Newsletters & Blog

June 2024

Festival Roadmap of Michigan

Looking to explore Michigan GROWN products this summer? There are a wide variety of commodities grown in Michigan, over 300 different agricultural products! Here are some Mitten State fairs and festivals to visit this summer that celebrate Michigan agriculture:

National Asparagus Festival: Hart, MI – June 8th

Michigan number one asparagus producer in the United States, and Ocean County is home to many of those farms. It is said that Ocean County's asparagus "tips are top"! At this festival you can enjoy a farm tour, meet the National Asparagus Queen, try some delicious Michigan GROWN asparagus meals, and run the Spear-It 5k.

Michigan Sugar Festival: Sebewaing, MI – June 14th-16th

"Everything's sweet in Sebewaing"! Michigan is home to the locally grown, locally owned Michigan Sugar Company cooperative. Farmers in this coop grow sugar beets that are made into sugar right here in the state! Sebewaing is home to one of the sugar processing factories and their love for Michigan GROWN sugar is strong and sweet. At this Michigan Sugar Festival, be sure to stop by the carnival, visit the car show, watch the Grand Parade, sit in on the Michigan Sugar Queen crowning, and view the firework show.

The Michigan Lavender Festival: Imlay City, MI – June 28th-30th

Relax and smell the lavender at the 22nd Annual Michigan Lavender Festival. At the largest lavender festival on the eastern side of the nation, support Michigan lavender farmers through their products and U-pick bouquets. Learn how to grow, harvest, craft, and cook with lavender and enjoy the craft show in Imlay City this June.

National Cherry Festival: Traverse City, MI – June 29th-July 6th

Traverse City is the national Cherry Capital of the World and is home to the National Cherry Festival. >Michigan grows both tart and sweet cherries but ranks number one in the production of tart cherries. There is lots to do during this weeklong festival, including a car show, parades, the National Cherry Queen pageant, competitions, and plenty of cherry-themed festivities!

Elsie Dairy Festival: Elsie, MI – July 11th-13th

Michigan is on top when it comes to the amount of milk produced per cow. When all but 10 counties in the state have dairy cattle, there is reason to celebrate! Head over to Elsie this July and take part in the parade, kids' day, Elsie Dairy Dash 5k, and the talent show.

The Copper Country Strawberry Festival: Chassell, MI – July 12th-13th

Visit the northern most festival on the roadmap and celebrate Michigan's strawberry industry! Watch the parade, enjoy live music, meet the Strawberry Queen, and enjoy the local Michigan GROWN strawberries, and the famous strawberry shortcake!

Munger Potato Festival: Munger, MI July 25th-28th

Michigan is the number one state when it comes to producing chipping potatoes. 1 in every 4 bags of potato chips were made with potatoes grown in Michigan! Head over to Munger, "where potatoes come to party", and watch derby races, enjoy the carnival, visit the entertainment tent, and meet the Potato Queen!

National Blueberry Festival: South Haven, MI – August 8th-11th

Michigan grows over 20 varieties of blueberries, with most of the farms located in the southwest corner of the state. Take a trip down to South Haven to support the blueberry industry of Michigan! At the National Blueberry Festival, take part in the 5k, watch the parade, listen to live music, and enjoy a delicious blueberry pie. On August 10th join in on the Farm Day and visit three local blueberry farms. If you visit all three farms, you earn a free slice of blueberry pie!

St. Johns Mint Festival: St. Johns, MI – August 9th-11th

St. Johns, also known as Mint City, has a deep mint farming heritage. Each year in August, the Michigan mint farming past, present, and future is celebrated through the Mint Festival. Visit the entertainment tent, watch the Mint Queen pageant, and compete in 3 on 3 basketball, cornhole, and kickball during the Mint Festival. Don't forget to enjoy a scoop, or two, of mint chocolate chip ice cream to celebrate Michigan GROWN mint!

Cheeseburger in Caseville: Caseville, MI – August 9th-18th

What does a cheeseburger represent to you? In Caseville, there is a ten-day long event filled with burgers, tropical music, a parade of fools, and loads of entertainment. A cheeseburger is the perfect combination of plenty of Michigan GROWN products! Celebrate Michigan agriculture at the Cheeseburger in Caseville festival this August.

Looking for more agriculture adventures this summer? Look at the Michigan Agritourism website to find farm fun near you: https://www.michiganfarmfun.com/