June Michigan Event Calendar
Summer is just around the corner so take a look at our list of featured events and mark your calendars for some June fun! As usual we by no means have listed all the events happening around Michigan. Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!
June Quotes
“Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January.” – Hal Borland
“There are moments, above all on June evenings, when the lakes that hold our moons are sucked into the earth, and nothing is left but wine and the touch of a hand.”- Charles Morgan
“June is bustin’ out all over.” – Oscar Hammerstein II, 1945
June Fast Facts – Wikipedia
- At the start of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Taurus; at the end of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Gemini.
- The June birthstones are Alexandrite, the Moonstone (gemstone), and the pearl.
- The June birth flower is the rose, or the honeysuckle.
- June is named after Juno (Hera). Juno was the goddess of marriage and a married couple’s household, so some consider it good luck to be married in this month.
- The summer solstice occurs on June 20, 7:09 P.M. EDT
Things to Do, Places to Go
May 30 – June 3
Leelanau BirdFest – Lake Leelanau
See more than a hundred different species of nesting birds, including the rare Great Lakes Piping Plover. There’s all kinds of field trips and special guests including Jerry Weinrich, “Godfather of the Kirtland’s Warbler” and keynote speaker Greg Butcher, the Director of Conservation for National Audubon.
May 31, June 1 & 2 2012
Greek Festival – Kalamazoo
Thirty plus years ago it all began with a small gathering of friends enjoying the Greek culture in the basement of Dionysos Restaurant. Within a few years the festival grew in size and it could no longer be held in the restaurant. After much consideration it was decided to make the festival a one day outdoor event. The festival eventually grew in size to a three day event where musicians, singers, and dancers would come via Greece and share the authentic Greek experience.
June 1-3
Belle Isle Grand Prix – Detroit
The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix returns to the Motor City on June 1-3, 2012. TIt features the cars of the IZOD IndyCar Series, the Grand-Am Rolex Sports Car Series, the Indy Lights Series and the Pirelli World Challenge Championship Series.
June 1 – 2
KIA Annual Art Fair & Beer Garden – Kalamazoo
The KIA Art Fair, an annual tradition in Kalamazoo since 1951, features more than 200 artist booths, children’s activities, food and live entertainment. Held in beautiful Bronson Park on the first weekend of June, it is the second-oldest art fair in the nation. Includes the popular KIA beer garden featuring Bell’s Oberon, wine, soft drinks and food along with a special musical guest.
June 1 – 2
Great Wakes Festival – Traverse City
A rocking celebration of water with a mission to raise funds and awareness for water-focused non-profits, to support efforts to protect and keep the region’s rivers, streams, and lakes clean. There will be a wide variety of water themed activities and entertainment throughout the weekend.
June 1-3
Festival of the Arts – Grand Rapids
2012 marks the 43rd festival of the arts, with is one of the longest-running festivals in the state and the largest all-volunteer arts event in the nation. Always held the first full weekend in June in downtown Grand Rapids, festival of the arts is a community celebration featuring arts, entertainment, food and fun activities for the entire family. All performances, exhibits and activities are free!
June 2
Adams Fly Festival – Kingsley
The Kingsley Library hosts the 1st Annual Adams Fly Festival. They will have northern Michigan fly rod maker R.W. Summers on hand along with fly tying lessons, a silent auction with some great items, music, food and an original Adams fly on display.
June 7-10
Curwood Festival – Owosso
An annual festival to honor James Oliver Curwood, who wrote 33 popular adventure novels and who built Curwood Castle in his hometown as a writing studio.
June 8 – 17
Lilac Festival – Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island comes alive with the iconic flowers of June and many activities during the annual Lilac Festival. Flowers, games, the Grand Parade and live music are just some of the events during the festival.
June 7 – 10
Bavarian Festival – Frankenmuth
Willkommen to Frankenmuth’s 54th Annual Bavarian Festival. Back in 1959 “Tiny” & Dorothy Zehnder gambled on “Bavarianizing” their restaurant and re-naming it Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. Visitors of all ages are invited to hear Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands, watch two outstanding parades, enjoy an expanded midway with rides and games and enjoy exciting dance music in our Harvey Kern Pavilion. Saturday’s Kinder Tag (Kid’s Day) is sure to have something for children of all ages. Participate in face painting, or simply take in the hands-on craft area. Taste buds are tempted to their limit with a variety of delicious German foods and desserts. And to top it all off, plenty of refreshing ice-cold beer!
June 8 – 10
Gizzard Fest – Potterville
Gizzard Fest is an exciting event that overtakes the great city of Potterville, bringing an awesome time to all. There is a Beer tent at the greatest bar around, Joe’s Gizzard City. There is a thrilling gizzard eating contest, enter if you think you have what it takes. Dancing, live music, BEER, what’s not to like. Come down and have some fun!!!!
June 8 – 10
Nor-East’r Music & Art Festival – Mio
Featuring 3 days of a variety of original & traditional styles of music & dance presented on 2 stages; so you can shop for the performance you want to see. Dance classes will be available as well as music workshops & various other side shows. Juried art will be available for viewing, buying & demonstrating. Free rustic camping on-site is also available with a weekend ticket and kids activities including instrument making, face painting, crafts, a play, story time, & a flute playing jam session & more are available.
June 9
Leland Wine & Food Festival – Leland
Come enjoy a day near the Leland Harbor and Leland’s historic Fishtown tasting wines from local wineries and tasting the specialties from local restaurants and vendors. Listen to live music in the park all day nd enjoy the beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the Manitou Islands at Michigan’s longest running wine festival.
June 9
Ella Sharp Wine and Art Festival – Jackson
The annual Ella Sharp Art & Wine Festival happens from 11AM to 7PM on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum. There is no entrance fee to the event itself for guests wishing to peruse artists’ booths and take in the live entertainment. Tasting tickets are available (discount in advance) and guests can also purchase wine by the bottle or the case on the day of the event.
June 9
M-22 Challenge – Leelanau County
Designed to test athletes against Lake Michigan’s natural terrain and the area’s environmental elements, the M-22 Challenge course promises participants an unforgettable experience with a bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, an exciting paddle vent on crystal clear Little Glen, and a challenging 2 mile run including dune climb overlooking Lake Michigan.
June 14 – 16
Island Festival – Kalamazoo
Get ready for some good times with three days and nights of reggae music rocking downtown Kalamazoo. Enjoy Jamaican and Caribbean inspired cuisine along with live reggae music under the sun, moon and stars featuring Taj Weekes and Adowa, Yellow Dubmarine and reggae legends The Itals.
June 14 – 17
Water Front Film Festival – Saugatuck
In what has quickly become a tradition, the idyllic resort village of Saugatuck, Michigan comes alive each June with filmgoers, actors, producers and directors sharing the excitement as outstanding independent films from all over the United States are screened in casual, intimate settings. Entertainment professionals from Los Angeles, New York and Michigan created the Waterfront Film Festival in 1999 to provide a “middle coast” venue for independent filmmakers eager to show their work to sophisticated audiences. The festival has succeeded with growing support and recognition each year, and enthusiastic reviews from attendees.
June 15 – July 8
Ann Arbor Summer Festival – Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. Each year, this three-and-a-half-week cultural and social event offers dozens of performances, activities, screenings, and more, with eclectic music, dance, comedy, film, visual arts, and family fun.
June 15 – 17
Lansing Juneteenth Celebration – Lansing
The mission of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage and by promoting positive cultural interaction.
June 15 – 17
The Belleville National Strawberry Festival – Belleville
The variety of events taking place over three days of the National Strawberry Festival appeal to the young and young at heart. The Festival’s broad audience and safe atmosphere offer sponsors a unique opportunity to reach a strong family oriented market, resulting in measurable advertising benefits and excellent business opportunities.
June 15 – 17
Dearborn Arab International Festival – Dearborn
This 3-day event is a free, family-centered cultural celebration that will attract over 300,000 people from Michigan, the Midwest, and Canada. This celebration of cultures will feature ethnic performances representing the diverse heritage of the people of Metropolitan Detroit. It boasts a great number of amusements, live musical acts-both local and international, international food booths, coffee cup readings, henna, arts and crafts, a children’s tent, artisans, Arab merchandise, and a giant old-fashioned Ferris wheel that overlooks East Dearborn.
June 17 – 18
Straits Area Car Show – St. Ignace
All Original Vehicles 1984 and OLDER. Featuring All Makes & Models From Chrysler Corporation! Best Of Show Will Win A Two Night Stay At The Grand Hotel On Mackinac Island Michigan.
June 16
Lake Michigan Shore Wine Festival – Bridgman
It’s certainly no secret that Michigan is home to great wineries and picturesque beaches. This annual event turns out over 3,000 wine and sun lovers each year, to enjoy the wines of southwest Michigan and live music under the “Big-Top Tent” overlooking beautiful Weko Beach!
June 16
LPVA Small Plates – Leelanau Peninsula
LPVA Small Plates is perfect for Leelanau wine fans who enjoy a more intimate tasting experience. This event is unique, as it takes place in the evening and offers ticket holders the opportunity to get more familiar with wineries and specific wines. Many of our wineries work with chefs to prepare and serve the pairing, and the event is designed to be a high-class food offering, catering to culinary aficionados. Participating wineries offer a full glass of wine with a well-presented and substantial tapas dish in their tasting rooms. You can purchase tickets to any or all of the three seatings (roughly 6-7, 7-8 and 8-9) for $15 each seating at www.lpwines.com.
June 17
Annual Father’s Day Festival and Corvette Car Show – Berrien Springs
Lemon Creek Winery invites you to take dad to their annual Father’s Day Festival and Corvette Show. Doors open at Noon and the music runs from 12:00pm to 6:00pm with the Corvette Coventry of Southwest Michigan will be on the grounds displaying over their classic Corvettes along with wine tasting, great food and and hayrides events for the whole family.
June 22 – 24
Detroit River Days – Detroit
River Days (formerly the International Freedom Festival) is a one-of-a-kind festival taking place along the Detroit Riverfront with tall ships, jet-ski demos and riverboat tours to live music, sand sculptures, bike tours, kids activities, delicious eats and much more! Just $3!
June 20 – 24
Detroit Windsor International Film Festival – Detroit / Windsor
The DWIFF returns to continue generating new opportunities for our community to engage in the growth of our film and creative culture and to promote our talented artists and craftspeople who engage in the art of storytelling- through film, video, games, the web, music and more.
June 22-23
Festival of the Sun and Moon – Lansing
Presented by the Old Town Commercial Association, the Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun bring together friends, families, and neighbors from all over Michigan to the heart of Old Town. Celebrate the beginning of the summer season at Mid-Michigan’s premier wine, beer, and food sampling event and enjoy live music throughout the weekend.
June 22 – 23
Alpena Blues Festival – Alpena
This 9th Annual Festival will have music and more at the Alpena County Fairgrounds! Camping reservations are being taken now. $20 in advance $25 at the gate.
June 22-24
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest – Howell
Check out Howell for the state championship of hot air ballooning, featuring more than 50 gorgeous balloons. Enjoy thrilling skydiving exhibitions, stunt kite shows, kids activities, a 5K run, a medieval village, arts festival and family entertainment and more
June 22-24
Michigan Energy Fair – Ludington
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) invites you to Ludington and the Annual Michigan Energy Fair. This three-day event will unite people from throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region to learn about energy issues and sustainable living. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops; meet vendors offering valuable goods, services, and information; eat local food; and hear great live music.
June 23
Waterfront Wine Festival – Harbor Springs
In its sixth year, the Annual Harbor Springs Waterfront Wine Festival is again being held on the waterfront in Harbor Springs. Over a dozen purveyors of fine wines will be on hand for tastings. The event boasts an evening of wine tasting, live local music and more!
June 25
Fenn Valley Wine Fest – Fennville
There will be tasting locations outside in the vineyards (weather permitting), providing you with an opportunity to visit the most picturesque spots on the farm while you taste a selection of their wines in the vineyard where they originated. The People Hauler (Wagon) will be continuously transporting participants from the winery to the vineyard tasting sites, or you can enjoy a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the winery to the vineyard.
June 28 – July 1
Electric Forest Music Festival – Rothbury
The inaugural Electric Forest Festival in Rothbury, Michigan is headlined by The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, STS9, Thievery Corporation, & Girl Talk. With onsite camping, mind-blowing art installations and a stellar lineup, this will be one of the biggest festivals of the summer in Michigan.
June 30
Traverse City Wine & Art Festival – Traverse City
The festival is a landmark celebration of the wine, food and culture of Michigan’s wine coast, featuring wines from 27 wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, Traverse City & Benzie along with a selection of Traverse City and Leelanau’s finest restaurants serving gourmet food & desserts. The 2012 festival is our fourth annual and will once again showcase innovative music & performance and original artwork from dozens of regional artists. This year’s headliner will be platinum selling artist Rusted Root!