6 Michigan Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss This June

What's your favorite season?

Mine has changed over the years, depending on where I live. In Michigan, it's summer — more sunny days than we get in the winter, and it's usually (not always) comfortable.

It's the perfect time to get out and about and enjoy what the Mitten State has to offer. Here are six festivals not to miss this June.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

The smell of lilacs is one of my favorite memories of spending summers at my grandma's house in Swartz Creek. Put those lilacs against the backdrop of Mackinac Island instead, and you're basically looking at a postcard everywhere you turn.

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Not only does the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival feature lilacs in bloom all over the place, you've also got the horse-drawn carriages, live music, garden tours and more.

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is underway now through June 14th.

 Motor City Irish Fest

Wait a minute. There's a celebration of all things Irish that's not centered around St. Patrick's Day? Yep.

This 3-day celebration just outside Detroit features more than 20 Irish bands, traditional dance groups, pipe and drum bands, and more. There's even a huge kids' area, making it one of those rare festivals where everyone in the family can have a good time.

Oh, and there's plenty of beer, too.

Motor City Irish Fest happens at Greenmead Historical Park in Livonia June 12th through the 14th.

Grand Haven Art Festival

Nearly 80 artists from all around the nation converge upon Grand Haven for this free festival, featuring everything from paintings and photography to jewelry, ceramics, woodwork and more.

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The fact that you're mere steps away from the beach and boardwalk? That's just a bonus.

The 65th Annual Grand Haven Art Festival is scheduled for June 26th through the 28th.

Lansing Beer Fest

If you're looking for a pretty solid excuse to spend an afternoon by the river drinking with friends, Lansing's got you, boo.

More than 100 different beers, ciders, hard seltzers, meads, wines and spirits will be flowing at this one-day festival, and there'll be live music and tons of food trucks on hand too.

Lansing Beer Fest happens June 13 at Adado Riverfront Park in Lansing.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival

Of course you can get your drink on at the Bavarian Festival in Frankenmuth as well.

This 4-day festival features plenty of polka music and dancing, cold beer, a parade, and lots of family-friendly fun.

Save room for at least one chicken dinner and a giant pretzel too.

The Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival takes place June 11th through the 14th.

Jackson Bluesfest

Head to downtown Jackson for some soulful vocals and incredible guitar work during Jackson Bluesfest.

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This year's scheduled performers include the Greg Nagy Band, Deuce 'n a Quarter, and Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames, among others.

Jackson Bluesfest happens June 11th through the 13th.