Welcome to your handpicked selection of the best weekend events in Michigan.
Highlights include art festivals in nearly every corner of the state, a festival dedicated to pirates and mermaids, jazz in Flint, and even a celebration all about bologna (the lunch meat, not the Italian city).
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. Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
Through Aug. 2
Downtown Grand Haven
“Each year since the first picnic in 1924 and the first festival in 1937, we have celebrated our heroes, the men and women of the United States Coast Guard with fun filled family events at the annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival. Grand Haven is honored by its designation as “Coast Guard City, USA” by an Act of Congress and signed by the President of the United States on November 13, 1998.”
2. KAARC Red Barns Spectacular
July 31-Aug. 1
Gilmore Car Museum (6865 W Hickory Road, Hickory Corners)
“More that 1,500 show vehicles will be on the show field, along with special areas for antique campers brought to you by the Tin Can Tourists, cars for sale, and vintage bicycles. Plus, check out over 380 swap meet vendors onsite and shop for those hard to find car parts, tools, literature, antiques, arts, crafts and more.”
Saturday, Aug. 1, 1-5 p.m.
Hero’s & SHero’s Corner Grand Rapids (4809 Eastern Avenue SE, Kentwood)
“Get ready to vibe at KWave Summer Fest 2026, the ultimate in-person K-culture party of the year!“
Northern Michigan/UP
4. Boyne Falls Polish Festival
July 30-Aug. 2
Corner of Mill & Railroad St., Boyne Falls
“Join us in celebrating our community and Polish heritage!”
5. Downtown Blueberry Festival
Friday, July 31, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
W. Washington & S. Front St., Marquette
“Downtown comes alive with sidewalk sales and a wide variety of blueberry-themed food and drink options. Indulge in the many blueberry delights, from blueberry pizza to blueberry beer, offered by the downtown restaurants, and take advantage of the “blue” specials available at the many shops.”
6. Waterfront Art Festival – Escanaba
Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Ludington Park (Lakeshore Drive, Escanaba)
“This arts festival brings in over regional artists in a family friendly environment. Musical acts entertain the crowd all day and the vendor food is above average!”
7. 906 Art on the Lake Art & Music Festival
Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Erickson Center for the Arts (Saw-Wa-Quato St., Curtis)
“For the 2026 season, the Erickson Center for the Arts is re-imagining our summer event, combining the best parts of the 906 Festival with the historic Art on the Lake event into an Arts and Music Festival focusing on Upper Peninsula arts and culture. Live music and entertainment, fine art vendors, family activities, beer tent and food trucks.”
8. Pirates and Mermaids Festival
Aug. 1-2
Oscoda Beach Park (201 E River Road, Oscoda Township)
“Dive into a world of wonder with live mermaid tank performances, breathtaking acrobatics, talented jugglers, mesmerizing magicians, unique vendors, live music, arts and crafts, and so much more for the whole family to enjoy!”
Mid/South Michigan
9. Frankenmuth Flower Festival
July 31-Aug. 2
7775 Weiss St., Frankenmuth
“Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Michigan’s Little Bavaria, along with a list of events including acres of Sunflower Fields & U-Pick, Dinner in the Sunflowers, Sunflower Fun Color Run, Crafting in the Sunflowers, Yoga in the Sunflowers, Craft Vendors and Food Trucks at Grandpa Tiny’s Farm.”
Through Aug. 1
8800 W Grand River Ave, Fowlerville
“Our mission is to provide Livingston County with a fair that is Agriculture and 4-H based, providing education to the young and young at heart. Entertainment and special events encourage youth to compete, experience new opportunities, and have life-long friendships.”
11. Island Art Fair
Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
133 Fitzgerald Park Drive, Grand Ledge
“Over 200 Fine Artists, craftsmen, and delicious food vendors. Engaging with art outside in a park, warmed by the sun, can bring stress relief.”
Aug. 1-2
140 E. Second St., Flint
“Enjoy two days of the finest jazz by local, regional, and international jazz musicians.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
13. St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit Highland Games
July 31-Aug. 1
Greenmead Historical Park (20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia)
“Our annual Highland Games celebrate our Scottish heritage on the first weekend in August. Join us for a Cèilidh on Friday night and a full day of activities on Saturday. We’re proud to be the longest continuous Games in North America!”
July 31-Aug. 2
11010 Yale Road, Yale
“Every July, Yale plays host to the Yale Bologna Festival, a 3 day weekend event that closes the streets and transforms this small community of just under 2,000 to a gathering of over 20,000 Bologna starved party-goers!”
15. Grosse Pointe Art Festival
Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
106 Kercheval, Grosse Pointe Farms
“The Grosse Pointe Art Festival Presented by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce will return to the Hill in Grosse Pointe Farms on August 1, 2026! This event will showcase local artists who will line Kercheval Avenue and sell their original work.”
16. Ann Arbor Pride
Saturday, Aug. 1, 12-9 p.m.
Downtown Ann Arbor
“First celebrated in 1995, Ann Arbor Pride (previously known as OUTFest) is a festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and allyship, hosted annually by the Jim Toy Community Center.”
Aug. 1-2
1 Casino Way, Detroit
“Experience one of the country’s top-ranked art fairs at Belle Isle State Park, featuring 100 talented artists from across the nation showcasing and selling their work. Enjoy interactive art activities, immersive installations, and a vibrant atmosphere with something for all ages.”
18. Arab and Chaldean Festival
Aug. 1-2
1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
“Come and Join us in Celebrating the 53nd Anniversary of the Largest Arab & Chaldean Festival in North America. Each year thousands attend the festival. Bring your family and friends and join us.”
