
By Zoey Zupin, 2025 Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassador
Michigan is abundant with a rich agricultural heritage and an impressive variety of food products. Throughout the year, communities across the state come together to celebrate and showcase the best of Michigan agriculture and food products. From cherries to mint, here are 10 must-visit festivals that belong on your seasonal bucket list.

National Asparagus Festival – Hart, MI
Celebrate asparagus harvest right in Oceana County, one of the leading-asparagus producing counties in the country! The weekend is jam-packed with activities for the whole family from the Spear-It 5K, arts & craft show, farm tours, Kidz Zone and much more. Make sure to partake in the Taste of Asparagus competition to vote on the best asparagus dish! For more information, go to the National Asparagus Festival website.

Michigan Mac and Cheese Festival – Location Changes Annually
This traveling festival is sure to fulfill all your dairy desires! Michigan Mac and Cheese festival-goers will be able to try over 30 different mac and cheese offerings with other beverage options available. The festival travels to a different location annually so if you miss it this summer, make sure to be on the lookout for next year! For more information, go to the Michigan Mac and Cheese Festival website.

Michigan Sugar Festival – Sebewaing, MI
Enjoy the sweet taste of sugar in the thumb of Michigan at the Michigan Sugar Festival! The event is hosted each June to show appreciation to the sugar industry which plays a huge role in the local community. The weekend is full of fun from carnival rides, the Grand Parade, a firework show and much more to explore. While you are there, make sure to watch the crowning of the Sugar Queen. For more information, go to the Michigan Sugar Festival FaceBook.

National Cherry Festival – Traverse City, MI
Visit one of the biggest festivals in Michigan right in Traverse City which is titled the Cherry Capital of the World! The National Cherry Festival is a week-long event with events for everyone in the whole family to enjoy. Purchase local cherries at the market, watch the Air Show, partake in the Cherry Pie Eating Contest and listen to your favorite performers at the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. For more information, visit the National Cherry Festival website.

National Blueberry Festival – South Haven, MI
Along the lakeshore of beautiful Lake Michigan, you can enjoy the National Blueberry Festival in South Haven. This weekend-event is jam-packed with events like the fun-filled parade, Blueberry Pie Eating Contest, Blueberry Festival Craft Fair and much more to check out! Enjoy a stroll downtown and check out the wonderful local shops! For more information, visit the National Blueberry Festival website.

St. John’s Mint Festival – St. John’s, MI
Did you know that St. John’s is the Mint Capital of the World? There is a unique concentration of mint farms in the area and at one point 90% of the world’s supply of mint oil came from the area. To celebrate this deep heritage, the city hosts a festival annually the second weekend in August. Watch the parade, play in the Mint Festival Cornhole Tournament, shop at vendor booths and so much more to do! Make sure to grab some mint chocolate chip ice cream too! For more information, visit the St. John’s Mint Festival website.

Romeo Peach Festival – Romeo, MI
You are sure to have fun at this Labor Day weekend tradition in Romeo! The Romeo Peach festival started in 1931 and is the second oldest festival in the state. The festival has fun for the whole family from the carnival rides, fireworks show, entertainment and so much more! Make sure to watch the Hometown Parade to close out the festival! For more information, visit the Romeo Peach Festival website.

Michigan Bean Festival – Fairgrove, MI
The purpose of the Michigan Bean Festival is to promote farming and the dry bean industry, which are vital to the local community. This four-day event features a motorsports show, car show, kid’s pedal tractor pull and much more to enjoy! You can also partake in the cornhole or sand volleyball tournament. For more information, visit the Michigan Bean Festival website.

Michigan Apple Fest – Sparta, MI
Celebrate the sweet taste of Michigan apples at the Michigan Apple Fest! Kick off the season by shopping the Market on the Ridge, explore the petting zoo, enjoy a hayride and so much more fall fun! Put your skills to the test and compete in the Apple Peeling, Apple Pie Eating or the Apple Pie Baking Contest. For more information, visit the Michigan Apple Fest website.

Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival – Grand Rapids, MI
Make sure to attend the premier annual tasting event with more than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders and spirits to enjoy. Be sure to watch cooking demonstrations, attend speaker sessions, listen to music from local musicians and more to experience! For more information, visit the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival website.
From the sweet taste of apples in Sparta to the aroma of mint in St. Michigan’s festivals are more than just seasonal events – they are a celebration of the communities, places and food products that feed and fuel our state. So check your calendar, hit the road and experience the flavors, fun, and pride of Michigan-GROWN greatness!
Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Royalty
Over the years, there have been several previous Michigan GROWN, Michigan GREAT Ambassadors that served as festival queens that attended and represented the festivals mentioned above.
Thomas Brewer-Brown
2012 Michigan Bean Prince
2025 Ambassador
Kelley Chase
2024 Michigan Apple Queen
2022 Ambassador
Emma Woller
2023-2024 National Asparagus Queen
2022-24 Ambassador
Carmen Beemer
2023-24 National Cherry Queen
2023 Ambassador
Kassie Acker
2023 Michigan Sugar Queen
2023-24 Ambassador
Hailey Gilbert
2017-18 Michigan Bean Queen
2020 Ambassador
MAC Manager

About the Author
Zoey Zupin
This is Zoey’s fourth year as an ambassador. She is an enthusiastic agricultural educator who has a passion for teaching others about Michigan agriculture, which is what drove her to come back to serve another term. She completed her undergraduate degree at Michigan State University with a Bachelors in Agriculture Education in 2024. When she is not teaching, she spends her time running, walking her dog, and exploring the outdoors.






