12 Must-Attend Michigan Events That Highlight the State’s Culture
From sled dog races to food and film, Michigan residents gather throughout the year to celebrate with cultural traditions, music and entertainment. Read on to learn about some of the must-attend Michigan events that make this state so special.
1. UP200 in Marquette
Since its inception in 1990, this sled dog race has become a winter staple for Michiganders. The race covers 228 miles, running from Marquette to Grand Marais and back. Dogs and their handlers – called mushers – face everything from deep snow to isolated trails, hills and creek crossings.
2. Ann Arbor Film Festival in Ann Arbor
Celebrating 63 years in 2025, the Ann Arbor Film Festival has a rich history of championing independent filmmakers. Over six days, this Ann Arbor-based festival screens more than 150 films from all over the world that encompass numerous genres, from animation to documentary and everything in between. With thousands of films submitted each year, the festival showcases the very best, celebrating standout works with prestigious awards and prizes.
3. Ann Arbor Art Fair in Ann Arbor
Held during the summer, Ann Arbor Art Fair attracts nearly half a million visitors to the city’s downtown each year. The three-day event, which is known as the largest juried art fair in the nation, is made up of three art fairs – Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, The Guild’s Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor State Street District Art Fair. Nearly 1,000 artists participate in the event.
4. ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
Find creative sculptures, installations, paintings and more at ArtPrize, a more than two-week event held annually in Grand Rapids. ArtPrize attracts more than 800,000 people each year to explore the works of thousands of artists from all over the world.
5. Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival in Grand Rapids
Kicking off the holiday season in November, this Grand Rapids, Michigan, event is fun, festive and utterly delicious. One area focuses on beer and cider, one focuses on wine and the other highlights coffees, cordials and desserts. Throughout the space, restaurants serve mouthwatering plates that perfectly complement the drinks.
“Those who are new to wine or beer tastings will find this to be a great sampling – a place to sip a little here and there and discover new treasures,” says Dianna Stampfler, publicist for the event. “Foodies will also find enough of an elevated experience to keep themselves engaged and entertained.”
6. Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell
Now in its 40th year, the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell welcomes the entire family for three days of carnival rides, fireworks, balloon launches and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs to set up around the launch field.
7. National Cherry Festival in Traverse City
Traverse City – aka the Cherry Capital of the World – is hosting the 99th National Cherry Festival this summer. The festival includes over 100 events, such as an adult cherry pit spit contest, air shows and a classic car show, and many of the events are free.
8. Mackinac Bridge Walk in St. Ignace/Mackinaw City
Held every Labor Day, the Mackinac Bridge Walk is just like it sounds. Attendees can walk from one end of the bridge to the other (St. Ignace or Mackinaw City) or turn around at the midpoint and walk back to where they started. The event is free, and participants average a two-hour walk.
9. Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth
Bavarian heritage is front and center at this beloved Frankenmuth festival, which pays homage to the area’s German roots. Festivalgoers are encouraged to dress in traditional Bavarian garb and enjoy the music, food, drinks and entertainment.
“On Friday night, we have our street party, where we close Main Street,” says Danielle Daugharty, Frankenmuth Civic Events Council president. “We have a zip line that goes down the street, inflatables for the kids, street vendors, face painting, ice cream and more.”
10. Detroit Jazz Festival in Detroit
This free festival is a must-attend for those who love jazz music. Detroit welcomes artists from all around to take the stage and put their talents on display for a captivated audience. Every Labor Day weekend, the festival takes over Hart Plaza, located in Campus Martius Park, and the sounds of sweet, sweet jazz fill the skyline-backed venue.
11. Michigan State Fair in Novi
Held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, this event delivers on everything you could hope to experience at a state fair, and it’s packed with personality. Dairy is highly celebrated at this Michigan event, with a signature butter cow on display and endless chocolate milk available from Guernsey Farms Dairy. There are also traditional fair staples, like baking contests, agriculture and livestock displays and fair rides, but there’s also a home-brewing competition that you’ll want to check out.
12. Tulip Time in Holland
Holland takes its namesake seriously, paying homage to the Netherlands with its Tulip Time Festival, which is going on 96 years. Spread throughout the community where approximately 5 million tulips have been planted, the festival celebrates Dutch tradition through parades, artisan markets and authentic dancing – not to mention tulips.
“We’re the longest tulip festival in the world,” says Gwen Auwerda, executive director of this Michigan event. “We have beautiful gardens throughout the city, and there are even webcams around town so you can watch how the blooms are growing leading up to the event.”