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National Cherry Festival in Traverse City

July 3rd-11th, 2026

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 event scheduule:

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

Friday, July 3rd, 2026

5pm – Classic Car Cruise beginning at Turtle Creek Casino- 7741 M-72, Williamsburg. Participants will cruise through the scenic streets of Traverse City. Click here to register.
5:30-8pm – 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.

Saturday, July 4th, 2026

8am – Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast at Open Space Park. Proceeds benefit the festival foundation.
8am – 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.
8:15am – Bayside Beach 2-Person Men’s & Women’s Volleyball Tournaments at the Beach Volleyball Courts on Grandview Parkway- 314 US-316. Team sign-in will be from 8:15-8:30am, with play beginning promptly at 9am.
9-11am – Norte Kids Balance Bike Race at Norte Clubhouse- 1213 W. Civic Center Dr. Registration is from 8-8:45am and the race is from 9-10:30am. 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.
10-11am – 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.
12pm – Flight Deck at Open Space Park. Reserved seat with great views of the air show. Includes a picnic lunch. Click here for tickets.
12pm – 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.
6-10pm – Live music featuring David Lee Roth on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Click here to buy tickets.
10:30pm – Fourth of July Fireworks over Open Space Park.

Sunday, July 5th, 2026

8:15am – Bayside Beach Co-Ed Volleyball Tournaments at the Beach Volleyball Courts on Grandview Parkway- 314 US-316. Team sign-in will be from 8:15-8:30am, with play beginning promptly at 9am.
9-10am – FREE Yoga by the Bay at the Lays Cherry Blast Stage in Open Space Park. Check in at 8:30am.
9am – Cherry Open Bowling Tournament at Incredible Mo’s- 1355 Silver Lake Crossings Blvd, Grawn.
10am-6pm – Arts & Crafts Fair on Union Street starting south of Front Street and ending at the South Union Street Bridge at the Boardman/Ottaway River. Click here to register.
11am – 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. Register by clicking here.
4:30-6:30pm – FREE Kids Cherry Royal Picnic (formerly Teddy Bear Tea) at F&M Park (Railroad & Washington Streets). Bring a picnic lunch, a blanket or chairs, family, and friends to relax and enjoy a lovely afternoon of music, book reading, and cherry trivia. There will even be an opportunity to meet some Cherry Royalty. Royal dress (crowns, tiaras, gowns, etc.) is highly encouraged, especially for the littles.
6pm – Family Sand Sculpture Contest at Sunset Park Beach- 417 Munson Ave. Free event.
6-10pm – Live music featuring Bow Wow & Soulja Boy on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Click here to buy tickets.

Monday, July 6th, 2026

8:15am – Bayside Beach 2-Person Youth Volleyball Tournaments at the Beach Volleyball Courts on Grandview Parkway- 314 US-316. Team sign-in will be from 8:15-8:30am, with play beginning promptly at 9am.
9am – 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.
10am – Princess Tea at Park Place Hotel- 300 E. State St. Kids can enjoy tea with the National Cherry Queen and her royal court.
12-4pm – Free Veterans Appreciation Luncheon at the Beer Tent. Complimentary lunch for all veterans.
6-10pm – Live music featuring Chase Matthew & Lauren Alaina on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Click here to buy tickets.

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026

9:30am-12pm – 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: Best Dressed Ensemble, Most Patriotic Pet, Most Royal Pet, Most Creative Cherry-Theme, Most Unusual Pet, and Furthest Distance Traveled. Registration is on-site only, beginning at 8:45am.
10am-3pm – Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Pow Wow on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.
1-10pm – Bowl for Cherries at Incredible Mo’s.
2-4pm – A Very Fairy Cherry JamBerry featuring tractor rides, lawn games, and light refreshments at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park- 1490 Red Dr., Traverse City.
6-10pm – Live music featuring KC & the Sunshine Band on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Click here for tickets.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

9am – 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.
11am – Free Milk Carton Boat Regatta at Clinch Park Marina Boat Launch. Register by clicking here.
11:30am – Royal Fashion Show and Cherry Luncheon at City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
4-7pm – 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.
6-10pm- Live music featuring The Fray wsg Augustana on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

9am – Kids Sand Sculpture Contest at Sunset Park Beach- 417 Munson Ave. Free event. Age divisions are ages 3-5 from 9-9:45am, ages 6-8 from 9:15-10am, ages 9-12 from 10:15-11:15am, and Groups with ages 3-12 from 10:30am-12pm.
2pm – Cherries Got Talent Finals at Lay’s Cherry Blast Stage. Watch finalists perform. Click here for rules or to register.
2-2:30pm – Cherry Industry Program & Awards at the Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station- 3291 College Rd., Holt.
3:30pm – Rubber Duck Race at Union Street Bridge. Register and buy a duck by clicking here.
4:45pm – Free Bed Race at Front & Cass Streets. Click here to register.
6pm – 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. Register by clicking here.
6-10pm – Live music featuring Daughtry on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Click here to buy tickets.
6:30pm – Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade in Downtown Traverse City- Front St. to Union St. to 7th St.

Friday, July 10th, 2026

8:30am – 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. Click here to register.
10am – 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.
1-3pm – FREE Chalk Art for kids ages 5-12 at Open Space Park. Chalk is provided.
5:30pm – Queen’s Coronation at Park Place Hotel. Doors open at 5pm.
6-10pm- Live music featuring Justin Moore wsg Easton Corbin on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage. Purchase tickets by clicking here.

Saturday, July 11th, 2026

5:30-6:30am – Meijer Festival of Races Packet Pick-Up at Traverse City High School- 3962 3 Mile Rd.
7am – Meijer Festival of Races at Traverse City High School- 3962 3 Mile Rd. Register by clicking here.
11:15am-1pm – DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade from Front Street to Union Street to 13th Street.
3:45pm, 4:15pm, & 4:45pm – Semi Finals for Go for the Gold! Pin Program at Open Space Park. Ten semi-finalists will be drawn.
5pm – 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.
6-10:30pm – Live music featuring Grand Funk Railroad and 38 Special on the Pepsi Bayside Music Stage.
10:30pm – Festival Finale Fireworks over Open Space Park.

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

July 4th-5th, 2026 from 1-4pm – Air Show over West Grand Traverse Bay.
July 4th-10th, 2026 from 12-5pm – Hole-in-One Tournament with location TBA. Daily prize for the closest to the pin Tuesday-Friday. Qualifiers will return July 11th at 10am for a chance to win $50,000.
July 4th-10th, 2026 from 1-4pm – Bingo in Clinch Park. Cards are 25¢ each or 5 for $1.00. Must be 18 to play.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 7:30am-12pm – Sarah Hardy’s Farmer’s Market at the Old Town Parking Deck- 125 E. 8th St.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 10am-5pm – Kids Club at Clinch Park- 111 E. Grandview Pkwy. Free activities for kids ages 2-12.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 10am-10pm – Cherry Farm Market at Open Space Park. Shop cherry products from local businesses. June 28th-July 1st AND July 3rd-5th from 10am-10pm & July 2nd from 12-10pm. Click here to register.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 10am-10pm – 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 11th.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 10am-10pm – Official Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent at Open Space Park.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 11am-11pm – Arnold’s Amusements Midway at the corner of Grandview Parkway and Union Street.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 12-10:30pm – 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.
July 4th-11th, 2026 from 6-7pm – 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.
July 6th-10th, 2026 from 10am-1pm – 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.
July 6th-10th, 2026 from 1-3pm – 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.
July 6th-10th, 2026 at 2pm – Bubble Gum Blow at Kids Club. Three age divisions: 5-7, 8-10 and 11-12. 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.
July 6th-10th, 2026 from 5-6pm – 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.
July 8th-9th, 2026 from 12-6pm – Cornhole Tournaments at the Beer Tent. Click here for details.
July 9th-10th, 2026 from 10am-6pm – DTE Energy Day at Open Space Park. Learn ways to save energy and money. Play games and win prizes. All ages welcome.
July 9th-11th, 2026 – Ultimate 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. Click here for registration info.
TBA at 8am – Pickleball Tournament at YMCA South- 3000 Racquet Club Dr.
TBA at 12:30pm – 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 at 1-4pm – Indigo View Air Show at Hotel Indigo- 263 W. Grandview Parkway. View the air show from Hotel Indigo’s swank rooftop.

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.