It might be August, but summer isn’t slowing down yet with loads of events happening across the state this weekend.

Highlights include jazz and blues festivals, art fairs, and celebrations dedicated to everything from Italian heritage to craft beer, and even magic.

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).

November election is set (The ’Gander): Michigan’s high-turnout primary has set the stage for November, with Abdul El-Sayed, Jocelyn Benson, and John James among the candidates advancing in key statewide races. Election officials will now certify the results before campaigning shifts to the Nov. 3 general election, when voters will decide races for US Senate, governor, and several competitive congressional seats.

Gordie Howe Bridge opens to pedestrians, cyclists (CBS News): The Gordie Howe International Bridge’s new pedestrian and bike path is now open, giving walkers and cyclists a free way to cross between Michigan and Canada. Anyone using the path will still need to clear US and Canadian border inspections and carry the required travel documents.

Drugmaker to pay millions to states, including Michigan (The Detroit News): Swiss drugmaker Sandoz has agreed to pay about $400 million to settle a multistate lawsuit alleging it conspired to inflate prescription drug prices, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced this week. The proposed settlement is part of an ongoing nationwide price-fixing case against multiple drug manufacturers.

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

West Michigan

🫐 National Blueberry Festival

Aug. 6-9

South Haven

“The dog days of August bring on South Haven’s National Blueberry Festival. Celebrating the city’s status as the Blueberry Capital of the world. Our restaurants all have a special Blueberry item on their menu & Free entertainment every evening overlooking the harbor.”

💃 Grand Rapids Hispanic Festival

Aug. 7-8

Calder Plaza (300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)

“For 46 years the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan has held the Hispanic Festival downtown Grand Rapids, MI. It is our premier event & largest fundraiser. The Hispanic Festival is an expressive way to celebrate & share heritage, culture & traditions.”

Northern Michigan/UP

⚓ Elk Rapids Harbor Days

Aug. 5-8

Elk Rapids

“Elk Rapids Harbor Days is a free, four-day celebration of community and small-town tradition. From the Grande Parade to the beloved dazzling fireworks show by Zambelli Fireworks, Elk Rapids Harbor Days features festivities and activities for all ages.”

🚢 International Ironworker Festival

Aug. 7-9

Mackinaw City

“The International Ironworker Festival is an annual event held each summer in Mackinaw City. It attracts Ironworkers from across the United States and Canada to compete in friendly competition.”

Mid/South Michigan

🎺 Lansing JazzFest

Aug. 5-9

Old Town Lansing

“JazzFest Michigan is an annual music festival in Old Town Lansing, that has been going on for over 30 years. Four Venues & Five Days: We’ve added a kickoff concert on Wednesday night and a Sunday Gospel Fest. There are four venues: the MICA Stage, MessageMakers Stage, Tripp Stage, and UrbanBeat Stage.”

🍻 Great Lakes Beer Festival

Saturday, Aug. 8, 2-7 p.m.

Dow Diamond (825 E. Main St., Midland)

“The Great Lakes Beer Festival 2026 features 50+ Michigan craft breweries, cideries & distilleries inside the stadium at beautiful Dow Diamond home of the Great Lakes Loons, minor league affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers!”

Southeast Michigan/Thumb

🎸 Blues, Brews & Barbecue

Aug. 7-8

Thomas H. Brown Central Park (36601 Ford Road, Westland)

“Blues, Brews and Barbecue is the biggest summer bash in all of Western Wayne County! It’s all about slick blues music, good ol’ authentic BBQ food, and ice-cold domestic draft brews. Sights and sounds are FREE OF CHARGE so bring your family and friends!”

🎡 Dearborn Homecoming Festival

Aug. 7-9

Ford Field Park (22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn)

“The city’s favorite weekend includes all-day live music, carnival rides, food and drinks, an arts district, vendor market, games, and a variety of other activities.”

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 with a story by Kyle Kaminski. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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