Get your taste buds ready because this weekend’s events include food and beer festivals across Michigan. We’ll also have a healthy helping of art and music if that’s more your style.
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 court overturns conviction of man accused in Whitmer plot (ClickOnDetroit): A Michigan appeals court has overturned the conviction of a man tied to the plot to kidnap Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, ruling that kidnapping cannot serve as the basis for a terrorism conviction under state law and finding errors in the jury instructions. Attorney General Dana Nessel called the decision “outrageous” and vowed to appeal.
MI lawmaker proposes year-long data center moratorium (Michigan Advance): Republican state Sen. Jim Runestad has introduced legislation to pause new data center projects in Michigan for one year, arguing the state needs more time to study potential impacts on energy costs, farmland, and local communities. The proposal comes as major AI data center developments expand across the state. A similar bill package has been introduced in the state House.
Severe weather on its way (MLive): Forecasters are warning that severe thunderstorms could develop across much of Michigan later this week, with the greatest risk expected Thursday evening and overnight as a powerful weather system moves through the Great Lakes.
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. Taste of Muskegon
June 12-13
Hackley Park (350 W Webster Ave., Muskegon)
“Get a Taste of the best Muskegon has to offer! Join us for a weekend of deliciously different Tastes featuring locally-owned restaurants, food trucks, music and more!”
2. Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 2026
June 12-14
Calder Plaza (300 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
“Join us for the vibrant Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival 2026, a two-day celebration filled with flavor, music, culture, and fun in West Michigan!”
3. Cereal Festival
Saturday, June 13, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
McCamly Street from Michigan to Hamblin Avenue, Battle Creek
“This signature festival highlights Battle Creek’s heritage as the birthplace of the cereal industry and is a tradition that has drawn people far and wide for over 50 years.”
4. Rock the Block: Unplugged
Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
1167 Madison Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
“Rock the Block: Unplugged is a scaled, intentional version of our long-running Rock the Block street festival-bringing the heart of Southtown together in a closer, more connected space.”
5. Flat River Pride
Saturday, June 13, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
201 W Judd St., Greenville
“Join us for live music, educational programming, food, local vendors, community organizations, activities, and connection in a welcoming space for the LGBTQIA+ community and allies alike.”
6. Michiana PrideFest
Saturday, June 13, 12-6 p.m.
Tyler Fields, Niles
“Take me out to the ballgame! OutCenter Southwest Michigan is excited to announce a bold new vision for Michiana PrideFest, a community field day with a brand-new home at Tyler Fields!”
7. Grand Haven Pride Festival
Saturday, June 13, 12-10 p.m.
1 N Harbor Drive, Grand Haven
“Come celebrate with a full day of community, connection, and Pride. Enjoy live entertainment, including a DJ and musical performances, plus Drag Bingo, the Poetry Series, the Pride Vendor Market, and kids’ activities.”
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8. Bridgefest
June 11-14
Houghton-Hancock
“Bridgefest is a weekend celebration of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and the communities that it connects.”
9. Pictured Rocks Days
June 12-13
Binsfeld Bayshore Park (355 Elm Ave., Munising)
“The festival will feature Free Live Music, Foam Zone, Food Trucks, Beer Tent, Arts & Crafts, Interpretive & Informational Vendors.”
10. Upper Peninsula Rainbow Pride
Saturday, June 13, 12-11 p.m.
200 N Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette
“Food vendors, merchandise, nonprofit resources, games, art activities, drag shows, AND MORE.”
11. The Donut and Beer Festival
Saturday, June 13, 4-8 p.m.
Turtle Creek Stadium (333 Stadium Drive, Traverse City)
“Come for the donuts, stay for the party! Beyond the pairings, enjoy live music, family zones, and activities that’ll keep you buzzing.”
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12. Jackson Bluesfest
June 11-13
10138 Tompkins Road, Jackson
“Come celebrate music, food and summer fun in Jackson.”
13. Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
June 11-14
Frankenmuth
“Visitors to the Bavarian Festival are invited to celebrate German heritage through Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands, watch two parades, enjoy the local schuhplattler dancers Da Frankenmuda Fratz’n, and dance music. Venues sell many varieties of German foods and desserts, along with imported and domestic beer.”
14. Lansing Beer Fest
Saturday, June 13, 4-8 p.m.
Adado Riverfront Park (201 E Shiawassee St., Lansing)
“Lansing Beer Fest features 100+ different beers, ciders, hard seltzers, meads, spirits & wines. The festival also features live music, vendors and food trucks.”
15. East Lansing Pride
Saturday, June 13, 4-9 p.m.
Albert Avenue between Abbot Road and M.A.C. Avenue, East Lansing
“Come celebrate PRIDE in the heart of downtown East Lansing! This year’s event will feature: Open Floor Drag Show, Live Music, Drag Storytime, 50-plus local vendors, Free giveaways, Community art activities, And SO much more!”
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16. Totally ‘80s Summerfest
Friday, June 12, 6-10 p.m.
Lake Trust Stadium (3607 Cleary Drive, Howell)
“Like, totally join us for a night of rad bites from local food trucks, field and arcade games, live tunes by the MEGA 80s, and tastings of brews & cocktails around Lake Trust Stadium!”
17. Art on the River
June 12-14
500 Merchant St., Port Huron
“Art on the River is a three day art and music festival which features many local artists, crafters and bands!”
18. Motor City Irish Fest
June 12-14
20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
“The Motor City Irish Festival at Greenmead Historical Park Livonia.”
19. Taco & Tequila Fest
June 12-14
Canterbury Village ( 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion)
“The taco lover’s ULTIMATE festival is BACK for 2026 – now with MORE TEQUILA! 3 days of the best taco trucks in Michigan, multiple stages of entertainment, activities including live music and wrestling, margaritas and cervezas, and more!”
20. Shamrock Festival
June 12-14
1001 Charles H Orndorf Drive, Brighton
“This family-friendly community event brings together the best of summer! Carnival rides, game tents, great food, a beer tent, and live music all weekend long.”
21. Berkley Art Bash
Saturday, June 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
12 Mile Road, Berkley
“The Berkley Art Bash has been turning Twelve Mile into an art filled street party since 2001. It attracts crowds of over 10,000 that come to find hip handmade wares from over 180 artists and makers, listen to live music, enjoy street eats and fun kid activities.”
22. Warren City Pride
Saturday, June 13, 12-6 p.m.
Detroit Festival Grounds (401 Macomb St., Detroit)
“Michigan’s 3rd largest city in the state is celebrating their 3rd year at Warren City Pride! Featuring live music, speakers, drag kings/queens/royalty, vendors, food trucks, & more!”
23. Pawfest 2026
Saturday, June 13, 12-8 p.m.
16121 Reckinger Road, Dearborn
“Join us for Pawfest, where pets, people, and good vibes come together for one unforgettable day. Enjoy a full day of live music, food and drinks, and more than 100 vendors, including Sundays at the Market, offering something for everyone to enjoy.”
24. Plymouth Pride
Sunday, June 14, 2-6 p.m.
Liberty St., Plymouth
“Last year was our first year hosting a Pride festival and it was a massive success! We know the Village is the perfect home for this kind of celebration and we are so excited for a second, even bigger event this 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.
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