12 things to do in Michigan in April

Spring is finally here, as illustrated by our 12 things to do in Michigan in April 2024. Let’s get outside and have some fun.

April 8-June 14 Lantern Festival – Grand Rapids

The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The lantern festival takes place on a one-mile stretch of the zoo. It features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the park and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. The festival runs every Wednesday-Sunday, from 7:30pm-11:30pm. The spectacle is also open on Tuesdays, beginning May 19. Tickets start at $22 per person.

April 11 Greenfield Village Opening Day – Dearborn

Fresh air, gravel beneath your feet, the honk of an old horn, you’ll also know that spring has officially sprung when Greenfield Village reopens its gates for the season. There is an exclusive member preview on April 10, and then the general public is invited to come on in on April 11. This map of the Village will help in planning your visit. Hop aboard the train. Get the kids on the carousel. Go back in time in a Model T. The farm animals will be out, artisans will be making magic in Liberty Square, and of course frosty goodness awaits at the Frozen Custard Hut. Weather permitting, it might just feel like summer.

April 12 FestiFools – Ann Arbor

Twenty years ago, FestiFools exploded onto Ann Arbor’s Main Street with dozens of enormous kinetic papier-mâché sculptures created by UM Students and community members in joyous collaboration. This year’s theme, Back to the FOOLture, features a whole new slew of bizarro, street-sized characters representing the past, present and future of this Foolish event. Don a crazy costume, bring an old pan to bang on, or just come as you are to be part of the 20th annual celebration of FestiFools. The fun kicks off promptly at 4pm. Who couldn’t use an afternoon of foolishness?

April 12 All Things Detroit Day – Detroit

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking to sell your wares, someone who loves to shop, or just looking for some family fun, head to Eastern Market on April 12. This special event seeks to connect you with small business owners, artisans, food lovers, entertainers and a host of very interesting people for a great and memorable experience. Groove to the music from local DJs, check out the food trucks, and shop until you almost drop. Then, pop over to historic Bert’s for some scrumptious BBQ, quench your thirst at Eastern Market Brewing Company, or sip a sassy cocktail at Detroit City Distillery. If the weather cooperates, take a stroll to enjoy the murals all over the market.

April 16-18 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival – Copper Harbor

The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to the state’s latest Dark Sky Park. The fact that its star-filled skies weren’t first is almost shocking. Any time is a wonderful time to visit. This month’s festival runs in conjunction with International Dark Sky Week. Events and special workshops will be hosted at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, headquarters for the Keweenaw Dark Sky Park. Intended for all ages of dark sky enthusiasts, guests can participate in workshops, stargaze on snowshoes, and even chase the Northern Lights, which have had some spectacular shows as of late.

April 17-18 Bringin’ Back the ’80s Festival – Frankenmuth

This might just be Frankenmuth’s best party of the year. The annual event takes attendees back to a gnarly time, when gnarly meant good and so did bad. Whether you prefer to dance to a Jackson or a Prince, Madonna or The Police, grab some stonewashed jeans, and totally awesome friends, and hit the floor. Groove to outrageous live cover bands. Enter the best dressed contest. Check out the huge display of ’80s memorabilia. Play retro video games, and marvel at the breakdancing show. Tickets are $15-20 and proceeds support cancer-related causes. The fun runs 6pm-Midnight on Friday or 5pm-Midnight on Sat.

April 20-26 Restaurant Week – Ludington

There are so many cool reasons to visit Ludington. Lighthouses, beaches, parks, and a very walkable, shoppable downtown. This month provides an excellent and affordable opportunity to explore its culinary side. You’ll find $10 breakfast and lunch options, or how about dinner for two for just $35? There are nearly a dozen participating eateries, including The Q Smokehouse, Mitten Bar, and the infamous House of Flavors. The latter is important because every season is ice cream season, right?  Each time you dine, be sure to log your visit online for a chance to win prizes from Downtown Ludington retailers. Scan the QR code at your location, enter your email address and the restaurant’s individualized password. Prize winners will be notified daily.

April 22-26 National Trout Festival – Kalkaska

As they like to say in Kalkaska, “Rise and shine, it’s fishing time.” Anglers will be coming from near and far to the National Trout Festival, which consists of events, activities, and parades that take place mainly at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds and downtown at Railroad Square. Festivities begin at the town’s Trout Fountain for an introduction of this year’s Grand Marshall, and crowning of the King and Queen, followed by live jazz. Highlights the rest of the weekend include Taste of Trout, fishing contests, classic car show, flea market, Whispering Pines Animal Kingdom, dodge ball, pig roast, Troutzilla, a carnival and fireworks. What a great way to welcome trout season.

April 24-25 Pulp & Press Lit Arts Fest – Vicksburg

The Pulp & Press Lit Arts Fest is a literary arts festival with the intention of bringing people together for a lively, educational, and inspirational celebration of books and literacy. Its aim is to celebrate the written word and literation in all its artistic forms—written, spoken, illustrated, performance, and more. Whether you love to write, or read, or both, there is something to enjoy. Taking place across a variety of venues, highlights include an opening keynote by New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt on Aug 24, and the Ink Link Writers Meetup on Aug 25.

April 24-25 Earth Fair – Goodells

Let’s face it, saving this planet of ours is everyone’s responsibility, so isn’t it a good time to learn more? Stopping by this event is an excellent way to get started. By blending together demonstrations, workshops, exhibits, artisans, and activities, Earth Fair focuses on inspiring and educating the thousands of visitors who take part in Michigan’s largest Earth Day event. The more you know, the better environmental steward you can be. Your adventure into a celebration of Earth Day begins at the gate where you will be assisted with parking and given a guide to the exhibits and activities. Don’t forget to bring some spending money, because Earth Fair can be a significant source of funding for grassroots nonprofits and local businesses.

April 24-26 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival – Vermontville

If you love maple products and Michigan history, then this is the place to be. The state’s original maple syrup festival, this event dates back to about 1940, when local syrup producers gathered in a barber shop to discuss a way to sell their product. Suffice it to say, the idea took off, and the festivities now include carnival rides, a talent show, arts and crafts, a flea market, two parades, a petting zoo, a princess pageant, a pancake derby, wrestling, and more. Best of all, you can enjoy maple in all it’s best forms from syrup to cotton candy!

April 25 Chateau Chantal’s Bistro Wine Dinner – Old Mission Peninsula

Looking for an elegant experience to step up your date night? Head to Traverse City’s stunningly beautiful Old Mission Peninsula. You can spend your day soaking in the sights, hiking or biking the trails, and visiting the old lighthouse. Then nestle in at Chateau Chantal for an evening you will long remember. Indulge in a cozy Bistro Wine Dinner that transports you to a charming bistro in the French countryside. Savor five artfully crafted courses, each thoughtfully paired with Chateau Chantal wines to highlight local and seasonal flavors curated by Executive Chef Randy Minish. Tickets are $76 each and include five courses, wine, tax and tip.

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 April. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.