Kids and their teachers are ready to leave school, cherry blossoms are popping, and boats are starting to hit the lakes, so summer is right around the corner. Get an early start on your fun in the sun with these fantastic 12 things to do in Michigan in May.
May 2-11 Tulip Time – Holland
Any time is a good time to visit Holland, but of course Tulip Time is truly special. During this whimsical feast for the eyes, events and activities take place in a variety of locations in and around Downtown Holland. Tulips will be blooming all over. For a modest fee, you can visit Windmill Island, which has one of the largest concentrations of the spring flowers, as well as a historic windmill. There’s also an immersion garden at Beechwood Church. This incredibly Instagrammable spot is designed by world-renowned Dutch horticulturist, Ibo Gülsen, and features over 65,000 flowers.
It’s one of many ways to learn about, and experience, Dutch culture while in town. There will also be carnival rides and parades for kids to enjoy, dockside tours of a tall ship, and even a concert on May 9th by Country music star Rodney Atkins. While in Holland, here are some other attractions worth checking out.
May 1-June 15 Lantern Festival – Grand Rapids
The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival is a truly breathtaking experience for all ages. John Ball Zoo is the first and only place you can see these incredible works of art in Michigan. The lantern festival takes place on a one-mile stretch of the zoo. It features handcrafted Asian lantern displays that will illuminate the park and tell the intersecting story of wildlife and Asian culture. The festival runs every Tuesday-Sunday, from 7:30pm-10:30pm.
May 9-11 Jeep the Yoop – St Ignace and Drummond Island
This weekend extravaganza for Jeep aficionados typically begins with a Mighty Mac crossing, and is known as Jeep the Mac. Unfortunately, bridge construction has thwarted the group crossing this year. Nevertheless, there is plenty of fun to be had, especially for those who love to get their Jeeps off the beaten path. Expect to find a geo-cache style off-road scavenger hunt, a revamped off-road playground at Kewadin Casino, and optional guided road and trail rides. There are opportunities for varying experience levels.
Plus, you can also enjoy an outdoor evening meet and greet with fire pits, smores, live music, food trucks, and more. Friday night features a drone light show, and Saturday highlights include the Drummond Island Mud Bog, and the annual St Ignace Jeeps Lights Parade.
May 15-18 National Morel Mushroom Festival – Boyne City
Time flies when you’re hunting mushrooms! This year marks the 65th anniversary of this classic fungi fest. Once may hits, morels start popping up around the state. You never know where you might come across them, but one place you are sure to find them is at this event. Festivities include morel tastings, a national competitive hunt, seminars, an arts & crafts show, concerts, and a carnival.
Search for the scrumptious mushrooms in nearby woods and clearings, or take the easy route and stop by area restaurants where they will be preparing morel-laden entrees. While in the area, consider popping over to take a stroll across the SkyBridge, which is beautiful at any time of year.
May 15-17 Durand Railroad Days – Durand
The impact of railways on Michigan is nearly immeasurable, and no town embraces that history quite like Durand. Home to Michigan’s Railroad History Museum, it should come as no surprise that Durand hosts a party every year to honor its railroad ties. Visit the museum, stroll around this very walkable town and take part in lots of small town fun.
This tradition-laden event is celebrating half a century this year. There’s a parade, carnival, model train show, rib burn, and of course a chance to meet the Queen, Prince, Princess, and Railroad Person of the Year.
May 16-17 World Expo of Beer – Frankenmuth
Touted as the state’s largest beer sampling event, this brew ha-ha is a classic Frankenmuth tradition. It also features some hard ciders and meads. More than twenty Michigan craft beverage producers will be among those on site, so you can sip locally with huge variety. Plus, it raises lots of money for good causes.
Tickets for either Friday or Saturday may be purchased in advance for $30 each and include admission, 6 beer sample tickets (more may be purchased), and a souvenir mug. The expo takes place at the Harvey Kern Pavilion in Heritage Park from 5pm-10pm on Friday May 16, or 2pm-10pm on Saturday May 17.
May 17-18 The Kite Festival – Grand Haven
Spring brings so many wonderful things, including an optimal time to go fly a kite. Take to the beach, as the sky is filled with colorful kites of all types and sizes. World-famous stunt kite fliers perform to music on the center flying field while kites larger than a school bus hover just to the south. Bring your own kite to fly on the open flying field at the north end of the event, or test fly the year’s newest kites on one of the manufacturers’ fields.
Afterwards, pop into town for to shop hand-painted goods at the famous Marushka store and of course gobble up some West Michigan goodness at Blueberry Haven. You may also want to quench that kite-flying thirst at Oddside Ales.
May 18 Flower Day at Eastern Market – Detroit
What a great day to wake up early and head into the Motor City! Flower Day at the city’s historic Eastern Market is a sight to behold. Stop and smell the flowers inside and outside the sheds, and pick out all your garden and landscaping needs at affordable prices. You can also get your culinary fix from food trucks, or a bevy of walkable eateries.
After a fun morning of shopping, relax with the beverage of your choice at Eastern Market Brewing Company, Detroit City Distillery, or nearby Detroit Vineyards. One helpful hint, if you plan to buy plants, and we hope you do, bring a wagon to haul your stash back to your vehicle.
May 23-26 Balloons Over Bavarian Inn – Frankenmuth
This time of year also marks the return of hot air balloons to our skies. One of the first places to spot them en masse is over Michigan’s Little Bavaria. You can witness beautiful morning and evening flights by more than 25 balloon pilots over Frankenmuth. Additionally, the weekend includes the Dog Bowl, which features 29 fun activities centered around human’s best friend.
Located at the River Place Shops, pooches will participate in DockDogs® and Disc Dog competitions, Wiener Dog Races, a pet parade, the annual Canine Cruise on the Bavarian Belle River Boat, a costume contest, fun runs, a Dog Breeds of the World Show, and other furry fun.
May 23-25 Alma Highland Festival – Alma
When your college is home to the Scots, then it would seem you better host a Highland Festival, and boy do they. Members of Scottish clans and interested onlookers gather together annually for a weekend of Highland dancing, bagpipes, kilts, and camaraderie. The festival is located on the Alma College campus. Watch nearly 1,000 pipers and drummers playing at once in a massed band performance. Find out about Scottish traditions, and perhaps discover something about your own heritage at the many clan tents.
Other highlights include the U.S. Open Piping Band Championship, Solo Piping and Drumming, Great Lakes Open and Closed Regional Highland Dance Competition, Highland, Choreography Dance, Great Lakes Scottish Heavyweight Athletics and Great Lakes Amateur Athletics. If you love Outlander, but can’t make it to Scotland, this weekend in Alma may be the next best thing.
May 24-26 Ride the Keweenaw – Keweenaw Peninsula
Mountain bikers, spend your Memorial Weekend in a truly unforgettable way–biking in the northernmost regions of the state. Get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and ride all of the Copper Country’s amazing trails. Start out on Friday with a guided ride through the caverns at Adventure Mine, and check out the bats and old mine workings along the way. Alternatively, stop by Swedetown for twisty, turny family-friendly group rides. Wake up bright and early on Saturday with a guided group ride at the Michigan Tech Trails. In the afternoon, head over to Churning Rapids and explore some backcountry trails.
Close out the weekend on Sunday, when the riding action is all in Copper Harbor. The first Lake Superior Gravity Series Enduro of 2025 kicks off in the morning. Register to ride, or just cheer on the experts. In between rides, explore the shops, eats, and breweries of the Keewenaw.
May 24 Native American Festival – St Ignace
Recognize and celebrate the rich culture and contributions of the Anishinaabe people at this annual festival set near the shores of Lake Huron. Hear the sounds of drums, see the expressive dances, and taste the traditions that were literally hundreds of years in the making. Smell the scent of sacred medicines. Feel birch bark, porcupine quills and other materials used for both function and artistry.
This unique opportunity is held on the grounds of the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, and festival activities are free to all visitors.
Have all the fun you can in this beautiful state, as we draw nearer to summer and to the lovely outdoors. May in Michigan offers an incredible variety of experiences that celebrate the beauty and presence of Spring. Whether you’ve checked off a couple of activities or embraced all 12, the memories you create will be perfect.
From fun festivals to nature necessities, Michigan truly shines in every season—so discover your next adventure!
