A great place to visit and enjoy Mid-Michigan events
Frankenmuth, Michigan is one of the top tourist destinations in the state. It comes as no surprise as there are so many must attend Mid-Michigan events happening throughout the year. Visit waterparks, shopping, a craft brewery, Bronners Christmas shop, the World famous Bavarian Inn Restaurant, and many more restaurants downtown. While that’s enough to plan a trip where you can’t possibly see and do it all, add on Mid-Michigan events and you’re in for a trip packed with no shortage of fun things to do.
Mid-Michigan events with something for everyone
In Frankenmuth, we host many events year round. Many celebrate our German heritage, such as the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest. If you’re looking for Mid-Michigan events that have something for everyone and capture the imagination, visit Frankenmuth!
Need motivation to stay in shape? Join a run, bike race, or a triathlon!
Ready to rock out for summer? Come to Summer Music Fest to enjoy music and beer!
In fact, we have Mid-Michigan events to pique all interests!
- Dogs
- Hot air balloons
- Country music
- Classic cars
- Running
- Biking
- Triathlons
- Music
- Beer
- Block parties
- Colonial encampments
- Dinner shows
- Cooking
- Shopping events
- Arts & crafts
- And more!
Have fun without spending an arm and a leg
Many Mid-Michigan events are free or low-cost. Pair that with a one-tank trip and you’re set to have a lot of fun, affordably!
Explore the Mid-Michigan events leading up to Oktoberfest below!
Featured Mid-Michigan events:
Daily Pretzel Rolling at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant (Reoccurring)
Find your inner chef and learn the proper pretzel-rolling methods. Then be your own best customer after they come out of the oven!
Baking happens daily at 2:30 p.m. with the exception of holidays. The experience is 25 minutes followed by a 30-45 minute bake time.
Two-hour advance notice and pre-payment are required. To make reservations or for more information call (800) BAVARIA or (989) 652-9941.
Cost: $5.49/person.
August 3-5
Tri-Bavaria Weekend
The City of Frankenmuth and Bavarian Inn welcome the Tri-Bavaria Weekend! For anyone who wants to have fun and put their fitness to the test, this weekend is for you! There is something for everyone with adult races on Sunday and even a little Bavaria kids triathlon on Saturday!
The beautiful scenery only adds to the experience. A swim in the river followed by a flat bike through farmlands ends with a scenic run through and around Frankenmuth and a straight line into the finish. Pick up your finisher medal and join the Bavarian party to celebrate the feat.
More Mid-Michigan events leading up to Oktoberfest!
July 14 & 15, August 18 & 19
Canine Cup
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
The perfect event for canine enthusiasts.
July 3 & 4
Jaycees’ Fireworks Show and Volksläufe Races
Enjoy Fireworks the eve before the Volksläufe (The People’s Race)! The Volksläufe is an annual celebration of family, friends, and fitness!
July 12, August 9, September 13
Frankenmuth Fundown Chowdown
Frankenmuth’s 2nd Annual Food Truck Festival is held at Frankenmuth River Place Shops.
July 21 & 22
Cass River Colonial Encampment
Experience an 18th-century encampment of historical re-enactors representing the British, French, and Americans.
July 21 & 22
Frankenmüdder 2018
Get ready to get messy in this fun Frankenmuth race!
July 28
Antique Fire Muster
Take in a parade through downtown and activities featuring antique fire truck displays and pumping events.
August 4
Michigan’s Strongest Man & Woman
This 5th annual event gets stronger each year.
August 9-11 & 16-18
Summer Music Fest
Enjoy Polish, German, and Slovenian ethnic-styled music at the Harvey Kern Pavilion.
September 7 & 8
Frankenmuth Auto Fest
Enjoy the style and artistry of rare cars on display down Main Street. Double the fun by attending Friday’s Big Block Party!
September 19
Matinee Dinner Show: “A Bit O’ Buble”
Bryan Dixon has won many an audience over with his smooth sound, in tribute to Michael Buble, with Dixon’s “A Bit O’ Buble” tribute show. Serving a Hearty Chicken Plate Meal at $45 per person, matinee dinner shows include: meal; show; milk, tea, coffee, or fountain soft drink; and tax & gratuity. Reservations and prepayment required.
The event of the year: Oktoberfest!
Thursday 20 – Sunday 23
Oktoberfest
The celebration of all celebrations! Oktoberfest takes place every year in München, Germany. In 2017, Oktoberfest brought 6.2 million people who consumed 7.5 million liters of beer in München.
In 1996, Lord Mayor Christian Ude and the German Parliament from München declared Frankenmuth the first Oktoberfest celebration, located outside of the original, to operate with the blessing of the original Oktoberfest. The occasion was also the first time Hofbräuhaus brewer in München exported their beer to the United States.
Join Frankenmuth in Heritage Park in 2018 for our 29th annual Oktoberfest celebration, which marks the 185th Oktoberfest in München!
In Frankenmuth, we strive to preserve this tradition. The event will feature entertainment, dancing, Oktoberfest souvenirs, food, and of course authentic Hofbräuhaus Oktoberfest beer!
We’ll start the festivities on Thursday!
Frankenmuth Oktoberfest will take place:
Thursday, 3pm – 10pm
Friday, 12pm – 12am
Saturday, 12pm – 12am
Sunday, 12pm – 6pm
Tickets can be purchased at the gate for $10.
When it comes to our festivals, it’s all about variety in Frankenmuth!
Plan ahead!
Have your heart set on a festival or other Mid-Michigan events? Plan ahead! Rooms fill up fast, especially nights coinciding with popular festivals. Make sure you secure your room to guarantee a spot!
