Photo by Northwestern Michigan Fair

Northwestern Michigan Fair in Traverse City

August 3rd-9th, 2025

The Northwestern Michigan Fair in Traverse City is held in mid-August. It was established in 1908 and has been held at its current location at 3606 Blair Town Hall Rd., Traverse City, since 1975. The fair continues to follow its original purpose of celebrating area agriculture and youth programs.

Gates are open from 8am-11pm, Livestock Barns are open from 10am–10pm, Exhibit Building is open from 10am–10pm (Mon-Sat), Midway is open Mon-Sat (see below for times)

Here's what happened in 2024:

Sunday, August 3rd, 2025: Family Day

5pm – Vows with the Cows. Interested couples should email woodhamsc50@gmail.comwith both of names, how long you have been married, and why you would like to renew your wedding vows at this event. Couples who are chosen receive a renewal of vows certificate, cake, refreshments, a Ferris wheel ride sponsored by Arnold’s Amusements, and dinner for 2.
TBA – Pancake Breakfast
TBA – Open Goat Breed/Showmanship
TBA – 4-H Cavy & Rabbit Showmanship
TBA – Differently-Abled Swine Show
TBA – Draft Horse Show
TBA – 4-H Dog Agility, Rally Obedience, & Showmanship
TBA – Horse Pulls in the Grandstand
TBA – 4-H My Goat & Me Interviews
TBA – Midway Opens
TBA – TNT Figure 8 and Demolition Derby in the Grandstand
TBA – 4-H Glow Party

Monday, August 4th, 2025: Veterans/Seniors Day

TBA – Open Swine Show
TBA – 4-H Horse Halter, Showmanship, Pole Bending, Keyhole, Speed & Action, Costume, Hobby Horse, & Horse Skillathlon
TBA – Open Swine
TBA – 4-H Breed Cavies, Market Rabbits, Breed Rabbits
TBA – Open Breed Cavies & Rabbits
TBA – Differently Abled Program Show
TBA – Midway Opens
TBA – 4-H Poultry & Waterfowl Market, Breed
TBA – 4-H Lamb Market
TBA – Bingo Tent
TBA – Cloverbud Activities
TBA – Homemaker of the Year Presentation
TBA – Open Lamb Showmanship & Breed
TBA – Veterans’ Memorial & Ice Cream Social
TBA – Midway Opens
TBA – Bingo Tent
TBA – Lawnmower & Mini Wedge Races in the Grandstand

Tuesday, August 5th, 2025: 4-H Day

TBA – Swine Market
TBA – Horse English Equitation, English Pleasure, Dressage, & Trail
TBA – 4-H Blood Drive
TBA – 4-H Lamb Showmanship
TBA – Midway Opens
TBA – 4-H Goat Showmanship, Market, Pack, Draft, & Obstacle
TBA– Open Heifer, Cow, Cow/Half, Bull, Bred, & Owned
15 Minutes After Open Cattle Show – 4-H Dairy Feeder, Jr. Beef, & Large Beef
TBA – Open Dairy Feeder, Jr. Beef, & Large Beef
TBA – Bingo Tent
TBA – Cloverbud Activities
TBA – 4-H & Open Llama/Alpaca Showmanship & Halter Class
TBA – Bingo Tent
7pm – Tough Trucks in the Grandstand
8pm – 4-H Movie Night

Wednesday, August 6th, 2025: Kids & Special Kids Day

TBA – 4-H Horse Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Ranch Riding, Reining, Western Riding, Indiana Flag Race, & Cloverleaf
TBA – 4-H Dairy Feeder (Cloverbuds to follow), Jr. Beef (Cloverbuds to follow, & Large Beef Showmanship
TBA – Differently-Abled Program Petting Zoo
TBA – Midway Opens
TBA – 4-H Rabbit Skillathon
TBA – Bingo Tent
TBA – 4-H Goat Talent & Costume Show, and Parade
TBA – Open Goat Fun Classes
TBA – Cloverbud Activities
TBA – 4-H & Open Llama & Alpaca Class, Obstacle Course, & Pack
TBA – 4-H Auction Buyer Pre-Registration
TBA – Bingo Tent
TBA – Truck & Tractor Pulls in the Grandstand
TBA – 4-H Goat Run