There’s something about May in Michigan that feels like a deep exhale. After months of gray skies and bundled routines, the energy shifts, suddenly, everything is blooming, buzzing, and coming back to life. Kids (and teachers) are counting down the days until summer break, cherry blossoms and tulips paint the landscape in soft color, and the lakes begin to sparkle with the return of boats and beach days.
It’s that in-between season where spring is in full swing, but summer is just close enough to feel. And if you know where to look, May might actually be one of the best months to experience everything Michigan has to offer, before the peak-season crowds arrive.
April 30 - May 3 Fresh Coast Film Festival Traverse City – Boyne City
The inaugural Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City runs April 30–May 3, 2026 at seven venues across the North Boardman Lake District and downtown Traverse City. Presented by the nonprofit Old Mission Culture Company, the festival features 50+ documentary films celebrating the outdoor lifestyle and spirit of the Great Lakes and Upper Midwest, with nearly two dozen filmmakers attending from 11 states.
Highlights include artist panels at Traverse City Whiskey Company, passholder after-parties at local breweries, outdoor tours, student film showcases, and two evening galas at the City Opera House, including the Michigan premiere of the Mary Oliver documentary Saved by the Beauty of the World (May 2) and the northern Michigan premiere of Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme Birdwatching (May 1).
May 1-10 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 1st of Love Story - A Tribute to Taylor Swift.
May 2 Bloom & Browse – Hudsonville
A lively spring market with local makers, boutiques, fresh blooms & tasty food trucks. Terra Square is a versatile space to gather and celebrate, whatever the occasion. This is the first year of the Bloom & Browse market, they're so excited for what's sure to be a fun and lively day. Hosting 50 vendors in a variety of categories, an event truly for everyone, all ages.
When you walk into Terra Square, you’re greeted by soaring ceilings, exposed brick, and clean industrial lines. With three unique spaces including The Gathering Space, The Market Space, and The Courtyard, Terra Square is a blank canvas ready for personal touch.
May 2 Grill on the Hill – Gaylord
Announcing the Annual Grill on the Hill at Treetops Resort! Get ready for another round of BBQ competition like no other at the Annual Grill on the Hill at Treetops Resort! This competition is open to any level of cooking skills as well as those who are just here for a good time! You will get the opportunity to complete with other grill enthusiasts, and share your special skills and creativity with the "tasters" who will be on the search for the best BBQ.
May 5 Cinco De Mayo Tipsy Tea – Rochester
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Rochester, Michigan, with a unique afternoon tea experience at Royal Park Hotel. This limited-seating event blends traditional tea service with tequila cocktails and Mexican-inspired small bites for a festive midweek affair. Step into a timeless tradition with Afternoon Tea at Royal Park Hotel. Inspired by the classic English custom of a light meal enjoyed between lunch and dinner, this experience brings together refined flavors, a relaxed setting, and just the right reason to slow down.
Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for things to do in Rochester, our afternoon tea service offers a thoughtful way to gather with friends and family.
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May 8 Dancing with the Stars Live – Detroit
With more than 35 million votes cast weekly by viewers, Dancing with the Stars: Live! jumps from screen to stage with an all-star cast of professional dancers: Brandon Armstrong, Alan Bersten, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Daniella Karagach, Pasha Pashkov, Emma Slater, Ezra Sosa, Britt Stewart and Hailey Bills. Under the direction of Emmy Award- winning choreographer Mandy Moore (La La Land, Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour), these fan favorites bring the artistry and athleticism of the ballroom to life in an unforgettable live experience.
May 15-16 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.
May 16 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 17 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 22-24 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 23 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 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.
May is a reminder of why people fall in love with Michigan in the first place. It’s the season of fresh starts, when the outdoors calls a little louder, weekends feel a little fuller, and even the simplest plans turn into lasting memories. From moments surrounded by nature to lively festivals filled with energy and tradition, there’s no shortage of ways to experience it.
Whether you make it to one event or fill your calendar with all twelve, the beauty of this time of year is in simply getting out and enjoying it. Because before long, summer will be in full swing, and these early-season moments, with their softer pace and fresh blooms, will be the ones you’re glad you didn’t miss. So get outside, explore somewhere new, and take full advantage of everything Michigan has to offer this May.
