7 Michigan Festivals Not to Miss This April

Winter's finally loosening its grip on Michigan, and many of us are itching to get out and do something.

From maple syrup pouring in Shepherd and Vermontville, to people voluntarily jumping into Lake Michigan in Ludington like it's a good idea, to hanging out with thousands of butterflies in Grand Rapids — there's plenty to do in the Mitten this month.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Detroit International Festival of Animation

Ever wonder what animation looks like when it's not Pixar-perfect... and a little weird... in a good way? The Detroit International Festival of Animation brings in short films from all around the world — some funny, some trippy, some that'll have you going "what did I just watch?" It's artsy, it's different, and it's a cool excuse to sneak in a night out in Detroit.

The festival happens the evening of Saturday, April 4, at the historic Senate Theater in Detroit.

Jackson School of the Arts Annual Fairy Festival

This one in Jackson is pure magic — especially if you've got kids. Think fairy wings, costumes, crafts, and a whole lot of imagination running wild.

The Jackson School of the Arts Annual Fairy Festival features Fairy Kingdom, Mermaid Cove, Dark Mountain, Neverland, and more ethereal settings for kids (and adults) to experience a storybook life — if only for a day.

It's scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at Jackson School of the Arts.

Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival

If you've never seen a real night sky — like, really seen it — this is your excuse. Way up in Copper Harbor at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, the 2026 Upper Peninsula Dark Sky Festival is scheduled Thursday, April 16, through Saturday, April 18.

It's the perfect place for gazing into the heavens, with the added bonus of zero traffic, fresh air, and views you can't get just anywhere.

Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival

This is one of those "only in Michigan" traditions that just hits. Pancakes, fresh syrup, parades, and that unmistakable smell of maple in the air.

The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival has been doing this for decades, and it shows. It's small-town, it's sweet (literally), and yeah... you're probably leaving with syrup.

READ MORE: Michigan's Best Maple Syrup Festivals and Where to Find Them

The festival takes place Thursday, April 23, through Sunday, April 26 in Shepherd.

Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival

Same maple energy, different town. Vermontville goes all-in.

We're talking sap boiling demonstrations, craft vendors, and more pancake opportunities that anyone can reasonably justify — but just go with it.

One of the oldest festivals of any kind in Michigan, the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival happens Friday, April 24, through Sunday, April 26.

Ludington Lake Jump

Every year, a bunch of brave Michiganders run straight into Lake Michigan. In April. On purpose. Questionable, yes. But it's always for a great cause.

The annual Ludington Lake Jump benefits a different charity each year. This year it's the West Shore Amateur Hockey Association. It's scheduled for Saturday, April 18.

Butterflies Are Blooming

Need a full reset from Michigan's fake spring/real winter rollercoaster? Here's one.

Get our free mobile app

Walk into Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids and suddenly you're surrounded by thousands of butterflies flying around like it's the middle of July.

Butterflies Are Blooming is underway now through the end of April, and is the largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibition in the United States.