What to Do This Weekend: Melons, Mint, Tequila & More

Hard to believe we're already into mid-August! If you've been itching to get out and enjoy this Michigan summer, there's no better time than this weekend to get out there!

Here are some fun things you can plug into this weekend that are within a two hours' drive of Lansing (August 11-14, 2022):

Stanton Old Fashioned Days

Photo via StantonOFD.com

Just north of Grand Rapids, Stanton Old Fashioned Days is taking place Thursday through Sunday (August 11-14). This 4-day event features fun for the whole family, including multiple parades, car and motorcycle shows, a carnival and competitions featuring the "Ultimate Air Dogs", running the dock and jumping into the water to fetch a target or thrown object.

Howell Melon Festival

The 62nd Annual Howell Melon Festival is underway now in downtown Howell through Sunday, August 14. Enjoy melon ice cream courtesy of the Howell Rotary Club, live entertainment, a parade, and all the melons you can eat!

Dexter Daze

Dexter Daze is scheduled for Friday and Saturday (August 12-13). There will be plenty of arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment from performers in a variety of genres, kids' activities, a rock wall, and interactive games. Organizers say you'll encounter activities throughout "downtown" Dexter, as many locals call it.

St. Johns Mint Festival

Photo via Mintfest.org

The annual St. Johns Mint Festival is planned Friday through Sunday (August 12-14) throughout downtown St. Johns, and at the city park/fairgrounds. Arts and crafts, food trucks and a flea market will be available all three days. The Grand Mint Parade happens Saturday morning, and there's rodeo action both Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon.

Vet Fest

The Fowlerville Fair Grounds will host Vet Fest 2022 on Saturday, August 13 from noon to 4pm. The event is free for all active duty, retired or military veteran families. Veterans are invited to enjoy a day of camaraderie while learning about a wide variety of veteran specific resources. There'll be food, bounce houses, live music, backpack and school supply giveaways, and more. Plus, all veterans in attendance are eligible to win a variety of prizes valued from $300 to $1,500.

Lansing Pride Festival

The 2022 Lansing Pride Festival is slated for Saturday (August 13) in the capital city's Old Town. Entertainment includes the LanSINGout Gay Chorus, DJs, and two drag shows.

Grand Rapids Tequila Fest

Photo by DeVosPlace.org

Did someone say tequila? DeVos Place will host the Grand Rapids Tequila Fest on Saturday (August 13) from 7-10pm. Organizers say attendees "will be treated to samples of the finest brands and varieties of premium and ultra-premium tequilas, as well as tequila liqueurs, crèmes, infusions and flavored tequilas, and a wide variety of margaritas." There'll be live entertainment, games, and taco trucks on-site too!

Shiawassee County Fair

The Shiawassee County Fair is underway now and continues through Saturday, August 13 in Corunna. Carnival rides are available daily through Saturday; and nightly entertainment in the grandstand includes Mid-Michigan Horse Pullers on Thursday, a demolition and figure 8 derby on Friday, and truck and tractor pulls on Saturday.

Jackson County Fair

The Jackson County Fair also continues through Saturday, August 13. Friday night's grandstand entertainment is the Twisted P Rodeo, and Saturday night there's a demolition derby. Carnival rides open at 2pm on Thursday and Friday, and at 1pm on Saturday.

25 Great Places to Take the Kids Before Summer Ends

The school year will be here before you know it. Before it is, take the kids someplace fun. No matter the age of your kids, how much time you have, what your budget is, or where you want to go, there are plenty of places to go to take the kids and enjoy activities. Here are 25 places you can take the kids before the summer is up.