The number of Fourth of July celebrations taking place in Michigan this weekend is quite possibly in the hundreds. Since I couldn’t possibly list all of them, this week’s highlights focus on major events across the state, plus other notable festivals.

In case you missed it, make sure to also check out our list of 18 of Michigan’s best July 4th events in honor of America’s 250th.

MHSAA: Supreme Court ruling ‘doesn’t change anything’ (MLive): The organization regulating high school sports in Michigan says the US Supreme Court’s ruling allowing states to ban transgender girls from girls’ sports does not change Michigan’s current policy. The Michigan High School Athletic Association says transgender athletes remain eligible under state law.

Kalshi sports bets blocked in Michigan (Bloomberg Law): A Michigan judge has temporarily blocked the platform Kalshi from offering online sports betting in the state, siding with Attorney General Dana Nessel as a legal fight continues. The order bars Michiganders from placing sports wagers on the platform through July 13 and threatens daily fines if Kalshi fails to enforce the restrictions.

Michigan’s Adventure workers begin unionization effort (WOOD-TV): A group of maintenance and landscaping employees at Michigan’s Adventure is seeking to unionize, with Operating Engineers 324 filing a petition for a representation election. If approved by the National Labor Relations Board, about 30 workers at the Muskegon-area amusement park will vote on whether to join the union.

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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)

West Michigan

1. Latvian Song and Dance Festival

July 1-5

Amway Grand (187 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“The event will include choir concerts, dance, gatherings, art, and other cultural events that showcase our Latvian traditions.”

2. Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival

July 1-5

Battle Creek Executive Airport (15551 S. Airport Road, Battle Creek)

“Watch the hot air balloons take off every morning and night, watch the air show, or enjoy the Skerbeck Carnival. It all ends with a bang with the 4th of July Fireworks show at 10:30 on the 4th! Come out for a great weekend of fun with friends and family!”

3. Grand Rapids Fireworks

Saturday, July 4, 6-11 p.m.

51 Market Ave.

“This family-friendly, free event brings together music, community, and one of the region’s most spectacular fireworks displays — all in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids.”

Northern Michigan/UP

4. Manistee National Forest Festival

July 1-5

Douglas Park (First Street Beach)

“Each year, the Forest Festival boasts events such as the Festival Marketplace, Manistee Arts & Crafts, Carnival, Fireworks over Lake Michigan presented by Little River Casino Resort, and much more!”

5. Larry’s Dunes & Dogs 2026

Thursday, July 2, beginning at 11 a.m.

Glen Arbor Township Park (Tennis Courts and Park)

“Held in memory of Lawrence Boyd IV. The bike ride starts at 11am; dog parade & costume contest at 1pm; & silent auction from 10am-4pm. There will also be a dog walk, evening group kayak adventure & more. Proceeds benefit Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes & Great Lakes Humane Society.”

6. Marquette Freedom Fest

July 2-4

Ellwood Mattson Lower Harbor Park (200 N. Lakeshore Blvd.)

“There’s more than great food and live music at Freedom Fest! Bring the whole family and enjoy activities throughout the festival grounds.”

7. 100th National Cherry Festival

July 4-11

Traverse City

“How do you top eight days of food, fun, family-friendly activities, and entertainment? With a cherry on top, especially in 2026, when we celebrate the 100th National Cherry Festival!”

8. US Log Rolling Open

Saturday, July 4, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Van Cleve Park (1224 Lake Shore Drive, Gladstone)

“In a log rolling competition, opponents step onto a floating log, spin it rapidly, stop or snub it suddenly, and try to reverse the motion of the log in order to send their opposition into the water! When one contestant is off the log, the remaining opponent “takes the fall”. A match is the best of 3 out of 5 falls.”

Mid/South Michigan

9. City of Lansing 4th of July Celebration

Saturday, July 4, beginning at 11 a.m.

Downtown 

“Our 4th of July Celebration begins with the Independence Day Parade on Saturday, July 4 with a start time of 11 a.m. at the Capitol Loop. Concert (with a magic show opener) on the Capitol steps starting at 12 p.m.: 1776-2026 American Music Tour. Block Party begins at 4 p.m. at Lugnuts Stadium. Later in the evening will be our 4th of July Concert at Adado Riverfront Park starting at 7pm featuring Lansing Concert Band & USAF Roots in Blue Band with fireworks to follow at 10 p.m.!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

10. Salute to America in Greenfield Village

July 2-5

Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn)

“Experience Salute to America in Greenfield Village, where an evening of masterful musical performances unfolds across 250 years of American history.”

11. Algonac Pickerel Festival

July 2-5

Algonac Waterfront Park (1130 St Clair River Drive)

“Fishing Tournament, Fireworks, Carnival, Food Vendors, Beer Tent and more!”

12. Royal Oak Taco Fest

July 3-5

Downtown

“Join us in downtown Royal Oak from July 3 – July 5 for a street festival including eats from over 50 taquerias and eateries, ice-cold margaritas at the Fro-Zone, 3 stages of live entertainment, and more!”

Want deeper coverage of Michigan politics? Our free Thursday newsletter, This Week in Michigan Politics, breaks down what’s happening in Lansing and Washington—clearly and without the jargon.

With the midterms approaching, we’ll keep you informed on what could affect your day-to-day life.

Interested?

Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.

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