The air has finally cleared up, and this weekend has a great lineup of events across Michigan to make the most of summer.
Highlights this week include an Italian festival in West Michigan, a Greek celebration in Detroit, and multiple art fairs.
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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Whitmer signs her final state budget (Michigan Advance): Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed Michigan’s $22.9 billion education budget Tuesday, boosting per-pupil funding while continuing free school meals, free pre-K, and major investments in student literacy. She also approved the rest of the state’s $85 billion budget, including housing measures and funding for roads, healthcare, and other key priorities.
Gordie Howe bridge opening celebration canceled (NBC News): Canada has canceled a joint US-Canada celebration for the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, citing renewed trade tensions after President Donald Trump announced new tariffs. The bridge will still open to traffic on July 27, but Canadian officials say they’ll celebrate the milestone separately.
Cyclosporiasis cases reach 6,500 (ClickOnDetroit): Michigan’s cyclosporiasis outbreak has grown to more than 6,500 confirmed cases, with health officials continuing to investigate lettuce or salad greens as a possible source. Officials urge anyone with persistent diarrhea to seek medical care and recommend avoiding bagged salad kits in favor of whole heads of lettuce while the investigation continues.
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Click the map to explore each location. (Google My Maps)
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1. National Baby Food Festival
July 22-25
Downtown Fremont
“The National Baby Food Festival is Fremont’s signature summer celebration; bringing families, friends, and visitors together for days filled with parades, live entertainment, carnival rides, food, kids activities, and unforgettable community fun in the Baby Food Capital of the World!”
2. Saugatuck Venetian Fest
July 24-25
Saugatuck
“Embrace the magic of summer at the Venetian Festival, the quintessential summer celebration in Saugatuck.”
3. West Michigan Italian Festival
July 24-25
Tanger Outlets (350 84th St. SW, Byron Center)
“Experience the inaugural West Michigan Italian Festival, where Italian heritage comes alive! From authentic cuisine to live music, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or artisan enthusiast, this festival is your gateway to Italian culture.”
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4. AuSable River Festival
Through July 26
Downtown Grayling
“Join thousands of visitors for a week of family fun, live entertainment, food, canoe racing, and community celebration leading up to the start of the legendary AuSable River Canoe Marathon!”
5. Marinafest
Saturday, July 25, 2-10 p.m.
Escanaba Marina
“Join us at Escanaba’s beautiful harbor in Ludington Park for Marina Fest 2026, a full day of free live music featuring four fantastic bands. Bring a lawn chair, soak in the lake breeze, and enjoy great music in one of Escanaba’s most scenic locations.”
6. Marquette Art on the Rocks
July 25-26
Mattson Lower Harbor Park (200 N. Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette)
“For over 65 years, this nationally recognized juried art show has brought artists and visitors together in Lower Harbor Park to celebrate original art, craftsmanship, and the creative spirit of the Upper Peninsula. We invite you to explore this year’s exhibitors, discover new work, reconnect with returning artists, find a gift or art for your home and enjoy a weekend of art, community, and summer on the waterfront.”
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7. Marshall Bluegrass Festival
Through July 25
Calhoun County Fairgrounds (720 Fair St., Marshall)
“Join us July 20-25, 2026 for a week of live music, exciting activities, delicious food, and great company. We know ”Marshall Week” will be the most fun you’ll have all summer!”
8. Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Powwow
July 24-26
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Reservation (7525 E. Tomah Road, Mt. Pleasant)
“Immerse yourself in Indigenous culture at the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribal Powwow. For over 40 years, this event has welcomed visitors and community members alike to the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Reservation to experience, celebrate, and learn more about the rich heritage and culture of Indigenous People.”
9. Celebrate Meridian Festival
July 24-25
1995 Central Park Dr.
“Make the most of your summer with live music from Starfarm and GEECH, food trucks, children’s activities, a beer garden, a drone show, and more!”
10. Lansing Taco, Tequila and Margarita Fest
Saturday, July 25, 4-8 p.m.
201 E. Shiawassee St., Lansing
“Lansing Taco and Tequila Fest is an outdoor tequila festival located at Adado Riverfront Park. This park features shade under the trees and picnic tables for seating. This festival features 10+ Food Vendors, 100+ different tequilas, margaritas, beers & ciders. The festival also features live music, vendors and food trucks.”
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11. Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair
July 23-25
40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
“Sterlingfest is taking over Dodge Park and the City Center Campus July 23-25 for three days of live music, food, entertainment and fun for the whole family. Enjoy live performances on three music stages, browse more than 100 artists and makers, explore the carnival midway, discover local food favorites and take part in activities for all ages. “
12. Labadie Rib Fest
July 23-26
Veterans Memorial Park (John F Kennedy Drive, Bay City)
“From classic rock and country to high-energy party bands, the Rib Fest concert stage will be the perfect soundtrack to a weekend filled with award-winning barbecue, cold beverages, and family fun.”
13. Sounds & Sights Festival
July 24-25
Downtown Chelsea
“The 2026 Sounds & Sights Festival will be held July 24th & 25th and it will feature live music in the social tent, kids’ entertainment and activities, a classic car show, art market, GIG – The Art of Michigan Music, Chelsea Art Alley, chalk art exhibition, chalk art competition, farmers market, food court and a TeenZone.”
14. Birmingham Day On The Town
Saturday, July 25, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Downtown Birmingham
“Visit Downtown Birmingham for Day On The Town – the biggest retail event of the year! Shop deeply discounted merchandise (up to 70% off) from over 80 retailers during the annual sidewalk sale event. Plus, enjoy food trucks and other attractions throughout the streets and sidewalks of Downtown Birmingham.”
15. Greektown Heritage Festival
Saturday, July 25, 12-9 p.m.
Greektown, Detroit
“Celebrating the rich, ethnic Greek heritage of the downtown neighborhood, The highlight of the festival is the street-side lamb roast with eight spits rotating this celebratory Greek dish. Monroe Street is filled with live Greek music, traditional Greek dancers, Greek food and drink, and family-friendly games. Free and open to the public. Opa!”
16. Royal Oak PRIDE
Saturday, July 25, 1-11 p.m.
Downtown Royal Oak
“Get ready for thrilling entertainment, yum worthy food vendors, makers, nonprofits, and pride vibes to last you another 364 days.”
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