MICHIGAN
The Magic of Michigan Summers
Summer in Michigan isn’t just a season, it’s an experience. The lakes glisten under the sun, the forests buzz with wildlife, and small towns come alive with music, laughter, and the excitement for the season. In this northern slice of the Midwest, summer means connections: to nature, to community, and to a pace of life that feels both exciting and deeply peaceful.
Locals know this rhythm well. And for visitors, it’s easy to get swept up in the beauty and energy of it all. We know firsthand! This guide highlights some of the most beloved events, destinations, and traditions that make Michigan summers so unforgettable—for first-time visitors or those looking to discover something new.
Summer Experiences
Lilac Festival - Mackinac Island | June 6-15
There’s a timeless quality to Mackinac Island in the summer. Horse hooves echo down the streets, the breeze off Lake Huron carries the scent of blooming lilacs, and the island’s slower pace invites you to truly take it all in. Each June, the island celebrates its signature flower during the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival—a beloved 10-day tradition filled with floral beauty and island charm.
This year’s festival runs June 6–15, with events scattered throughout the island, from garden tours and lilac-themed food tastings to concerts and walking tours that highlight the island’s historic architecture and horticultural roots. The lilacs here aren’t just a pretty backdrop; many are over 150 years old, and the island’s unique climate and soil make it one of the best places in the country for these fragrant blooms to thrive.
The highlight of the celebration is the Lilac Festival Grand Parade on June 15. Because motor vehicles aren’t allowed on the island, all floats are horse-drawn—some ornately decorated, others charmingly simple—and accompanied by marching bands, costumed riders, and local dignitaries. The parade route winds past waterfront shops, historic inns, and cheering crowds that line the streets in lawn chairs and sun hats.
Spending a day—or a few—on Mackinac during the festival is like stepping into another era. You can rent a bike and circle the island, enjoy afternoon tea at the Grand Hotel, or simply linger in a garden while the scent of lilacs drifts by. It’s a slower, sweeter slice of summer that lingers long after the blooms have faded.
Back to the Bricks Car Tour - Multi-City | June 6-11
Every June, hundreds of classic car enthusiasts set out on a one-of-a-kind road trip: the Back to the Bricks® Annual Promo Tour. This rolling celebration of automotive nostalgia cruises through Michigan’s most scenic backroads, topping out at 55 mph and inviting everything from Model Ts to modern muscle cars along for the ride. For many, it’s not just about the destination—it’s the camaraderie, the small-town charm, and the stories shared over polished chrome and open hoods.
This year’s tour takes place from June 6–11, 2025, making six pit stops across the state, including one in Frankfort on Saturday, June 7th. From 1–5 PM, Frankfort’s Main Street and Beach will be transformed into a vintage car lover’s paradise. Picture rows of gleaming vehicles, each with a history as colorful as the downtown storefronts surrounding them. Local shops and restaurants will be open for browsing and bites, while a live DJ spins feel-good classics that pair perfectly with sunshine and shoreline views. You can also catch the tour stopping in Davison, Ludington, West Branch, Traverse City and Mt. Pleasant.
What sets the Promo Tour apart is its focus on backroad beauty. Rather than speeding along highways, participants meander through Michigan’s most picturesque towns, stopping to appreciate places that often go unnoticed by the average traveler.
If you’re in the area—or planning a weekend getaway—don’t miss the chance to experience this unique celebration. Whether you’re into horsepower or just good old-fashioned summer fun, the Back to the Bricks Car Show is sure to be a standout moment of the season.
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show - Ypsilanti | June 21-22
Get ready, aviation enthusiasts! This summer, the skies above Ypsilanti will come alive with the roar of jet engines and the awe-inspiring maneuvers of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels at the Thunder Over Michigan Air Show. Willow Run Airport will host this spectacular event from June 20-22, promising a thrilling experience for aviation fans and families alike.
The Blue Angels are renowned for their precision and thrilling aerobatics. They will be headlining the capabilities of the F/A-18 Super Hornet, along with a lineup of impressive performers including the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, the C-130 “Fat Albert”, and a gathering of vintage aircraft like the Avenger. Attendees can explore static displays, meet pilots and crew, and enjoy family-friendly activities in the Kid Zone.
For those seeking a premium experience, various ticket options are available. These include the Officers Club, Fighter Club and Bomber Club, each offering exclusive amenities and prime viewing areas.
The Thunder Over Michigan Air Show offers high-flying excitement and unforgettable moments, perfect for aviation fans and anyone seeking a unique, thrilling summer experience!
National Cherry Festival - Traverse City | June 28-July 5
Traverse City, affectionately known far and wide as the Cherry Capital of the World, truly earns its title every summer. As the days lengthen and the air warms, the region prepares for its most anticipated event: the National Cherry Festival. From June 28th to July 5th this year, coinciding perfectly with the region’s peak summer season, the festival highlights a spectacular week-long extravaganza.
The National Cherry Festival offers tons of experiences designed to appeal to all ages and interests. Music lovers can look forward to an exciting lineup of concerts featuring both local talents and renowned artists, providing a lively soundtrack to the festivities. The streets come alive with colorful parades, showcasing the community’s spirit and creativity through elaborate floats and marching bands. For those with a competitive spirit (and a sweet tooth!), the famous pie-eating contests are a must-see, often resulting in hilarious, cherry-stained faces and unforgettable memories.
Beyond the headline events, the festival provides a fantastic platform for local food vendors to showcase the region’s culinary bounty. Foodies can sample an array of cherry-infused delights, from classic pies and jams to innovative savory creations, alongside other regional specialties.
The National Cherry Festival celebrates Traverse City’s joyful, welcoming, and proud community. Locals and visitors unite to enjoy the region’s abundance and create memories amid its natural beauty. Experiencing the festival offers a genuine taste of Northern Michigan’s unique charm.
Make it More Than a Visit
Summer in Michigan isn’t just about the festivals or the views—it’s about the feeling. There’s a rhythm here that invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and savor more. Whether you’re cruising along a lilac-lined backroad, listening to jets slice through a summer-blue sky, or sitting lakeside with a slice of cherry pie, each moment has its own kind of magic.
If you find yourself falling for this place—its communities, its charm, its pace—it might be more than just a summer escape. For many, a vacation here turns into something bigger: a second home, a new adventure, or a permanent move closer to the life they’ve been dreaming about.
Looking for a place to stay or explore what it would be like to live here?
From vacation rentals in Crystal Lake, to beautiful homes in Grawn, and even buildable lots in Frankfort, we offer a variety of properties that help you make the most of Michigan’s summer magic. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or envisioning your own home base here, there are plenty of ways to turn your Michigan summer dreams into a reality.
So come for the festivals, the food, and the views. Stay for the lifestyle. And if you’re curious about what it might look like to plant roots in one of these incredible places, we’d be happy to help you explore what’s possible.
