Check This Out | Summer Events in Michigan

One of the most popular times to visit Northern Michigan is the summer and for good reason. With endless things to do on the water and land, you never have to worry about hearing the dreaded words, “I’m bored.” However, if you want to add some extra fun to your getaway, consider timing your vacation to line up with one of the memorable summer events in Northern Michigan towns like Traverse City. There’s no shortage of festivities to check out, so the Visit Up North Vacation Rentals team has put together this guide to some of our favorites.

What to Know About 7 Local Festivals and Events

One of the best additions to any vacation is checking out local happenings. If you’re staying at one of our vacation rentals, see if any of these seven events are taking place during your getaway.

1. The Traverse City Horse Shows is quickly becoming a popular summer event. The season runs from June through September, with free entry available Wednesday through Saturday.
2. See competitors push themselves to their limit during the M22 Challenge. This endurance event takes place in mid-June at the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Participants will bike, run, and kayak through the national lakeshore.
3. The Frankfort Art Fair is the perfect place to discover some of the talented artists who call this area home. Make your way to downtown Frankfort for this annual event toward the end of June. 
4. One of the most popular events on this list is the National Cherry Festival, which runs for over a week starting at the end of June. The festival offers memorable activities throughout the Traverse City area, including a cherry pit spitting contest, a car show, an air show, and other cherry-related activities.
5. Elk River Harbor Days is a quintessential town festival. Held at the end of July, it includes carnival rides, a car show, live music, and a fireworks display.
6. Another chance to look for local artwork is the Suttons Bay Art Festival, which has been running for over four decades. The two-day festival sets up next to the Suttons Bay Marina Park in Suttons Bay.
7. Toward the end of August, the Cedar Polka Fest takes over the Village of Cedar, about 13 miles from Traverse City. The four-day festival features some of the country’s best Polka bands and plenty of delicious food.

Find Your Michigan Summer Home Base

Given the popularity of some of the summer events above, it’s important you reserve your rental in Northern Michigan as soon as possible. Because Visit Up North has vacation rentals throughout the region, you’re sure to find one close to memorable happenings and adventures. All of our vacation rentals, from Traverse City to Leelanau, have all of the comforts of home! Browse our inventory to find your perfect Michigan rental today. To learn more, call 231-922-8922.