12 things to do in Michigan in July

It’s been a crazy summer of up and down weather so far, but the Tigers have been very hot. Catch a game if you can. Cool events are also around every corner. Here are some of the state’s best in our 12 things to do in Michigan in July.

July 1-5 National Cherry Festival – Traverse City

It’s time for the biggest party of the year in our nation’s Cherry Capital. First and foremost, there are zillions of ways to enjoy scrumptious cherries, though for our money, probably none better than a good old fashioned pie. This celebration is so big it even has two parades. Concerts include Tyler Hubbard, Cheap Trick, Collective Soul, Trace Adkins, Weird Al Yankovic, T.I., Hinder, Buckcherry, Pop Evil,  Hoobastank, Bowling For Soup, and Plain White T’s. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbords will also be appearing at the airshow.

July 11-13 Art in the Park – Plymouth

Now in its 44th year, this, the state’s second largest art fair, will welcome over 400 artists from around the country this year. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art and a variety of other mediums. Theatrical performances, music, and live art demonstrations round out the weekend.

July 11-13 & 18-20 Blake’s Lavender Festival – Armada

Ah, lavender, one of nature’s most refreshing scents. Blake’s is the place to be to immerse yourself in this summer sensation. Stroll the tranquil orchards and shop the open-air marketplace filled with local artisans. Sip on a refreshing lavender lemonade or try it in ice cream. There will also be free classes and demonstrations on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, farming, gardening, and more. General admission is $12-$14 per person. Children 2 and under are admitted at no cost.

July 12 Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race – Port Huron

If there’s one thing this state is truly known for, it’s boats on lakes. That’s especially true of sailing vessels. There may be no better place to enjoy them than Port Huron at the start of this auspicious race. Get up early, head to Port Huron, watch the yachts and a bevy of other boats, parade out of the harbor. Then enjoy some time exploring the town. Grab a coffee and some scrumptious fresh food at Kate’s Downtown or a meal with a view of the Blue Water Bridge at Freighters. Spend the weekend in town and soak up all the fun of the Blue Water Fest. Conversely, head to Mackinac Island and enjoy the climactic arrival with one of the best island parties of the season.

Crowds gather to watch the start of the famous Port Huron to Mackinac race.

July 17-19 Ann Arbor Art Fair – Ann Arbor

The fact that this art fair includes a Thursday and no Sunday is just one of the many aspects that makes it unique. It’s also the state’s largest, combining four different fairs. You’ll find work in all kinds of media ranging from clay to wood, fibers to furniture, photography to painting, jewelry to printmaking, and more. If you want to make it to every artist’s booth, then you’ll need to plan to make a full day of it in Ann Arbor. Start your day out with coffee and scrumptious baked goods at Avalon. When you need a refreshment, Jolly Pumpkin awaits with some of the state’s best brews.

July 17-20 Mayville Sunflower Festival – Mayville

An old song implies that Christmas is the “hap-happiest season of all,” but we can’t help wondering if the lyricist ever experienced sunflower season! The good news is, that you can. Head into the Thumb area for a summer tradition that has lasted for three decades. Celebrate sunflowers and some good old fashioned summer fun with a pancake breakfast, a village-wide yard sale, cornhole tournament, axe-throwing, food trucks, concerts, a Bump and Run Derby, a Grand Parade and fireworks.

July 19-26 Venetian Festival – Charlevoix

Venice may not be on your travel itinerary this year, so how about a Venetian fest? What started out as a candlelit boat parade more than nine decades ago, has grown into an 8-day bash in beautiful Charlevoix. You’ll find concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street parade, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, buskers, and of course, the foundational parade of boats. This year’s boat parade, on July 26, should be very interesting with a them of Whose Team Rules?

July 18-19 Kalamazoo Blues Fest – Kalamazoo

he Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association has been bringing the blues to the community since 1994, through concerts, education, and the beloved Kalamazoo Blues Fest. Head to Arcadia Creek Festival Place, and plan to eat and drink at one of the many food trucks on site. Then nestle in for some soulful blues, featuring Jim Klein Band, Chris Canas, Ivy Ford, Brandon Santini, Lefthanded Rollers, Crossroads Resurrection, Stefan Hillesheim, Tullie Brae, John Primer, and Vanessa Collier

July 18-20 Hot Air Jubilee – Jackson

For more than 4 decades, filling the skies with color has been an annual tradition in Jackson. This year there are 24 pilots scheduled to take flight, including several 15 females competing for the US Women’s National Championship, beginning on July 14. The jubliee fun takes place at Ella Sharp Park, where you’ll find crafters, the Kids Kingdom, vendors, and an auto show. You can’t get a ride in a balloon, but you can hop aboard a helicopter for a quick bird’s eye view of the festivities. Being at the park also offers a host of opportunities to experience the Hurst Planetarium, Ella Sharp Museum, a mini golf course, and much more. Jam to live music in the evenings before and after the Night Glow.

Hot air balloons taking flight over Ella Sharp Park in Jackson, Michigan.

July 22-27 Ausable River Canoe Marathon – Grayling

Have you ever paddled a portion of the Au Sable River? If you like to canoe, then chances are, you have. Now you can see how some of the best of the best do it. This unique event draws paddlers from around the world for a grueling and prestigious marathon. Known to be North America’s toughest nonstop canoe race, this event is part of the sport’s Triple Crown. It goes from Grayling to Oscoda, and fans are invited to cheer paddlers on throughout the night. It can be tricky to seek out access to the river in total darkness in order to spot your favorite crew, but that’s just part of the fun. While in the Oscoda area, check out the River Road Scenic Byway.

July 25-26 Summer Beer Festival – Ypsilanti

Nobody throws a tasting party quite like the Michigan Brewer’s Guild, and this event may be their best of all. Beer aficionados, and the brewmasters who make their favorites, come together in Ypsi for the party of the season. The event runs from 5pm-9pm on Fri July 25 and again from 3pm-10pm on Sat July 26. The Summer Beer Festival features literally hundreds of Michigan’s finest brews available for sampling. The festivities take place at Riverside Park, but there are tons of other fun places to explore while in Depot Town.

July 26-27 Art on the Rocks  – Marquette

Not that any of us need an excuse to visit Marquette in the summer (or really any time of year), but if you’re looking for one, this is it. Art on the Rocks is easily the finest art show in the Upper Peninsula, and in fact, one of the best in the country. It’s located in the lovely Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior. The surrounding views are sure to be nearly as stunning as the artwork. Check out the adorable lighthouse nearby, and the incredible old iron ore dock. Take an easy stroll into downtown for a cold beer at Ore Dock Brewing or Blackrocks. Scrumptious eats and drinks can also be found nearby at Iron Bay and The Vierling.

Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Follow @BuyMichiganNow on Facebook or tag us in a picture on Instagram when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in July. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.