August Fairs & Festivals: 13Fun Places to Visit in the Southwest Region
The Southwest Corner of Michigan is the place to be this August. There are plenty of fairs and festivities planned to make your visit the best of the summer. Come enjoy the Lake Michigan shoreline, and take in the New Buffalo Ship and Shore Festival. Or come for some great eats, including blueberries at the National Blueberry Festival. There are also county fairs which are fun for everyone along with the annual Michigan Fiber Fest See you there! Also be sure to check out the great family activities going on in the entire state during the month of August and into Labor Day Holiday Weekend!
New Buffalo Ship & Shore Festival
Date(s): 08/10/12 – 08/12/12
Location: Downtown New Buffalo, MI
A unique summertime tradition on Whittaker Street where the road is closed down to vehicles but opened to everyone in the community for arts, crafts, games, live music, hands-on exhibits, and more. Look for the lighted boat parade and fireworks display on Saturday evening. $5 admission.
International SummerFest
Date: 08/11/12
Location: Battle Creek, MI
The International SummerFest is one of Battle Creek’s oldest festivals, and promotes cultural and ethnic exchange for the enrichment of the Battle Creek community. The International SummerFest is an excellent opportunity for the community to enjoy wonderful international food and entertainment. It is also a great chance to broaden awareness of other cultures and history that are present in the Battle Creek community. Food, entertainment, children’s activities, vendors and art exhibits.
Date(s): 08/09/12 – 08/12/12
Location: South Haven, MI
The 49th Annual National Blueberry Festival located in South Haven, Michigan, begins, August 9th and ends August 12th. Every year from Thursday through Sunday, you and your family can enjoy lots and lots of blueberries; blueberry pancake breakfasts, a parade, steelheader’s fish boil dinner, lots of family events, art shows, pageants, craft show, 5K run, blueberry bake off competition, and free concerts to enjoy!
Date(s): 08/06/12 – 08/11/12
From: Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground, Kalamazoo, MI
Six fun filled day, of shows, midway, carnival and fabulous food. See you there!
Date(s): 08/05/12 – 08/11/12
Location: Branch County Fairgrounds, Coldwater, MI
Come join us for our exhibits, 4-H livestock events, entertainment at our amphitheater, carnival rides and good food.
Date(s): 08/12/12 – 08/18/12
Location: Calhoun County Fairgrounds, Marshall, MI
Michigan’s oldest continuous running fair at the same location since 1848 in historic Marshall, Michigan.
Date(s): 08/13/12 – 08/18/12
Location: Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds, Berrien Springs, MI
The largest youth fair in the Midwest will be held on Aug. 13-18, 2012, in Berrien Springs. Carnival rides, food, entertainment, animals, exhibits, farm equipment displays plus a whole lot more. Gates open daily at 7:30am and close at 10pm. Exhibit buildings and rides open at 11am.
Date(s): 08/16/12 – 08/18/12
Location: Mendon Reed River Park, Mendon, MI
The Festival is located in Mendon’s Reed River Park. Riverfest will have inflatable games, free entertainment, children’s activities, competitive events, Riverfest Idol and various vendors.
Date(s): 08/18/12 – 08/19/12
Location: Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan, MI
Michigan Fiber Festival at the Allegan County Fairgrounds in Allegan. A unique opportunity to see and learn about natural fibers and the animals and plants that produce them. Animals on display, free fiber art demonstrations, sheep shearing and dog herding. Art competitions, musical entertainment, Pioneer Village and vendors with finished items or supplies.
Hastings Summerfest
Date(s): 08/24/12 – 08/26/12
Location: Hastings, MI
Annual summer festival held in Downtown Hastings. Event features arts & crafts vendors on the courthouse lawn, concessions, free trolley rides, children’s activities, a tennis tournament, softball tournament, sand volleyball, 3-on-3 basketball, 10K/5K run, 3-on-3 soccer, roller hockey tournament, weight lifting contest, parade, car show, motorcycle show, live entertainment and a refreshment tent.
Date: 08/25/12
Location: Eau Claire, MI
Summer festival, including a car & motorcycle show, sanctioned chili competition, arts and craft vendors, music, beer tent, pie eating contest, bake-off contest, kids play zone, face painting, clowns and more. Event runs from 11am to 6pm. Free parking.
Date: 08/25/12
From: Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground, Kalamazoo, MI
Twentieth annual event – enjoy bagpipes, clans, Highland games, Highland cattle, entertainment, food and merchandise. Admission for adults $11, children ages 6-15, and veteran or active military $6, children 5 and under are free. Check out the website for early bird admission prices before August 1 and a discounted admission coupon. Hours 9am-6pm.
Douglas Summer Socials
Date(s): 08/09/12 & 08/23/12
From: Douglas Downtown
The “in” place to be, downtown Douglas Beery Field, Center & Main Streets. A great summer evening with family and friends for live music, dancing, food and drink. Playground for children. Free admission & narrated Trolley Tours. 5:30-9pm. August 9th, and August 23rd.
