During the summer, West Michigan comes alive with festivals and events celebrating everything from art and music to food and nature. Here are some great summer festivities in West Michigan:

South West Michigan Summer Festivals & Music

  • Join the Michigan Maritime Museum Saturday, July 20th 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. for their 22nd Annual Fish Boil! This old-fashioned Great Lakes fish boil dinner includes traditionally boiled lake fish, potatoes and onions covered in a butter sauce, with a roll, coleslaw, and ice cream for dessert! Experience a delicious meal, great company, and the best harbor views! 
  • The Michigan Maritime Museum presents the 43rd Antique & Classic Boat Show in South Haven. This event celebrates all kinds of antique and classic small craft from power boats to paddle boats. Woodworkers and collectors alike will show their boats, demonstrations on boat building techniques will be featured, and toy boat building will be available for kids. Our aim is to help perpetuate the building, restoration, and use of classic boats and small craft to give participants and the public an entertaining and informative learning experience. 

  • The Tibbits Opera House and local organizations are collaborating on a one-day event to continue the sharing, the conversations, and the celebration of the many cultures represented in our community. The family-friendly event will include displays, exhibits and activities as well as a market area, a stage for entertainment, and an area for presentations and conversations. 
  • Gun Lake Live takes place every Wednesday at Bay Pointe Inn  from May 22nd to August 28th! There is food, drinks, and a different live band every week!

  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of summer evenings at the Inn at Harbor Shores Live every Wednesday night in the Riverside Tent, starting June 19th and running through Labor Day. Harbor Shores Live offers live performances by talented local bands, creates the perfect midweek escape to unwind with friends and family, and promises unforgettable moments under the starlit sky. 
  • The inaugural Rock Lansing Music Fest at Louis F. Adado Riverfront Park starts on Saturday May 18th from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. Rock Lansing is an outdoor rock music festival that features national and regional bands playing on multiple stages. 

  • Summer in the Saugatuck/Douglas area is filled with festivals and outdoor events. In July, celebrate the Venetian Festival, a weekend-long festival of family-friendly fun in downtown Saugatuck. Events include everything from live music at Coughlin Park, to the Dinghy Poker Run. A 3-hour daytime event where participants race on inflatable boats to seven planned stops along the Kalamazoo River to pick up poker cards. The quest is to get the best poker hand for a chance to win one of three prizes. When it comes to enjoying live outdoor musical performances, there is no shortage of opportunities to treat your ears while visiting Saugatuck/ Douglas during the summer season. Kick things off with the Saugatuck Center for the Arts’ free Jump Into Summer event for all ages on Friday, June 7th, featuring Joe Hertler + The Rainbow Seekers. Then, join us every Wednesday in Saugatuck, starting on June 19th, for their Music in the Park series, where popular bands play at Wicks Park Gazebo from 7–9 p.m. Moving into midsummer, join us on June 28th for Beats on Berry, the Felt Estate annual outdoor concert series, and the Fennville City Music Hall concert series! 
  • Whether it's rocking to the best local troubadours at Black River Tavern on the weekend, or dancing along the water during Riverfront Concerts, it's easy to find your groove in South Haven! See who's on the marquee during your stay by visiting our event page, where you can browse individual events and access the weekly "Happenings in the Haven" flyer which features all the must-see music week-to-week! 

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  • Celebrate summer fun in Coldwater Country, nestled halfway between Chicago and Detroit in southern Michigan, with a variety of happenings throughout the season. From food festivals to car shows, heritage and magic celebrations Coldwater Country knows how to celebrate. Join us throughout the summer for family fun happenings including the Coldwater Strawberry Fest, Magic City Grill Fest, Bronson Polish Festival, Magic Get Together, County Fair, and Coldwater AppleFest. 
  • Hops on Monroe offers live music and entertainment along with a variety of Michigan craft beer and rotating food trucks Thursday nights, from June 20th through August 29th. Downtown Coldwater is also hosting the Entertainment Under the Stars series of FREE outdoor concerts, Tuesday nights from July 9th through August 13th. Bring a lawn chair, blanket, and enjoy the sounds of folk, bluegrass, classic country, and Rock! Mark your calendars for Thursday evenings for the Sounds of Summer concert series in Quincy. Starting June 13th, and running every other Thursday through August 22nd, each Thursday from 6-8 p.m. will feature a musical performance at the Village of Quincy Park. Bring your blankets and chairs and meet us there!

  • Welcome the start of the summer season with music, food, vendors, and more at the History Center at Courthouse Square in Berrien Springs on June 2nd, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs to enjoy the concerts, walk through the museum to enjoy the latest exhibits, and get a jump on your Father's Day shopping with their many vendors!
  • The Berrien Springs Pickle Festival returns for its fourth year this July 4th, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Courthouse Square and the Berrien Springs Public Library. Old favorites like vendor alley, the Pickle Tasting Room, the Pickle Fling, and the Big Wheel races will be joined by new events like the Dunk Tank, the Flamm Pickle & Packing Company Relish Eating Contest, and new in 2024, the frozen t-shirt contest! End the day with the Berrien Springs 4th of July parade and the village fireworks. 

Central West Michigan Summer Festivals & Music

  • The Lakeshore Art Festival features a unique blend of fine art, handcrafted goods, music, food, and fun in beautiful Downtown Muskegon. Experience nearly 250 juried fine art and specialty craft exhibitors, a Children’s Lane, artisan food market, street performers, interactive art stations, and so much more! 
  • Whether you're an avid car enthusiast and a casual fan, the Grand Haven Jeep Festival 2024 has automotive fun that everyone can enjoy. See models of the first few jeeps created all the way to the newest releases. Or look to the sky at the Grand Haven Kite Festival to see colorful kites soaring in the wind.

  • Downtown Ludington is host to some of Michigan's finest musical talent. Experience a lively atmosphere while you shop at the farmers market or simply enjoy a free concert in the park at the Live in the Plaza Live musical acts in Legacy Plaza. Family-friendly activities, like bounce houses and games, will be featured, in addition to food trucks and a live entertainment stage! Onager, West Michigan’s premier live cover band, will provide an awesome mix of musical genres from 6-9 p.m. West Shore Bank Rhythm & Dunes Concert: Young Guns: A Tribute to Country Music Superstars This free event on Saturday, July 27th will feature Mega 80's, a Detroit-based group with an infectious feel-good vibe and tremendous stage presence. Bring your neon clothes for a fun retro concert you don’t want to miss! Food vendors will be available in the park starting at 5 p.m., followed by the Ludington High School band.
  • Enjoy live music from some of your favorite bands at the Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. 

  • Muskegon County invites you to join in on the ultimate summer celebration, featuring an array of cultural festivities and signature events you won't want to miss! Immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences with highlights including the Michigan Irish Music Festival (September 12th through 15th), Muskegon Latino Festival (September 7th), Opa Greek Fest (July 12th & 13th), Muskegon Polish Festival (September 2nd & 3rd), and West Michigan Juneteenth Celebration (June 19th). Dive into the excitement with signature events such as the Burning Foot Beer Festival (August 24th), Great Lakes Surf Festival (August 10th), Lakeshore Art Festival (June 29th & 30th), Taste of Muskegon (June 7th & 8th), and Unity Christian Music Festival (August 7th through 10th). Don't miss out on free music every Tuesday at McGraft Park and the Montague Bandshell, Fridays at Parties in the Park at Hackley Park, or the live tunes all summer long at The Deck's beachfront stage. 
  •  LowellArts Presents the 56th annual Fallasburg Arts Festival along with the Lowell Showboat Sizzlin' Summer Concerts series. ​Thursdays at 7:00pm On the Riverwalk Plaza in Downtown Lowell
  • Presented by LowellArts and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Concerts are family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Bleacher seating is available, or bring a chair. Admission to the concerts and parking are free.

  • Experience a summer of unforgettable cruises aboard the Aquastar in Muskegon! Dive into the Hawaiian Vibes on the Lake on June 14th at 8:00 p.m., with the Pacific Island Dancers performing dockside before setting sail for an evening of Polynesian adventure. Then, on June 19th at 8:00 p.m., join the Flip Flop Parrot Head Cruise, co-hosted by the Shoreline Parrot Head Club, featuring live music from Two Dudes in Flip Flops and a cash bar benefiting the Walk to End Alzheimer's. Reserve your spot early for this lively Caribbean-themed event! On June 21st at 8:30 p.m., don't miss the Full Moon Cruise, hosted by Muskegon Channel Radio, offering a night of music, dancing, and breathtaking views of the West Michigan sunset and full moon. Get ready to groove to the Blues on June 26th at 8:00 p.m. with DJ Willie Smith from FM 106, followed by the Yacht Rock Cruise on June 27th at 8:30 p.m., featuring local legend DJ Andy O'Riley spinning smooth sounds from the 70’s and 80’s, complete with era trivia, prizes, giveaways, and your very own captain's hat to keep. Don't miss out on these unforgettable aquatic adventures!
  • Honoring those who have served and giving festival goers the chance to board a real coast guard vessel, the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is an amazing event fun for everyone. Browse downtown for great food and fun shops, head to the beach for summer sunshine, and take part in the many events! 

  • In Holland, summer festival season kicks off June 15th with the Juneteenth Freedom Festival. Commemorating the day in 1865 when the enslaved people of Texas finally learned that slavery had been abolished, Juneteenth welcomes all to dance, savor local BBQ, and connect over conversation. The next weekend, June 21st & 22nd, the Holland Celtic Festival brings together Scottish clans to compete in ancient athletic competitions and invites all to enjoy lively Celtic music, food, and libations. June 29th, Holland Pride Festival hosts a family friendly celebration of the local LGBTQ+ community. July 17th through 20th is Fiesta, a Latin American festival full of fun for the whole family. Annual Events in Holland, Michigan
  • With a mission of improving the public’s water related board sports ability, the Great Lakes Surf Festival in Muskegon is a great chance to learn how to surf. Many have learned how to surf on their bucket list and the surf festival team of experts makes it easy to pick up. 

  • Experience the rich culture, mouth-watering food, and community at the Polish Heritage Festival in Grand Rapids. This three day celebration includes everything from live music, to activities the whole family can enjoy. 
  • Driven by a purposeful mission of weaving cultural enrichment, economic empowerment, and community unity, the Grand Rapids Asian-Pacific Festival is an annual festival thousands attend in Grand Rapids. Featuring live music, dancing, and delicious food the festival has activities lasting all day. Head downtown and experience this amazing community event.

North West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Summer Festivals & Music

  • Enjoy the heart and soul of Mackinac Island at summer celebrations, festivals, and outdoor music! The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is a 10 day event in June, and July features the oldest stone skipping competition in the US with two sets of fireworks displays in the evening. Two of the oldest yacht races span the month of July, and August shines a light on Mackinac Island fudge with the annual Fudge Festival. As for music, the Mackinac Arts Council hosts Music in the Park every Thursday during July and August. Get ready for a summer of fun on Mackinac Island! 
  • With the perfect centralized location in Northern Michigan, just 31 miles from Traverse and located among the Chain of Lakes region, Shanty Creek Resort is an awesome basecamp for mapping out endless excursions including many Northern Michigan festivals and events. Whether enjoying the Antrim County Petoskey Stone Festival (May 25th), the 68th Annual Mancelona Bass Festival (May 30th through June 2nd), experiencing the ultimate cherry celebration at the National Cherry Festival (June 29th through July 6th), or even taking in Bellaire’s own Rubber Ducky Festival (August 16th) Shanty Creek is the perfect basecamp for a summer festival getaway.

  • Enjoy a free musical concert in Mackinaw City at Conkling Heritage Park at 8:00 p.m. every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the summer beginning July 4th with patriotic tunes and before our dazzling fireworks display every Saturday at dusk.
  • Dine on Mediterranean inspired cuisine at a Black Star Farms winery while listening to live music! Our rotating schedule of musicians will delight you with every visit! Check out our pizza and 2 Pinot specials when visiting! 
  • Bring family and friends for a wonderful night of outdoor entertainment at Michigan Legacy Art Park this summer at Crystal Mountain. The 2024 Summer Sounds concert series is a unique blend of the best rock, country, classical, and folk music in the region. Grab your snacks, drinks and friends and head to the park for a relaxing evening filled with fresh air and good vibes. The first of four concerts is June 28th featuring jazz quintet Marion Hayden and Legacy.

  • Experience a vibrant summer in Marquette with a lineup of exciting events! Kicking off the season is Art Week from June 24th to 29th, organized by the City of Marquette Arts & Culture Division. This annual celebration brings together local artists, organizations, and businesses for a week of free art and cultural programming, including concerts, workshops, performances, exhibits, and installations. Then, don't miss the 44th Hiawatha Traditional Music Festival at Marquette Tourist Park from July 19th to 21st, featuring nationally known performers alongside regional and local favorites. Dive into the vibrant music scene at Ore Dock Brewing Company, where live music events fill the summer calendar. Lastly, mark your calendar for Music on Third, happening every third Thursday from June through September in Downtown Marquette, where local musicians take over the sidewalks of Third Street, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for exploring the unique shops and restaurants.
  • How do pirates prefer to communicate? Aye to aye! Don’t miss the Boyne City Pirate Fest, where you can have action-packed fun for the whole family! The event includes invasion, entertainment, reenactment, Highland games, Pirate Queen Padget, parade, and more

Find more to add to your West Michigan summer on our events calendar.