April in Michigan brings warmer temperatures, budding trees, spring flowers, and plenty of festivals to celebrate the seasonal changes. From home and garden shows to craft beer celebrations, car shows, and more, here are my picks for the top lively April festivals around Michigan worth checking out.
1. Spring Jonquil Festival
“Jonquil” may sound like a quaint, old-fashioned word but it’s the elegant name for the early spring daffodil flower. Grand Haven celebrates these cheerful harbingers of spring through their annual Jonquil Festival.
Downtown sparkles with over 100,000 jonquils blooming in flower boxes and gardens. Beyond enjoying the blossoms, you can participate in a Jonquil Jog run, shop the juried arts and crafts show, listen to live music, and savor spring flavors from food vendors.
I love attending this bloom-filled festival each April as a joyous rite of spring along Lake Michigan’s scenic shores.
2. Michigan International Auto Show
Calling all auto enthusiasts! Head north to Charlevoix for the Michigan International Auto Show held right along the shore of Lake Michigan.
Hundreds of exquisite antique, classic, and concept cars will shine on display both indoors and outdoors throughout the luxe Belvedere Club grounds. Chat with owners about the painstaking restorations and designs of these beauties.
Family friendly activities include slot car racing, a Pinewood Derby, and remote control demonstrations. The location and vehicles make this an automobile show unlike any other. I’ve attended the last few years and am endlessly impressed by the unique cars and the stories behind them.
3. Michigan Brewers Guild Beer Fest
Beer lovers, get ready to sample over 500 craft beers from 100+ Michigan breweries at the Michigan Brewers Guild Spring Beer Fest. With unlimited tasting, you’ll be able to sip your way through the best of Michigan’s beer scene. Food trucks will be onsite to soak up the booze.
Live music and other entertainment will keep the festival lively between tastes. With so many creative Michigan craft beers to try, you’re guaranteed to discover new favorites just in time for patio season. Having attended for years now, I always leave excited about the bounty of outstanding breweries we’re so fortunate to have in Michigan.
4. Detroit Cocktail Week
Explore Detroit’s thriving craft cocktail scene during the weeklong Detroit Cocktail Week. Signature craft cocktails take center stage at participating bars and restaurants through drink specials, parties, classes, competitions, and more spirited fun.
Swirl and sip your way through creative libations infused with Michigan flavors and flair. Beyond tantalizing your tastebuds, some events give back to the community through fundraising initiatives.
Having indulged many times now, I’m constantly amazed by the talent, diversity, and camaraderie of Detroit’s mixology community. Don’t miss this spirited springtime event!
5. Michigan Antique Festival
Calling all antiquers, thrifters, and vintage lovers! The Michigan Antique Festival is a sprawling four day antique extravaganza with over 350 vendors spread across 40,000 square feet.
Beyond the endless aisles of glassware, furniture, jewelry, toys, architectural salvage and more, you’ll find antique appraisals, sustenance from food trucks, and fun activities for kids like a youth marketplace and craft corner.
I’ve unearthed some true treasures here over the years – everything from Victorian era hats to midcentury modern barware. Wandering the festival aisles always puts me in the mood to decorate with new to me vintage and antique finds this time of year.
6. Michigan Beer and Brat Festival
Up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along the scenic Paint River, you’ll find the lively Michigan Beer and Brat Festival. Sip brews from U.P. craft breweries and vote for your favorite to win the title of best beer. Enjoy tasty grilled bratwurst sandwiches paired with all those great beers.
Local bands will perform live throughout the day, offering the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of imbibing in the wooded U.P. setting. Vendors will provide a variety of food options beyond brats as well.
7. Springtime In The Village
Get a taste of old fashioned country life at the annual Springtime In The Village festival in South Lyon. Held at historic McHattie Park, enjoy demonstrations of pioneer era skills like quilting, spinning wool, blacksmithing, soap making and more.
Sample homemade baked goods, jams, maple syrup, and other country store wares from local vendors. Kids will love meeting the baby farm animals, doing crafts and playing vintage games. Bring your appetite for the chicken BBQ dinner.
I look forward to this sweet hometown festival each spring to support local artisans and educate kids about Michigan’s rich history.
8. Michigan Spring Lego Show
Fuel your inner child’s creativity at the Michigan Spring Lego Show! Marvel over larger-than-life Lego creations at this ultimate brick extravaganza.
Beyond viewing, you can meet master builders, shop for new bricks and mini-figures, and create your own masterpieces at building stations. Professional Lego artists will also be on hand doing live builds.
It’s not all bricks – kids can enjoy bounce houses, carnival rides, and hands-on Lego themed activities too. I had a blast attending and was thoroughly impressed by the talent and creativity on display in the life size and themed Lego builds. It totally gets those creative kid juices flowing.
9. Midwest Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale
Add some quirky plant flair to your home and garden at the Midwest Cactus and Succulent Society Show and Sale. Beyond hundreds of specimens for sale from regional growers, you’ll find stunning displays of the best cacti and succulents grown by MCSS members.
Learn about growing and caring for these drought tolerant plants through demonstrations and classes. Let the kids pot up their own cute cactus to take home.
The sheer variety and artistry behind these funky plants always amazes me. It’s the perfect event for quirky plant lovers like myself eager to awaken our gardens this spring.
10. Michigan Pet Expo
The Michigan Pet Expo is a must-attend event for animal lovers! This two day extravaganza features hundreds of pet products, toys, treats, and services for your furry friends.
Shop major pet retailers and local businesses while getting to meet breeds of dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, barnyard animals, and pets. Kids will love the free petting zoo and participating in contests like the owner/pet lookalike contest.
Learn about pet nutrition, training, healthcare, massage, and more through educational seminars. Watch live entertainment featuring amazing trained dogs, dock diving dogs, military working dog demos, and more.
With giveaways and amazing deals, you’re guaranteed to leave spoiled after a full day of indulging the animals you love. I’ve attended the last few years and always have a blast spoiling my pooch with new treats and toys! It’s a full weekend of family and pet friendly fun.
And there you have it – the best festivals and events happening across Michigan in April! These festivals offer fun ways for Michiganders to celebrate the warming weather and welcome another beautiful spring in this gorgeous state. Get out there and make the most of these lively April events.
