Welcome to your weekly roundup of the best weekend events Michigan has to offer.
Our highlights this week include Juneteenth celebrations across the state, community carnivals, food, music, 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 (details should be submitted at least one week before the event).
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MI Senate passes Voting Rights Act (Michigan Advance): Michigan Senate Democrats approved a state-level Voting Rights Act aimed at protecting voters from discrimination after recent federal court rulings weakened parts of the national law. The legislation now heads to the Republican-controlled House
Former MI House speaker’s wife avoids jail time in embezzlement case (Bridge Michigan): Stephanie Chatfield, the wife of former Michigan House Speaker Lee Chatfield, has pleaded guilty to a reduced embezzlement charge tied to a political nonprofit and will avoid jail time under a plea agreement. Lee Chatfield, meanwhile, still faces multiple felony charges and is scheduled to stand trial in September.
Detroit passes curfew for Ford Fireworks (ClickOnDetroit): The Detroit City Council approved a temporary downtown curfew for minors during this year’s Ford Fireworks on June 22, restricting unsupervised youth from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. City officials say the measure is intended to improve safety.
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. Justice 4 All Juneteenth Jam
Friday, June 19, 4-8 p.m.
Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, 41 Sheldon Blvd. SE, Grand Rapids
“This will be the 6th annual Juneteenth Jam thrown for the city of Grand Rapids. This event is FREE to the public and will be a day to celebrate black art, entertainment, culture, and experience!”
2. Sparta Beer and Brat Festival
June 19-20
Sparta
“The Beer and Brat Festival is an adult-geared festival that features locally brewed beer and specialty brats. It is free to enjoy the atmosphere, listen to live music, and shop artisan market vendors!”
3. South Haven Harborfest
June 19-20
South Haven
“The HarborFest Committee has entertainment, activities and food which are sure to be a great time for you to enjoy!”
4. Eastown Bizarre Bazaar
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Ethel Avenue between Wealthy and Sigsbee streets, Grand Rapids
“Eastown’s annual celebration of the best local arts and crafts with family friendly activities, entertainment, food, and a craft beer tent. Also, the Kids’ Bazaar is back! Featuring our young entrepreneurs in Eastown. “
5. Grand Haven Sand Sculpture Contest
Saturday, June 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Grand Haven City Beach, South Harbor Drive, Grand Haven
“Visitors, residents, and businesses of the Grand Haven Area are welcome to participate in the Sand Sculpture Contest or spectate from the sidelines as they enjoy a beautiful day at Grand Haven City Beach!”
6. Grand Rapids Pride Festival
June 20-21
Calder Plaza, 320 Ottawa Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
“Going into its 38th year in 2026, Grand Rapids Pride Festival is working to create a safe, open, and inclusive environment for Grand Rapids community members to celebrate who they are!”
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7. Cheboygan Pirate Fest
June 19-21
Downtown Cheboygan
“Come one, come all! Join us for a variety of fun activities and special performances. Raise your sails and set sail for adventure!”
8. Dune Jam 2026
Saturday, June 20, 12-11:30 p.m.
1st Street Beach, 100-122 S. Lakeshore Drive, Manistee
“The First Annual ‘Dune Jam’ will feature a full-day of music by top-tier Michigan bands, the return of the Famous Manistee Lion’s Fish Boil and a world-class drone show over the harbor at 10:30.”
9. Alpena Blues Festival
Saturday, June 20, 2-10 p.m.
Bay View Park, 208 N. 1st Ave., Alpena
“The Alpena Blues Festival is an annual music festival held in Alpena, Michigan. We celebrate the rich history and culture of blues music, bringing together musicians and enthusiasts from all over.”
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10. Elsie Dairy Festival
June 18-20
Elsie
“The 2026 Elsie Dairy Festival is on June 18, 19, and 20th! Come out and join us!”
11. Lansing Fiesta
June 18-21
Adado Riverfront Park, 201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
“Embark on a vibrant journey of cultural discovery and fun at Lansing Fiesta 2026. Revel in the rhythms of live music, taste the diversity of flavors from local food trucks, and celebrate community spirit.”
12. Charlotte Celebrates
June 18-21
Charlotte
“This year’s celebration features a variety of attractions designed to entertain and inspire. Attendees enjoy live music performances by local bands, an amazing cruise-in night on Friday and hands-on activities for children and families.”
13. Lansing Juneteenth Celebration
June 19-20
St. Joseph Park, 2125 W. Hillsdale St., Lansing
“The mission of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty and educating the community about our heritage. We do this with four days of celebration activities culminating with the festival.”
14. CheeseTown Race & Festival
June 19-21
Doc Letchfield Park, 301 North St., Pinconning
“Pinconning CheeseTown Festival is a part of the Pinconning heritage, and we’re happy to be a part of it. The fest seems to grow each year and brings good recognition to the surrounding communities.”
15. 48th Annual Greek Festival of Saginaw
June 19-21
St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 4970 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw
“Join us for our 48th annual Greek Festival! Come enjoy the Greek food, drink, and live entertainment, including band and traditional dancing!”
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16. Hamburg Family Fun Fest
June 17-20
10675 Merrill Road, Whitmore Lake
“Step into a world of wonder and fun at Hamburg Family Fun Fest Fair. Enjoy a variety of attractions and family-friendly fun for all ages.”
17. Canton Liberty Fest
June 18-20
Heritage Park, 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton
“As always, entry into the festival grounds is free. Canton’s largest community celebration continues its tradition of offering plenty of fabulous fun for all ages, so don’t miss this year’s festivities!”
18. Riverview Summerfest
June 18-20
Young Patriots Park, 18500 Civic Park Drive, Riverview
“The Riverview Summerfest is back and is a fun way to start your summer off right! From carnival rides and live bands to a buzzing beer tent and much more! You won’t want to miss out on the fun!”
19. Juneteenth Parade and Celebration
Friday, June 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2080 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
“Save the date for Detroit’s original Juneteenth Parade & Celebration now in its fourth year!”
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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?
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Crystal Niforos.
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