Lansing, MI Festivals

We weren't kidding when we said Greater Lansing is Michigan's festival capital! As you can tell from the length of this list, there is a lot to celebrate in Greater Lansing all year long. Plus, a list of festivals this diverse means there is bound to be an event you and your family can enjoy. So check out the events below and start planning which events you will attend this year.

 February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December 

February 22-24 Michigan Nordic Fire Festival
Charlotte • (517) 543-8853
www.michigannordicfirefestival.com
A fun, family-friendly adventure including a Viking ship burning, spear throwing competitions, sword fighting demonstrations, fire dancers, kid's events, horn blowing, reenactment camp and dozens of other high-energy hands-on activities. Adult mead hall with entertainment Friday and Saturday night. #BeAWeekendViking

March 15 & 16 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-8360 or (517) 627-0758
www.glstpats.org

This annual celebration is set in historic downtown Grand Ledge and consists of an Irish Stew cook-off, live music, Irish dance performances and a grand parade.

March 16 Maple Syrup Festival
Lansing • (517) 483-4224
www.mynaturecenter.org
Celebrate nature’s own “Liquid Gold” at Fenner Nature Center’s Maple Syrup Festival! Participate in demonstrations in our Sugar Bush, try your hand at tapping a tree and treat your taste buds to savory treats like maple crème and maple cotton candy!

March 26 Forks & Corks
Lansing • (517) 487-3322
www.forksandcorkslansing.org
Forks & Corks is an upscale evening of unparalleled wine and food pairings, showcasing wines from around the globe and culinary treats from metro-Lansing's top dining spots. Each suite in the stadium will have a dish from one of metro-Lansing's best restaurants paired with a fine wine. Guests will be invited to vote for the best pairing.

April 5-20 MSU Science Festival
Michigan State University-East Lansing • (517) 353-8977
www.sciencefestival.msu.edu
The MSU Science Festival is a multi-day series of event, talk, demonstrations, tours, open houses, guest speakers and hands-on activities highlighting the fascinating, though often overlooked, fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (a. k. a. STEAM) Great for the whole family.

April 6 Lansing Lugnuts Opening Day Celebration!
Lansing • (517) 485-4500
www.lansinglugnuts.com
Join in the fun at Cooley Law School Stadium as the Lansing Lugnuts minor league baseball team celebrates opening day! Enjoy free activities and entertainment from 3-6 p.m.

April 11-21 Capital City Film Festival
Lansing • (517) 483-4058
www.capitalcityfilmfest.com
The Capital City Film Festival (CCFF) is a multimedia showcase of films and live touring bands that engage audiences in Michigan’s capital city. CCFF celebrates independent artists from around the world by curating outstanding multimedia experiences for the community.

April 26-29 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival
Vermontville • (888) 482-8780
www.vermontvillemaplesyrupfestival.org
Celebrate 79 years at Michigan’s original Maple Syrup Festival. Enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup, rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, fireworks displays, 5K run, games and more. Syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, crème and the ever-popular maple syrup cotton candy.

April 27 Taste & Tour of Old Town
Lansing • (517) 485-4283
www.iloveoldtown.org
The Taste & Tour is one of Old Town's unique events which allows participants to sample delicious foods from Old Town restaurants and food retailers, while getting a chance to tour the lofts that Old Town has to offer.

April 27 Beerfest at the Ballpark-Spring
Lansing •  (517) 331-0528
www.beerfestattheballpark.net
BATB is held on Michigan Avenue, 360 concourse and front lawn of Cooley Law School Stadium. It provides attendees the opportunity to taste more than 300 craft beers, ciders, meads, spirits and from over 60 Michigan breweries while enjoying the ballpark atmosphere.

May 2-5 Spring Fling Festival
Mason • (517) 676-1046
http://www.masonchamber.org/
Come to Mason to experience all that 36th Spring Fling has to offer. Includes a 5K run, the Courthouse craft show on Saturday, duck race and much more—there’s something for everyone.

May 10-12 Mighty Uke Day 9
Lansing • (517) 896-4025
www.mightyukeday.com
Mighty Uke Day is the largest ukulele festival in the Midwest and features concerts, workshops, group strums, open mic, childrens activities, and more. Proceeds help fund music programs in Michigan classrooms and communities.

May 18-19 Victorian Days
Grand Ledge • (269) 749-9791
www.victoriandays.org
Mighty Uke Day is the largest ukulele festival in the Midwest and features concerts, workshops, group strums, open mic, childrens activities, and more. Proceeds help fund music programs in Michigan classrooms and communities.

May 18-19 East Lansing Art Festival
East Lansing • (517) 319-6804
www.elartfest.com
Join in celebrating the highly anticipated 55th annual East Lansing Art Festival. This mid-Michigan, two-day event features over 170 fine art exhibitors, 3 live music stages, art activities for all ages, live artist demos, poetry and an international-style food court in downtown East Lansing.

May 18-19 Michigan State University Spring Arts and Crafts Show
East Lansing • (517) 355-3354
www.uabevents.com
One of the largest arts and crafts shows in the state that includes a broad range of vendors selling handmade items including: candles, furniture, jewelry, home and yard décor, aromatherapy, clothing, children’s toys, painting, photography, pottery, sculpture and much more!

May 24-26 Cristo Rey Fiesta
Lansing • (517) 394-4639
www.cristoreychurch.org
This annual fiesta features authentic Mexican folkloric dancing as well as dancing in the evenings to live Tejano and Salsa Merengue bands. Proudly serving the finest in homemade Mexican dishes.

May 31 Margarita Festival
Lansing • (517) 483-7400
www.facebook.com/margaritafestlansing
It’s the second annual Margarita Fest! Presented by LEPFA and City Pulse. Come to the Lansing Center’s riverside plaza and sample up to 15 signature margaritas from Lansing area bars and restaurants! Enjoy a full-service bar and a variety of Lansing’s best food vendors. Dress up in your wildest tropical getup for a chance to win a prize! Attendees must be 21+ w/ valid ID.

June 13–15 Lansing Juneteenth Celebration & African American Parade
Lansing • (517) 394-6900
www.lansingjuneteenthcelebration.org
Commemorating the end of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about African-American heritage and promoting positive cultural interaction. This three-day event includes music, dance, entertainment, educational exhibits, children's activities, a health fair and parade! Celebrating more than 25 years in the Lansing area!

June 14-15 Michigan Pride March, Rally & Festival
Lansing • www.michiganpride.org
A statewide celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community and allies. The festival kicks off Friday night with the White Party. Saturday, take part in a march to the Capitol, a rally on the Capitol lawn, then head to Old Town for the festival, complete with all-ages entertainment, vendors and a beverage tent.

June 15 Lansing Beer Fest
Lansing • (517) 331-0528
www.lansingbeerfest.com
The seventh annual Lansing Beer Fest is an outdoor beer festival on Washington Ave. in REO Town featuring 20 Michigan breweries and 100+ craft beers. Also find cider, spirits, giant games, live music, vendors and more!

June 15 Oldsmobile Homecoming
Lansing • (517) 645-7438
www.reolds.org
The 27th annual car show and swap meet for all Oldsmobile and Oldsmobile-powered vehicles. The event will celebrate the 1962-1963 Jetfire, built by Oldsmobile.

June 17-23 Red Cedar Jubilee
Williamston • (517) 749-9096
The Red Cedar Jubilee features parades as well as craft shows, an enduro derby, a circus, a duck drop and a food and beverage tent with live music.

June 20-22 Yankee Doodle Days
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-2383
www.grandledgechamber.com
The premier summer-fun festival! Live music, parade, kids day, fireworks, entertainment tent and more!

June 21-22 Summer Solstice Jazz Festival
East Lansing • (517) 319-6980
www.eljazzfest.com
A free two-day music festival in the heart of downtown East Lansing, featuring the best in local, regional and national talent, children’s activities, a traditional New Orleans-style Second Line Parade and more. Presented by the City of East Lansing, and the MSU College of Music, with artistic direction by Rodney Whitaker.

June 22 Delta Rocks! Family Festival
Delta Township • (517) 323-8555
www.deltami.gov
A free family festival featuring a petting zoo, make-it take-it crafts, trackless train, 10-ft super sling shot, games, tot spot, inflatable attractions, business expo, music, easel painting, concessions and more. Most attractions are free.

June 27-30 Common Ground Music Festival
Lansing • (517) 267-1502
www.commongroundfest.com
Join us for the 20th annual Common Ground Music Festival. See some of the best rock, pop, country and hip-hop stars in the world take the stage in downtown Lansing along the Grand River in a setting unlike any other.

July 8-13 Eaton County Fair
Charlotte • (517) 543-4510
www.eatoncountyfair.com
Whether you enjoy tractor and truck pulls, motor-cross races or demolition derbies, you can find it all at the Eaton County Fair.

July 12-13 Old Town Scrapfest
Lansing • (517) 485-4283
www.oldtownscrapfest.com
Teams have two weeks to create art out of recycled materials that will be displayed during the event. Food, music, beverages and more!

July 28 Car Capital Auto Show
Lansing • (517) 372-0529
www.reoldsmuseum.org
The R.E. Olds Transportation Museum’s annual car show celebrates our city’s rich automotive history! See all makes and models of cars from 1900s to the present. Free family fun with live music and vendors on the streets of downtown Lansing. The State Capitol Building serves as a backdrop for this fun-filled day.

July 29-August 3 Ingham County Fair
Mason • (517) 676-2428
www.inghamfair.org
Celebrating 165 years, the Ingham County Fair offers something for everyone; including hundreds of exhibits, exciting grandstand events, the spectacular midway, the creation station and more!

August 2-3 Bath Days Festival
Bath • (517) 896-9059
www.bathdays.com
Pick your favorite tub and cheer for a win at the International Bath Tub Races during Bath Days Festival at James Couzens park in downtown Bath MI.   This hometown festival features a car show, bath tub races, a parade, food and craft vendors, rides, fun for the whole family, and fireworks!  For details & tub building information find us on Facebook or check out our web page at www.bathdays.com

August 2-3 Lansing JazzFest
Lansing • (517) 371-4600
www.jazzlansing.com
Enjoy great music, ethnic food, beverage tent, a variety of vendors and children's activities. Get the full experience with Old Town's restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, historic buildings and more.

August 3 Island Art Fair
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-9843
www.ledgecraftlane.com
The 46th annual oldest fair in mid-Michigan and a state-wide favorite! Over 100 artists and craftsmen, music, food and riverboat rides. Free shuttle provided. Located on The Island, downtown Grand Ledge.

August 9-11 St. Johns Mint Festival
St. Johns • (989) 224-7248
www.clintoncountychamber.org/mint
The 35th Annual St. Johns Mint Festival is held in the St. Johns City Park and Clinton County Fairgrounds.  Featuring arts and crafts, flea market, kids events, parade, pageant, rodeo, jeep show and more.  Hours are Fri: 2-8 pm, Sat: 10 am - 7 pm and Sun, 10 am - 5 pm

August 10 Phil Denny's 3rd Annual Smooth Jazz Fête
Lansing
www.smoothjazzfete.com
Bringing together a celebrated list of local, regional, national and internationally acclaimed cross-genre jazz musicians. Styles supported range from smooth, contemporary, modern, pop and R&B. FOOD VENDORS – BEER – WINE – LOCAL ART & MORE!

August 15-17 Renegade Theatre Festival
Lansing • (517) 927-3016
www.renegadetheatrefestival.org
Fourteen years of free theatre performances in great venues. Enjoy widely varied new plays from all over the country featuring local theatre artists, and always plenty of surprises!

August 16-18 DeWitt Ox Roast
DeWitt • (517) 420-5596
www.dewittoxroast.net
For over 70 years the streets of downtown DeWitt come alive to celebrate the DeWitt Ox Roast with an arts and crafts show, food and beverage tents, a parade, entertainment, a carnival, fireworks at dusk and more!

August 17 ArtFeast
Lansing • (517) 485-4283
www.iloveoldtown.org
This exciting art fair coincides with the Renegade Theatre Festival, a deal-seeker’s sidewalk sale and a mouth-watering food truck rally. Find over 50 artists booths representing photography, wood, leather, metal and other mediums of art.

August 21 Old US 27 Motor Tour
DeWitt • (517) 881-2329
www.old27tour.com
View hundreds of classic cars as they travel through Michigan on historic Old US 27 for a seven-day tour
(Aug. 19–25), stopping in Lansing mid-tour. This is one of the premier classic car events.

August 23-25 Sun Dried Music Fest
Mason • (517) 676-1046
http://www.masonchamber.org/
This 10th annual free music event features many bands, food vendors, a beer and wine refreshment tent and a variety of items for sale. Located in the streets of Mason, next to the Ingham County Courthouse; downtown shops and restaurants will be open.

August 24 Greater Lansing Balloon Festival
Lansing • (517) 321-8255
www.greaterlansingballoonfestival.com
The 3rd annual event will feature hot air ballon launches, stationary night glows, kids' activities, vendors, food and drink and more!

August 30 - September 1 Michigan Chicken Wing Festival
Lansing • (517) 749-7001 or (517) 303-1817
http://www.michiganchickenwingfestival.com/
The fifth annual festival features many bands and musical acts of all genres, food vendors, Kids Zone, a beer and wine refreshment tent, wing eating contest, a variety of items for sale and community organization vendors. The festival ends with a Sunday night concert. Supporting Cancer Survivors.

September 4-8 Frontier Days
Charlotte • www.charlottefrontierdays.com
A 49-year-old festival that’s an end of summer celebration! Entertainment for all ages starting with an award-winning rodeo, The Saloon (largest bar this side of Texas), a parade, arts and crafts on the courthouse lawn, Ladies night, and The Frontier Market! Make sure to stop on out for some family fun!

September 19-22 Down Home Days
Mason • (517) 676-1046
http://www.masonchamber.org/
Come to Mason for the 46th Down Home Days Festival and join folks for a free outdoor concert Thursday, family activities on Friday, and craft show on Saturday at the historic Ingham County Courthouse Square, along with so much more!

September 20-21 PRIME Music Festival
Lansing • (517) 267-1502
www.primemusicfest.com
The PRIME Music Festival returns for a third year. A two-day music festival with an urban lineup in downtown Lansing’s preferred festival venue, Adado Riverfront Park.

September 20-21 Michigan BluesFest
Lansing • (517) 371-4600
www.michiganbluesfest.com
Enjoy great music, ethnic food, beverage tent, a variety of vendors and children's activities. Get the full experience with Old Town's restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, historic buildings and more.

September 29 American Heritage Festival
Lansing • (517) 322-0030
www.woldumar.org
A celebration at Woldumar Nature Center of mid-Michigan heritage through crafting demonstrations, live entertainment, a market of local vendors and family-friendly activities.

October 11-13 Color Cruise and Island Festival
Grand Ledge • (517) 627-2383
www.grandledgechamber.com
A three-day fall pioneer festival at Island Park. Riverboat rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, fur traders, candle making, pumpkin painting, food, music and more.

October 12-13 Apple Butter Festival
Lansing • (517) 483-4224
www.mynaturecenter.org
Embrace our ties to the land at Fenner Nature Center’s 45th annual Apple Butter Festival! Help stir the apple butter, cooked the old-fashioned way in a copper kettle over the fire, or try your hand at the cider press. The beauty of nature in autumn, coupled with heritage artisans, local musicians and savory food is sure to be a memorable event!

October 12, 13, 19, 20, 26 and 27 Boo at the Zoo
Lansing • (517) 342-2710
www.potterparkzoo.org
Little ghouls and boys will enjoy THREE weekends of spooktacular halloween fun at Potter Park Zoo. Activities from Noon to 5 p.m. each day.  Lots of fun for the whole family including a straw maze, hayrides, the Boo Tunnel and more!

November 1-7 East Lansing Film Festival
East Lansing/Okemos • (517) 980-5802
www.elff.com
Celebrating its 21st year, this world-class film festival showcases independent features, documentaries and shorts as well as offering tributes, seminars, premieres and parties.

November 21–Dec. 29 Wonderland of Lights
Lansing • (517) 342-2710
www.potterparkzoo.org
Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary visual displays! Kids’ activities, entertainment and your festive animal friends make this a fun event for the whole family. (Lights are on Thu.–Sun. nights from 5–8 p.m. only.) Closed Christmas day.

November 22 Silver Bells in the City
Lansing • (517) 483-7400 ext. 237
www.silverbellsinthecity.org
The city will glow with thousands of lights for the Silver Bells in the City celebration, bringing together family and friends from across Michigan and beyond to kick-off the holiday season. The Electric Light Parade, Silver Bells Village, lighting of the State Christmas Tree, fireworks over the Capitol dome and musical entertainment are all part of this Lansing tradition.

November 30  Winter Glow
East Lansing • (517) 319-6888
www.cityofeastlansing.com/winterglow
Enjoy magical, winter-inspired activities in downtown East Lansing from 2–5 p.m., including carriage rides, roasted marshmallows, pictures with Santa, a special outdoor holiday farmer’s market, ice-carving demonstrations, live music, children’s activities and much more.

December 7-8 MSU Arts & Crafts Show
East Lansing • (517) 355-3354
www.uabevents.com/retailad/arts-and-crafts-show
The MSU Winter Arts & Crafts Show is one of the largest in the state. This year’s show will include many returning favorites as well as brand new artists. There will be a broad range of vendors selling handmade items, including: candles, furniture, jewelry, home and yard decor, aromatherapy, clothing, children’s toys, paintings, photography, sculptures and more!