Lake Michigan · Early July (dates may begin in June)

National Cherry Festival

Traverse City's summer celebration of the region's cherry-growing identity.

Plan ahead

About National Cherry Festival

For eight days around the Fourth of July, Traverse City's waterfront becomes a festival ground celebrating the region's cherries. Expect parades, fireworks over West Grand Traverse Bay, family events at Open Space Park, cherry pie and pit-spitting contests and, in many years, an air show over the bay.

The National Cherry Festival brings regional agriculture and community events into a busy summer week. Stay long enough to explore Grand Traverse Bay beyond the festival footprint. Programs, ticketing and traffic arrangements vary each year; confirm the current schedule with the festival rather than using this guide as an event calendar.

Typical timingEarly July (dates may begin in June)

RegionMichigan

LakeLake Michigan

Nearby townTraverse City

Highlights

What draws the crowds.

Watch performers fly over the bay at the air show, which in many years features a military jet team.
Enter or cheer the cherry pit-spitting and pie-eating contests.
Catch the Cherry Royale Parade through downtown near the festival's end.
Taste cherries in every form, from fresh fruit to pies and preserves, in the heart of tart-cherry country.

Know before you go

Make the day easier.

Traverse City lodging fills early for the festival and the Fourth of July, so book well ahead or stay farther out.
Downtown parking is tight on air show and fireworks days; walk or bike in from your lodging if you can.
Cherry harvest typically gets underway in July, so look for fresh fruit at farm stands around the region.

Great for Festivals & events Food, wine & orchards Harbor towns & villages

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

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