BEST Michigan Fairs and Carnivals UPDATED
If you’re looking for the best summer carnivals and fairs in Michigan, you’re in the right place.
UPDATED List of Michigan Fairs and Carnivals 2023
We’e put together a complete list of the best Michigan state fairs, county fairs and carnivals in Michigan. We’ve even snuck in some don’t-miss Michigan art fairs and kids carnivals, too!
One of the best parts of summer in Michigan is the several fantastic fairs across the state. With rides that will make you scream with joy and some of the best junk food on the planet, fairs are a great way to create summertime memories that will last a lifetime.
In many cases, fairs give visitors a chance to experience small-town America as many fairs include animal barns. Teens and younger kids showcase their animals in showmanship and best breed competitions.
Here is our list of the best state fairs in Michigan that you need for your ultimate Michigan summer!
List of Michigan Fairs and Festivals in June 2023
Grand Rapids Festival of the Arts
June 7-9, 2023
You’ll find art, music, dance, food and tons of fun activities at this popular west Michigan festival held in downtown Grand Rapids.
Grand Blanc Family Fest
June 16-19, 2023
You’ll find rides, cotton candy, fun & games and many activities for the entire family. Held at the Grand Blanc High School , 12500 Holly Rd, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.
Hamburg Fun Fest
June 14- 17, 2023
Wow! You’ll find rides, laser shows, and even a fireworks show at the massive fair in Hamburg, MI. Ever tried ice skating in the summer? Now’s you chance! You’ll also find live music magic shows, corn hole and a pettinf farm here.
Montcalm County Fair in Greenville, MI
June 18-24, 2023
One of the top youth fairs in the state this Michigan coujnty fair includes 4-H exibitions, rides, fabulous food and so much more!
Swartz Creek Hometown Days – June 1-4, 2023
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in July 2023
Ann Arbor Art Fair
July 20-22, 2023
The Ann Arbor Art Fair isn’t a traditional fair with rides and carnival games, but it is still highly regarded as one of the best art fairs in Michigan. The art fair takes place throughout downtown Ann Arbor and has many activities for kids.
Ann Arbor Art Fair consists of several different mediums of art, from music to sidewalk chalk. Several live music performances are happening at popular music venues, such as The Ark. Artists will have booths set up throughout the city, and vendors of all kinds will be selling their products.
Local restaurants and bars often have deals, specials, or unique entertainers during the week of the art fair for visitors to enjoy.
Berlin Fair
2008 Berlin Fair Dr, Marne MI
July 3-8, 2023
Michigan’s longest-running country fair, this west Michigan fair is a don’t miss!
Art on The Beach in Oscoda
Downtown Oscoda, MI
July 4- 5, 2023
Featuring original artwork from artists across the state, this popular event is held on the shores of Lake Huron in downtown Oscoda, a top Michigan beachtown. You’ll find a true art festival atmopshere here, with over 100 artisnas displaying ad sellign their handmade arts and crafts.
Plymouth Art in the Park
Downtown Plymouth MI
July 7-9, 2023
Featuring over 400 artists offering everything from paintings, sculpture, ceramics and jewelry to glass, wooodwork photography, folk art and more, this is one Michigan summer festival you won’t want to miss. You’ll also find entertainment and cuisine, along with tons of kid-friendly activities.
Eaton County Fair
Eaton County Fairgrounds, 1025 S Cochran, Charlotte MI
July 9-15, 2023
Gladwin County Fair
401 S State St., Gladwin, Gladwin MI
July 10 – 15, 2023
Ionia Free Fair aka “10 Best Days of Summer”
317 S Dexter, Ionia, MI
July 13-22, 2023
Take a stroll down the magnificent Arnold Amusements Midway to experience the Ionia Free Fair at its most electric, with more than 40 rides! Find motorcross, a derby, a petting zoo and rodeo, along with fabulous food and music!
Arenac County Fair
2392 Airpark Drive, Standish, MI
July 18-22, 2023
Find family fun at this popular county fair featuring everything from a rodeo to a demolition derby, mud volleyball and a special kids day. Enjoy the midwat rides, live music and more!
Barry County Fair
Barry County Expo Center, 1350 North M-37 Highway
July 18-23, 2023
Glen Lake Women’s Club Art Fair
Downtown Glen Arbor, MI
July 19
The Art Fair features artisans in many mediums including pottery, painting, textiles, woodworking, and jewelry.
More Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in July
Ann Arbor Art Fair in Downtown Ann Arbor
July 20-22, 2023
With roughly 400,000 people attending each year, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is consistently ranked as one of the top 100 art fairs in the country.
Isabella County Youth & Farm Fair
500 N Mission Rd, Mt Pleasant
July 22 -30, 2023
Clare County Fair
418 Fairlane, Harrison, MI
July 24-29, 2023
One of the oldest fairs in Michigan, you’ll find rides, a rodeo, harness racing and much more!
Iosco County Fair
Iosco County Fairgrounds, 3600 N M-65 Hale, MI 48739
July 24 – 29, 2023
You’ll find tons of children’s activities, food, livestock, grandstand events and much more!
Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair
800 W Sickles St, St Johns, MI 48879
July 29- August 3, 2023
Wayne County Fair
Wayne County Fairgrounds, 10871 Quirk Rd. Belleville, MI 48111
July 31- August 5
You’ll find rides, animals, foods and fun at this county fair in western Wayne County.
Eastern Michigan State Fair
195 Midway St, Imlay City, MI 48444
July 26-30, 2023
You’ll find rides, a petting zoo, a Monster truck rallly, Rodeo, food trucks and so much more!
Huron Community Fair
155 Fair St, Bad Axe, Michigan
July 30, 2023-August 5, 2023
It’s good old-fashioned fun for the while family, with a carnival midway, a rodeo, and much more!
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in August
Ingham County Fair – 700 E Ash St, Mason, MI
Aug 1-6
The Ingham County Fair may be more minor than the other action-packed fairs on our list, but don’t let that fool you. This fair is still fun-filled, with tons of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
There are many rides for all ages, games to win fabulous prizes, wood carving, archery, tons of animals, face painting, and more. You could go to this fair all day and never run out of things to do!
Jackson County Fair – 200 W Ganson St, Jackson, MI
Aug 7-13
The Jackson County Fair is another fair that elevates the fair experience. Like the Allegan Fair, exciting events are going on throughout the week. Unlike other fairs, the food selection is vast, and there are options for those with dietary restrictions.
Classic rides and games are spread out throughout the fairgrounds. There are animal barns with baby farm animals waiting to be pet. You must try the bubble tea and fried veggies, whose stands are conveniently located next to each other!
Like most fairs, there are demolition derbies and a rodeo, but unlike most fairs, there is also a monster truck show! Hank Williams Jr. and Granger will be performing on the 9th. Don’t miss Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy’s hilarious act on the 7th.
More Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in August
Alcona County Fair
854 N Barlow Rd, Lincoln
August 8-12, 2023
Animal Shows, ATR Motorsports Tuff Truck Competition, Bump & Run, Carnival, Cutest Baby Picture Contest, Laser Tag, Horse Pull, Kids Coloring Contest and more!
Allen Park Street Fair
6543 Allen Rd, Allen Park, MI
August 4 – 5, 2023
Alpena County Fair
627 S 11th, Alpena, MI
August 12-19, 2023
One of northern Michigan’s top summer carnivals!
Kalamazoo County Fair
2900 Lake St, Kalamazoo
August 8-12, 2023
Oceana County Fair
1025 S State St, Hart, MI 49420
August 16 to 19, 2023
The Oceana County Fair is the longest running county fair in the state of Michigan. It is a 5-day event held annually at the Oceana County Fairgrounds in Hart, Michigan. Featuring food, fun, and exciting events, the fair is a great way to finish your summer in Oceana County!
Chelsea Community Fair
20501 W Old US Hwy 12, Chelsea, MI 48118
Aug 22-26, 2023
This is one of my favorite fairs in the state. I grew up going to the Chelsea fair, and look forward to experiencing it all over again each year. This fair has everything that a good fair should have. Tons of amazing rides, carnival games with huge prizes, a fun house for every age group, and mouth-watering classic fair food.
The Chelsea Fair also has events that take place each night. With several different animal shows, tractor pulls, a parade, and a must-see demolition derby brings people from around the state to enjoy.
If you find yourself in southeastern Michigan towards the end of August, make your way to the Chelsea Fair!
Michigan Fairs and Carnivals in September
Michigan State Fair
46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI
August 31 – September 4, 2023
The Michigan State Fair is inarguably one of the largest fairs in the state. It is an absolute Michigander must-see event. This fair has more attractions and activities than any other fair in the state. People from all over come to enjoy the activities and witness unique live entertainment.
There are several rides at the Michigan Fair, games, fun houses, and even a high dive for those daring enough to try. The beginning of life and other animal exhibits are posted throughout the grounds. Multiple contests take place throughout the duration of the fair. There are art competitions, baking contests, and even a home beer brewing competition.
Many live music performances by Michigan artists, a “Megajam,” a 5k, pig races, a monster truck show, a beer festival, dog performances, and a blood drive are also going on throughout the week. Unlike many fairs, there will also be a circus on the fairgrounds.
Allegan County Fair
150 Douglas St, Allegan, MI
Sept 8- 16, 2023
The Allegan County Fair takes the classic fair-goer experience to another level. It’s way more than your average fair with events you would find at any major festival. There is something for each family member to enjoy and would also make for an unforgettable first date.
While it does have more than the average fair, it still has all the fair classics. They have an array of great rides, games, and food, but what sets the Allegan Fair apart from the rest is the events that occur throughout the week.
Allegan Fair has two different styled demolition derbies, tractor pulls, a parade, a professional rodeo, and incredible live music/ entertainment. Some top comedy and country music names will be performing at this fair!
