Summer is just around the corner so take a look at our list of featured events and mark your calendars for some June fun! As usual we by no means have listed all the events happening around Michigan. Add ones we missed (with links) in the comments below!

Points of Light by StacyN

Quotes

"Summer is a promissory note signed in June, its long days spent and gone before you know it, and due to be repaid next January." - Hal Borland

"There are moments, above all on June evenings, when the lakes that hold our moons are sucked into the earth, and nothing is left but wine and the touch of a hand."- Charles Morgan

"June is bustin' out all over." - Oscar Hammerstein II, 1945

June Fast Facts - Wikipedia

At the start of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Taurus; at the end of June, the sun rises in the constellation of Gemini.

The traditional June birthstone is the pearl.

The June birth flower is the rose, or the honeysuckle.

June is named after Juno (Hera). Juno was the goddess of marriage and a married couple's household, so some consider it good luck to be married in this month.

The summer solstice occurs on June, 21 at 11:28 am

Things to Do, Places to Go

June 2-4
Greek Festival - Kalamazoo
Thirty plus years ago it all began with a small gathering of friends enjoying the Greek culture in the basement of Dionysos Restaurant. Within a few years the festival grew in size and it could no longer be held in the restaurant. After much consideration it was decided to make the festival a one day outdoor event. The festival eventually grew in size to a three day event where musicians, singers, and dancers would come via Greece and share the authentic Greek experience. When joining us at the festival this year, in memory of Theo, remember him singing and dancing with his glass of Ouzo exclaiming OPA!

June 3-4
KIA Annual Art Fair & Beer Garden - Kalamazoo
The KIA Art Fair, an annual tradition in Kalamazoo since 1951, features more than 200 artist booths, children's activities, food and live entertainment. Held in beautiful Bronson Park on the first weekend of June, it is the second-oldest art fair in the nation. Includes the popular KIA beer garden featuring Bell's Oberon, wine, soft drinks and food along with a special musical guest.

June 3-5
Festival of the Arts - Grand Rapids
2011 marks the 42nd festival of the arts, with is one of the longest-running festivals in the state and the largest all-volunteer arts event in the nation. Always held the first full weekend in June in downtown Grand Rapids, festival of the arts is a community celebration featuring arts, entertainment, food and fun activities for the entire family. All performances, exhibits and activities are free!

June 10-19
Lilac Festival - Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island comes alive with the iconic flowers of June and many activities during the annual Lilac Festival. Flowers, games, the Grand Parade and live music are just some of the events during the festival.

June 9-12
Water Front Film Festival - Saugatuck
In what has quickly become a tradition, the idyllic resort village of Saugatuck, Michigan comes alive each June with filmgoers, actors, producers and directors sharing the excitement as outstanding independent films from all over the United States are screened in casual, intimate settings. Entertainment professionals from Los Angeles, New York and Michigan created the Waterfront Film Festival in 1999 to provide a "middle coast" venue for independent filmmakers eager to show their work to sophisticated audiences. The festival has succeeded with growing support and recognition each year, and enthusiastic reviews from attendees.

June 9-12
Bavarian Festival - Frankenmuth
Willkommen to Frankenmuth's 53rd Annual Bavarian Festival. Back in 1959 "Tiny" & Dorothy Zehnder gambled on "Bavarianizing" their restaurant and re-naming it Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn. Visitors of all ages are invited to hear Bavarian music played by authentically dressed German bands, watch two outstanding parades, enjoy an expanded midway with rides and games and enjoy exciting dance music in our Harvey Kern Pavilion. Saturday's Kinder Tag (Kid's Day) is sure to have something for children of all ages. Participate in face painting, or simply take in the hands-on craft area. Taste buds are tempted to their limit with a variety of delicious German foods and desserts. And to top it all off, plenty of refreshing ice-cold beer!

June 10-12
Gizzard Fest - Potterville
Gizzard Fest is an exciting event that overtakes the great city of Potterville, bringing an awesome time to all. There is a Beer tent at the greatest bar around, Joe's Gizzard City. There is a thrilling gizzard eating contest, enter if you think you have what it takes. Dancing, live music, BEER, what's not to like. Come down and have some fun!!!!

June 10-12
Nor-East'r Music & Art Festival - Mio
Featuring 3 days of a variety of original & traditional styles of music & dance presented on 2 stages; so you can shop for the performance you want to see. Dance classes will be available as well as music workshops & various other side shows. Juried art will be available for viewing, buying & demonstrating. Free rustic camping on-site is also available with a weekend ticket and kids activities including instrument making, face painting, crafts, a play, story time, & a flute playing jam session & more are available.

June 11
Ella Sharp Wine and Art Festival - Jackson
The annual Ella Sharp Art & Wine Festival happens from 11AM to 7PM on the grounds of the Ella Sharp Museum. There is no entrance fee to the event itself for guests wishing to peruse artists' booths and take in the live entertainment. Tasting tickets are available (discount in advance) and guests can also purchase wine by the bottle or the case on the day of the event.

June 11
M-22 Challenge - Leelanau County
Designed to test athletes against Lake Michigan's natural terrain and the area's environmental elements, the M-22 Challenge course promises participants an unforgettable experience with a bike race around Big and Little Glen Lake, an exciting paddle vent on crystal clear Little Glen, and a challenging 2 mile run including dune climb overlooking Lake Michigan.

June 17 - July 10
Ann Arbor Summer Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. Each year, this three-and-a-half-week cultural and social event offers dozens of performances, activities, screenings, and more, with eclectic music, dance, comedy, film, visual arts, and family fun.

June 16-18
Lansing Juneteenth Celebration - Lansing
The mission of the Lansing Juneteenth Committee is to commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States by celebrating the joys of liberty, educating the community about our heritage and by promoting positive cultural interaction.

June 17-18
Straits Area Car Show - St. Ignace
All Original Vehicles 1984 and OLDER. Featuring All Makes & Models From Chrysler Corporation! Best Of Show Will Win A Two Night Stay At The Grand Hotel On Mackinac Island Michigan.

June 17-19
The Belleville National Strawberry Festival - Belleville
The variety of events taking place over three days of the National Strawberry Festival appeal to the young and young at heart. The Festival's broad audience and safe atmosphere offer sponsors a unique opportunity to reach a strong family oriented market, resulting in measurable advertising benefits and excellent business opportunities.

June 17-19
Dearborn Arab International Festival - Dearborn
This 3-day event is a free, family-centered cultural celebration that will attract over 300,000 people from Michigan, the Midwest, and Canada. This celebration of cultures will feature ethnic performances representing the diverse heritage of the people of Metropolitan Detroit. It boasts a great number of amusements, live musical acts-both local and international, international food booths, coffee cup readings, henna, arts and crafts, a children's tent, artisans, Arab merchandise, and a giant old-fashioned Ferris wheel that overlooks East Dearborn.

June 18 - July 11
Ann Arbor Summer Festival - Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival is an exhilarating celebration of performing arts, outdoor entertainment, and community spirit. Each year, this three-and-a-half-week cultural and social event offers dozens of performances, activities, screenings, and more, with eclectic music, dance, comedy, film, visual arts, and family fun.

June 18
LPVA Small Plates - Leelanau Peninsula
LPVA Small Plates features wineries offering a full glass of wine paired with a well-presented and substantial tapas dish from some of the region's fines restaurants. Each of 3 seatings at each winery has limited tickets (advance sales only).

June 19
Annual Father's Day Festival and Corvette Car Show - Berrien Springs
Lemon Creek Winery invites you to take dad to their annual Father's Day Festival and Corvette Show. Doors open at Noon and the music runs from 1:00pm to 6:00pm with the Corvette Coventry of Southwest Michigan will be on the grounds displaying over their classic Corvettes along with wine tasting, great food and and hayrides events for the whole family.

June 23-26
Detroit River Daysl - Detroit
River Days (formerly the International Freedom Festival) is a one-of-a-kind festival taking place along the Detroit Riverfront with tall ships, jet-ski demos and riverboat tours to live music, sand sculptures, bike tours, kids activities, delicious eats and much more! Just $3!

June 24-25
Festival of the Sun and Moon - Lansing
Presented by the Old Town Commercial Association, the Festival of the Moon and Festival of the Sun bring together friends, families, and neighbors from all over Michigan to the heart of Old Town. Celebrate the beginning of the summer season at Mid-Michigan's premier wine, beer, and food sampling event and enjoy live music throughout the weekend.

June 24-25
Alpena Blues Festival - Alpena
Music and more at the Alpena County Fairgrounds! This year they will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the Vietnam Veterans of America and to the Sunrise Food Coalition. Camping reservations are being taken now.

June 24-26
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest - Howell
Check out Howell for the state championship of hot air ballooning, featuring more than 50 gorgeous balloons. Enjoy thrilling skydiving exhibitions, stunt kite shows, kids activities, a 5K run, a medieval village, arts festival and family entertainment and more

June 24-26
Michigan Energy Fair - Onekama
The Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association (GLREA) invites you to Ludington and the Annual Michigan Energy Fair. This three-day event will unite people from throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region to learn about energy issues and sustainable living. Attendees will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops; meet vendors offering valuable goods, services, and information; eat local food; and hear great live music.

June 25
Waterfront Wine Festival - Harbor Springs
In its fifth year, the festival is again being held on the waterfront in Harbor Springs. Over a dozen purveyors of fine wines will be on hand for tastings. The event also boasts samplings by local restaurants and food specialty stores as well as live music by the John Driscoll ensemble.

June 25
Fenn Valley Wine Fest - Fennville
There will be tasting locations outside in the vineyards (weather permitting), providing you with an opportunity to visit the most picturesque spots on the farm while you taste a selection of our wines in the vineyard where they originated. The People Hauler (Wagon) will be continuously transporting participants from the winery to the vineyard tasting sites, or you can enjoy a leisurely 10 minute stroll from the winery to the vineyard.

June 30 - July 9
Muskegon Summer Celebration - Muskegon
The Muskegon Summer Celebration takes place June 30 through July 9. Headliners include Pop Evil, Charlie Daniels Band, Cinderella, Smokin Joe Kubek, Trey Songz, Sugar Ray and Night Ranger and there's more than 30 in all. It's an all star music extravaganza with plenty family fun for all ages including art and other vendors, fireworks and carnival midway.

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