Pretty Setting - Cranbrook by MikeRyu

Spring has sprung! That means it's time to get out and enjoy the many things to do in and around Michigan during the month of April. Did we get them all? Not likely!! Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments! Click on in and see what's going on around the Great Lakes State!

In the Words of Mark Twain
"The first of April is the day we remember what we are the other 364 days of the year."

"It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!"

"In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours."

Fast Facts - Wikipedia
The birthstone of April is the diamond, and the birth flower is typically listed as either the Daisy or the Sweet Pea.

In The Waste Land, T. S. Eliot called April "the cruellest month".

April starts on the same day of the week as July in all years, and January in leap years.

April is Michigan Wine Month!
The website Michigan Wines tells us that Governor Rick Snyder has declared April as "Michigan Wine Month" to honor Michigan's wide selection of quality wines and the wine industry's significant contribution to the economy. April is a great time to plan a trip to Michigan's wine regions. Tasting rooms are less busy than in summer and fall, and tasting room staff are delighted to have time to provide extra attention.

April's Fool Day

Enjoy some Absolute Michigan April Fools Day shenanigans! Check out Wikipedia's April Fools Day page for a whole bunch more information. Snopes.com also has a nice page on the origins of April Fools Day

The Herald-News in Roscommon ran a great April Fools Day story in 1981 that is touted as one of the greats. Read about the The Michigan Shark Experiment at the museumofhoaxes.com.

Tax Day is April 15
In the United States, Tax Day is the common term for the day on which tax returns (statements about income taxes) are due to the federal and state governments from U.S. citizens, resident aliens, and certain nonresident aliens. More specifically, this is the last day on which tax returns can be mailed (as postmarked) to avoid penalties, with some exceptions. In the United States, Tax Day has usually been April 15 since 1955.

Visit the Wikipedia Tax Day page to continue reading everything there is to know about this dreaded day.

Earth Day is April 22 and you can read about Earth Day's Michigan roots from Absolute Michigan.

Things to Do, Places to Go

Also see the Pure Michigan April Event Roundup!

April 1-22
Butterflies around the World at Dow Gardens - Midland
The butterfly house invites you to enjoy hundreds of live butterflies from around the world in our conservatory during this unique spring event. Visitors will be able to explore the greenhouse and experience the colorful tropical butterflies - you can even see them emerging from their chrysalids!

April 5
Detroit Tigers Home Opener - Detroit
There's few better ways to celebrate spring that the home opener. The 2012 opener vs the Red Sox is sold out, but you can tune in at 1:05 PM.

April 7
ISLAND Benefit - Bellaire
An annual benefit concert at Short's Brewing Company that supports artist residencies for writers, musicians and non-studio artists; the CRAFT Program connecting small farms and beginning farmers school garden projects and more. Features performances by Seth Bernard, May Erlewine, Rachel Davis, Dominic John Davis and more.

April 7-8
Easter Egg Hunts - statewide
The Easter Bunny will once again be going crazy, hiding thousands of eggs statewide in Grand Haven, Pentwater, Pontiac, Ray Township,  Royal Oak, and at the Capitol in Lansing.

April 13-15
Great Lakes Art Fair - Bellaire
The Great Lakes Art Fair is the Midwest's fastest growing fine art fair, offering select artists and their patrons an expansive new marketplace that is delivering fresh energy and enthusiasm to the regional art community.

April 13-15
St Ignace Home Show & Spring Expo - St. Ignace
The free Expo features a variety of exhibitors & presentations of home & garden, automotive & recreational vehicles, sporting goods, and much more including fabulous door prizes!

April 14-15
Ann Arbor Antiques Market - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Antiques Market will continue its tradition as a mainstay in the field of antiques and select collectibles. The Market offers the public a vast selection of quality antiques in the comfortable surroundings of seven buildings and numerous tent canopies. Seven large shows are held from April through October.

April 14th
North Country Trail Hike & Annual Dinner, North Country Trail
Meet at the North Country Trail crossing on H-40. Celebration begins with a hike into the dam, sack lunch around a bonfire, and hike out and then dinner and guest speaker. (click for details)

April 15
Northern Dodge Ball Tournament - Marquette
The Northern Dodge Ball Tournament is hosted by the Criminal Justice Association of Northern Michigan University and supports the Special Olympics of Michigan.

April 20-21
Bringin' Back the 80's Festival - Frankenmuth
Bring back hair teasing memories by paying tribute to the music, trends and events of the 1980's. Don't sit back in your pegged pants and play Atari, come on down and have a great time at the Annual Bringin' Back the 80's festival! Proceeds are going to the American Cancer Society.

April 20-29
Detroit Restaurant Week - Detroit
Enjoy hearty three-course meals for $28 (excluding beverage, gratuity and tax) at select fine dining locations in Detroit.

April 21-22
Michigan Wine Celebration - Pioneer Wine Trail
Each winery along the trail will feature an appetizer or dessert prepared by a local chef and paired with their featured wine. The ticket price also includes one tasting glass. A recipe card with the featured recipe will be given out to ticket holders at each winery.

April 21-22
Chef's Challenge for Challenge Mountain - Bellaire
Chef Teams from Michigan present the state's great agricultural diversity at its succulent finest, complimented by fine Michigan wines and micro-brews - a true premier Michigan event.

April 25-28
Zehnders Ragtime Festival - Frankenmuth
Featuring some of the top ragtime performers from around the United States. It includes dinner, lunch and brunch concerts, vaudeville night, silent movies and sing-along.

April 27
Detroit Music Awards - Detroit
DMA awards are similar to the Grammy Awards presented by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Award winners are determined by local musicians and music industry professionals in southeast Michigan, and presented in ten music genres; Folk/Acoustic, Blues, Jazz, Gospel, Country, Classical, Rock/Pop, R&B/Hip-Hop, Electronic and World. The DMA is the only local music awards in the nation to be presented by a not-for -profit organization. Voting is accomplished entirely via the internet.

April 27-28
Earth Fair - Port Huron
Celebrate living a new environmentally-friendly life at the St. Clair County Earth Fair! We blend companies, artisans, entertainers, demonstrations, displays and hands-on activities together in an environment that's fun for the whole family. We hope you make plans to celebrate St. Clair County's largest Earth Day celebration and discover natural alternatives in food, energy, transportation, clothing, art, home and more!

April 25-29
National Trout Festival - Kalakaska
The National Trout Festival brings community, business and family together to celebrate the heritage of Kalkaka's natural resources and long history of trout fishing in a weeklong celebration. Fishing contest, parade, car show, the Taste of Trout and much more entertainment, food & drink!

April 27
Arbor Day - Michigan
Arbor Day is the celebration of trees and their importance in our lives and a time to think about what we can do for trees and the world in which we live. Arbor Week: April 23 - 27, 2012.

April 27-29
Maple Syrup Festival - Vermontville
Vermontville is the "granddaddy" of them all! They are the home of the original Maple Syrup Festival in Michigan. They have something for everyone - midway rides, talent show, arts and crafts, flea market, two parades, petting zoo, princess pageant, various displays, games, free entertainment and arm wrestling. Their syrup producers are located throughout the village selling syrup, candies, creme and the ever popular maple syrup cotton candy. You are invited to enjoy pancakes with real maple syrup.

April 27-28
Thornapple Woodpecker Festival - Middleville
The Thornapple Woodpecker Festival features guided birding walks, handicapped golf cart and kayak tours in the woodpecker nesting area along the Thornapple River, guest speakers, art contest, craft booths and the Woodpecker Ball.

April 27-28
Dearborn Quilting Society Quilt Show - Dearborn
The General Henry Dearborn Quilting society Quilt Show is being held at two historical sites in Dearborn. Special displays of historical quilts, turn of the century wedding attire, cloth dolls, civil war style quilts and over 100 additional quilts will be displayed in a historical setting. A bed quilt comprised of 150 blocks representing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War will be raffled.

April 27-29
Freeland Walleye Festival - Freeland
A three day festival celebrating the walleye with fireworks, fish fry, parade, walleye tournament, a Texas Hold’Em tournament, car show, teen dance and more.

April 27-29
Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival - Sheperd
The people of the Central Michigan community of Shepherd invite you to celebrate their annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, and enjoy activities including craft shows, entertainment, children's activities, museums, tractor pulls, classic car and tractor displays, parades, chainsaw carving, and amusement, train, and pony rides.

April 30
Michigan Wine Showcase - Detroit
Master Sommeliers Claudia Tyagi and Madeline Triffon team up to close Michigan Wien Month with a comprehensive selection of award-winning wines from Michigan, and culinary creations from The Rattlesnake Club.

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