If you live in Michigan, you might already know that there’s a festival for everything. Cherries? Check. Tulips? Obviously. Classic cars? Of course. Craft beer? Do you even have to ask? At these festivals, you can smell deep-fried food from miles away, enjoy live music, and maybe win an oversized stuffed animal you don’t need.
The best part? Most fairs boast smooth pathways, easy-access seating, and accessible restrooms, so you won’t have to worry about muddy fields, steep inclines, knee-high curbs, or mysterious “accessible” areas that require an off-roading vehicle.
Must-Attend Wheelchair-Friendly Spring Festivals in Michigan 2025
Below are some of the must-attend events that are as wheelchair-friendly as they are entertaining!
Tulip Time Festival (Holland)
Happening between May 2 and 11, 2025, the Tulip Time Festival is a full-blown celebration with over five million tulips painting the town in vibrant colors. While tulips are the main attraction, there’s plenty more to enjoy, including Dutch dancing, a parade, arts and crafts, a carnival, fireworks, and much more.
The festivities are spread across various locations, including Centennial Park, Downtown Holland, the iconic Windmill Island Gardens, Tulip Lanes, Nelis Dutch Village, and Veldheer’s Tulip Farm. The best part? This accessible festival provides ADA-compliant parking, while portable restrooms are strategically placed on the festival grounds for easy access.
Ann Arbor’s Film Festival
Founded in 1963, Ann Arbor’s Film Festival is a must for film buffs, indie lovers, and anyone who enjoys a good story — whether it’s told through classic animation, experimental documentaries, or a black-and-white short that makes you question reality. At this six-day festival, filmmakers push the boundaries of storytelling that can help them win up to $25,000 in cash prizes and different rewards like free film stock, processing, and camera rentals to turn their next big idea into reality.
Regarding accessibility, there’s accessible parking near Liberty Street, with a convenient drop-off zone right by a crosswalk ramp. The State Theatre, where many screenings happen, has an escalator and an elevator that takes you to the second and third floors. The only catch? The Main Auditorium’s balcony isn’t wheelchair-accessible, so keep that in mind when picking your seats. When booking, make sure to select the accessible seating options for a smooth experience.
Jackson’s Fairy Festival
If you’ve ever wanted to see a fairy in real life, you must attend Jackson’s Fairy Festival. On April 12, 2025, Jackson School of Arts transforms into a whimsical wonderland filled with fairy-tale creatures, enchanted rooms, and just the right amount of glitter (read: a lot). This all-ages event features live performances, fairy wing-making stations, face painting, and fairy tea.
Accessibility-wise, the festival is well-planned. The downtown streets are paved and mostly level, making it easy to visit different themed areas. There are accessible restrooms on-site and plenty of quiet spots to relax or recover from seeing a surprisingly realistic mermaid.
Summer Festivals: Celebrating Michigan’s Culture
When summer takes over, Michigan celebrates the season with the following wheelchair-friendly festivals and fairs.
National Cherry Festival
If you love a good mix of parades, pie, and people-watching, the National Cherry Festival (June 28 – July 5) in Traverse City is a must. This week-long cherry palooza has everything, including high-flying air shows, a classic car show, a cherry pit spitting contest, a kids Cherry Teddy Bear Tea Party, a pet show, pie-eating contests, a dog show, and fireworks to top it all off.
The main festival grounds feature accessible restrooms, smooth pathways (though some areas might be a bit grassy and muddy), and accessible viewing seats.
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Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Festival
Happening between June 12-15, 2025, Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Festival is a four-day celebration of bratwursts, lederhosen, and all things German. This festival kicks off with the raising of the Maypole, live music, and the ceremonial keg tapping that sets the tone for the weekend.
The Main Street transforms into a full-blown festival zone, featuring live bands, firework shows, parades, classic Bavarian games, plenty of beverages, and food trucks serving up bratwurst, schnitzel, and enough Bavarian treats to keep you fueled for the weekend.
Best of all, Frankenmuth goes the extra mile to ensure the festival is wheelchair-friendly, with convenient routes, seating, and an easily accessible layout.
Rock The Country 2025
Whether you live for live music, just want an excuse to wear cowboy boots, or have a deep appreciation for tailgate culture, Rock The Country must be on your itinerary. Happening in Hastings, MI, on June 13-14, this festival cranks up the energy with country music, BBQ, cold drinks, and good old small-town vibes.
With big-name artists like Travis Tritt and Aaron Lewis, rising stars, and plenty of crowd singalongs, don’t be surprised if you lose your voice by the end of the weekend. Since there’s on-site camping, you can pitch your tent or use an RV, making this festival a full-on summer adventure.
Rock the Country Festival offers paid accessible parking, ADA-accessible sections at every stage, and guest services if you need assistance.
Accessible Food Festivals: A Taste of Michigan
If you want to try Michigan’s famous Detroit-style pizza, sip on award-winning wines, indulge in gooey mac and cheese, or finally see what the hype is about Cornish pasties, consider the following accessible food festivals.
Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival
Coming up on September 5-7, 2025, the Paw Paw Wine and Harvest Festival is all about celebrating the state’s finest wineries. At this festival, you can try a wine and beer-tasting tour, watch teams battle it out in the legendary grape stomping competition, or enjoy a colorful parade rolling through town. There’s also a craft show, axe throwing, a pickleball tournament, live music, and a fireworks display to wrap up a perfect few days of festive fun.
Taco and Tequila Festival
Happening on 3rd May 2025 in Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Taco & Tequila Festival is back and bigger than ever, bringing together over 25 taco vendors and 150+ varieties of tequila, margaritas, craft beer, and seltzers.
Beyond the food, there’s live entertainment featuring a Jimmy Buffett tribute band, a fire-breathing performer, and breakdancers who’ll make you question your own coordination. Feeling competitive? Join the Churro Eating Contest or witness a Dad Dance Crew showdown. While buying your tickets, don’t forget to toggle the accessible seating to enjoy the best view.
Additional Accessible Events to Enjoy in Michigan
Besides the above-mentioned accessible fairs and festivals, you should also consider attending the Great Lakes Surf Festival, Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival, Unity Music Festival, Boyne City Pirate Fest, Lakeshore Art Festival, or Michigan Irish Music Festival.
You can also attend the Calhoun County Fair, the Allegan County Fair, or the Michigan State Fair to enjoy carnival rides, eat scrumptious food, browse prize-winning livestock, shop for local crafts, belt out tunes at a karaoke contest, or simply watch a pig race.
Secure Your Ride with Clock Mobility
Whether you want to attend a state fair in Grand Rapids, a music blowout in Detroit, or a cherry-filled celebration in Traverse City, Clock Mobility has you covered. We offer a fleet of wheelchair-accessible vehicles that can be rented for a day, a week, or even long-term — because festival season doesn’t stop at just one event!
Need a mobility scooter or a portable ramp for extra ease? We’ve got those, too. We also offer car maintenance services, including lift repairs, ramp servicing, regular tune-ups, and accessible vehicle inspections, so your personal wheelchair-accessible ride is always road trip ready. To book your accessible ride or get more info about our services, call us at (866) 380-3326 or visit one of our locations in Michigan.