Kids and their teachers are ready to leave school, cherry blossoms are popping, and boats are starting to hit the lakes, so summer is right around the corner. Get an early start on your fun in the sun with our 12 things to do in Michigan in May.
May 2 Lighthouse Grand Reopening – Tawas
After extensive restoration work, the Tawas Point Lighthouse is set to reopen, and the public can get a sneak peek at this grand reopening event. The party date marks 147 years since a light first shone from the tower’s lantern room. Following the opening ceremony, visitors are invited to explore vendor booths, including Tawas Bay Art Gallery, Heritage Coast Sailing and Rowing, and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. There will also be live music and food trucks on site. Naturally, the gift shop will be open, and best of all, guests may take a free tour of the lighthouse. The special event is scheduled to run from 11AM-4PM. The lighthouse will reopen again to visitors on May 8.
May 4-12 Tulip Time – Holland
Any time is a good time to visit Holland, but of course Tulip Time is truly special. During this whimsical feast for the eyes, events and activities take place in a variety of locations in and around Downtown Holland. Tulips will be blooming all over. For a modest fee, you can visit Windmill Island, which has one of the largest concentrations of the spring flowers, as well as a historic windmill. There’s also an immersion garden at Beechwood Church. This incredibly Instagrammable spot is designed by world-renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen, and features over 65,000 flowers. It’s one of many ways to learn about, and experience, Dutch culture while in town. There will also be carnival rides and parades for kids to enjoy, dockside tours of a tall ship, and even a concert on May 10th by American Idol winner, Scotty McCreery, this year. While in Holland, here are some other attractions worth checking out.
May 1-June 16 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 will feature handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the Zoo and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. Every Wednesday-Sunday, 7:30PM-11:30PM.
May 16-19 National Morel Mushroom Festival – Boyne City
One of the best things about May, is that morels start popping up around the state. You never know where you might come across them, but one place you are sure to find them is at this festival. A Northern Michigan tradition for over 60 years, festivities include morel tastings, a national competitive hunt, seminars, an arts & crafts show, concerts, and a carnival. Search for the scrumptious mushrooms in nearby woods and clearings, or take the easy route and stop by area restaurants where they will be preparing morel-laden entrees. While in the area, consider popping over to take a stroll across the SkyBridge, which is beautiful at any time of year.
May 16-19 Durand Railroad Days – Durand
The impact of railways on Michigan is nearly immeasurable, and no town embraces that history quite like Durand. Home to Michigan’s Railroad History Museum, it should come as no surprise that Durand hosts a party every year to honor its railroad ties. Visit the museum, stroll around this very walkable town and take part in lots of small town fun. There’s a parade, car show, rib burn, and of course a chance to meet the Queen, Prince, Princess, and Railroad Person of the Year.
May 17-19 Taste Michigan – Detroit
The Michigan Wine Collaborative is setting out to transform the Motor City into a haven for wine enthusiasts and gastronomic aficionados alike. This three-day extravaganza promises an unforgettable fusion of local flavors, exquisite wines, and unparalleled experiences. On May 17, wineries will collaborate with local restaurants, crafting exclusive Michigan wine-paired experiences at select locations. The next day affords oenophiles the opportunity to immerse themselves in local vintages at the Uncork Me Michigan Wine Festival at Comerica Park. It will be a gathering of 30 wineries offering tasting opportunities. The weekend rounds out with The Royce’s annual Michigan Wine Expo.
May 17-18 World Expo of Beer – Frankenmuth
Touted as the state’s largest beer sampling event, with over 350 options from which to choose, this is a classic Frankenmuth tradition. It also features some hard ciders and meads. More than twenty Michigan beverage producers will be on site, so you can sip locally. Plus, it raises lots of money for good causes. Tickets for either Friday or Saturday may be purchased in advance for $30 each and include admission, 6 beer sample tickets (more may be purchased), and a souvenir mug. The expo takes place at the Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park from 5pm-10pm on Friday May 17, or 2pm-10pm on Saturday May 18.
May 19 Flower Day at Eastern Market – Detroit
What a great day to wake up early and head into the Motor City! Flower Day at the city’s historic Eastern Market is a sight to behold. Stop and smell the flowers inside and outside the sheds, and pick out all your garden and landscaping needs at affordable prices. You can also get your culinary fix from food trucks, or a bevy of walkable eateries. After a fun morning of shopping, relax with the beverage of your choice at Eastern Market Brewing Company, Detroit City Distillery, or nearby Detroit Vineyards. One helpful hint, if you plan to buy plants, and we hope you do, bring a wagon to haul your stash back to your vehicle.
May 24-27 Balloons Over Bavarian Inn– Frankenmuth
This time of year also marks the return of hot air balloons to our skies. One of the first places to spot them en masse is over Michigan’s Little Bavaria. You can witness beautiful morning and evening flights by more than 25 balloon pilots over Frankenmuth. Additionally, the weekend includes the Dog Bowl, which features 29 fun activities centered around human’s best friend. Located at the River Place Shops, pooches will participate in DockDogs® and Disc Dog competitions, Wiener Dog Races, a pet parade, the annual Canine Cruise on the Bavarian Belle River Boat, a costume contest, fun runs, a Dog Breeds of the World Show, and other furry fun.
May 24-26 Ride the Keweenaw – Keweenaw Peninsula
Mountain bikers, spend your Memorial Weekend in a truly unforgettable way–biking in the northernmost regions of the state. Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and ride all of the Copper Country’s amazing trails. Start out on Friday with a guided ride through the caverns at Adventure Mine, and check out the bats and old mine workings along the way. Wake up bright and early on Saturday with a guided group ride at the Michigan Tech Trails. Enjoy Houghton’s From the Ground Festival from 12pm-5pm, then head over to Churning Rapids and explore some backcountry trails. Wrap up Saturday with a late-afternoon ride on the twisty, turny, and all-ages Swedetown Trails. Close out the weekend on Sunday, when the riding action is all in Copper Harbor. The first Lake Superior Gravity Series Enduro of 2024 kicks off in the morning. Register to ride, or just cheer on the experts.
May 24-26 Alma Highland Festival – Alma
When your college is home to the Scots, then it would seem you better host a Highland Festival, and boy do they. Members of Scottish clans and interested onlookers gather together annually for a weekend of Highland dancing, bagpipes, kilts, and camaraderie. The festival is located on the Alma College campus. Watch nearly 1,000 pipers and drummers playing at once in a massed band performance. Find out about Scottish traditions, and perhaps discover something about your own heritage at the many clan tents. Other highlights include the U.S. Open Piping Band Championship, Solo Piping and Drumming, Great Lakes Open and Closed Regional Highland Dance Competition, Highland Choreography Dance, Great Lakes Scottish Heavyweight Athletics and Great Lakes Amateur Athletics. If you love Outlander, but can’t make it to Scotland, Alma may be the next best thing.
May 25 Native American Festival – St Ignace
Recognize and celebrate the rich culture and contributions of the Anishinaabe people at this annual festival set near the shores of Lake Huron. Hear the sounds of drums, see the expressive dances, and taste the traditions that were literally hundreds of years in the making. Smell the scent of sacred medicines. Feel birch bark, porcupine quills and other materials used for both function and artistry. This unique opportunity is held on the grounds of the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, and festival activities are free to all visitors.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations. Tweet @BuyMichiganNow or tag us in a picture on Instagram of Facebook when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan in May. 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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