1. Michigan Renaissance Festival
Step back into the 16th century for a weekend of merriment and revelry at the Michigan Renaissance Festival! This medieval themed festival transforms woodlands near Detroit into a historical English village where thousands of colorfully costumed characters roam the grounds.
Witness jousting knights on horseback compete in an Arena, hear tales from roaming minstrels and jesters, browse handmade crafts at Tudor-style shops, feast on giant turkey legs and mead, and interact with village residents.
Kids love the games, rides and magic shows. With so much to see and do across 17 themed stages, the immersive experience comes alive through unique entertainment, artistry, and hands-on fun for all ages.
2. St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair
Experience Polish heritage and culture during the annual St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair. Taking place at St. Mary’s Preparatory campus in Orchard Lake, this family-friendly festival embodies both faith and fun.
Traditional Polish foods like pierogi, kielbasa, stuffed cabbage, potato pancakes and paczki entice visitors to indulge. Browse Polish pottery, gifts, crafts and fashions in the shopping tent.
Folk dancers perform, Polish bands provide lively entertainment, and activities like the Big Mouth Contest add quirky fun. Don’t miss the spectacular fireworks show choreographed to music on Saturday evening!
With church services, children’s activities, raffles, dancing, food and music, the St. Mary’s Polish Country Fair beautifully honors this vibrant culture.
3. Woodward Dream Cruise
Calling all car enthusiasts! The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of classic car culture.
On the 3rd Saturday in August, metro Detroit’s Woodward Avenue transforms into a rolling automotive showcase stretching over 40 miles from Pontiac to Detroit. Thousands of gleaming vintage and custom-designed vehicles cruise Woodward in a giant traffic jam highlighting Detroit’s auto heritage.
Over 1 million spectators line the route cheering on parade-paced processions of muscle cars, hot rods, antique autos and more. Shop auto-related vendors, pose by your dream car for a photo op, or bring your own set of wheels to join in the cruise down iconic Woodward Avenue.
With interactive events all week building up to the big Saturday cruise, car lovers revel in this rolling tribute to Motor City and automotive history.
4. Arab American Festival – August Festivals In Michigan
Experience Arab culture and hospitality during Detroit’s popular Arab American Festival. Attracting over 300,000 attendees, this 3-day celebration promotes education, understanding and appreciation of the Arab American community.
Browse traditional garb, music, art and cuisine showcasing 21 Arab countries in indoor pavilions. Outside, savor Middle Eastern delicacies like shawarma, falafel, hummus and baklava from dozens of food vendors.
Catch live entertainment on multiple stages, like musicians direct from the Middle East. The positive festival vibe creates cultural exchange, community and family fun.
5. National Trout Festival
Located 30 minutes east of Traverse City, the quaint small town of Kalkaska trout festival 2023 hosts Michigan’s National Trout Festival each August. Activities include fly fishing clinics, float fishing trips, workshops and seminars – ideal for trout fishing enthusiasts.
Beyond fishing, the family-friendly festival has a carnival midway, classic car show, tractor show, craft vendors, parade, rodeo, concessions and musical acts. Wrap up the weekend with a trout dinner served along the beautiful Boardman River. The National Trout Fest combines small town charm with outdoor fun.
6. Tibbits Summer Theatre Festival
Enjoy professional theatre productions in Coldwater at the Tibbits Summer Theatre Festival. This southern Michigan theatre has impressed audiences since 1957 with Broadway musicals, comedies and variety shows on stage June through August.
The intimate 400-seat Heritage Theatre provides close-up awe of lavish costumes, incredible singing and choreography. Shows like Mamma Mia!, Newsies, and Beehive play each summer alongside kid-friendly options like Disney’s Moana Jr. and Madagascar Jr.
After the show, unwind with a drink in the Tibbits Tavern. From seasoned actors to impressive sets and costumes, the Tibbits Summer Theatre Festival transports you to the glamor of Broadway.
7. Michigan Pirate Festival
Ahoy matey! Head to the Michigan Pirate Festival for a swashbuckling good time. Held in Hampton Township north of Bay City, this energetic pirate party has educational talks, pirate battles, treasure hunts, costume contests, and pirate themed craft vendors.
Kids can get their faces painted, walk the plank, and become immersed in the pirate experience. Grab some grog in the Rum Runners Pub, feast on turkey legs, watch pirate flotillas invade the town, and enjoy maritime music performances. Arghhh!
8. African World Festival
A vibrant celebration of African and African American culture comes alive in downtown Detroit each August during the energetic African World Festival. The 3-day event strives to promote greater understanding, education, engagement, and appreciation for the rich diversity found within African communities globally.
During the festival weekend, over 300,000 attendees flock to the riverfront Hart Plaza venue. Performers straight from Africa entertain crowds with traditional dances and rhythms reflective of the over 20 African nations showcased.
Beyond the performances, dozens of community organizations and merchants represent African culture through themed “villages” and marketplace booths. Festival-goers can browse clothing, art, crafts, jewelry and more while interacting with community groups.
No matter someone’s knowledge or connection to African traditions, the African World Festival offers positive exposure and cross-cultural experiences. Through music, food, arts, entertainment and education, the lively event builds cultural bridges and brings Detroit’s diverse community together.
9. Zilke Sunflower Festival – August Festivals In Michigan
The Zilke Sunflower Festival is a beloved late summer tradition for many families in Michigan. Taking place at Zilke Vegetable Farm in Milan, located about 50 miles southwest of Detroit, the festival showcases several acres of brilliant yellow sunflowers in full bloom.
For a few weeks from late August through mid September each year, visitors flock to the farm to enjoy the cheery sight. The sunflower fields come alive with people wandering and taking photos among the towering blooms.
Beyond the sunflowers, there are opportunities to visit the farm’s chickens, goats, sheep, bunnies, and more. Food vendors, games, crafts, and other family-friendly activities round out the festival offerings.
The festival provides an enjoyable taste of farm life and the chance to revel in the sunny beauty of late summer in Michigan.
10. Coloma Glad-Peach Festival
A beloved late summer tradition, the Coloma Glad-Peach Festival is an annual celebration of peach harvest season in southwestern Michigan. Taking place in the small town of Coloma peach festival in Berrien County, the festival honors the juicy, sweet peaches grown in the region’s orchards.
Held each year in early August, it draws both local residents and visitors from around the state eager to enjoy everything peach-related. The centerpiece is the peach market, where attendees can purchase fresh-picked peaches, peach pies, peach jam, peach salsa, and more from local farms and vendors.
The peach harvest provides a reason to gather, celebrate the region’s agriculture, and enjoy warm weather before fall arrives. It’s a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike.
From honoring cultural traditions to showing off classic cars, there’s always something exciting happening under the August sun. August offers no shortage of ways to make lasting summer memories at festivals statewide.
However you choose to embrace our state’s summertime spirit, these August fairs and festivities capture Michigan’s beauty during harvest season. Get out and make this August one for the memory books by attending the unique festivals that showcase what Michigan does best.
