There is so much going on this weekend in Michigan that it should be considered a crime to stay inside, with festivals going down in every corner of the state.
From Pride celebrations and art fairs to beer festivals, parades, powwows, and much more, there’s definitely something for you in this week’s list.
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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Consumers Energy applies for rate hike (The Detroit News): Consumers Energy is seeking a $456 million rate hike that would raise residential electric bills by about 9.8%, just months after regulators approved another increase for the utility. Critics, including Attorney General Dana Nessel, argue repeated rate hikes are putting growing financial pressure on Michigan households.
DNR auctioning off properties (WXYZ): The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is auctioning more than 100 surplus properties across 28 counties this August, including lakefront, riverfront and forested parcels. Online auctions begin Aug. 4 and run through Aug. 28
Black bear relocated from Mt. Pleasant neighborhood (WOOD-TV): A 150-pound black bear climbed a tree in a Mount Pleasant neighborhood Tuesday, drawing a crowd before DNR officials tranquilized and safely relocated it to the Houghton Lake area.
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We’ve got a very Michigan giveaway just for you.
One lucky reader will win a vintage Vernors can lamp. To enter, just recommend a few friends who might enjoy The ’Gander. If they sign up, they’ll be entered, too.
Yep, it’s that simple. What are you waiting for?
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. Love Ludington Street Party
Friday, June 5, 6-9 p.m.
Downtown Ludington
“Enjoy an evening packed with live music by Onager, exciting kids’ games and bounce houses, delicious food and drinks, a classic car show, local vendors, and plenty more. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to experience the energy, community spirit, and summer fun that make Ludington such a great place to live, work, and visit.”
2. Kalamazoo Pride
June 5-6
Arcadia Creek Festival Place (145 E. Water St., Kalamazoo)
“OutFront Kalamazoo’s largest annual fundraiser is back for another season of radical joy! All proceeds from Kalamazoo Pride support OutFront Kalamazoo’s work providing vital programs, services, and resources to the LGBTQIA+ community all year long.”
3. Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair
June 5-6
Bronson Park (200 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo)
“Kick off summer with the 75th Annual Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair in historic Bronson Park in beautiful downtown Kalamazoo! In 2025, this two-day, juried fine arts fair welcomed 17,000+ visitors to the park to celebrate and invest in the participating artists from across Michigan and the country as they showcased their creative talents and sold their work.”
4. Muskegon Pride
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Hackley Park (350 W. Webster Ave., Muskegon)
“Join Muskegon Pride for a full day of celebration at Hackley Park in downtown Muskegon on June 6. The annual Muskegon Pride Festival & Parade brings together local organizations, businesses, families, residents, and visitors to celebrate inclusion and support for the LGBTQ+ community. The day begins with the Muskegon Pride Parade through downtown Muskegon and continues at Hackley Park with entertainment, vendors, food, and opportunities to connect.”
5. Blue Water Sturgeon Festival
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fort Gratiot Lighthouse (2802 Omar St., Port Huron)
“We have two ways for your to experience the Giant of the Great Lakes – by Ship and by Shore! Each spring, thousands of lake sturgeon gather under the Blue Water Bridges to spawn – ground zero for one of the largest remaining populations of lake sturgeon in the Great Lakes – making these experiences like none other!”
6. Lowell Pride
Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Lowell Riverwalk (Main Street, Lowell)
“Lowell Pride is all about creating a space where everyone can show up exactly as they are and feel seen, safe, and celebrated. Whether you’re part of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community or an ally, you belong here.”
7. PRIDE in the Park/Parade Saugatuck-Douglas
Saturday, June 6, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Beery Field (South Main Street, Douglas)
“The celebration features refreshments, local business vendors, and dancing to iconic 80s hits performed live by Chicago bands Sixteen Candles and Hello Weekend.”
8. Do-Dah Parade 2026
Saturday, June 6, beginning at 11 a.m.
1417 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo
“The Do-Dah parade is a 40 year plus tradition full of laughter, community celebration, and a little bit of the ‘how did they come up with that?’ feel. It is focused on promoting businesses, organizations, and everything in between through the creative design of a parade unit. It is entertainment on the streets of downtown Kalamazoo.”
9. City Built Block Party 2026
Saturday, June 6, 3-10 p.m.
820 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids
“Join us as we celebrate our 9th Anniversary! We’re throwing the BIGGER BIGGEST block party on Mason Street. LIVE MUSIC. FOOD TRUCKS.”
10. Blessing of the Boats
Saturday, June 6, 4-10 p.m.
West End (950 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington)
“Join us for a fun-filled community celebration featuring the annual Blessing of the Boats (or boat keys), live entertainment under the tent, exciting raffle prizes, delicious food truck vendors, and beer sales throughout the event.”
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11. Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
June 5-14
Mackinac Island
“The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. It’s 10 days celebrating the lilacs and their uniqueness and history to Mackinac Island. Join us for the Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and more!”
12. Ironwood Pride
June 5-6
Downtown Ironwood
“Pride UP is a celebration of the beautiful Queer/LGBT+ community in Ironwood, MI and the surrounding areas. Come frolic, reflect, connect, sing, and decorate yourself with YOUR true colors. We join festivals across the nation that recognize June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month.”
13. Kirtland’s Warbler Festival
June 5-6
CRAF Center (606 Lake St., Roscommon)
“The festival is an educational celebration of the Kirtland’s Warbler, its habitat, and the communities located in the jack pine ecosystem—Kirtland’s country.”
14. Bronco The Mac
June 5-6
St. Ignace
“From a thrilling Mackinac Bridge crossing to downtown parades, drone show, and trail rides, Bronco the Mac brings Bronco enthusiasts together for two unforgettable days on the shores of the Straits. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic gathering!”
15. Niiwin Noodin Powwow
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
5698w US-2, Manistique
“Vendors Open, 10 a.m. Grand Entry, 1 and 6 p.m. Community Feast, 4-6 p.m.
Bring a dish to pass if you can. Elders, drummers, dancers eat before the general public.”
16. Empire Asparagus Festival
Saturday, June 6, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Front Street, Empire
“We are back for another amazing asparagus-filled day! Lots of incredible local asparagus eats, great music, and fun activities to come! Including the Kick-Yer Assparagus 5K Fun Run/Walk!”
17. Keweenaw Pridefest
Saturday, June 6, 1-5 p.m.
Calumet Colosseum (110 Red Jacket Road, Calumet)
“It’s more than just a party. It’s a celebration of being queer and overcoming adversity. We need to celebrate the rights that queer people have earned. We get to love each other in the open and be our true, authentic selves. We want this event to connect all the generations of queer people living in the Keweenaw Peninsula.”
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18. Gizzard Fest
June 4-6
West Main Street, Potterville
“Gizzard Fest is not your ordinary festival. Thousands of people stream into Potterville for this unique event and good old-fashioned fun! The small town atmosphere, live music, carnival, and great food (including plenty of gizzards) bring people from across the Midwest.”
19. Owosso Curwood Festival
June 4-7
212 S. Washington St., Owosso
“Come join us for the annual Curwood festival located in beautiful downtown Owosso Michigan.”
20. Ella Sharp Museum 21st Annual Art, Beer & Wine Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2-6 p.m.
Ella Sharp Museum (3225 Fourth St., Jackson)
“Gather to historic Hillside Farmlane to enjoy tastings of Michigan’s wineries breweries, cider mills, distilleries, and more. We’re also bringing along tasty food vendors, live music across the museum grounds, and an unforgettable summer atmosphere!”
21. Pumpstock Music Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2-8 p.m.
300 Bailey St., East Lansing
“Come celebrate music, life, music, community, music, food, music and family with East Lansing’s favorite outdoor music festival.”
22. Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival
Saturday, June 6, 4-9 p.m.
Downtown Mount Pleasant
“The 12th Annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Mt. Pleasant Jaycees. This festival brings together community members and visitors to enjoy craft beer, food, and live music!”
23. Meridian Pride
Saturday, June 6, 5-10 p.m.
Marketplace on the Green Pavilion (1995 Central Park Drive, Okemos)
“The event will bring LGBTQ+ members, allies, and organizations together to celebrate the Meridian community!”
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24. Davison Festival of Flags
June 3-7
Lake Callis Recreation Complex (1152 N. Gale Road, Davison)
“Parade, carnival, casino night, comedy, live music, family fun day—five days at Lake Callis in Davison.”
25. Ya’ssoo Greek Festival
June 5-7
St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church (3109 Scio Church Road, Ann Arbor)
“Starting in 1973, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Ann Arbor, Michigan has hosted the Ya’ssoo Greek Festival of Ann Arbor, a weekend full of Greek music, food, dancing, and more to experience and enjoy.”
26. Michigan Lavender Festival
June 5-7
Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds (195 Midway St., Imlay City)
“We showcase Michigan’s top lavender farms, growers and producers along with hundreds of artists & makers in this 3-day festival that is truly a symphony for the senses! Our festival also features a Food Truck Gathering with Metro-Detroit’s BEST Food Trucks.”
27. African American Downtown Festival
Saturday, June 6, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
North Fourth Avenue & East Ann Street, Ann Arbor
“This annual event welcomes everyone to join in, bring your lawn chairs, and listen to entertainment, shop vendors, grab some food, and have fun with community.”
28. Romanian American Heritage Festival
Saturday, June 6, 2-11 p.m.
Sts. Peter & Paul Romanian Orthodox Church (750 N. Beech Daly Road, Dearborn Heights)
“Since 2007, this annual tradition has been fun for the whole family. With delicious food, music and dancing, and even activities for the kids … come enjoy the afternoon and evening with us. Everyone is invited and welcome to participate!”
29. Motor City Pride
June 6-7
Hart Plaza (1 W. Jefferson, Detroit)
“Motor City Pride is more than just a festival—it’s a vibrant celebration of music, talent and diversity. With four dynamic stages showcasing both local talent and world-renowned LGBTQIA+ artists, our entertainment lineup is as diverse as the community we represent.”
30. Disc Golf Discovery Day
Sunday, June 7, 1-3 p.m.
Kensington Metropark (4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford)
“Get ready to throw, learn and play at Disc Golf Discovery Day! Kids can test their skills in interactive competitions, learn tips from disc golf pros and enjoy free treats along the way. The first 100 guests to visit the event check-in table will receive a free Kona Ice ticket, and all visitors will receive a free commemorative mini disc while supplies last.”
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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega and edited by Paula Solis.
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