If you live in or around Michigan, you are probably anxiously awaiting the end of winter. This is the perfect time to look ahead at some of the events that will be happening in our beautiful state this year. Although I have a passion for traveling all over the US and visiting other countries, I also enjoy spending time right here in Michigan. One thing my husband and I like to do is check out cultural heritage festivals.
These festivals make you feel like you have traveled somewhere distant yet you are still close to home. It’s easy to fit them into your summer schedule without even having to take days off work. The cost is usually very reasonable and there is usually amazing food and entertainment options.
Here are just a few of Michigan’s 2020 Cultural Heritage Festivals
Ya’ssoo Greek Festival
2020 Festival Dates – June 12-14
My husband and I have attended this festival several times over recent years. It is held at a location that is only about 30 minutes from our house making it an easy choice for us. We make a day of it, sharing a bottle of Greek wine and eating traditional foods while enjoying a wonderful lineup of musicians and dancers. I recommend taking a tour of the church if you go. There are several options for attending since the festival begins on a Friday and runs through the entire weekend. Since it is held in June, it can be very hot and sunny so be sure to drink plenty of water and wear your sunscreen.
- The event is held at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church of Ann Arbor
- There is Free Parking and Shuttle service from another nearby church
- Admission is $5 per person
- Full Food and Beverage court available
- Live cultural entertainment throughout the day
- Church Tours
German Park
Another festival in the Ann Arbor area is a series of Picnics at German Park. It is held in a lovely location with covered areas for dining and enjoying the shows. Each year that we attend we enjoy wonderful plates of German foods and share a bucket of beer while enjoying traditional music and dancing.
- German Park picnics are the last Saturday of the month in June, July, and August
- There is Free Parking on site
- Admission is $5 per person
- Wonderful German foods are available
- German wine and Beer can be purchased by the glass or bucket (yes….bucket)
- Live cultural entertainment throughout the day
Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival
2020 Festival dates are June 11 – 14
Frankenmuth is a popular tourist destination in Michigan. The town consists of a Bavarian Village, several hotels, restaurants featuring amazing German foods and plenty of local activities for the whole family. You can sing and dance downtown to Bavarian music played by colorful costumed German entertainers and polka bands.
- Friday Night Street Party
- Children’s Parade on Saturday
- Big Main Street Parade on Sunday
- Food available at local restaurants and food trucks
- The town boasts wineries, breweries and a PedAle Trolley
Alma Highland Festival & Games
2020 event dates are May 23 – 24
This festival has been going on in Alma since 1968. It utilizes the lovely Alma College campus located in central Michigan and is easy to get to from most anywhere in the state. The festival has everything including marathons, highland games, parades, traditional folk dancing and music.
- Tickets: Festival day passes are $15 (check website for additional discounts), Kids 12 and under get in Free and Senior/Veteran/1st Resp. discounted ticket price available at the gates, $12
- There is plenty of parking around the ground with the official lot costing $10
- Road Runs: 5K run, 10K run, 5K walk, and kids’ races
- Parade through Alma at 10:30 on Saturday morning
- Highland Games: Athletes compete in seven events (Open Stone, Scottish Hammer, Sheaves and Caber Toss), beginning with the professional competition on Saturday morning and an amateur competition is held on Sunday.
- You are welcome to bring your own snacks and drinks but no alcohol
Final Thoughts
Adding long weekends and day trips to your summer schedules make you feel like you have done so much more. Since they are so affordable, they are also great options for us budget travelers. If you look for them, you can find adventures all around you. Get out your calendar and pencil one of these festivals in this year, I am sure that you will really enjoy it.
Dream, Plan, Save, Adventure!
Don’t forget that the Bold Teal items throughout my post are links to websites that provide additional information!
The World According to Dev 