National Cherry Festival 2026 – Traverse City, Michigan
July 4–11, 2026 

The National Cherry Festival is an eight-day celebration in downtown Traverse City featuring more than 100 events, most of them free. Activities take place primarily at Open Space Park and along the waterfront. 

Festival highlights include daily live music, a carnival midway, arts and crafts fair, kids activities, food vendors, and cherry-themed events. [cherryfestival.org]

Major events throughout the week include air shows over Grand Traverse Bay, nightly concerts, and popular contests such as cherry pie eating and the cherry pit spit. [cherryfestival.org]

Opening day on July 4 features the farmers market, pancake breakfast, opening ceremonies, air show, and fireworks. [cherryfestival.org]

Other activities during the week include races, volleyball tournaments, car shows, pet shows, and family activities.

Two parades are held during the festival: the Community Royale Parade on July 9 and the Cherry Royale Parade on July 11, which serves as the grand finale.

For the full daily schedule and event details, visit the official website: https://www.cherryfestival.org/events