Lake Huron · June (annual dates vary)

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

A springtime island celebration surrounded by Lake Huron.

Plan a trip around it

Plan ahead

About Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

For ten days in June, Mackinac Island celebrates the lilacs, many more than a century old, that perfume its car-free streets. Expect guided lilac walks, a 10K, the crowning of the Lilac Queen and a closing Grand Parade of horse-drawn carriages, bands and walkers — with no motor vehicles.

A recurring community festival. Dates and programming vary by year; check the official event site before planning.

Typical timingJune (annual dates vary)
RegionMichigan
LakeLake Huron
Nearby townMackinac Island

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

  • Join a guided walking tour of the island's lilacs, some planted more than a century ago.
  • Find a curbside spot for the Grand Parade on the closing Sunday, as carriages and marching bands roll through downtown.
  • Watch the Lilac Queen crowned, one of the festival's long-standing traditions.
  • Run or cheer the festival 10K on the island's car-free roads.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

  • Island lodging books far ahead for festival weekends, so reserve early or plan a day trip by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace.
  • Bloom timing varies with the spring, and a cool year can push peak lilacs toward the end of the festival.
  • The festival typically begins on the second Friday in June; confirm this year's schedule before booking.
Great for Festivals & events Harbor towns & villages Islands, boats & paddling

Dates, venues and programs may change. Check with the event organizer before making travel plans.

Nearby

Pair it with.

Michigan · Lake Huron

Mackinac Island

A car-free island where Lake Huron meets the Straits of Mackinac.

Explore place

Michigan · Lake Michigan

Petoskey

Little Traverse Bay views and a historic downtown in northern Michigan.

Explore place

Plan the trip

Make a visit out of it.

Stay for the shoreline.

The event is only the beginning. Explore the towns, parks and maritime stories around Lake Huron.

Places on this lake

Build a trip around it.

Tell the trip planner what you love and when you can travel, and it will suggest a route that fits around the event.

Start planning

Think beyond the date.

Confirm venues, tickets, parking, access needs and weather plans with the organizer before booking.

Before you leave