Can’t Miss Spring and Summer Flower Festivals in Michigan
One of the top producers of flowers and fruit in the nation, Michigan’s landscape bursts with colorful, fragrant blossoms throughout spring and summer. We take pride in our horticultural contributions and celebrate them at festivals all around the state. You don’t have to have a green thumb to enjoy these events. The flowers are a beautiful sight, and there’s plenty of entertainment for the entire family. Here are some of the best places around Michigan to see flowers in bloom.
Blossomtime Festival, St. Joseph
The Blossomtime Festival in the lakeshore city of St. Joseph celebrates Michigan’s rich agriculture industry and the farmers and workers who are responsible for growing the fruits and vegetables. It begins with The Blessing of the Blossoms, a non-denominational ceremony featuring the Blossomtime Queen and her court. The week ends with The Grand Floral Parade featuring over 120 units including the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team. 2016 Blossomtime dates are May 1 – 7.
In Holland in early May, you can’t look anywhere without seeing tulips in bloom. The flowers border sidewalks all over the city where the architecture and culture is heavily influenced by Dutch heritage. Parks and yards bloom with rows and rows of tulips. Local tulip farms have fields full of tall, bright flowers. The Tulip Time festival also celebrates the Dutch settlers who brought tulips to the city on the shores of Lake Michigan. At the festival you can take in a street performance by Klompen Dancers in wooden shoes, tour a working windmill and even go home with your own pair of wooden shoes. 2016 Tulip Time dates are May 7 – 14.
National Morel Mushroom Festival, Boyne City
Ok, Morels aren’t flowers. But they are a big deal in Michigan. Thousands of people scour the woods and clearings every spring in search of this elusive fungus. Come to Northern Michigan and the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City to learn tips for hunting the popular ‘shroom and preparing the delicacy for dinner. Participate in the national hunt and win prizes for largest, best dressed and best of show mushroom. You can also dine on morel fare prepared at local restaurants. 2016 National Morel Mushroom Festival dates are May 12 – 15.
Eastern Market Flower Day, Detroit
The Sunday after Mother’s Day flower growers from all over Michigan, the Midwest and even southern Canada come to Eastern Market in Detroit for the flower sale event of the year. Multiple varieties of roses, lilacs, dahlias and almost any annual, perennial, herb, shrub and tree you can think of cover every inch of the marketplace grounds. Garden enthusiasts descend by the thousands to snap up plants at wholesale pricing. Come just to see all the flowers and enjoy the food and live music. Or come to shop and design the garden of your dreams. 2016 Flower Market Day is May 15th.
Cherry Blossoms, Traverse City
Traverse City is home to the National Cherry Festival every July, and in the spring the orchards around the city put on a spectacular display of delicate pink blossoms. Proximity to Lake Michigan creates microclimates just miles apart, so all the cherry trees don’t bloom at the same time. Visit mid to late May, and you’re sure to find at least one orchard in full flower. Old Mission Peninsula and the Leelanau Peninsula are home to many of the area’s orchards. Both peninsulas are also dotted with wineries, and you’ll be just miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. While there isn’t a festival associated with the cherry blossoms, there’s plenty to keep you busy for a spring weekend getaway.
Lilac Festival, Mackinac Island
Lilacs are so prolific on Mackinac Island in early June, you can smell their sweet fragrance on the air the moment you step off the ferry. The island’s climate, influenced by Lake Michigan, allows the bushes to thrive in a way they can nowhere else. As you tour the island, you’ll find bushes heavy with flowers ranging in color from the traditional lilac to dark purple and even pink and white. The week-long festival celebrates the flower first planted on the island over 150 years ago. 2016 Lilac Festival Dates are June 3 – 12.
Nichols Arboretum Peony Festival, Ann Arbor
The Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan is home to the largest collection of Peonies in the United States, with 127 varieties. Mid May through Mid June full, lush Peony blossoms are on display, filling the air with their sweet rose-like perfume. However, weather and temperatures dictate when the peonies bloom. The season can begin as early as march and run well into late June. Festival dates vary each year, depending on when the flowers blossom. Check the arboretum’s website for updates about festival dates.
Michigan Lavender Festival, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada is home to the Michigan Lavender Festival. Enjoy the relaxing scent of lavender and learn how to incorporate the “Grandmother of all herbs” into your everyday life through workshops, demonstrations and wellness classes. The Made in Michigan event features over 100 local artisans and farmers. 2016 Michigan Lavender Festival dates are July 15 – 17.
Ukrainian Sunflower Festival, Warren
The Ukrainian Sunflower Festival takes place on the festival grounds of St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church in Warren every August. Hundreds of sunflowers, the traditional Ukrainian flower, encircle the perimeter of the festival grounds, planted there each year by school children. The festival is one of the largest ethnic celebrations in Michigan with over 25,000 attendees. Ukrainian heritage and culture is shared through craft demonstrations, native costumes, food, dance and music. 2016 Ukrainian Sunflower Festival dates are August 6 – 7.
