1. Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival
Beer lovers rejoice at the annual Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival. Held at the Fifth Third Ballpark in Grand Rapids, it features over 100 Michigan craft beers from nearly 50 breweries.
General admission gets you 15 beer tokens to sample brews, while VIP tickets include early entry, 40 tokens, access to specialty beers, food samples and a souvenir mug. Beyond the seemingly endless beer tasting, there’s live music and food trucks on site.
I’ve attended this festival for years and always discover amazing new Michigan breweries and one-of-a-kind brews. The lively, friendly atmosphere reminds us that festival in March is nearly here after the long winter.
2. Michigan Maple Syrup Festival
Experience a true taste of spring in Michigan at the Maple Syrup Festival held within Hartwick Pines State Park. See firsthand how maple syrup goes from tree to table through demonstrations about tapping trees, collecting sap, and boiling it into sweet syrup.
Sample an array of syrups and sugary maple treats from vendors and local farms. Kids will love participating in hands-on activities and crafts related to making maple syrup.
Winter recreation demos, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, and kids activities round out the family-friendly fun. After so many months indoors, it’s wonderful to get outside and learn about this beloved spring tradition.
3. Bavarian Inn Bier Fest
Transport yourself to Germany for a weekend at Frankenmuth’s annual Bavarian Inn Bier Fest. Held in heated tents, it’s Michigan’s biggest Bavarian celebration of German culture, food and above all – beer!
Sample authentic brews from over 20 imported and domestic beers. Beyond the bier, enjoy live polka music, German fare, pretzel twisting, keg bowling, stein holding competitions and more.
The lively atmosphere reminds me of Oktoberfest, with people proudly showing off their dirndls and lederhosen. Kids will love dancing to the oompah music, face painting and cookie decorating.
If you can’t make it to Munich for Oktoberfest, experiencing Bavarian Inn’s Bier Fest is the next best thing to celebrate the coming of spring.
4. Comedy Fest
Chase away the winter blues with laughter at Petoskey’s annual Comedy Fest weekend. Top comedians from around the country perform multiple stand-up shows at venues across downtown Petoskey, including the elegant City Opera House.
Previous headliners like Bob Saget, Joel McHale and Sinbad show the caliber of talent this fest attracts. In addition to stand-up shows, you can take improv classes and enjoy local craft beer tastings, all while experiencing the charm of springtime in Petoskey.
Given how long and gloomy Michigan winters feel, I always appreciate a weekend dedicated to comedy and laughter.
5. Saginaw Ukulele Festival
Why should Hawaiian ukulele music be limited only to the islands? Celebrate this joyous art form at the annual Saginaw Ukulele Festival.
Jam sessions, open mics, live performances, ukulele lessons, and a uke choir showcase take place at venues across Downtown Saginaw. Enjoy food vendors, local art, and family activities like lei making, hula dancing lessons, and ukulele crafts for kids.
The aloha spirit will have you forgetting winter in no time. I finally bought my own ukelele last year after attending and have been having so much fun plucking away to tropical tunes all winter long. Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never played before – this festival welcomes all levels.
6. Sugarbush Weekends
Celebrate the start of maple sugaring season with hands-on demonstrations and activities throughout March at Rochester’s Sugarbush Weekends event. Held at Bloomer Park, see how maple syrup is made firsthand and learn about the traditional tools used in the process.
Taste and purchase syrup straight from the sugarhouse, along with treats like maple cotton candy and ice cream. The kids will love tapping their own “tree,” making maple candy, and meeting some fuzzy goats.
Other activities include horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, and pioneer reenactments. I look forward to this sweet event each year as one of the first signs that warm weather is on the way!
7. Midland Center for the Arts Midland County Youth Film Festival
Foster and celebrate the next generation of Michigan filmmakers at the Midland Center for the Arts Youth Film Festival. This annual event showcases short films made by local students in grades 3-12.
You’ll be amazed by the impressive storytelling, special effects and cinematography skills on display. An awards ceremony follows the screening where over $5,000 in prizes are awarded. Beyond viewing the films, you can meet the young creators and participate in hands-on animation workshops for all ages.
After being cooped up all winter, I love supporting these talented youth as they share their creativity and passion through filmmaking. It fills me with hope for the future of arts in Michigan.
8. Michigan Home and Garden Show
Winter definitely starts to overstay its welcome by March, making the Michigan Home and Garden Show a welcome event. Wander through elaborate landscaped gardens, get inspiration from stunning kitchen and bath vignettes, and get motivation for your own home projects.
Beyond beautiful design displays, you can talk to local contractors, attend DIY seminars, and shop over 400 vendors. The intricate floral designs, water features, and cozy decor really get me excited to tackle home projects as the weather warms up. I also love indulging my green thumb by shopping the enormous plant sale featuring spring flowers and greenery.
9. Michigan Brew Ha Ha – March festivals in Michigan
Hop between dozens of Michigan craft breweries under one roof at the Michigan Brew Ha Ha in Lansing. The afternoon and evening tasting sessions allow you to sample beers from well over 100 breweries across the state. Food vendors will be on site to keep you fueled for all the sipping.
Beyond beer tasting, the festival features live music, games and entertainment like giant Jenga and cornhole. With so many creative Michigan craft beers to try, you’re sure to discover some new brews to enjoy as the weather warms up. I love attending year after year and always leave buzzed and optimistic that festival season is near.
10. Midland Center for the Arts Annual Art Fair
Shop and support over 100 juried artists at the Midland Center for the Arts Annual Art Fair. Held inside the center, mediums represented include painting, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, sculpture, fiber art, and more.
Beyond shopping the artwork, kids can create their own masterpieces at the children’s craft area. Food trucks on site will fuel your artistic afternoon. Timed to coincide with spring break, this lively event is a great way to get your art fix after being cooped up all winter.
I look forward to attending each spring and chatting with the talented Michigan artists as I shop for new pieces to brighten up my home.
There you have it – lively, spirited, and fun festivals happening around Michigan in March to welcome spring. Get out there and make the most of these festivals as we shake off the winter blues and look ahead to summer in this beautiful state. Let me know which events you end up going to!
