Michigan comes alive in the summertime with beautiful rolling hills and lake front towns. Many of these cities have annual summer celebrations. If you are looking for live music or fresh berries, chances are you’ll find them being celebrated in Michigan.

1. Sturgis Fest
The Sturgis event in South Dakota may be the more famous one, but Michigan has its own celebration at the end of June. It’s themed “Where the Good Times Roll.” During the weeklong festivities, there is a Triathalon, Softball Tournament, Bike Night, Motorcycle Run, Classic Cruise Car Show and Ice Cream Social.

June 21-28, 2014
Sturgis, Michigan
Official Website
 
2. Stars & Stripes Festival
It may be before the official Independence Day, but the Stars and Stripes Festival in Sterling Heights is a good way to get in the mood for the 4^th. Bret Michaels and a Pink Floyd Laser Spectacular are part of the entertainment roster. You’ll also find fireworks, an art fair and a petting zoo at this festival.

June 26-29, 2014
Freedom Hill County Park, Sterling Heights, Michigan<
Official Website

3. Fairy Tale Festival
Kids of all ages will love this fantasy land of fun. At the Ford House grounds, you will see fairy tales come alive. Captain Hook will be recruiting pirates, mermaids will be singing, and Peter Pan will be rock climbing with the Lost Boys and teaching kids how to fly.

June 28, 2014
Ford House Grounds, Grosse Point Shores, Michigan
Official Website
 

4. Battle Creek Field of Flight Air Show & Balloon Festival
For five days, you can see hot-air balloon launches and air show performers at this festival. Each night you’ll also be able to catch a fireworks display and pyro air show with a jet-powered school bus.

There will also be craft booths and food vendors.

July 2-6, 2014
W.K. Kellog Airport, Battle Creek, Michigan
Official Website

5. Mackinac Island's Star Spangled Fourth
Celebrate the 4^th of July on the historical Mackinac Island. Fort Mackinac will have a 38 Gun Salute, soldier demonstrations, and canon firing. The Grand Hotel will cater a picnic during the festivities. If you don’t make it to the fort, you’ll still be able to watch the fireworks from most of the island.

July 4, 2014
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Website

6. National Cherry Festival
The tart cherry capital of the country plays host to the National Cherry Festival in July. In addition to cherry-filled foods and treats, there will be events and entertainment for the whole family along the shore of Grand Traverse Bay.

July 5-12, 2014
Traverse City, Michigan
Official Website

7. Cheboygan Waterways Festival (formerly the Riverfest)
Along the waterways of Cheboygan this festival includes events on the water such as a Kayak Sprint, as well as land-based softball tournaments and parades. There are also antique and art shows, live entertainment and plenty to eat and drink.

July 10-13, 2014
Main Street, Cheboygan, Michigan
Official Website

8. Czech & Slovak Festival
Celebrate the Czech and Slovak cultures in Dearborn Heights. This festival includes sampling of micro brew and imported beers, ethnic dancers and strolling musicians, and authentic Czech and Slovak cuisine. You’ll also find live bands and handmade jewelry here.

July 19-20, 2014
Sokol Cultural Center, Dearborn Heights, Michigan<
Official Website
 

9. Charlevoix Venetian Festival
The Venetian Festival includes a host of free events, such as a Battle of the Bands, Boat Parade, Venetian Games and other entertainment. Fireworks will take place at night along the waterfront parks, where there are also kids’ activities.<

July 19-26, 2014
Charlevoix, Michigan
Official Website
 

10. Blueberry Festival
If you are a blueberry lover, come to downtown Marquette, where the Blueberry Festival will be serving up everything from blueberry beer to blueberry pizza. The kids will also love the pony rides, inflatables and arcade games. Local farmers will be on hand selling all types of produce.

July 25, 2014
Downtown Marquette, Michigan
Official Website

11. Saginaw County Fair
For over 100 years, the Saginaw County Fair has attracted thousands. During the five day event, you can find carnival rides, a horse show Barrel Racing, 4H competitions, motocross and more on the fairgrounds.

July 29-August 2, 2014
Saginaw County Fairgrounds, Chesaning, Michigan
Official Website

12. Traverse City Film Festival
With Michigan natives such as Director Michael Moore and actors Jeff Daniels and Christine Lahti on the board of this festival, it’s no wonder it’s become a popular showcase of independent films, as well as lectures, panel discussions, and lots of parties.

July 29-August 3, 2014
Open Space Park, Traverse City, Michigan
Official Website

13. Flint Jazz Festival
Local, regional and national Jazz musicians head to Flint in August for the weekend-long Jazz Festival. Food vendors will be on hand during the music at Riverbank Park. You can also find art and craft vendors selling handmade items.

August 8-10, 2014
Downtown Flint, Michigan
Official Website

14. Yassou! Greek Cultural Festival
Greek heritage is celebrated annually in Grand Rapids. The Yassou! Festival will have lots of Greek food and drinks. The entire family will enjoy the live music and dancing at the grounds of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

August 22-24, 2014
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Official Website

15. Detroit Jazz Festival
For over 35 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival has taken over much of the downtown, with stages across blocks of the city. The theme is “Jazz Speaks for Life,” words once spoken by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
August 29-September 1, 2014
Detroit, Michigan
Official Website