Great Lakes events & festivals Gather by the water.

Festivals, tall ships and seasonal traditions across the Great Lakes region, month by month.

Event dates and schedules can change. Confirm details with organizers before you travel.

10 recurring events · Typical timing, not confirmed dates.

May

May Lake Erie · Ontario · May (confirm park program) Point Pelee Festival of Birds Spring migration programming on Ontario's southern Lake Erie peninsula.

June

Jun Lake Michigan · Wisconsin · June; additional fall programs vary Door County Lighthouse Festival A maritime-museum program connecting Door County's light stations. Jun Lake Huron · Michigan · June (annual dates vary) Mackinac Island Lilac Festival A springtime island celebration surrounded by Lake Huron.

July

Jul Lake Superior · Minnesota · July (confirm annual dates) Grand Marais Arts Festival A North Shore arts gathering rooted in Grand Marais's creative community. Jul Lake Michigan · Michigan · Early July (dates may begin in June) National Cherry Festival Traverse City's summer celebration of the region's cherry-growing identity. Jul Lake Huron · Michigan · July (confirm race schedule) Port Huron to Mackinac Race A longstanding sailing race linking the southern Lake Huron outlet with Mackinac Island.

August

Aug Lake Ontario · Ontario · August through Labour Day Canadian National Exhibition Toronto's late-summer exhibition near the Lake Ontario waterfront. Aug Lake Superior · Minnesota · Summer (dates vary; not annual) Duluth Tall Ships A harbor gathering celebrating sailing and maritime heritage on Lake Superior.

September

Sep Lake Erie · Ohio · Labor Day weekend (confirm dates) Cleveland National Air Show A late-summer aviation event on Cleveland's Lake Erie waterfront.

October

Oct Lake Superior · Wisconsin · October (confirm annual dates) Bayfield Apple Festival An autumn gathering connecting Bayfield's harbor town with its orchard country.