St., Adrian, MI
July 25- 30
Iosco County Fair – 3600 N M-65 Hale, MI
July 25 -July 30
Montmorency County 4-H Fair – 13110 M-33 North, Atlanta, MI
July 25-39
Ottawa County Fair – 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd, Holland
July 26-30
Eastern Michigan State Fair- 195 Midway, Imlay City, MI
July 29-30
Schoolcraft County Fair – North Lake St., Manistique
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in August
Ingham County Fair – 700 E Ash St, Mason, MI
Aug 1-6
The Ingham County Fair may be more minor than the other action-packed fairs on our list, but don’t let that fool you. This fair is still fun-filled, with tons of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
There are many rides for all ages, games to win fabulous prizes, wood carving, archery, tons of animals, face painting, and more. You could go to this fair all day and never run out of things to do!
Jackson County Fair – 200 W Ganson St, Jackson, MI
Aug 7-13
The Jackson County Fair is another fair that elevates the fair experience. Like the Allegan Fair, exciting events are going on throughout the week. Unlike other fairs, the food selection is vast, and there are options for those with dietary restrictions.
Classic rides and games are spread out throughout the fairgrounds. There are animal barns with baby farm animals waiting to be pet. You must try the bubble tea and fried veggies, whose stands are conveniently located next to each other!
Like most fairs, there are demolition derbies and a rodeo, but unlike most fairs, there is also a monster truck show! Hank Williams Jr. and Granger will be performing on the 9th. Don’t miss Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy’s hilarious act on the 7th.
Chelsea Community Fair – 20501 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118
Aug 23-27
This is one of mt favorite fairs in the state. I grew up going to the Chelsea fair, and look forward to experiencing it all over again each year. This fair has everything that a good fair should have. Tons of amazing rides, carnival games with huge prizes, a fun house for every age group, and mouth-watering classic fair food.
The Chelsea Fair also has events that take place each night. With several different animal shows, tractor pulls, a parade, and a must-see demolition derby brings people from around the state to enjoy.
If you find yourself in southeastern Michigan towards the end of August, make your way to the Chelsea Fair!
More Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in August
August 1-6
Wayne County Fair – 10871 Quirk Rd. Belleville, MI
August 2-6
Saginaw County Fair – 11350 W Peet Rd, Chesaning, MI
August 5-6
Allen Park Street Fair – 6543 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI
August 6, 2022
Island Art Fair – Downtown Grand Ledge, MI
Have you ever been to an art fair on an island? If not, check out Island Art Fair in Grand Ledge, Michigan! It is one day only, August 6th, so you better mark your calendars now! Take a ride on the riverboat, try out some new foods and beverages, and even buy a craft or two! Artists come from all over Michigan to make this a truly special occasion, wanting to show you the quality art they pour their souls into.
August 6-12
Newaygo County Agricultural Fair – 815 S Stewart, Fremont, MI
August 6 – 13
Cheboygan County Fair – 204 E Lincoln Ave, Cheboygan, MI
August 7-13
Branch County Fair – 262 Sprague St, Coldwater, MI
August 7-13
Northwestern Michigan Fair – 3606 Blair Town Hall Rd, Traverse City, MI
August 9-13
Bay County Fair & Youth Expo – 800 Livingston Ave, Bay City, MI
August 9-13
Mason County Fairgrounds – 5302 W US-10, Ludington, MI
August 9-13, 2022
Alcona County Fair – 854 N Barlow Rd, Lincoln, MI
August 10-13
Kalamazoo County Fair – Kalamazoo Fairgrounds, 2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo
August 13-14
Ludington Art Fair – Rotary Park, 100 N. Harrison St., Ludington, MI
August 13–14
Blueberry Festival Craft Fair – Stanley Johnston Park, South Haven, MI 49090
Want an art fair that dually serves as a fundraiser? Look no further than the Blueberry Festival Craft Fair in South Haven, Michigan! Proceeds help raise funds for the Chamber and the local Blueberry Festival
August 13
Charlevoix Waterfront Art Fair – East Park Downtown Charlevoix
I know where you will be on August 13th, at the Charlevoix Art Fair! Don’t worry, I’ll be there too! With a limited number of spaces available, this art fair truly attracts fine art. Chosen from hundreds of applicants, you can be sure that the pieces you come to see are of high quality and dedication.
August 13-21
Alpena County Fair – County Farigrounds, 627 S 11th, Alpena, MI
August 14-20
Calhoun County Fair – 720 Fair St, Marshall, MI
August 15-20
Berrien County Youth Fair – 9122 M-139, Berrien Springs, MI
August 15-21
Upper Peninsula State Fair – 2401 12th Ave North, Escanaba, MI
Aug 15-20
Northern District Fair – 221 E. 13th Street, Cadillac, MI
August 16-21
Manistee County Fair – Manistee County Fairgrounds, 1st Street in Onekama, MI
August 16-20
Otsego County Fair – 895 N Center St, Gaylord, MI
August 22-28
Genesee County Fair – 6130 E. Mt Morris, MI
August 22 – 27
Hudsonville Fair – 5235 Park Ave, Hudsonville, MI
August 23-28
Emmet Charlevoix County Fair – 1129 Charlevoix Ave, Petoskey, MI
August 25-28
Houghton County Fair – Houghton County Fairgrounds, 1500 Birch St Hancock, MI
Aug 31-September 4
Saline Community Fair – 5055 Saline-Ann Arbor Rd, Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in September
Michigan State Fair – 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI
Sept 1-5
The Michigan State Fair is inarguably one of the largest fairs in the state. It is an absolute Michigander must-see event. This fair has more attractions and activities than any other fair in the state. People from all over come to enjoy the activities and witness unique live entertainment.
There are several rides at the Michigan Fair, games, fun houses, and even a high dive for those daring enough to try. The beginning of life and other animal exhibits are posted throughout the grounds. Multiple contests take place throughout the duration of the fair. There are art competitions, baking contests, and even a home beer brewing competition.
Many live music performances by Michigan artists, a “Megajam,” a 5k, pig races, a monster truck show, a beer festival, dog performances, and a blood drive are also going on throughout the week. Unlike many fairs, there will also be a circus on the fairgrounds.
Allegan County Fair- 150 Douglas St, Allegan, MI
Sept 9- 17
The Allegan County Fair takes the classic fair-goer experience to another level. It’s way more than your average fair with events you would find at any major festival. There is something for each family member to enjoy and would also make for an unforgettable first date.
While it does have more than the average fair, it still has all the fair classics. They have an array of great rides, games, and food, but what sets the Allegan Fair apart from the rest is the events that occur throughout the week.
Allegan Fair has two different styled demolition derbies, tractor pulls, a parade, a professional rodeo, and incredible live music/ entertainment. Some top comedy and country music names will be performing at this fair. Sept 9 comedian Gabriel “fluffy” Iglesias is acting on the 10th. Sam Hunt goes on stage at 7 pm, Jimmie Allen and Niko Moon perform on the 15th at 7 pm, and Lynyrd Skynyrd performs on the 16th at 7:30!
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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 time.