The 9 Best Things To Do In Michigan In August

Pros of Visiting Michigan In August

Summer is still in full swing, so traveling to Michigan in August is absolutely stunning as our State Parks are lush and green, our lakes are warm and sparkling, and our state is ripe for discovery! There are so many things to do in Michigan: Farmer's markets, zoos, beach towns, festivals, and museums are waiting for your visit.

Cons of Visiting Michigan In August

If you’re not a fan of heat and humidity, you may not enjoy an August in Michigan, but after that...there aren’t many downsides! After all, there's still a ton of Michigan coastlines to enjoy.

Michigan Weather in August

We’re seeing record highs, and that goes for Michigan, too. Be ready for temperatures in the 80s, lowering to the high 70s at the end of the month.

At Not Your Average Bucket List travel podcast by OnlyInYourState, we aim to find the best things for readers to discover in the United States. In addition to that, now we are going to help you find the best things to do in your state each month.

We are going to explore the top 10 best things to do in Michigan during the month of August, but if we missed something good... let us know! You can call or text 805-298-1420 and tell us what we need to know (or reach out to us via email at [email protected]).

Ready to dive into a month full of exciting things in Michigan? Check out the episode on Spotify:

Or you can watch your hosts break down the month on our YouTube channel:

Important Event Note:

Thanks to our loyal readers and listeners, we were made aware that the following events have already occurred or were cancelled. They have been removed from this article, but still are mentioned in the podcast episode. Please make note when making your plans for August events and always check the event website for up-to-date details!

• Annual Michigan Pirate Festival
• The East Lansing Folk Festival

Top Michigan Attractions In August

1. Historic Biking Tours of Sleeping Bear (Maple City) - throughout August

Embrace the historic beauty of Michigan when you take a Historic Biking Tour of Sleeping Bear. The path isn't too challenging at 5.5 miles in length, so it's worth the effort to see the cultural landscape of Sleeping Bear Dunes along the Heritage Trail and through the scenic, rural roads of Port Oneida. This particular tour will stop at seven locations of interest, including spots with epic views of Lake Michigan as well as historic farm buildings.

2. Explore Oscoda, Au Sable River, & Huron National Forest

Looking for an absolute gem of a peaceful getaway? Then Oscoda might be just perfect for you. You can rent canoes, kayaks, tubes, and paddlewheel boats for an adventure on the AuSable River. You can also explore Lake Huron and the trails within Huron National Forest. Get ready for incredible views and sugar sand beaches! This is one of our favorite things to do in Michigan this summer.

3. Experience a vintage drive-in (Coldwater)

At the vintage Capri Drive-In, you'll step back in time as you take in double features on the outdoor big screen. You can watch from your car, or set up blankets and camping chairs to enjoy the show -- all while chowing down on everything you get from their concession stand!

Top Michigan Events In August

4. Lansing JazzFest (Lansing) - July 31st to August 3rd

Love jazz (or just a good music festival)? Then you should definitely check out Lansing JazzFest. The festival offers hours of live jazz on three different stages, as well as clinics, workshops and children’s activities. It's a free event that we think is so worth the drive. August festivals in Michigan offer so many fun ways to enjoy the state!

5. Suds on the Shore (Ludington) - August 19th

Not only does it have a good name, but Suds on the Shore Craft Beer and Wine Festival has been running for seven years! For 2024, the event will be on August 17th at City Park near Lake Michigan in downtown Ludington. If you love craft beer, hard cider, and local Michigan wine, then you'll be a happy camper at this event that raises funds for the United Way of Mason County.

6. Rollin’ on the River (Allegan) - Fridays until August 30th

Nothing says "summer" like weekends full of live music! You can find Rollin' on the River on the Allegan Riverfront as a free, weekly Friday night concert series. Touring musicians from across the country will grace the Allegan Riverfront Stage and it's a family-friendly event you won't want to miss.

7. Skip's European Farmers Market (New Buffalo) - Saturday and Sunday during August

Running through mid-October, this incredible farmer's market offers locally produced vegetables, fruits, jellies, jams, salsas, bread, and more! Sure, there are plenty of farmer's markets in our great state during the summer, but if you're looking for a farmer's market that has a TON of offerings (and some fairly unique), then you should take a trip over to Skip's!

8. Woodward Dream Cruise (Detroit) - August 17th

Even if you're not an elite car enthusiast, you will enjoy the Woodward Dream Cruise, the world's largest one-day automotive event. This classic car parade in the motor city takes place on Woodward Avenue in the Detroit area, so swing by if you want to check out vintage and muscle cars cared for by some of the most passionate people in the industry.

9. Michigan Renaissance Festival (Holly) - August 17th to September 29th

The town of Holly is transformed into "Hollygrove" during The Michigan Renaissance Festival, a Renaissance fair and interactive outdoor event that the whole family will love. Even if you've never been to a "ren faire" before, it's worth checking out. You'll feel like you're stepping back in time to the 16th century! It’s one of our favorite summer festivals in Michigan.

Have we inspired you to make an end-of-summer to-do list for Michigan? With whatever itinerary you put together for August, we hope you have a blast! And make sure to check out some of our favorite outdoor activities in Michigan!

Need somewhere to stay while you’re visiting? We love the options on VRBO.