With so many beautiful flora and fauna, stunning views, sports teams with die hard fans, distilleries, wineries, and more, Michigan has a plethora of events for every season. Here are upcoming events in Michigan
1. The Ark’s 29th Annual Storytelling Festival
Location: The Ark (316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)
Dates: February 22, 2025 at 8pm
Admission: $30
If you enjoy spoken word performance, check out the Ark’s Storytelling Festival in the heart of Ann Arbor. This festival brings both locally based and nationally recognized story tellers to the intimate stage of the famous Ark venue. Tickets are $30 and the shows begins at 8pm. This year’s storytellers include Elizabeth Ellis, Mary Hamilton, Jane Fink, and Steve Daut.
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2. CopperDog 150
Location: Calumet, MI
Dates: February 28 – March 2, 2025
Admission: Free
When it comes to sled dog races, Alaska is the first thing that comes to mind, but did you know Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula has a series of sled dog competitions hosted by a non-profit organization called CopperDog. The CopperDog 150 hosts 10-dog sled teams that cover (as you may have guessed) 150 miles over 3 days and registration caps at 30 teams.
With an average snowfall over 270 inches per year, this little sliver of paradise is the perfect destination for a sled dog race. Bundle up and bring the family to this exciting event – come cheer on the teams at Opening Ceremony on February 28 at 6pm or see which team of pups cross the finish line first at the race end on March 2.
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3. World of Winter
Location: Downtown Grand Rapids
Dates: January 10 – March 2
Admission: Free
Considered the largest winter festival in the country, the city comes to life for the World of Winter Festival – a free outdoor celebration in downtown Grand Rapids. The World of Winter Festival features stunning art installations, games, live performances, and food from local vendors. Be sure to check out the unique ChronoHarp art display that combines the beauty of a traditional harp with a mesmerizing light display.
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4. Traverse City Restaurant Week 2025 (Traverse City, MI)
Location: Downtown Traverse City
Dates: February 23 – March 1
Admission: Varies
Calling all foodies! The Downtown Traverse City Association will host Traverse City Restaurant Week from February 23 through March 1. Local dining across Traverse City and Grand Traverse County will offer special menus priced at $25, $35, or $45 per person. Don’t let your tastebuds miss out on the opportunity to explore Traverse City’s local eatery culture and mouth-watering specialties from culinary experts. Whether you crave unique farm-to-table experiences or want to cozy up to classic comfort food, Traverse City Restaurant Week will not disappoint.
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5. Winter Nights at Meijer Gardens
Location: Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525)
Dates: February 4, 11, 18, and 25
Admission: Free
Every Tuesday night in February, take a trip to the Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids for a music and dining experience that will melt away your winter blues. Each week has a unique theme and different genre of music. Doors open at 5:30pm and performances are from 6pm – 8pm. Admission is free for members and included with general admission for other guests. Before the shows, enjoy seasonal food and drinks at the James & Shirley Balk Café pop-up.
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6. 63rd Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival
Location: Michigan Theater (603 E Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104)
Dates: March 25 – 30, 2025
Admission: $175
Nothing defines Ann Arbor quite as much as the city’s annual film festival. Considered the oldest experimental film festival in North America, the festival features 100-145 short films and 6-10 feature films in a one week period. Movie genres will include experimental work in animation, documentary, narrative, and hybrid films, and work will be presented on 16mm, 35mm, and digital formats. If you’re a movie buff or simply want to experience the wonders of motion pictures in the historic Michigan Theater, don’t miss the 63rd Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival.
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7. Kalamazoo Restaurant Week (Kalamazoo, MI)
Location: Greater Kalamazoo Area
Dates: February 20 – March 1
Admission: $10-45 per person
Attend Kalamazoo’s Winter Restaurant Week and experience local dining with price fixed menus and local chef favorites that will leave you wanting more. With more than 25 participating eateries throughout the Greater Kalamazoo area, the event website allows you to search participating restaurants based on price tiers so that people of any budget can attend this unique experience. In addition to food from the best chefs in town, local mixologists have a chance to shine during the Cocktail Competition – bartenders throughout Kalamazoo have a chance for their concoction to be named the season’s Best Cocktail!
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