Balloons, Bluegrass & More: What’s Happening in Mid-Michigan This Weekend

This weekend is the first official weekend of summer, and the weather looks like it's going to cooperate and allow for some Mid-Michigan summer fun!

You want to get out of the house, but can't afford to stray too far away from home, right? We found some fun things on tap this weekend right here in our own collective backyard.

The Charlotte Bluegrass Festival is happening June 23 through June 25. This marks the 50th year for this annual celebration. A dozen of the biggest names in bluegrass music are scheduled to play at the Eaton County Fairgrounds over the 3-day period.

The Michigan Challenge Balloonfest is back for 2022 in Howell. It's happening June 24 through June 26 on the grounds of Howell High School. In addition to countless hot air balloons, the event also features a carnival, fireworks and more. The Balloon Glow on Saturday night is not to be missed.

Eaton County's Museum at Courthouse Square in Charlotte will host the Fire Flow Jam Series on Friday night, June 24, and again throughout the summer on the last Friday night of each month. You won't see fire dancing just anywhere in Michigan, but you'll see it here.

In Okemos/Meridian Township, plug into the Celebrate Meridian Festival on Saturday, June 25. The Marketplace on the Green will feature live entertainment throughout the day, and there'll be plenty of kids' activities on at the Central Park Pavilion. Food, beer and wine vendors will be on-site too.

The Marshall Blues Fest is slated for Saturday, June 25. This event features live music downtown beginning mid-afternoon and continuing until late night. Listening to the music is free; pay for food and drink.

Calling all car fanatics! The 50th Annual Sloan Museum Auto Fair happens June 25 and June 26 at the Flint Cultural Center. Check out hot rods, modified and original vehicles from all eras. There'll even be a vintage motorcycle display.

If Halloween is your favorite holiday, check out Lansing's FrankenFest. This event on Saturday, June 25 at the Turner-Dodge House features attractions, exhibits and artwork that's sure to your quench your thirst for the macabre.

The Red Cedar Jubilee is underway now and continues through June 26 in Williamston. In addition to a carnival, live music, food and drink, the event features an annual duck drop, a parade and a demolition derby on Saturday.