It’s gonna feel a lot like summer this weekend in Michigan and, luckily, there are plenty of fun opportunities around the state to take advantage of the weather.
Our highlights include community carnivals across the state, a massive art festival in East Lansing, a chance to sip beers at the Detroit Zoo, and even an event giving away free bike helmets to kids in our capital 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).
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Michigan House votes to get rid of clean energy goals (WCMU): The Michigan House of Representatives voted Tuesday to repeal key parts of Michigan’s 2023 clean energy law, including the state’s requirement to reach 100% clean energy by 2040, with Republicans arguing the changes would prioritize lower energy costs and grid reliability. The measures are unlikely to advance in the Democratic-controlled state Senate.
Michigan teen tobacco use rises (Bridge Michigan): Teen tobacco use in Michigan is rising again after years of decline, with 16.5% of high school students reporting tobacco use in 2023, driven largely by e-cigarettes and flavored nicotine products.
Lions to play Patriots in Germany (The Detroit News): The Detroit Lions will make their first international appearance in more than a decade when they face the New England Patriots in Germany on Nov. 15 at FC Bayern Munich Stadium.
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. Sparta Town & Country Days
May 13-17
194 E Division St., Sparta
“Sparta Town & Country Days is our community’s most beloved tradition! Join us in honoring our past and celebrating the present with visitors and neighbors alike. Enjoy traditional activities at Family Farm Night, a lively carnival, and an exciting parade featuring many of our favorite local businesses!”
2. Farm Girl Flea Market
May 15-16
Hudsonville Fairgrounds (5235 Park Ave., Hudsonville)
“It’s the first event of the season! Enjoy spring decor, vintage items, handmade goods, live entertainment, local food trucks, and much more!”
3. West Fest at John Ball Park
May 15-17
1300 W Fulton St., Grand Rapids
“Community, creativity and energy that will open your eyes to the awesomeness that is the West Side of Grand Rapids, WestFest has become one of West Michigan’s destination festivals.”
4. Michigan Cider Fest
Saturday, May 16, 3-7 p.m.
Rosa Parks Circle (135 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids)
“Gather in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids and celebrate the flavors of the Great Cider State as you taste from over 50 incredible Michigan ciders and enjoy live music and games. Food from delicious local food trucks will be available for purchase.”
5. 2026 ALEgan Beer Fest
Saturday, May 16, 2-8 p.m.
Allegan County Fairgrounds (150 Douglas St., Allegan)
“This outdoor craft beer festival brings together West Michigan breweries, live music, raffles, and a full afternoon of community fun at the Allegan County Fairgrounds.”
6. The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
May 16-17
Grand Haven State Park (1001 S. Harbor Dr., Grand Haven)
“Look up and get ready to be amazed! The Grand Haven Kite Festival transforms the Lake Michigan shoreline into a sky full of color, creativity, and high-flying fun. Watch professional kite fliers perform synchronized routines, stroll the beach lined with giant show kites, and even bring your own to join in.”
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7. National Morel Mushroom Festival
May 14-17
Veteran’s Park (207 N Lake St., Boyne City)
“Found in the woods of beautiful northern Michigan, the elusive morel is savored by those lucky enough to find this delectable treat. The Festival is held the weekend after Mother’s Day, and features morel tastings, a national competitive hunt, seminar, arts & crafts show, concerts, a carnival, and MORE!”
8. 20th Annual Petoskey Stone Festival
Saturday, May 16
Barnes Park Campground (12298 Barnes Park Road, Eastport)
“Join us … for a milestone celebration filled with treasure hunting, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and one-of-a-kind vendors. Whether you’re searching for your first Petoskey stone, competing in festival contests, shopping handcrafted Michigan goods, or simply soaking in a day by the lake with family and friends, there’s something for everyone.”
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9. St. Peter Ox Roast Festival & Carnival
May 14-17
515 E. Knight St., Eaton Rapids
“Homemade Ox Roast sandwiches and all the sides to welcome in the summer months. Friday (4:00 – 10:00), Saturday (Noon – 10:00) and Sunday (Noon – 5:00)the Carnival will be open. Thursday Night is FAMILY NIGHT. Bring your friends and family to the Pavilion and enjoy dinner, Bingo, card & board games. Play Euchre, Cribbage, Checkers, Chess or choose from several other games that will be available.”
10. World Expo of Beer
May 15-16
Heritage Park (601 Weiss St., Frankenmuth)
“Held annually on the 3rd weekend in May, this is Michigan’s largest beer sampling event. We have over 350 different beers from around the world!”
11. Jonesville RiverFest
May 15-17
265 E Chicago St., Jonesville
“Jonesville RiverFest has been a cherished, family-centered community tradition, drawing visitors from across Michigan and beyond. This will be a fun-filled weekend featuring live music to kick off the festival on Friday night, a golf scramble, theater events, a classic car show, tractor show, children’s activities, food trucks, artists, vendors, and much more!”
12. East Lansing Art Festival
May 16-17
Downtown East Lansing
“The East Lansing Art Festival is proud to continue its 63 year tradition of bringing high quality art to the streets of East Lansing. The East Lansing Art Festival’s mission is to enhance the sense of community and appreciation of art, culture and creativity in East Lansing and the greater Lansing region.”
13. Lids for Kids Bicycle Helmet Giveaway & Bike Safety Event
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
2701 Moores River Drive, Lansing
“Lansing-area families are invited to Lids for Kids at Frances Park, for a fun, educational bike safety event. Kids will receive a free, custom-fitted bike helmet, learn important safety tips, and enjoy games, activities, and character meet-and-greets.”
14. The Dead Pedal Dust Up
Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saginaw County Fairgrounds (11350 Peet Road, Chesaning)
“Fundraising for kids with heart defects, car + bike shows, mini bike races, live music, power wheels races, art auction, and more.”
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15. Clarkston Food Truck Rally
Friday, May 15, 4-9 p.m.
Pine Knob parking lot (33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston)
“Enjoy a fun night out with: ✨ A variety of delicious food trucks 🎶 Live entertainment 🍺 Beer tent 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly fun.”
16. Zoo Brew at the Detroit Zoo
Friday, May 15, 6:30-10 p.m.
8450 W 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
“At Zoo Brew, presented by KeyBank, you’ll wander through the Detroit Zoo’s 125 acres of naturalistic habitats, sip on 100+ beverage selections, enjoy live music from local artists and shell-ebrate a one-of-a-kind night out in Royal Oak. This year, we’re coming out of our shells for turtle conservation.”
17. Vintage Fest Car Show
Saturday, May 16, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Camp Dearborn (1700 General Motors Road, Milford)
“Check out classic rides and spring vibes at the Vintage Fest Car Show—fun, friends, and old-school cool!”
18. Spring Into Wilson
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
1801 W Jefferson Ave., Detroit
“Looking for a fun, easy, and FREE way to spend the day with the kids in Detroit? Head to Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park for Spring Into Wilson, the exciting grand re-opening celebration of one of the city’s most incredible riverfront destinations. This family-friendly event invites the community to rediscover Detroit’s ultimate playground with interactive activities, entertainment, games, and hands-on fun all along the award-winning Detroit Riverfront.”
19. Bee Day Festival
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
3448 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian
“Bee Day Festival is a one day free event hosted by River Raisin Beekeepers Club in Michigan. Local vendors, food trucks, fun and games.”
20. Art & Flower Fair 2026
May 16-17
Downtown Lake Orion
“Celebrate Spring with us at the annual Art & Flower Fair! Get outside and get downtown with us on May 16-17, 2026. The event offers 100 art and flower vendors, live artist demonstrations, a kids’ area with many games, crafts, and cool things to do, and a beer garden with live entertainment all weekend, Lake Orion style!”
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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.
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