12 Things to Do in Michigan in May

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 1 Season Opener – Mackinac Island

Have you been craving creamy fudge, the clippity clop of horses hooves, and sunsets over Mighty Mac? The wait is over! While some places are open year-round, and others greet guests in April, ferries will begin running several times daily from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace to our beloved Mackinac Island on May 1. Not only that, but the majority of hotels, eateries, and shops open for the season then as well. Fort Mackinac also opens it’s big doors that day. Spring is a wonderful time to cross the Straits. If you’ve never experienced this scenic gem in the off season, then you’re in for a treat. Smaller crowds provide a more timeless feel, making it easy to truly disconnect from a hectic life. Plus, flowers begin to bloom across the island, and those legendary lilacs are not far behind.

May 1-10 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, and a multitude of live performances including Dutch dancing, magic by Michael Carbonaro, and a concert by The Texas Tenors. While in Holland, here are some other attractions worth checking out.

May 9 Beerfest at the Ballpark – Lansing

There are so many fantastic reasons to head to a Michigan ballpark this month. At Jackson Field, home of the Lugnuts, there is a reason that involves no balls, nor bats. Instead, you’ll find beverages a plenty. This outdoor event gives attendees the opportunity to taste their choice of brews, ciders, hard seltzers, meads, spirits, and wine, from over 70 craft producers. Tickets start at $40 and include entry to the festival, a souvenir glass, and ten drink tickets. Each drink ticket is redeemable for a 3-oz pour of one of the 300+ beverage options. More expensive beers, cider, meads and spirits will require two tickets. Additional drink tickets will be available for purchase at the festival for $2 each. Alternatively, there is a $20 ticket that includes only entry and a souvenir glass, and the option to buy drink tickets individually.

May 8-9 Jeep the Yoop – St Ignace and Drummond Island

This weekend extravaganza for Jeep aficionados begins with a Mighty Mac crossing, hence the name, Jeep the Mac. There is plenty of fun to be had. It starts with an all Jeep Mackinac Bridge crossing, then follows with scenic trail rides, vendor displays, and evening socials, all framed by the stunning views of the Straits of Mackinac. There are opportunities for varying experience levels. Plus, you can also enjoy an outdoor evening meet and greet with firepits, smores, live music, food trucks, and more. Friday night features a drone light show, and Saturday has the annual St Ignace Jeeps Lights Parade. While on Drummond Island, pop into The Northwood for friendly banter and casual fare.

May 14-17 National Morel Mushroom Festival – Boyne City

Time flies when you’re hunting mushrooms! There have been over six decades of this classic fungi fest. Once may hits, 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 event. 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 14-17 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. This tradition-laden event has been delighting guests for half a century. There’s a parade, carnival, model train show, rib burn, and of course a chance to meet the Queen, Prince, Princess, and Railroad Person of the Year.

May 15-16 World Expo of Beer – Frankenmuth

Touted as the state’s largest beer sampling event, this brew ha ha is a classic Frankenmuth tradition. It also features some hard ciders and meads. A multitude of Michigan craft beverage producers will be among those on site, so you can sip locally with huge variety. Plus, it raises lots of money for good causes. Tickets for either Friday or Saturday may be purchased in advance for $34 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 15, or 2pm-10pm on Saturday May 16.

May 16-17 The Kite Festival – Grand Haven

Spring brings so many wonderful things, including an optimal time to go fly a kite. Take to the beach beach, as the sky is filled with colorful kites of all types and sizes. World-famous stunt kite fliers perform to music on the center flying field while kites larger than a school bus hover just to the south. Bring your own kite to fly on the open flying field at the north end of the event, or test fly the year’s newest kites on one of the manufacturers’ fields. Afterwards, pop into town to shop hand-painted goods at the famous Marushka store and of course gobble up some West Michigan goodness at Blueberry Haven. You may also want to quench that kite-flying thirst at Oddside Ales.

May 17 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. The Flower Day Market is open 7am-5pm.

May 22-25 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 22-24 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. Alternatively, stop by Swedetown for twisty, turny family-friendly group rides. Wake up bright and early on Saturday with a guided group ride at the Michigan Tech Trails. In the afternoon, head over to Churning Rapids and explore some backcountry trails. Close out the weekend on Sunday, when the riding action is all in Copper Harbor. The first Lake Superior Gravity Series Enduro of 2026 kicks off in the morning. Register to ride, or just cheer on the experts. In between rides, explore the shops, eats, and breweries of the Keewenaw.

May 22-24 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, this weekend in Alma may be the next best thing.

May 23 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. 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 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.