Welcome to your weekly rundown of weekend events across Michigan.
This week’s highlights include a massive Latino celebration in West Michigan, a hot air balloon party in southern Michigan, a book festival in Detroit, and much more.
As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you’d like me to highlight, please send me a note here (suggestions should be submitted at least one week before the event).
West Michigan
1. LAUP Fiesta
July 15-19
Holland
“This dynamic, five-day cultural festival celebrates Latino heritage through music, food, dance, and community fun for all ages.”
July 15-19
Downtown Muskegon
“Muskegon Bike Time will be welcoming motorcyclists and the general public to downtown Muskegon and the lakeshore to celebrate those who love to ride and those who love to just watch the phenomenon that descends on Muskegon annually the third weekend in July.”
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Kollen Park (240 Kollen Park Drive, Holland)
“Over 20 community partners and sponsors will come together to offer water activities and educational experiences designed to engage all ages to learn about restoring and preserving our lake and watershed.”
Saturday, July 18, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Leila Arboretum (928 W. Michigan Ave., Battle Creek)
“The Battle Creek Pride Festival is back, bigger and better than ever! This vibrant celebration will feature almost a hundred vendors offering unique goods, local crafts, and 2SLGBTQ+ pride merchandise. Food trucks will line the streets, serving up delicious bites for every taste.”
Northern Michigan/UP
Through July 18
Downtown Gaylord
“Alpenfest is one of Gaylord’s biggest celebrations of the year. For an entire week, Downtown Gaylord fills with live music, carnival rides, parades, contests, great food and traditions you won’t find anywhere else.”
6. Troutarama
July 15-18
Baldwin
“Troutarama is a four-day summer festival bringing together families, friends, and visitors in Baldwin, Michigan. Each July, the festival features carnival rides, contests, live music, vendors, and community events for all ages.”
July 15-18
Downtown Ironwood
“Festival Ironwood includes Music, Markets, Fun, Food, History and much more.”
8. Charlevoix Venetian Festival
July 18-25
Downtown Charlevoix
“Established in 1931, this jubilant tradition started with a simple candle-lit boat parade. Today, it is an 8-day festival that showcases big-name concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street and boat parades, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, buskers and much more.”
Mid/South Michigan
Friday, July 17, until sundown
Mason Street and First Avenue, Flint
“Flint’s best festival returns. Performers take over front porches, street corners, and stages across six blocks of Carriage Town while thousands wander from act to act.”
July 17-19
Ella Sharp Park (2800 Fourth St., Jackson)
“The main focus of the Jubilee is obviously the Hot Air Balloons, however that’s not all there is to enjoy. When you and your family come to Ella Sharp Park during the event you will be greeted by some longtime Jubilee favorites such as Craft booths, the Kids Kingdom, Vendors, and an Auto Show.”
Saturday, July 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
R.E. Olds Transportation Museum (240 Museum Drive, Lansing)
“Thousands of spectators and 225 registered vehicles are anticipated for this year’s event. This year’s event will also include a special “Lansing’s Auto Revolution” section featuring vehicles produced pre-1940 by Durant, Oldsmobile, and REO Motor Car Company. This is a free, non-profit, family-friendly outdoor show.”
12. Flint Pride
Saturday, July 18, 2-8 p.m.
Flat Lot (428 S. Saginaw St., Flint)
“Expect a day filled with music, performances, vendors, food, and community as we come together to celebrate our resilience.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
July 16-18
Ingalls Mall (881 N. University Ave., Ann Arbor)
“The streets of Ann Arbor will transform into an art lover’s paradise where you can experience and enjoy original works of art, street performances, culinary treats and a variety of sidewalk sales.”
14. Farmington Founders Festival
July 16-18
Downtown Farmington
“The Farmington Founders Festival is a community celebration honoring Farmington’s history while bringing people together for a weekend filled with music, food, art, family activities, and local pride.”
July 16-18
Downtown Port Huron
“Enjoy favorites such as Live Concerts, Street Fair, OT’s Family Night, and Mannequins Making a Difference.”
July 17-19
Willow Run Airport (801 Willow Run Airport, Superior Township)
” Join us for a family-friendly experience ! Walk around and enjoy the static display, a chance to meet with pilots and crew, KidZone, and more!”
17. Ypsi Pride
Saturday, July 18, 2-10 p.m.
Depot Town (East Cross Street, Ypsilanti)
“Join for full day/evening of LGBTQIA+ focused events, sales, and performances. All ages welcome.”
18. Detroit Bookfest
Sunday, July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Eastern Market (2934 Russell St., Detroit)
“The event features over 300+ vendors spread across Detroit’s historic Eastern Market selling BOOKS, records, creative arts, and more!”
