Michigan is really a culturally diverse state where people of different ethnicities celebrate several events in the year. From food fairs that capture the tastes of the community to arts and music events that attract international artists, Michigan’s cultural festivals are a great way to have fun. Below, is a list of some of the most popular festivals that are held across the state of Michigan and which are aimed at promoting culture.
A Celebration of Creativity
The Ann Arbor Art Fair is one of the biggest art fairs held outdoors in the United States of America with a large number of visitors in the summer season. This festival takes place in downtown Ann Arbor and covers several city blocks and features works of over 1000 artists across the nation. Here you can find ceramics, sculptures, paintings, jewelry and many other kinds of art and the choice is great.
Besides, there are performances of live music concerts, food and drinks and various craft activities for people of all ages. For those who are interested in art or want to buy some artwork, the Ann Arbor Art Fair is the perfect place. For more information on other similar art fests across the country or to search for other creative hot spots, you can also
find tours in all cities with a focus on national-level art fairs, galleries and events.
A Music Lover’s Paradise
Each year, the Detroit Jazz Festival occurs over Labor Day weekend and turns Detroit into a jazz capital. This is one of the largest free jazz festivals in the world where the best jazz performers perform for fans from all across the globe. Taking place in Hart Plaza and covering the length of Detroit’s waterfront, the festival is surrounded by beautiful views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River.
The spectator will be able to listen to performances from such legendary jazz musicians and bands as well as young talents at different venues. Besides an incredible music program, the festival includes master classes, panels and an opportunity to communicate with performers. As a music lover, it’s important to attend the Detroit Jazz Festival no matter if you are a fan of this genre or not.
A Taste of Traverse City
Among the most popular fairs is Michigan’s National Cherry Festival which takes place in Traverse City and is dedicated to cherries. Cherry Fest is an annual event that is held in the first week of July and features events such as cherry pit-spitting, parades and air shows among others.
In addition to a cherry-related food court, there is live music, an art show and a craft
show, with cherry-themed offerings in many cases. For people who would like to taste Michigan’s agricultural traditions, this festival will be ideal for celebrating one of the most significant products of the state.
A Dutch Tradition in Michigan
Organized annually in May in the town of Holland, the Tulip Time Festival is a celebration of Dutch culture. Guests are welcome to walk among the tulips, watch the Dutch dancers and enjoy processions with people in Dutch attire.
Live entertainment, art fairs and carnivals are also featured during the festival, thus making it an ideal place for families and tourists. It is a festival that allows one to experience a European-inspired festival right here in Michigan through tulips and cultural performances.
Celtic Spirit on the Shores of Muskegon
Folks who love Celtic music and culture should make it a point to attend the Michigan Irish Music Festival held in Muskegon. Every year, in September, this festival is conducted to promote Irish culture through music and dance,
food and drink. There are several stages with local and international Irish bands’ performances and other activities include storytelling, cultural displays and workshops on Irish art and craft.
For the lovers of the spirit of the festival, there is a whiskey-tasting event and there is an Irish dance competition where you can participate. The Michigan Irish Music Festival embraces the Irish culture by the shore of Lake Michigan and it is a good chance to get some taste of Ireland.
A Community Celebration
The Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids is one of Michigan’s oldest and biggest free community
arts festivals held every June. For three days art fairs, performances and other events take place in downtown Grand Rapids. Vendors showcase their creations by selling them at booths and musicians, dancers and actors perform on different stages for the visitors.
Besides art and performance, the festival has also some food choices; the vendors sell all kinds of food ranging from expensive delicacies to traditional festival food. For children, many creative workshops are offered, where kids can create their masterpieces and try various techniques. The Festival of the Arts is the best example of how art can unite people in West Michigan.
Conclusion
Michigan's summer and fall festivals, from the art and music fairs to the cultural events and beer festivals provide a taste of the cultural identity of the state. No matter if you are wandering the streets of Ann Arbor, listening to jazz in downtown Detroit or eating cherry pie in Traverse City – all of these events offer a great chance to taste the most interesting culture, music, art and food of Michigan. When you are planning your next trip to the Great Lakes State, it will be useful to add the following cultural events to your schedule.
