Escanaba is home to the week-long Upper Peninsula State Fair. The fair occurs in early to mid-August and features live music, food, exhibits, live entertainment, classes, contests and a carnival. Vacationing families may also explore area attractions such as Bonifas Fine Arts Center and bay-side beaches.
During the summer months, Grand Rapids comes alive with outdoor activities, such as fishing on the Grand River, biking on more than 100 miles of trails (30 miles of which are lakefront along Lake Michigan) or resort-based activities, such as horseback riding, golfing and tubing.
The National Cherry Festival is a yearly event, occurring in early July in Traverse City. The festival features more than 150 events, including Cherry Royale Parades, cherry-pit spit contest, U.S. Navy Blue Angels air show, live entertainment and fun for visitors young and old.
Each July, Ann Arbor hosts the State Street Art Fair, which features a children's area, along with live entertainment, demonstrations, shopping and dining. Additionally, during summer months, visitors can check out the Ann Arbor Farmer's Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the open-air Artisan Market on Sundays or visit Domino's Petting Farm.
East Lansing's annual mid-August Great Lakes Folk Festival combines multicultural art, music and more with Midwestern heritage. The festival features crafts, storytellers, food, dancing, live entertainment, art exhibits and children's activities.
The annual Michigan Renaissance Festival begins in late August in Holly and is open every weekend until early October. The festival features live entertainment, shopping, dining and educational activities. Additional family-friendly attractions include six outdoor parks and a historic downtown village.
One of the oldest cities in the country, Sault Ste. Marie features numerous historical attractions, such as museums, along with myriad summer activities like hiking, camping, golfing, fishing, boating or attending a powwow along St. Mary's River.
Ann Arbor's neighbor, Ypsilanti, features an annual festival in late August each year. The Ypsilanti Heritage Festival features activities for children, pony rides, a butterfly exhibit, contests, beer, games, food, live entertainment and a parade. Additional area attractions include tours, museums and shopping.
Each year in late July, the Lenawee County Fair Grounds in Adrian come alive with the Lenawee County Fair, which features family activities, agricultural exhibits, live entertainment and rides. Since 2002, the fair grounds reopen in late August for a traditional powwow featuring storytellers, color guard, bonfire and authentic Native American music.
Every year in mid-July, St. Joseph holds its Venetian Festival along the St. Joseph River and Lake Bluff Park. The festival features food, drink, live entertainment, a classic-car show, blessing the river, contests, a craft show, "Big Band" dance and rides for the whole family.
