Carefree Travel Guide 2026

MACKINAC ISLAND LILAC FESTIVAL

summer

June 5-14, Mackinac Island A 10-day, joyful celebration of blooming lilacs, history, flowers, and all things Mackinac Island in a timeless, car-free setting. MackinacIsland.org/Mackinac-Island Lilac-Festival

LAKESHORE ART FESTIVAL June 27 & 28, Muskegon The Lakeshore Art Festival is a vibrant, community-driven celebration featuring fine art, handcrafted goods, interactive activities, live entertainment, and local creativity. LakeshoreArtFestival.org

CHEETAH CHASE 5K June 27, Binder Park Zoo The Cheetah Chase 5K is more than a race—it’s an adventure with a unique course where every step supports wildlife conservation and the mission of Binder Park Zoo. BinderParkZoo.org/Cheetah-Chase/

CORKS & KEGS AT THE ZOO! July 18, Binder Park Zoo Sample beverages from local & regional favorites and experience the zoo like never before; after hours and just for adults 21+. BinderParkZoo.org/ Corks-Kegs-at-the-Zoo/

WHITE LAKE CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL July 16-25, Whitehall/Montague White Lake Chamber Music Festival’s 17th season brings world-class performances July 16–25, featuring 15 inspiring events across the charming White Lake area. WhiteLakeMusic.org

SAGINAW CHIPPEWA INDIAN TRIBAL POWWOW July 24-26, Mt. Pleasant Celebrate & experience Anishinaabe culture! Witness dancing, hear songs, try native food, & shop authentic Indigenous art. MeetMTP.com/Saginaw-Chippewa Tribal-Powwow/

51 ST ANNUAL ART IN THE PARK August 1, 9am-4pm, Lake Odessa Village Park Art in the Park in the Village Park features 100+ top-notch artists & artisans, good food, children’s art activities, live musical entertainment, and more! LakeOdessaArts.com

Additional 2026 Events: Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival July 1-5 Battle Creek Lest We Forget July 18-19 Benton Harbor Grand Haven Coast Burning Foot Beer Festival August 29 Muskegon Paw Paw Wine & Harvest Festival September 11-13 Paw Paw SWMI Artisan Markets September 12 Saugatuck

winter

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION December 31, South Haven South Haven amplifies NYE with outdoor entertainment, warming stations, a midnight drop of 1,000 beach balls, and fireworks! SouthHaven.org/Events/Festivals Celebrations/New-Years-Eve/

Guard Festival July 24-August 2 Grand Haven Unity Christian Music Festival

Michigan Irish Music Festival September 17-20 Muskegon Lakeshore Harvest Ride September 19 Southwest Michigan Fallasburg Arts Festival September 19-20 Lowell Maple Valley Meat Company’s Yak Fest October 11 Jones Girlfriends Getaway & Michigan Makers Market November 13–15 Muskegon

August 5-8 Muskegon Boyne City Pirate Fest August 6-8 Boyne City Great Lakes Surf Festival August 8 Muskegon Rock the Country August 8-9 Hastings

Let’s make plans! Discover what’s happening across West Michigan with the 2026 Event Calendar - your go-to guide for festivals, events, and seasonal experiences. Visit us online for the full West Michigan Event Calendar for 2026 and beyond at WMTA.org.

Grand Rapids Polish Festival August 28-30 Grand Rapids

#WestMichigan | 2026 Carefree Travel Guide

9