The last weekend in August is bringing great music, food, and more across Michigan.
Highlights this week include a dual taco/mac & cheese food festival in Kalamazoo, Polish celebrations across the state, music in the Lansing region, and 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. Dozynki Polish Festival 2026
Aug. 28-30
Calder Plaza (300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
“Experience Polish culture at its finest during this vibrant three-day celebration featuring traditional food, Polish beer, live music, cultural tents, and local vendors. Held annually on the last full weekend of August in Downtown Grand Rapids, the Polish Festival draws thousands of attendees each year.”
2. Kalapalooza
Aug. 28-29
Honor Credit Union Stadium (4400 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo)
“Taking place on August 28th and 29th at Honor Credit Union Stadium, this event combines two of the state’s biggest festivals into one high-energy weekend of food, drinks, and iconic live music. Kalapalooza offers a “crazy match-up” that pairs world-class comfort food with legendary musical acts across two distinct days”
Aug. 28-30
Downtown Hastings
“This event features arts & craft vendors on the courthouse lawn, concessions, free trolley rides, children’s activities, a softball tournament, the Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 basketball tourney, Corewell Health 5K run, parade, car show, refreshment tent, and live entertainment all weekend!”
Saturday, Aug. 29, 3-10 p.m.
Heritage Landing (1050 7th St., Muskegon)
“Burning Foot Beer Festival is a celebration of art, music, and craft beers. The festival is held each year in August at Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon, MI, with a beautiful view of Muskegon Lake. While the venue has changed, the spirit remains the same — a uniquely lakeside experience brought to life by the collaboration of the Lakeshore Brewers Guild’s breweries. Cheers to the perfect way to end the summer!”
Northern Michigan/UP
Aug. 27-30
3075 E. Sullivan St., Cedar
“The Cedar Polka Fest is an annual festival celebrating the towns rich Polish history. Lasting 4 days and nights, nearly 10,000 people descend into town for family fun. Join us to eat, drink, and dance the nights away.”
Aug. 28-29
Lakeview Hotel (5780 Shanty Creek Road, Bellaire)
“Don’t forget your camera for this special two-day event as we welcome back 15+ hot air balloonists to Shanty Creek and Bellaire behind the Lakeview Hotel. On Friday and Saturday evening, teams of balloonists take flight, while the sky above Lake Bellaire comes alive with color.”
Aug. 28-30
Harbor Park (Intersection of US 23 and Newman St. in downtown East Tawas)
“Organized in 2002, the Tawas Blues by the Bay Festival is an all volunteer organization dedicated to the promotion, awareness and preservation of Blues music and it’s culture.”
8. Rendezvous At The Straits Powwow and Indigenous Art Show
Aug. 28-30
500 N State St., St. Ignace
“Held on the grounds of the Museum of Ojibwa Culture and the south lawn of Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace, this authentic Native American gathering features traditional dancing, drumming, and singing, along with vendor demonstrations, handcrafted arts and crafts, and Native American cuisine. The event provides an opportunity to experience Indigenous culture, traditions, and community in a family-friendly, alcohol-free, and drug-free environment.”
Mid/South Michigan
9. Midland Folk Music Festival
Aug. 27-30
Midland County Fairgrounds (6905 Eastman Ave., Midland)
“Join friends old and new for a weekend of music, jamming, workshops, singing, and community. Festival activities are expected to include workshops, informal jam sessions, evening events, and performances throughout the weekend.”
Aug. 28-30
Downtown Mason
“Join us for a FREE, one of a kind music festival in historic downtown Mason, MI! The weekend will feature a variety of entertainment on two stages. This community festival is great place for the family. We offer fun and activities for all ages!”
Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
216 E Grand River Ave., Lansing
“Unity-In Music Festival. It’s a free community event with the intention to get people to enjoy the festival stages and take advantage of the local businesses. Stages will be in multiple locations. Main stage is the newly renovated Brenke Fish Ladder. The event will showcase DJ’s, artists, vendors, etc. QR codes posted around old town for local causes to donate to as well.”
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
12. 2026 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships
Aug. 26-30
Kensington Metropark (4570 Huron River Pkwy, Milford)
“This premier international sporting event brings together the best disc golfers from around the globe to compete on two championship-level courses — the iconic Toboggan and the technical Black Locust layouts set amid the scenic landscapes of Kensington Metropark. Whether you’re cheering from elevated viewing areas, exploring the vendor village, or soaking in the excitement of world-class sport, this championship celebration is a must-see event for summer in Southeast Michigan.”
13. Our Lady of the Scapular Parish Polish Festival
Aug. 28-29
Our Lady of the Scapular Parish (976 Pope John Paul II Ave., Wyandotte)
“Experience live music, Polish food, Bingo, Kids Zone, Mini Resale Market, Bake Sale, Grand Raffle and more.”
14. Novi Taco Fest
Aug. 28-30
44275 W Twelve Mile Road, Novi
“With over 30 taco trucks serving up the tastiest tacos in town. This is a taco extravaganza you don’t want to miss! Whether you like it hot and spicy or prefer something milder, the choice is all yours. Come on down and indulge in a taco feast like no other. But that’s not all! You can also browse through an artisan market, groove to live music, witness epic Lucha Libre Wrestling matches, play fun yard games with the family, show off your moves in Mexican dancing and Salsa, and if you are feeling brave, sign up for a sizzling hot pepper eating contest.”
15. Dragon on the Lake Festival
Aug. 28-30
Downtown Lake Orion
“The Orion Art Center proudly presents the 17th Annual Dragon on the Lake Festival in downtown Lake Orion. With Dragon Boat Races on Lake Orion, an Art Fair, a Chalk Art Contest, the Little Dragon Den, the Dragon Pub, a Tiki Tent, live music + more, this end of summer celebration can’t be missed!”
