11 events worth your time this weekend in Michigan (March 20-22, 2026)

(The 'Gander)

By Karel Vega

March 20, 2026

Welcome to your weekend plans.

This week’s highlights include music festivals across the state, as well as an event serving up bull testicles as the main course (yes, really), and a parade in Detroit to banish an evil red dwarf.

As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you want me to highlight, send me a note here (please send suggestions at least one week before the event).

West Michigan

1. Mountain Bike Spring Kick Off Party

Friday, March 20, 6-9 p.m.

Rockford Bike Shop (7740 Childsdale Ave. NE, Rockford)

“Let’s kick off spring riding season with a bang. Call it a party—or just a great excuse to gather with your riding friends—this is your spring bike celebration! Hosted by Rockford Bike Shop, the night will be packed with good vibes and even better company.”

2. Kalamazoo Fretboard Festival

March 20-21

Kalamazoo Valley Museum (230 N Rose St., Kalamazoo)

“The Fretboard Festival is a celebration of Kalamazoo’s stringed-instrument legacy and musical heritage.”

3. Maple Row Sugarhouse Festival

March 21-22, 28-29

Maple Row Sugarhouse (12646 Born Street, Jones)

“Get ready for the sweetest spring celebration in Southwest Michigan! Join us at the Michigan Maple Festival at Maple Row Sugarhouse in Jones, Michigan — a family‑friendly weekend full of maple magic, tasty treats, and farm fun.”

4. Groove for Good

Saturday, March 21, 5-10 p.m.

Old Dog Tavern (402 E Kalamazoo Ave., Kalamazoo)

“[Groove for Good] brings together local musicians, community members, and climate justice advocates for an evening that blends live music, conversation, and community connection in a welcoming and accessible setting.”

5. Grand Rapids Whiskey Festival

Saturday, March 21, 6-10 p.m.

DeVos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“All around the world, this gorgeous amber spirit has captivated humans for centuries. Fermented grain is the starting point that all the types of whiskey have in common – aside from the fact that they are adored the world over. And while flavor can range from smokey and earthy to bold and spicy, it is beloved as a drink served neat, but easily just as appreciated with your favorite mixer or in a new cocktail. Whiskey Fest aims to explore all of these options, and to help lead you to your new favorite way to imbibe!”

Northern Michigan/UP

6. NMU Jazz Festival

March 19-20

Northern Michigan University (1401 Presque Isle Ave., Marquette)

“The 2026 NMU Jazz Festival will be held on the beautiful campus of Northern Michigan University on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. This year’s festival will feature The Westerlies, a Grammy-nominated New York-based brass quartet.”

Mid/South Michigan

7. Fenner Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival

March 21-22

Fenner Nature Center (2020 E Mt Hope Ave., Lansing)

“This spring, join us for a sweet day full of maple-flavored food and drinks, family-friendly activities, and environmental education amongst the woods.”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

8. Motor City Blues Festival

Saturday, March 21, beginning at 7 p.m.

Fox Theatre (2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit)

“The 18th Annual Motor City Blues Festival returns this Spring 2026 with a sound that’s different than the rest and with a soul that remains the same.”

9. 25th Deerfield American Legion Testicle Festival

Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Deerfield American Legion Post 392 (105 W River St., Deerfield)

“This Saturday 10am Doors open, for the 25th Deerfield American Legion Testicle Festival!”

10. Marche du Nain Rouge

Sunday, March 22, 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Canfield and Second, Detroit

“The Nain Rouge is Detroit’s oldest legend, going all the way back to Detroit’s founding. Each year we hold a tongue in cheek parade in the Cass Corridor with the Nain, wearing our wonderful and terrible costumes.”

11. Ann Arbor Film Festival

March 24-29

Ann Arbor

“The Ann Arbor Film Festival is the oldest avant-garde and experimental film festival in North America, founded by George Manupelli in 1963. Internationally recognized as a premiere forum for independent filmmakers and artists, each year’s festival engages audiences with remarkable cinematic experiences.”

Author

Karel Vega

Karel Vega is The ’Gander’s newsletter editor. Coming from a long background in public radio, Karel strives to find stories that inform and inspire local communities. Before joining The ’Gander, Karel served as managing editor at WKAR, the NPR affiliate in East Lansing, Michigan.

Have a story tip? Reach Karel at [email protected]. For local reporting in Michigan that connects the dots, from policy to people, sign up for Karel’s newsletter.

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