Ten Spring and Summer Events in the Lower Peninsula You Won’t Want to Miss

Springtime in Michigan can be rainy or sunny (and even sometimes a little snowy), but it is one of the best times of year because of all the opportunities to finally get outside and explore. Michiganders tend to hunker down in the winter months, but once Spring arrives (or, at least is supposed to), we start opening our doors and venturing out. No matter where you live in the Mitten State, there are plenty of great activities to indulge in. Let’s take a tour of ten events The Lower Peninsula has to offer this May and June, so you can start planning your adventures.

1. Tulip Time Festival  Holland, Michigan May 4-12, 2019

To kick off the summer, let’s head to the Tulip Time Festival, which begins May 4th and runs through May 12th. This annual event is in its 90th year. Holland has long been steeped in Dutch tradition and this festival highlights all sorts of food and fun heralding from The Netherlands. There are parades, Dutch dancing, costumes, and marching bands, among other activities. Visit for a day, or stay for the week, but don’t forget the best reason to attend the festival: the tulips. With the relatively cool and rainy days, this year’s tulips are expected to be in bloom for the entire week. See Lily-flowered and Parrot tulips, tulips of orange, yellow, purple and fuchsia. The colors and varieties of the flowers in and of themselves make the trip worth it. Check the calendar and plan your trip today.

1. Movies at Flint Institute of Arts Flint, Michigan Wednesdays spring/summer 2019

Flint Institute of Arts is the second largest art museum in Michigan and offers a lot to its visitors. This is an especially good choice for rainy spring days. Each Wednesday at 12:15, they offer a free movie. They encourage guests to bring a sack lunch or pick something up from them in-house at The Palette Cafe.  Upcoming films include Melbourne Reborn (May 8) and New Orleans–The Water Line (May 15). After the movie, check out one of their many exhibits. A featured exhibit running now through October 27 is Small Worlds–an in-depth look at glass paperweights. Additionally, FIA offers a free glass blowing demonstration 11am-4pm every Saturday. Check out their website and plan your trip today.

1. Wine and Stein: Potter Park Zoo Lansing, Michigan May 16, 2019

Enjoy all the exciting animals and exhibits that Potter Park has to offer with beer and wine samplings, hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, and live music. This event promises to be a one of a kind and a great way to kick off the summer in mid-Michigan, plus your ticket helps to support The Potter Park Zoo. Cost is $30 in advance and $35 the day of. Get your tickets here.

1. BBQ, Blues, & Bluegrass St. Joseph, Michigan May 18, 2019

On Saturday, May 18 come enjoy the 7th Annual BBQ, Blues & Bluegrass: A Taste of Michigan St Joseph from 12pm-8pm. This event will take place at Whirlpool Centennial Park and will feature craft beer, BBQ, and some music that is not to be missed. The cost is $20 in advance and $25 the day of. This event will occur rain or shine, so dress accordingly and purchase your tickets.

1. Antiques Market Ann Arbor, Michigan Monthly Spring/Summer 2019

In our world of mass-production, it can be hard to find gifts of substance. If you are looking for truly unique gifts, look no further than the Ann Arbor Antiques Market. Featuring jewelry, modern and vintage wear, collectibles and more, this market hosts vendors from all over the country. The next show will take place May 18 (8am-4pm) and May 19 (10am-4pm) and promises to be a can’t miss opportunity for antique lovers. Cost for adults is only $6 (kids get in free). Check out more information about vendors here.

1. Balloons Over Bavarian Inn Frankenmuth, Michigan May 24-27, 2019

If you are looking for an enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend, look no further than the Balloons Over Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth, MI. This all-weekend event will feature many hot air balloons all day and into the night. Come see the hot air balloons glow at night. Plus, with free admission, this festival is set to delight visitors old and young. Check out event specifics here so that you can plan your weekend accordingly.

1. Lilac Festival Mackinac Island, Michigan June 7-16, 2019

Every year, in June, Mackinac Island becomes even more magical. This island in the straits boasts no motorized vehicles relying solely on horsepower and manpower, this place truly does transport its visitors back in time. From June 7-16, the scent of lilacs fills the air and this natural beauty is everywhere on the island. During this time Mackinac Island hosts parades, a beauty pageant, and 10K run. Check out their website for more details and accommodation information And once on The Island, don’t forget to stop by one of Ryba’s four locations to pick up some fudge.

1. Largest Desert Party Ludington, Michigan June 8, 2019

Ludington is well known for its lovely beaches and beautiful lighthouses, but on June 8 from 2pm-4pm, Ludington aims to do one better: Obtain the Guinness Book World Record for Largest Desert. This is a free event with registration taking place from 2pm-3pm and dessert service starting at 4 pm. Their aim is to have 2000-3000 in attendance so follow the link to RSVP today. 

1. Summer Concert Series Birmingham, Michigan Wednesdays, Summer 2019

Beginning June 14 and running every Wednesday after, Birmingham’s lovely Shain Park will host free concerts to the public. Since Shain has an amphitheater, any spot in the park makes for great listening. So, grab your camp chair and cozy up to a wide variety of music, from soul to blues, to jazz, there is something for any music lover to enjoy. Find out the specifics at their website and find a concert this summer to enjoy with your family and loved ones.

1. Jackson Blues Fest Jackson, Michigan June 13-15, 2019

A city in rejuvenation, Jackson, Michigan sets to host its 17th annual Blues Festival June 13-15. This musical experience will be sure to delight the whole family. In fact, on Friday, the 13th, the first 100 kids will receive a harmonica, a t-shirt, and a pair of sunglasses, and a mini-harmonica lesson. Cost is between $5-10 for adults depending on the night, kids 12 and under are free, every night. Food is available for purchase. So, check out the link and see which acts you’d like to catch.

These are merely a sampling of some of the great events that can be found in Michigan this spring and summer. No matter where you are in the state, and no matter what your budget, the fact is you can find something unique to do. So, do some research and plan to take a trip (or two) this spring.