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 4-6 Buy Michigan Now Festival – Northville
We’re starting our list close to home. Northville will once again 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 Detroit BBQ to Asian Street Food. Enjoy live music in front of the Marquis Theatre and STEAM activities in the Kids Zone. Local authors will be signing and selling books, and gift wrapping will be available on site. Wander about encountering jugglers, stilt-walkers, magicians, mascots, and more.
August 4-5 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. The lineup includes Howlin’ Mercy, The Reefermen, Dave Weld & the Imperial Flames, Eliza Neals, Kathleen Murray & the Groove Council, Kathleen & the Bridge Street Band, Cadillac Phoenix Blues Band, Jennifer Westwood & the Handsome Devils, The Bobby Murray Revue, Thornetta Davis, and Harper & Midwest Kind. Make a day or weekend of it and enjoy these other wonderful things to do while exploring the Thumb region.
August 28-31 Golf Cart Tour at Lavender Hill – Boyne City
Farm guided golf cart tours are an immersive introduction to lavender lesson. Join the entertaining and knowledgeable staff of Lavender Hill as they lead you around the entire farm for a behind the scenes look. Learn about lavender plants, honeybees, and the historic event barn, as well as how they grow, harvest, distill lavender essential oil. Tours run about 20-30 minutes and are $7 per person. Children 4 and under are free.
August 11-20 Cheeseburger in Caseville – Caseville
It hardly seems possible, but this year marks the 25th anniversary of a crazy little idea that has grown into a tropical tradition near the tip of the Thumb. Mighty Caseville comes to life with whimsy, flamingos, burgers, and the entire Jimmy Buffet 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.
August 11-13 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 arts & crafts, a flea market, classic car show, cornhole tournament, off road Jeep course, live music, high school rodeo, disc dog show, and even a 3-on-3 hoops tournament. 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 14-19 Back to the Bricks – Flint
After a week of Tune-Up Parties around Genesee County, the main event hits the bricks in Flint. Monday kicks off at Shea Automotive with a Cruisn’ Car Show. 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 a live concert in the Flat Lot off of Saginaw Street starting at 6:30pm. If the cars are what you love most, then join up on Saturday for a massive show throughout the streets of Vehicle City.
August 14-20 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 19 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 18-20 DeWitt Ox Roast – DeWitt
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 19-October 1 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 25-26 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 Jackie Venson, The Commonheart, Myron Elkins, Kat Wright, The Slocan Ramblers, Seth Walker, H.C. McEntire, Charlie Parr, The Way Down Wanderers, Gabe Stillman Band, Humbird, and Buffalo Galaxy.
August 25-27 Fudge Festival – Mackinac Island
Let’s face it, Mackinac Island, in addition to being one of the most serene and stunning places to visit, is the fudge capital of the world. Summer on the island winds down with a celebration of its most famous food. Guests can become honorary fudge makers. You can taste a flight of fudge. Participate in the guess the flavor competition. Follow clues on a quest to win prizes. You may even get the chance to fire a cannon at the fort. It’s a particularly sweet time to visit the gem of the Straights.
Join us on social media for ongoing discussions about Michigan travel destinations and events. 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 August 2023. 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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