The state’s harvest is in full swing this month, and there are plenty of events that offer scrumptious tasting opportunities. That, and good old fashioned summer fun. For your consideration, here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in August 2023.
August 1-3 Buy Michigan Now Festival – South Lyon
We’re starting our list close to home. For the first time ever, South Lyon will once play host to BMNFest, an annual celebration of the governor’s Buy Michigan Week proclamation. Meet and buy from well over a hundred Michigan-based businesses. They will fill the streets sampling and selling a wide range of products and services. Eat delicious morsels ranging from sandwiches to shawarma, and pizza pie to apple pie. Enjoy live music, try your hand at axe-throwing, and shop to your heart’s content. Kids will have tons of fun exploring a fire engine, dnacing in a foam party, playing games, watching a balloon twister, and getting their faces painted. Local authors will be signing and selling books, which makes for great gifts. It all takes place in a social district, so adults can pop by a local watering hole and the sip as they stroll.
August 1-2 BluesFest – Port Sanilac
If the Blues are calling your name, then head to the Thumb. More specifically, after enjoying those blue water views, meander over to Harbor Park in Port Sanilac. Friday’s lineup includes Kathleen & the Bridge Street Band, Whiskey Bottle Blues, Tosha Owens & the Stable Dudes, Kathleen Murray & the Groove Council, and Jake Kershaw. On Saturday you”l find The Brendon Linsley Band, Greg Nagy, Bobby Murray, Eliza Neals, and Thornetta Davis. Motor City Josh & the Big Three close out the festivities at 10pm. Make a day or weekend of it and enjoy these other wonderful things to do while exploring the Thumb region.
August 7-10 Sail Detroit – Detroit
Tall Ships are returning to the Detroit River! This won’t be the first time the Tall Ships have dotted the Detroit skyline, but it’s been quite a while. In 2001, nearly 20 vessels from various countries tied up along the riverbank. This year’s festival will showcase the majesty of similar Tall Ships and celebrate the vibrant maritime history of the city. The ships will visit Detroit in August as a part of the Great Lakes Challenge, organized by Tall Ships America. Guests will have multiple vantage points to view these amazing watercraft, but can also get on board. Both public and private tours are available. For those feeling extra adventurous, and perhaps wanting to explore their inner pirate, tickets are available to set sail aboard the Alliance, a 105-foot, three-masted schooner. This 1.5-hour cruise offers a rare opportunity to experience the beauty of Tall Ship sailing on the Detroit River, surrounded by the vibrant skyline and historic waterfront of downtown Detroit.
August 8-10 Mint Festival – St Johns
Did you know that St Johns is the mint capital of Michigan? That’s why they throw the freshest party of the year each August. Festival events span the St. Johns City Park and Clinton County Fairgrounds, as well as the downtown areas near Clinton Avenue. You’ll find a juried craft show, a flea market, and a carnival throughout the weekend. Swifties will love the chance to take in the Kanin Wren: The Taylor Swift Experience on Friday night. Saturday highlights include the Grand Mint Parade, Irish dancing, and a foam party. Don’t forget about the award ceremony on Sunday. Throughout the event, you’ll also have the opportunity to discover the healing properties of mint, and of course, taste a wide range of varieties in an abundance of delicious forms.
August 8-17 Cheeseburger in Caseville – Caseville
It hardly seems possible, but it’s been over a quarter of a century since this crazy little idea was launched. It has grown into a tropical tradition near the tip of the Thumb, that celebrates the lyrical life and love of Jimmy Buffet. Mighty Caseville comes to life with whimsy, flamingos, burgers, and nearly every song in Jimmy’s catalog. Visit for a day to soak in some rays and loads of fun, or bring a camper and spend the week. It’s the next best thing to hopping a flight to Florida. Speaking of flights, while in town, pop into Thumb Brewery for a flight of samples, or just a frothy cold one.
August 11-16 Back to the Bricks – Flint
After a week of Tune-Up Parties in Davison, Flushing, Lapeer, Owosso, Mundy Township, and Mt. Morris, the main event hits the bricks in Flint. Monday kicks off with a car show and and concert at Birch Run Speedway. Tuesday features a family-oriented party at the nostalgic US-23 Drive-In theater on Fenton Road. Wednesday and Thursday will be “Rolling Cruise” nights as the parade route stretches from the red bricks of Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, all the way to the city of Grand Blanc. On Friday, there will be a car show, and live concerts in downtown Flint starting at 6pm. If the cars are what you love most, then join up on Saturday for a massive show throughout the streets of Vehicle City.
August 11-17 Upper Peninsula State Fair – Escanaba
The Upper Peninsula has its own style, beauty, and agriculture, so why not its own State Fair? This celebration of the unique culture and heritage of the Yoop is well worth a visit. Home to an abundance of outdoor sports, the fair gives visitors a chance to test their skills at fishing, archery, and shooting. The Miracle of Life Pavilion is a good old fashioned State Fair educational opportunity, with a chance to see the live births of calves, lambs, piglets, chicks, ducks, and quail. The extravaganza also includes carnival rides, exotic animals, sand sculpting, robot demos, and nightly concerts.
August 15-17 DeWitt Ox Roast – DeWitt
Perhaps the funniest part about this event, is that there is no ox roast. That practice went away years ago, but if you’re seeking small town Americana, this is it. You’ll even find a frog-jumping contes. Carnival rides and concerts are staples of the event, along with a parade, petting zoo, and a Sunday morning pancake breakfast. While in town, pop into the charming Twisted Craft Cocktails shop and pick up some adult fun to go.
August 16 Woodward Dream Cruise – Southeastern Michigan
The world’s biggest car cruise stretch’s down Metro Detroit’s Main Street this month. Woodward Avenue will be vibrant and nostalgic all at the same time as thousands of pristine cars cruise the boulevard. Visitors come from all over the world to see 50,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles on display or rolling down the road. They park and cruise from 9am to 9pm through the communities of Berkley, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac and Royal Oak. Officially, it’s a one-day event, but fans will tell you the cars can be seen cruising all week long, just like yesteryear.
August 16-September 28 Michigan Renaissance Festival – Holly
Step back in time with an experience that is at times educational, and at times hilarious. Join the villagers of Hollygrove as they invite one and all to the magical 16th Century European village featuring 17 stages of exciting entertainment including musicians, magicians, jugglers and jousting. Be sure to stop by the marketplace and watch the Royal Glassmakers, otherwise known as the talented artists from Glass Academy, create stunning pieces before your eyes.
August 22-23 Porcupine Mountains Music Festival – Ontonagon
What do you get when you combine a spectacular setting with talented musicians? The answer is the Porcupine Mountains Music Fest, of course. Held at the Winter Sports Complex within the state park, guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, food and beverages, including alcohol. Pick a spot and settle in for tunes from Scythian, Buckwheat Zydeco, Jr & the Legendary Ils Sont Paris Band, Damn Tall Buildings, The Slambovian Circus of Dreams, Charlie Parr, Miss Tess, Jeffrey Foucault, Erik, Koskinen, Ivy Ford, Caleb Caudle, Gizzae, and The Bootstrap Boys.
August 20-24 Traverse City Food & Wine – Traverse City
Take all the amazing reasons to end a summer relaxing in Traverse City, and then pour in one more. This multi-day event will showcase the bounty of the egion’s amazing agriculture, craft, and creativity. Blending flavors, sights, and sounds, you’ll be able to indulge in bold bites from renowned chefs and restaurants, sip on a handpicked selection of over 100 local wines and craft beverages, and learn from top-tier chefs and experts like Celina Tio, Sarah Welch, Omar Anani, Kate Williams and more. There are several ticketed events and venues during this celebration. It culminates in a Grand Tasting event on August 23. There, guests will taste the flavors of Traverse City and enjoy the perfect bites and sips that epitomize the region. The Main Stage will be hosted by Amy Smart and Carter Oosterhouse, featuring a conversation with Tyler Florence and a cooking demonstration by Mei Lin.
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 August. 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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