July in Michigan is where summer dreams meet Midwestern charm. The air is thick with the scent of blooming wildflowers and fresh-cut grass, the lakes are warm enough to dive into without hesitation, and every weekend seems to hold a new adventure. It’s a month that begs for barefoot mornings on the porch, day trips that end with ice cream cones, and the kind of memories that smell faintly of sunscreen and campfire smoke.
Whether you're a lifelong Michigander or planning a visit, July offers something for everyone: big city energy and small-town magic, sandy beaches and shady trails, art fairs and food truck festivals. And with our famously unpredictable seasons, we all know how important it is to savor every second of this golden time.
So grab your calendar, and maybe your favorite pair of sunglasses, because here are 12 things to do in Michigan this July that will make you fall in love with summer all over again.
June 28 - July 5 National Cherry Festival – Traverse City
It’s time for the biggest party of the year in our nation’s Cherry Capital. First and foremost, there are zillions of ways to enjoy scrumptious cherries, though for our money, probably none better than a good old fashioned pie. This celebration is so big it even has two parades. Concerts include Tyler Hubbard, Trace Adkins, T.I., Pop Evil, Buckcherry, and Hinder. Plus, big laughs await when "Weird Al" Yankovic shows up. The U.S. Coast Guard Air Station will also be appearing at the airshow.
July 4-5 Marquette 4th of July Laser Show – Marquette
Marquette proudly presents the Independence Day Sensory Friendly Laser Light Show, a breathtaking experience on Marquette's iconic Lower Harbor Ore Dock—the largest architectural laser show in North America! The night of July 4th is all about inclusivity and accessibility. Our laser-only show ensures that everyone, including children, veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, and individuals with sensory disorders, can join in the festivities without worry. Don't miss out on this unique, family-friendly event designed to bring joy to all. Come celebrate Independence Day in a way that’s as inclusive as it is spectacular!
July 11-13 Art in the Park – Plymouth
Now in its 45th year, this, the state’s second largest art fair, will welcome over 400 artists from around the country this year. You’ll find paintings, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art and a variety of other mediums. Theatrical performances, music, and live art demonstrations round out the weekend.
July 11-13 & 18-20 Blake’s Lavender Festival – Armada
Ah, lavender, one of nature’s most refreshing scents. Blake’s is the place to be to immerse yourself in this summer sensation. Stroll the tranquil orchards and shop the open-air marketplace filled with local artisans. Sip on a refreshing lavender lemonade or try it in ice cream. There will also be free classes and demonstrations on topics such as natural wellness, aromatherapy, farming, gardening, and more. General admission is $12 per person. Children 10 and under are admitted at no cost, and will love the abundance of activities available at the farm.
July 12 Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race – Port Huron
If there’s one thing this state is truly known for, it’s boats on lakes. That’s especially true of sailing vessels. There may be no better place to enjoy them than Port Huron at the start of this auspicious race. Get up early, head to Port Huron, watch the yachts and a bevy of other boats, parade out of the harbor. Then enjoy some time exploring the town. Grab a coffee and some scrumptious fresh food at Kate’s Downtown or a meal with a view of the Blue Water Bridge at Freighters. Conversely, head to Mackinac Island and enjoy the climactic arrival with one of the best island parties of the season.
July 17-19 Ann Arbor Art Fair – Ann Arbor
The fact that this art fair includes a Thursday and no Sunday is just one of the many aspects that makes it unique. It’s also the state’s largest, combining four different fairs. You’ll find work in all kinds of media ranging from clay to wood, fibers to furniture, photography to painting, jewelry to printmaking, and more. If you want to make it to every artist’s booth, then you’ll need to plan to make a full day of it in Ann Arbor. Start your day out with coffee and scrumptious baked goods at Avalon. When you need a refreshment, Jolly Pumpkin awaits with some of the state’s best brews.
July 17-20 Mayville Sunflower Festival – Mayville
An old song implies that Christmas is the “hap-happiest season of all,” but we can’t help wondering if the lyricist ever experienced sunflower season! The good news is, that you can. Head into the Thumb area for a summer tradition that has lasted for three decades. Celebrate sunflowers and some good old fashioned summer fun with a pancake breakfast, vintage baseball, a village-wide yard sale, cornhole tournament, food trucks, concerts, a Bump and Run Derby, a Grand Parade and fireworks.
July 18-20 Hot Air Jubilee – Jackson
This July marks 42 years of this glorious annual tradition in Jackson. There are 32 pilots scheduled to fill the sky with color this year, including several females competing for the US Women’s National Championship. The fun takes place at Ella Sharp Park, where you’ll find crafters, the Kids Kingdom, vendors, and an auto show. You can’t hop aboard a balloon, but you can jump onto a helicopter for a quick ride. Being at the park also offers a host of opportunities to experience the Hurst Planetarium, Ella Sharp Museum, a mini golf course, and much more. Jam to live music in the evenings before and after the Night Glow.
July 19-26 Venetian Festival – Charlevoix
Venice may not be on your travel itinerary this year, so how about a Venetian fest? What started out as a candlelit boat parade more than nine decades ago, has grown into an 8-day bash in beautiful Charlevoix. You’ll find concerts, fireworks, a carnival, street parade, athletic events, beachfront activities, street vendors, buskers, and of course, the foundational parade of boats. This year’s boat parade, on July 26, should be particularly fun with a Hawaiian Luau theme.
July 25-26 Summer Beer Festival – Ypsilanti
Nobody throws a tasting party quite like the Michigan Brewer’s Guild, and this event may be their best of all. Beer aficionados, and the brewmasters who make their favorites, come together in Ypsi for the party of the season. The event runs from 5pm-9pm on Fri July 25 and again from 1pm-6pm on Sat July 26. The Summer Beer Festival features literally hundreds of Michigan’s finest brews available for sampling. The festivities take place at Riverside Park, but there are tons of other fun places to explore while in Depot Town.
July 25-27 Ausable River Canoe Marathon – Grayling
Have you ever paddled a portion of the Au Sable River? If you like to canoe, then chances are, you have. Now you can see how some of the best of the best do it. This unique event draws paddlers from around the world for a grueling and prestigious marathon. Known to be North America’s toughest nonstop canoe race, this event is part of the sport’s Triple Crown. It goes from Grayling to Oscoda, and fans are invited to cheer paddlers on throughout the night. It can be tricky to seek out access to the river in total darkness in order to spot your favorite crew, but that’s just part of the fun. While in the Oscoda area, check out the River Road Scenic Byway.
July 26-27 Art on the Rocks – Marquette
Not that any of us need an excuse to visit Marquette in the summer (or really any time of year), but if you’re looking for one, this is it. Art on the Rocks is easily the finest art show in the Upper Peninsula, and in fact, one of the best in the country. It’s located in the lovely Mattson Lower Harbor Park on Lake Superior. The surrounding views are sure to be nearly as stunning as the artwork. Check out the adorable lighthouse nearby, and the incredible old iron ore dock. Take an easy stroll into downtown for a cold beer at Ore Dock Brewing or Blackrocks. Scrumptious eats and drinks can also be found nearby at Iron Bay and The Vierling.
There’s just something about July in Michigan, those long days that slip into firefly-lit nights, the mix of spontaneity and tradition, the way every moment feels fleeting but full. Whether you’re cooling off by the water, dancing in the street at a local festival, or discovering a new favorite ice cream stand off a quiet country road, this is the month to be present, be playful, and be outside.
I hope this list inspires you to explore somewhere new, revisit old favorites, and make the kind of memories that only a Michigan summer can offer. And if you're looking to plant deeper roots in the Great Lakes State, or even just find your perfect summer retreat, I'm always here to help.
Here’s to chasing sunsets, finding new adventures, and soaking in every second of this beautiful season. Happy July!
