🍒 5 Must-Dos at the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City

Post by: Mary Williams in All, Events & Festivals

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City takes place July 4–11, and 2026 marks its 100th anniversary—making this year extra special.

This will be my fifth trip to this iconic Midwest summer festival, and every year I find something new to love. If you’re planning your visit, here are the 5 must-dos at the National

Cherry Festival you absolutely don’t want to miss.

#1 Indulge in All Things Cherry 🍒

If there’s ever a time to fully embrace a theme, this is it.

The National Cherry Festival is your chance to try everything cherry—sweet, savory, and everything in between. From classic desserts to unexpected twists, it’s all part of the experience.

Must-Eat Cherry Favorites

Cherry pie (especially à la mode) – warm, tart, and iconic
Fresh Michigan cherries – peak summer flavor
Cherry ice cream or flurries – nostalgic and refreshing
Cherry lemonade – the perfect balance of sweet + tart

👉 If you only try three things: go for cherry pie, fresh cherries, and cherry lemonade.

Festival Food (with a Cherry Twist)

You’ll find all the classic fair favorites—with a cherry-inspired upgrade:

Loaded festival fries
Smoked turkey legs
Corn dogs and fried classics

But don’t skip:

- Cherry BBQ or cherry-glazed meats
- Cherry pizza (trust me on this one)
- Cherry salsas and sauces

Save Room for Dessert

Beyond pie, there’s a whole world of cherry desserts:

Cherry cobbler
Cherry donuts
Cherry cheesecake
Mini handheld pies (perfect for walking the festival)

#2 Catch a Parade 🎉

The festival hosts two can’t-miss parades along Front Street in downtown Traverse City.

The Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade is a heartwarming favorite, featuring floats created by local students, marching bands, and appearances by the Cherry Queen and her court. This parade takes place in the evening on July 9th.

The DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade wraps up the festival in a big way. It’s larger, longer, and filled with energy—think music, local businesses, and a full celebration of community spirit. This parade kicks of the final day of the fest on July 11th.

#3 Watch the Air Show ✈️

The National Cherry Festival Air Show (July 4–5) is one of the most exciting events of the week.

Set along West Grand Traverse Bay, this show combines breathtaking aerial performances with one of the most beautiful backdrops in the Midwest.

Arrive early to grab a good viewing spot, and don’t miss the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue demonstration—it’s always a highlight.

#4 Watch the Fireworks 🎆

View from inside a guest room at Hotel Indigo of fireworks show

There’s something extra special about fireworks over the bay—and this year is even bigger as the U.S. celebrates its 250th birthday.

The show begins at dusk and is best viewed from Open Space Park, where the sky lights up over the water in a truly unforgettable display.

#5 Ride the Ferris Wheel (at Sunset if Possible)🌅

For one of the best views of the festival, take a ride on the Ferris wheel.

From the top, you’ll see:

Boats moving through Clinch Marina
The full festival grounds
And if you time it right, a stunning sunset over the Leelanau Peninsula

It’s one of those simple moments that ends up being a favorite memory.

💡 Pro Tips for Visiting the National Cherry Festival

1. For the best fireworks view:
Head to the rooftop at Hotel Indigo Traverse City. It’s a great spot to relax, grab a drink, and watch both the fireworks and the air show from a different perspective.

2. Arrive early for the big parade:
The DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade draws a crowd. If you want a good viewing spot, plan to get there well before it starts.

✨ Final Thoughts

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is one of those Midwest traditions that truly lives up to the hype. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new to experience.

If you’re planning a summer trip to Michigan, this festival absolutely deserves a spot on your list.