21 Michigan Food Festivals to Consider This Summer

Grab your sunscreen and your appetite, it’s summer foodie party season.

Tacos seem to be Michigan’s most acclaimed cuisine, with taco-related events taking place in Royal Oak, Lake Orion, Detroit and elsewhere. Cheese, cheeseburgers, barbecue, beer and fruit will also be celebrated in Michigan communities in the coming months.

Here’s a look at some of the highlights coming this summer.

June

Michigan Taco Fest in Canterbury Village: In addition to tons of tacos and tequila drinks, this festival features mariachi bands, Mexican dancers, kids’ activities, monster truck rides, wrestling, vendors, and competitions for the best costume of Chihuahua, hot pepper meals and tacos. 4 p.m.-9 p.m. on June 21, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on June 22 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on June 23. Admission $5 for ages 13 and over at the door with donation of four cans. 2325 Joslyn Court., Lake Orion. Canterburyvillage.com.

Oops ! Feast at Saint-Nicolas Greek Orthodox Church: This annual Greek heritage festival is all about food with a patisserie, Greek cafe, live cooking demonstrations, two cooking competitions and plenty of gyros and dolmathes to feed the whole family. Oops ! The festival also features Greek dancers, music, children’s activities, vendors and church tours. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 21 and 22 and noon to 8 p.m. on June 23. Admission $3 for ages 13 and over. Canned donation vouchers taken at the door. 760 W. Wattles, Troy. stnicholastroy.org.

CheeseTown Festival in Pinconning: This community celebration begins with a mac and cheese cookoff on June 21, followed by a parade, cornhole tournament, craft vendors, fireworks, and, of course, a ton of food with cheese. June 21-22. Doc Letchfield Park, Pinconning. cheesetownraces.com/festival.cfm. Also note that Pinconning Wilson’s Cheese Shoppe (130 N. Mable) is celebrating its 85th anniversary this year with special offers and giveaways.

Detroit Taco and Tequila Fest in Belle Isle: This second annual event features more than 100 varieties of tequila, as well as beer, sangria, cocktails and other drinks, as well as food trucks, live music and vendors. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. June 22. Tickets start at $30 for general admission and $45 for VIP. The party takes place on the grounds next to the Belle Isle Casino in Detroit. Detroittacoandtequilafest.com.

Magic City Grill Fest in Colon: This barbecue and grilling competition is fun for competitors and tasters. There is also a cornhole tournament. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 22. 123 E. State, Colon. magiccitygrillfest.com.

Burger Battle Detroit at Eastern Market: In one of the most prestigious burger events and competitions of the year, restaurants and chefs will compete to see who takes home this year’s trophy. Event attendees have access to as many samples as possible from 15 companies, and there’s also a DJ and full bar. Participants vote for their favorites and the top five will be tasted by a panel of local celebrity judges to choose the overall winner. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. June 30. $15 and up. 2934 Russell, Detroit. dinedrinkdetroit.com.

National Cherry Festival in Traverse City: One of the largest food festivals in the state, the National Cherry Festival features concerts, family entertainment, and tons of food. Things start with a pancake breakfast and continue with picnics and special dinners. Musical highlights include rapper TI on June 30 and Bret Michaels on July 1. From June 29 to July 6. Traverse City. Cherryfestival.org.

July

Royal Oak Taco Party: This returning outdoor summer party features more than 50 food trucks, entertainment, an immersive cannabis experience, a zip line, live music and family activities. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4 to 6 and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. July 7. Tickets are on sale now for $6 each; the price will increase as the event approaches. Main Street between 11 Mile and Fourth Street, Royal Oak. (248) 541-7550. Royaloaktacofest.com.

Halal Ribfest in Dearborn Heights: Enjoy ribs, brisket and other barbecue and street food knowing that everything served is 100% halal. July 5-7. Hype Athletics, 23302 W. Warren, Dearborn Heights. eventbrite.com/e/halal-ribfest-michigan-tickets-908434541167.

Pig and whiskey in Ferndale: Not much has been announced regarding food or the full music lineup for this summer festival, but we can expect plenty of vendors selling barbecue, whiskey brands, and other popular foods and drinks. Musical headliners include Lucero on July 12, the Black Lips on July 13 and Too Many Zooz on July 14. New this year, the event charges an entrance fee at certain times. See website for details. 4 p.m. to midnight on July 12, 11 a.m. to midnight on July 13 and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 14. Downtown Ferndale. pigandwhiskeyferndale.com.

Ypsilanti Summer Beer Festival: A celebration of Michigan craft beer, cider and other beverage makers. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 26 and 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. on July 27. $50 to $55 in advance and $60 to $65 at the door if tickets remain. Tickets include 15 sample tokens and additional tokens can be purchased at the festival. Riverside Park in historic Depot, Ypsilanti. mibeer.com/Events/summer-beer-festival.

Eastern Market Taco Showdown: About 1,000 people are expected to attend this annual taco festival, which highlights metro Detroit’s taquerias, restaurants and food trucks. Participants will help a panel of judges choose their favorite taco and margarita. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. July 28. $20 and up (includes taco and margarita samples). Hangar 5, 2801 Russell, Detroit. Tacoshowdown.com.

August

Barbecue Festival in Canterbury Village: The music and culinary lineups always come together, but this festival weekend is sure to feature live bands, barbecues, wrestling, eating competitions and games for kids and adults. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. from August 2 to 4. 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion. canterburyvillage.com/event/bbq-fest.

Straits Brew Bash in Saint-Ignace: This dockside festival offers dozens of varieties of craft beer to sample, along with food, live music, and fireworks. 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. August 3. $5 per person. 13 S. State, Saint-Ignace. stignace.com/event/straits-brew-bash.

Ribs and R&B Festival at Hart Plaza: Savor the flavors of ribs and other barbecue staples at this annual outdoor festival that brings together vendors from across the country. This year’s musical headliners include Next, Case, Ro James, Adina Howard and Glenn Jones. 11:30 a.m.-11:30 p.m. from August 9 to 11. Free entry until 3 p.m. on Friday. and 1 p.m. Friday to Saturday, $15 afterward. Jefferson in Woodward, Detroit. ribsrnbmusicfestival.com.

Cheeseburger in Caseville: This all-day festival features live bands, a cheeseburger museum, rock painting, and other fun summer activities, including plenty of opportunities to eat cheeseburgers. From August 9 to 18. Caseville. casevillechamber.com/cheeseburger-fest.

Howell Melon Festival: Burn off all the melon ice cream in this event during the 47th annual Howell Melon Run. There’s also the Melon Ball, the Melon Classic Golf Scramble and a Melon Quest scavenger hunt. August 15-18. Downtown Howell. howellmelonfestival.com.

Moss on the shore in Ludington: A craft beer and wine festival, this event will feature products from Upper Hand Brewery, New Belgium Brewing, Lansing Brewing Company, Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Two Guys Brewing, Iron Fish Distillery and more . August 17. $50 including samples. Rotary Park, Ludington. southsontheshore.com.

Chutney Festival at the Royal Oak Farmers Market: A celebration of South Asian and Caribbean street food, the Chutney Festival offers dishes packed with flavor, including spicy, savory and sweet dishes. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. August 23. $3 for general admission, $60 and up for VIP experiences. 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak. eventbrite.com/e/chutney-festival-tickets-899140071157.

September

Fishing festival in Romeo: A Labor Day weekend tradition for more than 90 years, this fruit festival has yet to reveal the details. Visit romeopeachfestival.com for more information closer to the event.

Art and apples in Rochester: Hosted by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, this annual late summer event highlights visual artists from across the country. Creativity and design are the focus of the weekend, but there is a big culinary component. Expect lots of apple dishes, but also food trucks and pop-ups, which are still to be determined. 2 p.m.-7 p.m. on September 6, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on September 7 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on September 8. Rochester City Park, Rochester. pccart.org/festival.

Is your favorite Michigan food festival not listed here? Email me: [email protected]