Kids are getting out of school, boats are filling our waterways, blue skies are becoming a common occurrence again. Let’s get out there and enjoy the summer we’ve been waiting for, starting with our 12 things to do in Michigan in June.
June 4-6 Gizzard Fest – Potterville
As food fests go, this has to be one of the more unusual. It is in fact a celebration of gizzards, but also a whole lot more. You can enjoy live music and even take line dancing lessons. If you’re sports-minded then enter the softball or cornhole tournaments. For the less athletic-minded competitor, there is a gizzard eating contest. Kids will love the carnival rides, parade, and fireworks. Of course no visit to Potterville would be complete without a stop at Joe’s Gizzard City, an iconic local eatery since 1960.
June 5-6 Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Fair – Kalamazoo
Celebrating its landmark 75th year, this two-day, juried fine arts fair welcomes visitors to the Bronson Park in the heart of downtown Kzoo, to celebrate and invest in the participating artists from across Michigan (and elsewhere), as they showcase their creative talents and sell their work. It will feature up to 145 fine artists in 12 distinct mediums. You are sure to find something truly unique shopping with the wide selection of fine artists. Partake in shopping, live entertainment, kids’ activities, demonstrations from the Kirk Newman Art School, food trucks, and, as an added bonus, free admission to KIA galleries.
June 5-14 Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island
It’s hard to believe, but the Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has been celebrated for over 3 quarters of a century! Did you know this is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island? It includes, a Lilac Queen coronation, vintage bicycle rally, Sip ‘n’ Sail boat tours, a 10K, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, a cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and of course all the delights of lilacs in bloom. While downstate, they bloom sooner, in mid-June, lilacs are abundant all over Mackinac Island. The biggest concentration is in Marquette Park. Some of the oldest lilacs are in front of Harbour View Inn. Also, be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School.
June 6 Art, Beer and Wine Festival – Jackson
This annual Jackson tradition has become a favorite Saturday of the summer for locals and visitors alike. It showcases many of Michigan’s best wineries, breweries, cider mills and artists. Guests can savor a tasty line-up from food vendors and trucks, enjoy live music throughout the grounds, explore this unique museum, and even meet and buy from talented Michigan artists. Be sure to relax for a bit in the historic Hillside Farm Lane courtyard while there, and travel into downtown to stroll among the many magnificent murals.
June 11-14 Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth
What started out as a marketing idea for a landlocked little town, has grown into one of the state’s largest tourist destinations. Embracing the Bavarian heritage of its earliest residents with food and décor, has truly put Frankenmuth on the map. There may be no better time to visit, than this annual event. Don your dirndls and lederhosen, or come as you are, to immerse yourself in German culture. Highlights include the raising of the Maypole on Thursday and the Friday Night Street Party with bands, beverages, games and a zip line. Saturday’s fun includes the Kindertag Parade and a cornhole tournament. On Sunday, the tents close so that everyone can enjoy the big parade. Of course, the entire weekend is filled with Bavarian food, beverages, music, and dance. Admission is just $15 per person for the entire weekend.
June 12-14 Greenfield Village Block Party – Dearborn
The folks at Greenfield Village have plenty of reasons to celebrate this summer, and celebrate they will, starting with a huge block party to welcome home thier newest addition, The Jackson Home. This historic structure was painstakingly moved from Selma, Alabama to Dearborn, Michigan. Inside its walls, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders made historic plans to ensure that all Americans would have the civil rights and voting rights promised to them. The block party marks its grand opening, and will feature Southern-inspired food, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, a Black-owned business market guest speakers, historic baseball, Double Dutch, and more. Join the celebration, and be among the first to experience this unique addition to the village.
June 13 Lansing Beerfest – Lansing
If you haven’t explored REO Town in Lansing, then this is a great day to do it. The outdoor beer festival features over 100 different brews, ciders, hard seltzers, meads, spirits, and wines. Like most great sipping celebrations, it will also offer live music and food trucks. Plus, you can wander through this cool, artsy part of our state’s capital.
June 21 Taste Michigan Invades Eastern Market – Detroit
What happens when our state’s incredible wine industry invades the foodie hub of the Motor City? You can find out at this cork popping event. Drop into Shed 5 at Detroit’s historic Eastern Market for a day filled with premium local wine, vendors, and music. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample some of the best wine Michigan has to offer. From Leelanau Peninsula to the River Raisin Wine Trail, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, you get to shop the always cool, Sunday market. This event is free to enter and wine samples can be obtained by purchasing tokens. The first 400 guests will recieve a commemorative wine tasting glass.
June 22 Ford Fireworks – Detroit
Giant firework shows are too special to only happen on the 4th of July, and that’s just one of the things that makes Detroit’s celebration so unique. It also honors the deep friendship between Canada and the United States. Plus, you get to see them go up over the Detroit River, creating a spectacular sight. There are many places from which to view the show, and there will be some road closures, so plan accordingly for how to get to your favorite spot. While in the city, take the family out for conies to engage in that timeless debate Lafayette VS American.
June 26-28 Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Howell
There’s nothing quite like a sky filled with giant, colorful balloons. In Howell, that sight has become a tradition at the end of every June. Weather permitting, dozens of pilots will fly into the launch site on Saturday and Sunday mornings between 6-8am.The balloons launch between 6-8pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. In between flights, there will be carnival rides, an open air market, juggling, exotic animals, and tons of other activities for your whole crew to enjoy.
June 27 Michigan Wine Festival – Ypsilanti
If you can’t make it to Detroit on the 21st (or can’t get your fill of Michigan wine), then head to Ypsi for another great tasting opportunity. This one is a ticketed event at a really cool venue. The Detroit Firehouse Museum & Education Center will play host to a dozen Michigan wineries. Each ticket includes a custom souvenir glass, ten tastings from your choice of Michigan wineries and local distillers, and access to all three floors of the 26,000 square foot museum. There will also be live music and a selection of small bites. Tickets are around $55 each, with a designated driver option available for around $23. While in the area, be sure to explore more of Depot Town. It’s one of the coolest spots in Washtenaw County.
June 27 Porch Fest – Port Austin
This is the kind of event that just might make you feel like you’ve gone down south for the day. Well over thirty musical acts scatter about town playing a wide range of genres. Pack up your lawn chairs or picnic blanket and get ready for some great summer fun. Be sure to visit the Farmers Market between 9am-1pm as well. For an incredible farm to table dining experience while in the area, visit the aptly-named Farm Restaurant. If you want a little exercise and adventure with your excursion, come into town early and kayak to Turnip Rock.
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 June. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page regularly.
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