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National Cherry Festival in Traverse City

June 28th-July 5th, 2025

The Traverse City area bursts at the seams each summer when the National Cherry Festival occurs. The festival includes air shows, concerts, parades, kids activities, arts/crafts show, fireworks, and more.

The Grand Traverse region is well-known for its world-record tart cherry harvest and those visiting the festival can find cherries made into all kinds of food products.

Here's the most updated schedule for the 2025 event:

Scroll down to see attractions that are held over multiple days.

Saturday, June 28th, 2025

  • 6-10:30pm – Live music featuring Tyler Hubbard on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here
  • TBA – Norte Kids Balance Bike Race at Norte Clubhouse- 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. Registration is from 8-8:45am and the race is from 9-11am. Riders ages 2–5 are invited to Norte’s balance bike course at the Grand Traverse County Civic Center. Norte has helmets and bikes for racers, and families are encouraged to bring their own.
  • TBA – Zumba by the Bay at Open Space Park next to Clinch Park Marina- 111 E. Grandview Pkwy. Led by certified instructors from the Northwest Michigan Area. 
  • TBA – Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast at Open Space Park. Cost is $7-$14 which benefits the festival foundation. 
  • TBA – Opening Ceremonies at Open Space Park with remarks by the National Cherry Queen, the National Cherry Festival President, and other prominent figures of the Grand Traverse Region.
  • TBA – US Coast Guard Open Ramp at USCG Air Station Traverse City- 1175 Airport Access Rd., Traverse City. Free event to view displays and meet aerial demonstration teams.

Sunday, June 29th, 2025

  • TBA – FREE Yoga by the Bay at Open Space Park. Check in at 8am. Register by clicking here.
  • TBA – Arts & Crafts Fair at the Grand Traverse Commons – 1200 W. 11th St. Over 100 vendors. For an application, call (231) 922-2050 or visit downtowntc.com.
  • TBA – Old Town Classic Car Show at the Grand Traverse Commons. See hundreds of show-condition collector vehicles. Day-of registration is from 8am-10am. Awards at 1pm. Pre-registration begins on May 23rd, 2024.
  • TBA – FREE Kids Cherry Teddy Bear Tea at F&M Park (Railroad & Washington Streets). Kids are invited to bring their favorite bear and blanket for a fun filled afternoon in the park. Enjoy story telling, making a teddy bear craft, and an afternoon tea party with other teddy bears and kids. Parents are welcome.

Monday, June 30th, 2025

  • TBA – Cherry Pie Bike Ride at F&M Park. Explore Traverse City during this short, meandering ride that begins and ends at F&M Park. Every rider receives a voucher for a free slice of pie from the Grand Traverse Pie Company. Registration opens on May 16th, 2024.
  • TBA – FREE Kids Pet Show at F&M Park. Entries are open to “Live” pets, and kids 3-12 yrs of age. Animals must be under control by the participant. Winners will be awarded in the following categories: Most Unusual Pet, Best Dressed Ensemble, Dressed for the Decades: 1930s, Most Creative Cherry-Theme, Most Patriotic Pet, and Most Royal Pet. Registration is on-site only, beginning at 8:45am.
  • TBA – Princess Tea at Park Place Hotel- 300 E. State St. Kids can enjoy tea with the National Cherry Queen and her royal court. Tickets available beginning April 25th, 2024.
  • TBA – Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at the Beer Tent. Complimentary lunch for all veterans.
  • TBA – Live music on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here

Tuesday, July 1st, 2025

  • 6-10:30pm – Live music featuring “Weird Al” Yankovic on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here
  • TBA – Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek PowWow & Wiigwaasmin Pageant and Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Pow Wow on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. 
  • TBA – A Very Fairy Cherry JamBerry at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park- 1490 Red Dr., Traverse City.

Wednesday, July 2nd, 2025

  • 6-10:30pm – Live music featuring T.I. on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here
  • TBA – Fun & Games for Special Kids at Open Space Park. Children of all ages with hearing, visual, physical, and developmental impairments are invited to participate. Activities may include pie making, obstacle courses, face painting, and a trip to the Midway hosted by the Arnold Family.
  • TBA – Royal Fashion Show and Cherry Luncheon at City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
  • TBA – FREE Kids Cherry Town Fun Night at F & M Park. Families are invited to a fun-filled evening of entertainment for all ages. Many performers, hands-on activities, food and all-around enjoyment. 
  • TBA – Bayside Concert on the Water on the Wind Dancer Schooner on the Bay. 

Thursday, July 3rd, 2025

  • TBA – Cherry Mile Fun Run at 13th & Oak Streets. Registration opens May 2nd, 2024.
  • TBA – Cherry Kids 1-Mile Fun Run at 13th & Oak Streets. Each child participant receives a medal and a giveaway. This run is open to all ages with a fee of $10.
  • TBA – Live music on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here
  • TBA – Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade in Downtown Traverse City- Front St. to Union St. to 7th St.
  • TBA – Fourth of July Fireworks Dockside Viewing on the Wind Dancer Schooner on the Bay. 
  • TBA – Fireworks over Open Space Park.

Friday, July 4th, 2025

  • TBA – Cherry Golf Scramble at Grand Traverse Resort. Two-person, 18-hole scramble on Spruce Run, the original Resort course. Shotgun start at 8:30am  Special Cherry Festival rate available. Proper golf attire is required. 
  • TBA – Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot at F&M Park. Fun filled competitions of baby crawling and toddler trotting. Registration gets under way at 9am and the first race will start at 10am. Open to children 3 and under.
  • TBA – DTE Energy Day at Open Space Park. Learn ways to save energy and money. Play games and win prizes. All ages welcome.
  • TBA – FREE Chalk Art for kids ages 5-12 at Open Space Park. Chalk is provided. 
  • TBA – Cherries Got Talent Finals at Lay’s Cherry Blast Stage. Watch finalists perform. 
  • TBA – Cherry Industry Program & Awards at the Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station- 3291 College Rd., Holt. 
  • TBA – Live Entertainment at the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.
  • TBA – Queen’s Coronation at the Hagerty Center- 715 E. Front St. Doors open at 5pm with heavy Heavy hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Crowning of the National Cherry Queen at 7:30pm. Tickets available beginning April 25th, 2024. 

Saturday, July 5th, 2025

  • TBA – Meijer Festival of Races at Traverse City High School- 3962 3 Mile Rd.
  • TBA – DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade from Front Street to Union Street to 13th Street.
  • TBASemi Finals for Go for the Gold! Pin Program at Open Space Park. Ten semi-finalists will be drawn.
  • TBA – Go for the Gold! Pin Program Final Drawing at Lays Cherry Blast Stage. One lucky “Go For The Gold” Pin qualifier will win the Festival’s Grand Prize. Pin finalists need not be present to win.
  • TBA– Live music on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here
  • TBA – Fireworks Cruise on the Wind Dancer Schooner on the Bay.
  • TBA – Festival Finale Fireworks over Open Space Park.

Here's a list of attractions that span over multiple days:

  • TBA – Sarah Hardy’s Farmer’s Market at the Old Town Parking Deck- 125 E. 8th St.
  • TBA – Kids Club at Clinch Park- 111 E. Grandview Pkwy. Free activities for kids ages 2-12.
  • TBA – Go for the Gold! Pin Program at Open Space Park – Commemorative pins will be sold for $5, with the possibility of winning a grand prize. Pins are also needed for entry into the beer tent. Gold pin entry forms may be turned in at the pin tent. Winners do not need to be present to win and will be chosen on July 9th.
  • TBA – American Farmland Trust Cherry Farm Market at Open Space Park. Shop cherry products from local businesses.
  • TBA – Official Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent at Open Space Park.
  • TBA – Arnolds Amusements Midway at the corner of Grandview Parkway and Union Street.
  • TBA – Beer Tent at Open Space Park. Libations include beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. Festival goers must be 21 to enter the tent and have a commemorative pin.
  • TBA – Adult Cherry Pie Pit Spit Contest at Open Space Park. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place prizes, women’s & men’s. Register on-site, just prior to 6pm contest. No fee required.
  • TBA – Traveling Exhibit on Union Street.
  • TBA – Picnic at the Park at Park Place- 300 E. State St. Watch the airshow from the 10th floor of the Tower while you enjoy an array of appetizers, salads, entrees, and desserts served along side two adult beverages in a fully enclosed, air-conditioned venue. 
  • TBA – National Cherry Festival Air Show Cruise on the Wind Dancer Schooner on the Bay. 
  • TBA – Flight Deck at Open Space Park. Reserved seat with great views of the air show. Includes a picnic lunch. 
  • TBA – US Navy Blue Angels Air Show over Open Space Park.
  • TBA – Indigo View Air Show at Hotel Indigo- 263 W. Grandview Parkway. View the air show from Hotel Indigo’s swank rooftop. 
  • TBA – The Flight Path at Delamar- 615 E. Front St. Dine on edge of Grand Traverse Bay while enjoying the airshow. 
  • TBA – Great American Picnic at the Hagerty Center. Enjoy the Blue Angels Show,  cherry inspired picnic food, and outdoor games. Food is served from 1-3pm. 
  • TBA – Bayside Beach Volleyball Tournaments at the Beach Volleyball Courts on Grandview Parkway- 314 US-316 events. Events include 2-person mens, 2-person womens, 2-person co-ed, 4-person open, 4-person rec, and 2-person youth.
  • TBA – Orchard Tour & More at the Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station, a 137-acre research farm in the heart of “Cherry Country.” There will be educational exhibits, samples of cherry products, and tours of the farm. Cherry fun for the kids includes a 4-H petting zoo and a 4H kids activity (No petting zoo on July 4th). Shuttles available.
  • TBA – Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest at F&M Park. Age groups from pre-school to 12 years old. Youngest contestants compete first. Arrive 15 minutes early to register.
  • TBA – Adult Pie Eating Contest at Lay’s Cherry Blast Stage in Open Space Park. Prizes awarded. Free registration will open 30 minutes prior to event at stage, no fee required.
  • TBA Bubble Gum Blow at Kids Club. Three age divisions: 5-7, 8-10 and 11-13. Registration will open at 1:45pm and close at 2:15pm each day. Parents must be present to sign a waiver for children to participate.
  • TBA – Hole-in-One Tournament at X-Golf- 3480 W. South Airport Rd. #B. $5 for 3 shots with a daily prize for the closest to the pin Tuesday-Friday. Qualifiers will return Saturday at 9am for a chance to win $50,000.
  • TBA – Cornhole Tournaments at the Beer Tent. 
  • TBA – Smokey the Bear Balloon at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
  • TBAUltimate Air Dogs at Open Space Park. Nearly one hundred “dog athletes” and their proud owner/trainers compete for advancement in the regional competition. Free to view but pre-registration is required to participate. 
  • TBA – Meijer Festival of Races Packet Pick-Up at Traverse City High School- 3962 3 Mile Rd. 
  • TBAPickleball Tournament at YMCA South- 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Registration info TBA. Women’s and Men’s Doubles will be skill level 3.5 and below and 4.0 and above Mixed Doubles will be skill level 3.0 and below, 3.5, and 4.0 and above. Skill levels will be split by age after registration closes. Final brackets are limited to 7 teams. Friday is Women’s & Men’s Doubles and Saturday is Mixed Doubles.

Experience Traverse City

Traverse City is perhaps the most beautiful region of Michigan, where thousands from around the country come to vacation. Read the stories below or go to the Grand Traverse County destination page.

Stay tuned for information on the 2025 National Cherry Festival!

For More Information on the Annual National Cherry Festival, please contact:

National Cherry Festival Committee

521 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI  49684

(231) 947-4230

cherryfestival.org

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