Summer in West Michigan is a season filled with sunshine, shoreline vibes, and a symphony of celebrations. From lakefront live music to charming downtown street festivals, the region comes alive with events that highlight the best of Michigan’s creativity, culture, and community spirit. Here’s your guide to making the most of summer across West Michigan.
- Wild Wednesdays at Binder Park Zoo
- Spend your Wednesday evenings in July discovering Wild Wednesdays at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. Extended hours mean more time with the animals, stunning sunset views, and bonus live entertainment.
- South Haven Summer Festivals
- South Haven's shoreline is the stage for summer. Highlights include the Blessing of the Fleet, the high-energy Cruisin’ for Kylie Car Show, and Light Up the Lake fireworks. Don’t miss the South Haven Art Fair in July.
- Michigan’s Festival Capital
- With over 60 annual festivals, Lansing buzzes with summer fun. Crowd favorites include the East Lansing Summer Solstice Jazz Festival, Old Town Scrapfest, and the Taco & Tequila Festival.
- Coldwater Country Celebrations
- Coldwater Country lights up with Strawberry Fest (June 21), Bronson Polish Festival (July 17-19), Magic Get Together (July 30 - August 2), and more. Enjoy weekly outdoor concerts like Entertainment Under the Stars and Hops on Monroe.
- Gun Lake Live at Bay Pointe
- Dance your way through Wednesday nights at Bay Pointe Inn’s Gun Lake Live, West Michigan’s premiere lakefront concert series. Enjoy food, cocktails, and local music talent against a backdrop of stunning sunsets.
- Set Sail at the Antique & Classic Boat Show
- Step into maritime history on June 14 at the Michigan Maritime Museum’s 44th Annual Antique & Classic Boat Show. Explore beautifully restored boats, enjoy live demonstrations, and let the kids build their own toy boats. This South Haven tradition is a must-see for boat lovers and families alike.
- Take Flight in Battle Creek
- Soar into summer at the Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival. Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, Golden Knights parachute team, and dramatic balloon launches, this event combines thrilling aviation with fireworks, food vendors, and family fun.
- Summer Sounds in Lowell
- Join the community for the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin’ Summer Concerts—free, family-friendly shows every Thursday evening along the Riverwalk Plaza. Don’t miss the Fallasburg Arts Festival, now in its 57th year presented by Lowell Arts, for a full weekend of local art and music.
- Rock the Country in Hastings
- Don’t miss Rock The Country on June 13–14, a high-energy two-day festival uniting country legend Kid Rock and rock icons Nickelback. Taking place in Hastings, this patriotic music event promises to bring fans from across West Michigan and beyond.
- Lest We Forget: “The Sandbox Wars”
- Experience living history with Lest We Forget’s The Sandbox Wars, a powerful tribute to Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan veterans. Featuring realistic reenactments, authentic military vehicles, and firsthand stories, it’s a moving and educational experience for families and history buffs alike.
- Art with a View: Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff
- The Krasl Art Fair is one of West Michigan’s premier summer art events. Celebrating 63 years of creativity, this juried fine art fair showcases the work of 170+ national artists across a variety of mediums—from painting and sculpture to jewelry and ceramics.
- Classic Summer Fun at the Calhoun County Fair
- Experience classic fair fun (August 10 - 16) at the Calhoun County Fair with carnival rides, 4-H shows, live music, and tasty treats at Michigan’s longest-running county fair—right in the heart of West Michigan.
- Sparta Beer & Brat Street Festival
- Celebrate local flavors and tunes at the Sparta Beer and Brat Street Festival (June 13–14). Featuring Michigan craft beer, live music on three stages, artisan vendors, and free entry.
- Holland’s Summer of Festivals
- From Tulip Time (Til May 11) to Fiesta Week (July 14), Holland offers a season of lively events. Don’t miss street performers, Waterfront Celtic Fest (June 20), and live lakefront music through August.
- Explore Art, Music, and More in Downtown Muskegon
- The Lakeshore Art Festival brings nearly 250 juried fine artists and crafters, an artisan food market, interactive art stations, and live performances to the heart of Muskegon. It’s one of the top-rated West Michigan summer festivals and perfect for a day of discovery.
- Learn to Ride the Waves in Muskegon
- New to surfing? The Great Lakes Surf Festival is the perfect place to start. With expert instruction and a mission to promote water sports, this festival is ideal for bucket-list adventurers and beach lovers.
- Discover Signature Events in Muskegon County
- From craft beer to surfing to Celtic tunes, Muskegon County knows how to celebrate summer. Muskegon is home to some of West Michigan’s most anticipated summer festivals. Mark your calendar for:
- Great Lakes Surf Festival – August 10
- Unity Christian Music Festival – August 7–10
- Burning Foot Beer Festival – August 24
- Michigan Irish Music Festival – September 12–15
- From craft beer to surfing to Celtic tunes, Muskegon County knows how to celebrate summer. Muskegon is home to some of West Michigan’s most anticipated summer festivals. Mark your calendar for:
- Experience Iconic Concerts at Frederik Meijer Gardens
- Enjoy world-class performances during the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concert Series at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. From rock to jazz, this picturesque venue offers unforgettable summer nights under the stars.
- Celebrate Service at Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival
- Honor the men and women of the Coast Guard with parades, fireworks, ship tours, and beachside fun. The Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is a West Michigan summer tradition for all ages.
- Polish Heritage Festival – Grand Rapids
- Celebrate Polish culture through music, food, and family fun during this three-day festival in Grand Rapids. It’s a fantastic way to experience heritage and community in the heart of West Michigan.
- Boozy Book Fair at Castle Farms
- A perfect pairing of books and brews. The Boozy Book Fair returns with literary-themed vendors, craft drinks, and community vibes at Castle Farms.
- Shanty Creek & Northern Michigan Music
- Shanty Creek Resort is an awesome basecamp for mapping out endless excursions including many Northern Michigan festivals and events. Whether enjoying the Annual Petoskey Stone Festival in Ellsworth (May 17), the Mancelona Bass Festival (May 28-June 1), the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival (June 6-15) or the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City (June 28-July 5), Shanty Creek is the perfect getaway.
- Sip and Savor at Black Star Farms
- Set against the stunning backdrop of a scenic winery estate, Live Music on the Farm on every Saturday, 6–8 PM (through summer) at Black Star Farms is the perfect way to unwind. Start with a craft cocktail or glass of wine in the tasting room, then head to Bistro Polaris for fresh Mediterranean cuisine paired with performances from talented local and regional artists.
- Grill on the Hill at Treetops Resort
- Start your summer early with Treetops Resort’s Grill on the Hill BBQ competition in Gaylord on May 3. Sample smoky favorites, vote for your top bites, and enjoy live music starting at 1 PM.
- Celebrate Culture and Creativity in Marquette
- Marquette, located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is bursting with can’t-miss summer events—from the inspiring Art Week and the scenic Great Lakes HOG Rally to the family-friendly Hiawatha Music Festival and Wings Over Marquette air show. Don’t miss live music on Third Street or HarborFest’s lakeside fun. It’s a full season of culture and connection.
- Mackinac Island’s Lilac Festival & Summer Concerts
- Kick off the season with the fragrance and beauty of the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island (June 6–15). Enjoy walking tours, planting seminars, and the grand parade on June 15. The island's atmosphere is elevated by free Music in the Park every Thursday, as well as a full slate of live performances all summer long.
- Embrace the Adventure at Boyne City Pirate Fest
- Ahoy. Families and fun-seekers will love the action-packed Boyne City Pirate Fest, featuring live reenactments, Highland games, pirate parades, and more swashbuckling entertainment than you can shake a sword at.
Find more to add to your West Michigan summer on our events calendar.
