10 Michigan Summer Festivals Not to Miss

You may know Lansing as Michigan’s capital city with great attractions to visit, delicious and diverse restaurant options and great golf, but did you know that Lansing is also the Festival Capital of Michigan?! With over 40 festivals throughout the year, there’s something for everyone’s taste. We’ve rounded up ten of the summer’s top festivals that are worth the one-tank trip. Take a look and plan your weekend getaway around one (or more!) of these fun and eclectic sampling of local festivals.

Car Capital Auto Show

June 29, 2024

The Car Capital Auto Show with all makes and models takes place in downtown Lansing and benefits the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. With third-party judging and quality awards, this show is one of the best in mid-Michigan. Free spectator admission and discounted admission to the museum. 

Lansing Taco & Tequila Fest

July 13, 2024

The Lansing Taco & Tequilla fest will feature 100+ tequilas. Most of the list is tequila but there will be a few other options such as beer, sangria and margaritas. In addition to a great beverage selection, find food trucks, live music, vendors and more!

Old Town Scrapfest

July 12-13, 2024

ScrapFest began as a scrap metal artwork competition and has grown into a full art festival that focuses on up-cycled and repurposed artwork. Now, the festival has not only the scrap metal sculpture competition, but also eco-art booth vendors, family activities, live music, food, The Great Scrap Run 8k run/walk (with a family fun run), and a Refashion Show!

5:01 Dam Jam Music Festival

July 19-20, 2024 

The annual DAM JAM MUSIC FESTIVAL takes place at Lansing's Brenke Fish Ladder in Old Town for two nights celebrating Michigan artists. Dance and sing the night away to a robust lineup of bands as they perform in Lansing's most unique pop-up music venue, in-the-round at this historic architectural wonder.

JazzFest Michigan

July 31-August 3, 2024

Old Town Lansing is home to one of the largest, most-diverse, and longest-running jazz festivals in Michigan.

Island Art Fair

August 3, 2024

Traditionally held on the island in neighboring Grand Ledge, this year the Island Art Fair is located at nearby Fitzgerald Park allowing for even more (200+) art and craft vendors plus food trucks and live music.

St. Johns Mint Festival

August 9-11, 2024

St. Johns was once the main source of mint and has a rich agricultural heritage. The St. Johns Mint Festival celebrates that with a rodeo, kids entertainment, parade, music, dancing, and so much more. Experience a slice of small town Americana.

Michigan BluesFest

September 18-21, 2024

The Michigan BlueFest is a weekend filled with regional and national blues artists where each artist has agreed to premiere a song, composition or arrangement that they’ve never performed publicly before

517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend

September 19-22, 2024

517 Hispanic Heritage Weekend is Mid-Michigan’s most diverse display of Hispanic culture featuring educational opportunities, art, entertainment, and featuring the culinary “A Taste of Hispanic Heritage Festival” on Saturday, September 21.

Olive Burger Festival

October 5, 2024

The Olive Burger Festival is a celebration of Lansing, Michigan and its iconic burger. The festival features a variety of olive burger creations from some of the best local restaurants and food trucks. Attendees have the opportunity to try different variations of the olive burger and vote for their favorites. In addition to olive burgers, the festival features live music, games, and activities for all ages. There's a kids' area with bounce houses and face painting. Attendees can also enjoy a cold beer or a glass of wine.

You may come to Lansing for a festival, but add in some extra time to explore world-class attractions and museums, arts and cultural entities that make Lansing a great choice for a getaway. Friendly and affordable, when you choose Lansing, you can plan on something Greater!

Photography: Valeri Gill (header image) and our #lovelansing community—a special thanks for their awesome imagery and social media posts.