2023 BEST Michigan Music Festivals

Best Music Festivals in Michigan

Music festivals are a must-do activity for any lover of the summer months, and Michigan’s music scene is hot! Cites across Michigan offer plenty, all covering a different genre and fitting into a unique niche.

Musical fests offer a great opportunity to kick back and enjoy the Michigan outdoors. Read on for more than 15 top music festivals to keep your eye out for when making your summer plans in Michigan.

Top Michigan Summer Music Festivals

Best Michigan Music Festival in May

Movement Detroit – May 27th-29th, Hart Plaza in Detroit, MI

With six stages worth of space to work with, Movement Detroit music festival boasts an impressive 115+ performance roster of techno artists. Taking place over Memorial Day Weekend, general admission passes start at $320/person with kids ages 12 and under getting in for free.

Alongside performances from artists such as Skrillex, Basement Jaxx, and Kaskade, this popular Michigan festival also has a plethora of activities to keep you busy during the festival. Local vendors reign supreme, selling unique goods curated specially for the event and providing the weekend’s grub.

Movement Studio allows attendees to experience the newest equipment in electronic music, dance music and techno, providing demonstrations and hands-on interaction with the same tools that featured artists use. With art installations and the Tito’s River Garden to top everything off, this fest provides something that everyone can enjoy in the Motor City.

Put this Detroit Music Weekend at the top of your spring metro Detroit bucket list!

More May Michigan Music Festivals to Keep on Your Radar:

Bus Benefit 2023 – May 26th-29th, Camp Blodgett in West Olive, MI

Buses By the Beach is a West Michigan based crew of VW bus enthusiasts raising money for the Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. Rustic camping meets live music at this family friendly event, featuring artists such as Nicholas James and the Bandwagon, Full Cord, and Katie Pederson.

June Michigan Music Festivals

Nor-east’r Music and Arts Festival – June 9th-11th, Oscoda County Fair Grounds in Mio, MI

The Au Sable Valley Nor-East’r Association of Folk is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting creative and performance folk arts across Northeast Michigan. Each year they host the Nor-east’r Music and Arts Festival, a celebration of Michigan roots music. An adult day pass starts at $35/person when bought online, and tickets for children ages 13-17 cost $5/child when accompanied by an adult.

In addition to their several live performances, consisting of artists like The Whiskey Charmers, moongate, and Voxanna, the festival will host bonfires, a midnight lullaby, and a drum circle.

Saturday and Sunday kick off with morning Yoga. Saturday’s activities close with a random jam session while Sunday’s wrap up with a non-denominational church service. Additionally, scholarship winner announcement and Guitars for Kids ceremonies are to be held.

Electric Forest 2023 – June 22nd-25th, Rothbury, MI

Jams, art, and yoga all come together for this multi-genre festival, taking place during the last full weekend in June.

General admission passes for Electric Forest start at $485/person and are a great option for anyone wanting to experience the festival weekend while staying off site. Vehicle passes are sold separately.
Featured artists include Zeds Dead, The String Cheese Incident, and Odesza.

Shuttle services drive across the festival site, running at regular intervals throughout the day. Other features to the site include running water (for drinking, bathing, and relief), cell phone service, and accommodations for festival goers with disabilities, so long as they contact the EF accessibility team at [email protected] before the event. For an enhanced experience, consider upgrading your pass or purchasing add-ons.

Michigan Musical Fests in June to Keep on Radar:

Hippie Fest – June 10th-11th, Treetoad Family Farm in Trufant, MI

Touring across the U.S, Hippie Fest’s mission is to “glorify God through unifying experiences celebrating peace and love.” Two-day tickets go for $30/person, with admission being free for guests ages 10 and under. Keep in mind that tickets must be reserved in advance. Family-friendly entertainment, bohemian vendors, and a car show are also key features during the festival.

Buttermilk Jamboree – June 16- 18 in Delton, MI

This annual three-day festival in Delton, MI, celebrating its 11th year in 2023. Set in the picturesque Circle Pines Center, this festival is a delightful fusion of music and arts.

With a strong emphasis on family-friendly entertainment, attendees can enjoy rustic overnight camping, a diverse lineup of local and regional performers, engaging workshops, refreshing swimming opportunities, lively dancing sessions, a wide array of local food and goods vendors, craft beer and wine selections, a dedicated kids area with performers and crafts, and much more.

Alpena Blues Festival – June 17th, Alpena County Fairgrounds in Alpena, MI

This one-day festival brings big blues to northern Michigan! Starting at noon and going until 10 PM, Alpena Blues Festival’s Day passes go for $30/person and are available online or at the gate. Their lineup includes Ray Fuller and the Blues Rockers, The Smokin 45s, Wayout Wayne and the Neck Benders ft. Val Vento, Downriver Dan, and the Broken Arrow Blues Band.

This fun fest is one of my favorite summer festivals, and offers a great opportunity to explore this cool city on the shores of Lake Huron!

Spirit of the Woods – June 17 – Brethren Michigan

This popular folk festival in northern Michigan (about an hour south of Traverse City) is a one-day festival bringing in both top national and local folk performers. This year’s lineup includes top acts such as Peter Yarrow, Samuel Nalangira and Band, Major Murphy and The Sapsuckers.

Charlotte Bluegrass Festival – June 22- 24, 2023 – Charlotte MI

This bluegrass festival north of Battle Creek features both national and local acts including the Lonesome River Band, the Edgar Loudermilk band and many more.

Michigan Summer Music Festivals in July

Uncle Sam Jam – July 6th-9th, Woodhaven Civic Center Park in Woodhaven, MI

Spend your Fourth of July weekend at this free festival! Parking onsite costs $10 Thursday/Saturday/Sunday, and $15 on Friday. Otherwise, park at the nearby Kohls and take a free shuttle to the festival site. Outside food and drink, pets, bikes, skateboards, or coolers are not allowed.

Several artists are featured, such as The Prince Project, Van Go Go, and Everclear. Other activities include monster truck rides, a petting zoo, and a cornhole tournament. The Great American Side Show Company, a circus company based in Detroit, will also be present during the festival. Stay tuned Friday night for fireworks and Sunday afternoon for a classic car show.

Upheaval Festival – July 14th-15th, Belknap Park in Grand Rapids, MI

This two-day rock festival in America’s best beer city is sure to wow the most hardcore rock fans out there. Single-day general admission passes start at $75/person, a great deal to go see their impressive lineup of artists.

Bring Me the Horizon, In This Moment, and Halestorm all headline this festival. After parties each night are to be held at The Intersection, a venue located in downtown Grand Rapids, with GWAR performing Friday night and Wage War on Saturday.

Faster Horses Country Music Festival – July 14th-16th, Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI

For ten years, the Faster Horses Festival has brought big country names to Michigan. General admission passes for the festival start at $249/person, with children ages 6 and under getting in for free. This does not account for campsite reservations, which are currently going for low as $225. Commuting to the fest is also an option.
Names like Luke Bryan, Zack Brown Band, and Shania Twain all headline this weekend event. Amenities include the Mustang Suites: VIP decks which attendees can rent out for the concert. Supplied with snacks, meals, and festival gear, it would be a good idea to join their waitlist ASAP! There’s also the Faster Humans Fun Run, taking place July 15th at the festival. Run around the Michigan International Speedway racetrack to raise money for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Signup is required.

Beaver Island Music Festival – July 20th-22nd, Beaver Island Hideaway Campground in Beaver Island, MI

Promoting a variety of art and music, Beaver Island Music Festival aims to bring creativity to the largest island in Lake Michigan. Sponsored by the Patrons of the Arts in Rural Communities, the fest combines live music and outdoor education. Tickets, which are available at the festival site and online, are free for children 12 and under and can go as low as $55/adult for a one-day pass.

Adrian Plus Meredith, Rags and Riches, and SPONGE are all lined up to perform at this weekend long event. If you are interested in attending this event, plan ahead. The only ways to get to Beaver Island are by plane or ferry. Fortunately, there are ticket packs which provide shuttling to the island.

Northern Lights Music Festival – July 21st-22nd, U.P. State Fairgrounds in Escanaba, MI

Rock and country join forces during this festival over in the Bays de Noc in Escanaba, MI. Both festival days offer chances to camp onsite, with unique food vendors present to fight off hunger. Campsite booking costs a flat rate of $150, with general admission costing $46.50/person. Friday night is dedicated to rock, while Saturday is for Country.

Pop Evil, Sebastian Bach, and Steelhart are performing Friday night to give you your fill of rock. Then on Saturday, go see Keith Urban, Ingrid Andress, and Austin Snell for a night of country.

July Music Fests in Michigan to Keep on Your Radar:

Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival – July 21st-23rd, Tourist Park in Marquette, MI

The 43rd annual Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival in Marquette, hosted by the Hiawatha Music Co-op, brings a variety of music to the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. Cajun, Bluegrass, and Celtic are only a few of the genres covered at this family friendly event. Tickets for adults start at $105/person while kids ages 6-12 cost $5/person.

Michigan Music Festivals in August

Grateful Bear Campout – August 4th-5th, Smiling Acres Campground in Trufant, MI

The third annual Grateful Bear Campout features cover bands for the Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, Phish, and more. General admission passes for the festival start at $80/person, with camping permits sold separately.

Cover bands The Schwag, This One’s Pink, and Birds of Afeather headline this show. In addition to their performances, attendees are also treated to various goods and food vendors. Workshops include yoga, meditation, projected Mario Kart matches, projected movies, and a bubble station. Body painter Christopher Messer will also be present, alongside some other yet-to-be-announced artists.

Breakaway Music Festival – August 18th-19th, Belknap Park in Grand Rapids, MI

Established by Prime Social Group, a music production and event company based in Ohio, Breakaway Music Festival sits as one of the most diverse modern music festivals that tours across the U.S.

Stopping in Grand Rapids’ Belknap Park, the venue offers a 360-degree view of the city’s downtown area. Ticket prices range from $80-$1000, with a discount for anyone buying passes with a university email.

Featured artists at this event include Porter Robinson, RL Grime, and Tiësto.

Hoxeyville Music Festival – August 17-20, 2023 in Wellston, MI

This multi-day festival features a diverse lineup of live music performances across various genres, including bluegrass, folk, Americana, rock, and more. The festival is known for its scenic outdoor setting, often held in the Hoxeyville Campgrounds located in the Manistee National Forest.

This fun forest festival attracts both local and national artists, including Marcus King, the Wood Brothers, Circles Around the Sun and many others. Part music, part art and craft fair, this three-day festival is a don’t miss for music lovers!

More August Music Fests in Michigan to Keep on Your Radar

Afro Nation Detroit – August 19th-20th, Brewster-Douglass site in Detroit, MI

Coming to Michigan for the first time ever, Afro Nation music festival brings African and Black music to the center stage. Genres like hip-hop, afro-fusion, reggae, and many more are featured at this two-day event. While tickets are not on sale yet, their website has a mailing list open so you can be the first to buy while staying up to date with festival news.

White Lake Chamber Music Festival – Augusts 5- 13, 2023 – Whitehall MI

This popular festival is now in it’s 14th year presenting an array of classical music performances and recitals for adults and children.

September Music Festivals in Michigan

Arts, Beats and Eats – September 2 – 5 , 2023 – Downtown Royal Oak, MI

Part music, part arts and craft festival, this Labor Day weekend festival a celebration of culture and creativity, providing a dynamic experience for visitors to engage with the arts, enjoy live music, and savor delectable food.

Art Beats and Eats is a celebration of culture and creativity, providing a dynamic experience for visitors to engage with the arts, enjoy live music, and savor delectable food in the vibrant setting of Royal Oak.

Wheatland Music Festival – September 8-10 – Remus, MI

This three-day festival in Mid Michigan is held every year the weekend after Labor Day. One of the oldest and most well-known traditional music festivals in the state, this mostly-folk festival celebrates and showcases a wide range of traditional music genres, including folk, bluegrass, old-time, Celtic, and more.

Dally in the Alley – September – Detroit’s Cass Corridor

This fun mix between a block party and music and beer festival is a much-anticipated event in Detroit.
Be sure to keep your eye out for the return of Michigan music festivals like the Common Ground Music Festival. One of the more popular country and pop festivals in Mid Michigan, Common Grounds was last held in 2021. Also, the Mo Pop Festival in Wayne County, a top Detroit Jazz Festival, is currently on hiatus from their annual event.

Be sure to keep your eye out for the return of Michigan music festivals like the Common Ground Music Festival. One of the more popular country and pop festivals in Mid Michigan, Common Grounds was last held in 2021. Also, the Mo Pop Festival in Wayne County, a top Detroit Jazz Festival, is currently on hiatus from their annual event.

Things to Remember About Attending Michigan Music Festivals

Summer music festivals are a fun time for people of all ages, but be sure to ask yourself some of the following questions:

• How do I obtain my ticket/pass?
• Will I be able to stay hydrated during this event?
• Is there a safe way for me to get back home/to my hotel/to my campground?
• Are people that I know going to be at the concert?
• Is there someone to pick me up in case of an emergency?
• What am I allowed to take into the festival?
• Are my bags going to be checked at the gate?
• Can I keep my personal belongings (phone, keys, wallet, medical equipment, etc.) safe?
• Doing so will guarantee a safe and fun time while you dance and sing the day away. Remember to make some new friends, be open to new experiences, and cherish the exciting memories that you’ll make!

More Things to Do in Michigan

• 20 Marvelous Michigan Art Fairs
• 30 BEST Michigan Fairs and Carnivals
• 21 Best Day Trips in Michigan
• Mackinac Island Hotels: 25 Favorite Places to Stay (MAP)

About the Author-
Molly Grossman is a content writer and researcher with an interest in arts and nature. She is currently attending university, where she’s studying English with a minor in business. Working part-time backstage at a local performing arts center as a show supervisor, she fills her free time with hiking at local parks and reading. Though not a Michigan native, Molly adores the state’s natural wonders and indulges in its backpacking opportunities.