Grab a few friends or pack up the kids and continue enjoying a great summer of music and festivals. Opportunities to steal a weekend of sunshine and experience a new concert venue are just a quick ride away or a simple walk around the block. Don’t miss out! Make the most of all the summertime you can find and keep the party going strong!
Day Trips
Cheeseburger in Caseville Festival (8.9-18)
Caseville County Park
Welcome to Margaritaville! One of The Thumb’s premier events, this festival IS summer. Enjoy attractions for adults and children alike including comedy, a variety of music venues, kid’s games and fun, Jimmy Buffett tribute bands and cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers, cheeseburgers! When it’s time for a cool-down, take a dip in Lake Huron at one of Michigan’s best beaches.
Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest (8.14-16)
Harvey Kern Community Pavilion
Need a little polka in your life? How about great oldies tunes to trigger some of your best memories? The Summer Music Fest winds down with performances from The Fabulous Hubcaps and others. Make it a day and spend time in that little Bavarian village to the north.
Saginaw Concert Series (8.8, 8.27)
Saginaw Township Soccer Association
Party on McCarty comes to a close with country singer-songwriter Alex Schofield (8.8) and The RockShow Ultimate Journey Tribute Band (8.27).
Lapeer Days (8.16-18)
Downtown Lapeer
Visit our neighbors in Lapeer at Michigan’s largest free festival. The community event includes crafts, kid’s events, helicopter rides, ponies, deejay music and more. On Friday, music headliners are Craig Wayne Boyd and Colt Ford. On Saturday, get rocked by Freebird (the Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Band) and Candlebox!
Howell Melon Festival (8.16-18)
Corner of Grand River & Michigan Aves.
Presented by Howell Area Parks & Recreation, this event features fine arts & crafts, the Melon Run, The Canine Stars dog show, animal magic, jugglers and a car show. For those interested in music, don’t miss Steve King & the Dittilies, the Eric Engblade Quartet, Empty Canvas, and the Swift Brothers! For festival line-up and attractions, visit howellmelonfestival.com
Michigan State Fair (8.29-9.2)
Suburban Collection Showplace, Novi
If it’s a fun-packed day trip you want, look no further! The Michigan State Fair offers a little bit of everything – from petting zoos and racing pigs to contests and the circus. What a great way to spend a fun day with your friends and children. For music, you would be hard-pressed to find a better variety of bands this close to home. Eighteen bands will compete to be named this year’s Superstar Winner. All of the bands are from Michigan including one of our very own. Head down to support local band, Loxodon, as they try for this year’s title!
Prime Music Festival (9.20-21)
Adado Riverfront Park, Lansing
More than 20 musicians will collaborate over two days to showcase their talents. Music styles range from rock to electronica to hip-hop. All ages welcome. Shows start at 4pm on Friday and 3pm on Saturday. For the festival line-up, visit Michigan.primefestival.com
Just Around the Block
Linden Music by the Mill
Linden Millpond Gazebo
Wednesdays, 8.7-28, 7-8:30pm
Brought to you by Southern Lakes Parks & Recreation and sponsored by the City of Linden DDA, take in a leisurely concert this summer at the millpond. On Aug. 14th get ready for a 60s redux with The Invasion, on Aug. 21, the Saline Fiddlers come to town and finishing up the series, the John Fett Quartet will play on Aug. 28.
Flint Drop Fest (8.10)
Downtown Flint
Noon-10pm
Enjoy Downtown Flint surrounded by the pulsing beat of electronic music and local artists as they demonstrate their talent. This event features live music from deejays, plus art, craft and food vendors. Don’t miss out on “Michigan’s No. 1 Growing Electronic Music and Art Festival.”
Fenton Concert Series
Fenton Millpond Park Gazebo
Thursdays, 8.15-29, 7-8:30pm
The series will come to a close with three more performances. On Aug. 15, Arena Rock Detroit will feature songs from the 70s and 80s, on Aug. 22 Captured Detroit will rock out the Journey tunes and on Aug. 29, Magic Bus will close out the season. Presented by Southern Lakes Parks & Rec and sponsored by the Fenton DDA.
Genesee County Fair (8.19-25)
E.A. Cummings Center, Mt. Morris
The local favorite is back with some great events and musical guests. Take the kids and enjoy carnival rides, the Figure 8 Derby, a Monster Truck Shootout, Truck & Tractor Pull, a rodeo, Mud Bog and Demolition Derby. Music features Saving Abel in the tent and Trace Adkins as headliner.
