7 cultural festivals in Michigan that celebrate statewide diversity
Immerse yourself in the beautiful diversity of our state during these seven cultural festivals in Michigan.
Multiculturalism is part of what makes Michigan so special. We’re lucky to have access to neighbors and traditions from across the world, whether we’re visiting Detroit’s Mexicantown for a plate of delicious food or planning a trip to the soon-to-open Jackson Home. Every year, cultural gatherings and festivals in Michigan bring together folks from all walks of life to learn about our region’s diverse populations. If you’re ready to expand your horizons, these seven cultural festivals in Michigan are must-visits.
1. Michigan Renaissance Festival (Aug. 16-Sept. 28, 2025)
Location: 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly
The Michigan Renaissance Festival might not zero in on one particular nationality, but it does embrace the fascinating culture of Renaissance-era England by way of period-appropriate dress, food, and fun. This year’s Renaissance Festival kicked off on August 16 and is slated to continue through September 28.
This annual gathering in Holly truly feels like a step back in time—guests can partake in pub crawls, watch jousting matches, visit creative vendors, and dig into hearty turkey legs. Don’t forget to show up in costume for the full experience! Tickets are $27.95 for adults, with lower rates for seniors and kids (and little ones under age four are free!).
2. Fiesta Mexicana (Sept. 12, 2025)
Location: 320 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids is just one city in Michigan with a vibrant and growing Mexican-American population. If you’d like to learn more about Mexican culture by way of food, music, dance, art, and more, make your way to Fiesta Mexicana this September.
The annual gathering, which offers insight into contributions made by Mexicans in the United States, lasts for three days and brings a sense of celebration to Calder Plaza in downtown Grand Rapids. Admission is free.
3. Detroit Jazz Festival (August 29-Sept. 1, 2025)
Location: Downtown Detroit, including Hart Plaza
Make your way to Hart Plaza in the Motor City for a groovin’ good time at the Detroit Jazz Festival, where the culture and fun of jazz music come alive in a major way. Held each year during late August and/or early September, this festival has offered decades of live music entertainment and community togetherness in Detroit.
This year, the Jazz Fest lineup includes musicians like Jason Moran, Zen Zadravec, the Nick Collins Sextet, Tiffany Gridiron, and even a high school showcase featuring local jazz bands. To top it all off, admission to the fest is free.
4. Kalamazoo Scottish Festival and Highland Games (Sept. 6, 2025)
Location: 122 N Riverview Dr, Parchment
Embrace your inner Scotsman or Scotswoman at the Kalamazoo Scottish Festival and Highland Games on September 6. For more than 30 years, this fun-filled event has brought Celtic culture to the forefront through music (bagpipes, anyone?), athletic competitions, food, and more. Gather round to watch hammer throws, stone throws, sheaf tossing, and more—all while appreciating the athletes’ unique kilts.
Tap your toes to the tune of Celtic bands like Selkie and the Barley Saints, then check out food trucks while learning about Scottish clans and their history. Based in Parchment’s Kindleberger Park (about a ten-minute drive from downtown Kalamazoo), the event offers free admission for all ages.
5. Frankenmuth Oktoberfest (Sept. 18-21, 2025)
Location: 601 Weiss St, Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is already a mecca for Bavarian heritage, so it’s no surprise that the small town goes all out for Oktoberfest. This year’s festival will take place from September 18 through 21 and promises to deliver several days of German-inspired fun (along with plenty of beer). Many visitors go wild for the festival’s annual wiener dog races, while others are content to mingle with friends while enjoying live music.
Frankenmuth’s festival is the first Oktoberfest event to receive an official blessing of the original Munich-based Oktoberfest, so you can count on authenticity throughout. Tickets cost $10 per person per day, with free admission for kids 15 and under. The final day of the festival, Sunday, is free.
6. Pulaski Days (Sept. 28-Oct. 5, 2025)
Location: Multiple locations throughout Grand Rapids
From late September through early October, Polish culture takes center stage in West Michigan. Venture to Grand Rapids to partake in Pulaski Days, a cultural festival that dates back to 1973 and honors General Casimir Pulaski, a Polish-American immigrant who gave his life in defense of U.S. freedom.
There’s a little something for everyone during Pulaski Days, so you can pick and choose which events to attend. Check out a Kielbasa-eating contest on October 1, enjoy a lively parade on October 4, or take part in a “Polka mass”—yes, this is a Catholic mass featuring polka music. Most events are free, and a full Pulaski Days schedule can be found online.
7. Holland Kerstmarkt (November 21-December 20, 2025)
Location: 150 W 8th St, Holland
If you’ve spent any time in the lakeside community of Holland, you know that the city’s widespread Dutch heritage informs many of its gatherings and events. The annual Kerstmarkt is no exception. While not technically a festival, this winter weekend marketplace brings a cozy, European-inspired vibe to downtown Holland while offering visitors the chance to shop for holiday gifts.
The market is modeled after a traditional Dutch kerstmarkt (“Christmas market”) and features many local artisans, from jewelry-makers to bakers. Admission to the market itself is free of charge.
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