Things To Do

Here’s what happening this weekend in Michigan (Aug. 7-9)

Jazz and blues, art fairs, craft beer, and more.

(The 'Gander)

It might be August, but summer isn’t slowing down yet with loads of events happening across the state this weekend.

Highlights include jazz and blues festivals, art fairs, and celebrations dedicated to everything from Italian heritage to craft beer, and even magic.

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. Magic Get Together

Aug. 5-8

Colon

“Once again, magicians from all over the world will migrate to Colon, Michigan, the Magic Capital of the World, to be a part of this family oriented event. Tents and campers will magically pop up everywhere to swell this tiny little village until it appears there is no room for even one more person. Everyone scampers to be a part of this fun convention which was named the #1 Unique Michigan Convention in the Detroit Free Press.”

2. National Blueberry Festival

Aug. 6-9

South Haven

“The dog days of August bring on South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival. Celebrating the city’s status as the Blueberry Capital of the world. Our restaurants all have a special Blueberry item on their menu & Free entertainment every evening overlooking the harbor.”

3. Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Aug. 7-8

Calder Plaza (300 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids)

“Hispanic Festival 2025 is the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan’s premier annual celebration of our community’s rich heritage.”

4. Sparta Celtic Festival

Aug. 7-8

152 N State St, Sparta

“Celebrate the music, traditions, and spirit of Celtic culture at the Sparta Celtic Festival—a FREE, family-friendly event in the heart of Sparta, Michigan.”

Northern Michigan/UP

5. Elk Rapids Harbor Days

Aug. 5-8

Elk Rapids

“Elk Rapids Harbor Days is a free, four-day celebration of community and small-town tradition. From the Grande Parade to the beloved dazzling fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks, Elk Rapids Harbor Days features festivities and activities for all ages.”

6. Grand Marais Music & Crafts Festival

Aug. 6-8

E21738 Braziel St., Grand Marais

“Enjoy the unique sounds and rhythms that come alive by the water’s edge, where community and music come together in a beautiful setting!”

7. International Ironworker Festival

Aug. 7-9

Mackinaw City

“The International Ironworker Festival is an annual event held each summer in Mackinaw City. It attracts Ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition.”

8. Eagle Harbor Art Fair

Aug. 8-9

435 Front St., Mohawk

“There will be a full fair of 60+ artists in spaces displaying their pieces for sale. There are artists offering jewelry, photography, paintings, fabric art, ceramics and pottery, stained glass and more.”

9. Iron Mountain Italian Fest

Saturday, Aug. 8, 12-11 p.m. (CDT)

Downtown Iron Mountain

“While children enjoy games and entertainment, adults can indulge in delicious Italian cuisine, sample exquisite wines, and participate in exciting activities like the Italian dinner toss and grape stomp. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!”

Mid/South Michigan

10. Ingham County Fair

Through Aug. 8

700 E. Ash St., Mason

“The International Ironworker Festival is an annual event held each summer in Mackinaw City. It attracts Ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition.”

11. Lansing JazzFest

Aug. 5-9

Old Town Lansing

“JazzFest Michigan is an annual music festival in Old Town Lansing, that has been going on for over 30 years. Four Venues & Five Days: We’ve added a kickoff concert on Wednesday night and a Sunday Gospel Fest. There are four venues: the MICA Stage, MessageMakers Stage, Tripp Stage, and UrbanBeat Stage.”

12. Saginaw Art Fair

Aug. 7-8

Ojibway Island Drive, Saginaw

“An interdisciplinary art fair to celebrate all fine arts, promote art education, and build community.”

13. St. Johns Mint Festival

Aug. 7-9

Downtown St. Johns

“Celebrate our mint farming heritage with a weekend of fun for the whole family.”

14. Great Lakes Beer Festival

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2-7 p.m.

Dow Diamond (825 E Main St., Midland)

“The Great Lakes Beer Festival 2026 features 50+ Michigan craft breweries, cideries & distilleries inside the stadium at beautiful Dow Diamond home of the Great Lakes Loons, minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers!”

15. Flint Drop Fest

Saturday, Aug. 8, 12-10 p.m.

125 E. Kearsley St., Flint

“Join us in the streets of Downtown Flint to celebrate the electronic music and art community with 10+ open air stages hosting 100+ performances by local, regional and national artists and a full buffet of arts, crafts and food vendors!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

16. Blues, Brews & Barbecue

Aug. 7-8

Thomas H. Brown Central Park (36601 Ford Road, Westland)

“Blues, Brews and Barbecue is the biggest summer bash in all of Western Wayne County! It’s all about slick blues music, good ol’ authentic BBQ food, and ice-cold domestic draft brews. Sights and sounds are FREE OF CHARGE so bring your family and friends!”

17. Port Sanilac Blues Festival

Aug. 7-8

Downtown Harbor Park (7376 Main St., Port Sanilac)

“Get ready to feel the blues—in the best way possible”

18. Allen Park Street Fair

Aug. 7-8

Downtown Allen Park

“Celebrate one of Downriver’s favorite summer events! The Allen Park Street Fair features vendors, crafters, food, and live entertainment”

19. Dearborn Homecoming Festival

Aug. 7-9

Ford Field Park (22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn)

“The city’s favorite weekend includes all-day live music, carnival rides, food and drinks, an arts district, vendor market, games, and a variety of other activities.”

20. Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival

Aug. 7-9

Sweetest Heart of Mary Church (4440 Russell St., Detroit)

“For the whole family! Delicious Polish Cuisine, Beer Tent, Olde School Resale Shop, Specialty Vendors, Bake Sale, Church Gift Store, 50/50 Raffle.”

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  • 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.

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