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).

‘Money Out of Politics’ measure taken up by state House (WGVU): The Michigan House passed a citizen-led ballot initiative 77-26 that would restrict political donations from certain public utilities and large government contractors. The measure now heads to the Senate, where Majority Leader Winnie Brinks says Democrats will not pass it, leaving the initiative on track for voters to decide in November.

AG Nessel releases Flint Water Crisis report (Associated Press): Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a final report detailing her office’s investigation into the Flint water crisis, years after the Michigan Supreme Court dismissed criminal charges against former Gov. Rick Snyder and eight other officials. Nessel said the report provides the public with the evidence gathered by investigators and prosecutors, while expressing frustration that Flint residents never received a criminal trial to hold officials accountable.

Proposed UP mine receives $50M in grants (Bridge Michigan): Michigan taxpayers will spend up to $50 million to support the proposed Copperwood copper mine in the western Upper Peninsula, including a $45 million state grant and $5 million for road improvements. Despite the vote from the Michigan Strategic Fund to approve the funds, opponents warned of environmental risks and questioned whether taxpayers should fund a mine that has struggled to attract private financing.

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

West Michigan

🥟 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.”

🌮 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.”

Northern Michigan/UP

🎈 Balloons Over Bellaire

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.”

🎸 Tawas Blues by the Bay

Aug. 28-30

Harbor Park (Intersection of US 23 and Newman Street 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 its culture.”

Mid/South Michigan

😎 Sun Dried Music Festival

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!”

🔊 Unity-In Music Festival

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

🌮 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.”

🐉 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!”

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Artificial intelligence is driving a new wave of industrial development statewide. The ’Gander mapped the data centers that are proposed, approved, under construction, or already online in Michigan.

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.

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

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