Your No-FOMO Guide to the 100th National Cherry Festival

An easy, joy-filled itinerary to help you experience the very best of Traverse City’s biggest celebration

Every summer, National Cherry Festival turns Traverse City into one big, joy-filled celebration of all things cherry — and trust us, it’s more than pie (though there will absolutely be pie). Think air shows over the bay, parades marching down Front Street, live music that spills into the evening, and fireworks that light up the water. It’s exciting, a little deliciously chaotic, and completely unforgettable — if you know how to do it right.

🍒 Saturday, July 4

Morning

• 7:30 AM — Sara Hardy’s Farmers Market — Start bright and early with fresh produce, cherry goodies, cold brew, and local crafts.

• 8:00 AM — Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast — A lively breakfast to kick off the festival week.

• 10:00 AM — Festival Grounds Open — Explore the Cherry Farm Market, Go For The Gold! Pin Program, Kids Club, and official Souvenir Tent.

• 11:00 AM — Arnold’s Amusements Midway — Awesome rides and games for all ages.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM — Flight Deck Hole-in-One Challenge — Test your golf skills!

• 1:00 PM — Air Show — A high-energy aerial display over West Grand Traverse Bay.

Evening

• 6:00 PM — Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest — A classic and hilarious festival tradition.

• 10:30 PM — 4th of July Fireworks — The big sky lights up at dusk over Grand Traverse Bay — the official once-a-year Independence Day celebration!

🍒 Sunday, July 5

Morning

• 10:00 AM — Arts & Crafts Fair + Festival Grounds — Shop local art, unique festival gifts, and cherry-themed snacks.

• 11:00 AM — Classic Car Show — A nostalgic look at cars, trucks, tractors and motorcycles from throughout the Midwest.

Afternoon

• 4:30 PM — A Cherry Royal Picnic — an afternoon filled with joyous festivities, royal fun, and enchanting moments for all ages

Evening

• 6:00 PM — Family Sand Sculpture Contest — Shoreline creativity and family fun.

🍒 Monday, July 6

Morning

• 9:00 AM — Cherry Bike Ride — Join us for a scenic bike tour through Traverse City's charming neighborhoods

• 10:00 AM — Princess Tea — Meet and greet time with National Cherry Queen and her Court

Afternoon

• 1:00 PM — Kids Chalk Art & Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest — Family fun and sweet chaos.

• 2:00 PM — Bubble Gum Blow — A beloved contest that’s as fun to watch as participate in.

Evening

• 5:00 PM — Adult Cherry Pie Eating Contest — Bring your appetite!

• 6:00 PM — Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest — A festival highlight featuring pit-spitting fun.

🍒 Tuesday, July 7

Morning

• 9:30 AM — Kids Pet Show — Furry friends take center stage!

• 10:00 AM — Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians POWWOW

Afternoon

• 2:00 PM — A Very Fairy Cherry JamBerry — A special interactive family performance at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

Evening

• Evening at Arnold’s Midway & Beer Tent — Nighttime lights and lively festival grounds.

🍒 Wednesday, July 8

Morning

• 7:30 AM — Sara Hardy’s Farmers Market — Fresh goodies and cherry energy to start your day.

• 11:00 AM — Milk Carton Boat Regatta — Come for ingenuity and splashes galore.

• 11:30 AM — Royal Fashion Show & Cherry Luncheon — A classic pageantry + delicious midday experience.

Afternoon

• 12:00 PM — Cornhole Tournament & Hole-in-One — Test your skills with friends.

• 2:00 PM — Bubble Gum Blow — More sticky-sweet fun.

• 4:00 PM — Kids Cherry Town Fun Night — Games, entertainment, and kid-friendly festival magic.

Evening

• 6:00PM — Pepsi Bayside Music Stage — The Fray Featuring Augustana — concert on the bay (ticketed event).

🍒 Thursday, July 9

Morning

• 9:00 AM — Kids Sand Sculpture Contest — Masterpieces on the shore rain or shine.

Afternoon

• 2:00 PM — Cherries Got Talent Finals— Come and watch our Cherries Got Talent Finalists perform

Evening

• 6:30 PM — Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade — A must-see parade winding through downtown.

🍒 Friday, July 10

Morning

• 7:00 AM — Meijer Festival of Races — A great way to start the day with a community run.

Afternoon

• 10AM/1:00 PM/3PM — Ultimate Air Dogs— featuring nearly one hundred "dog athletes" and their proud owner/trainers competing for advancement in the regional competition.

Evening

• 6:00 PM — Pepsi Bayside Music Stage — Justin Moore w/ Easton Corbin — A country headliner night you won’t forget (ticketed).

🍒 Saturday, July 11 — Grand Finale Festival Day

Morning

• 5:30 AM – 7:00 AM — Meijer Festival of Races Packet Pick Up & Run — Early adventure before the big finale.

• 7:30 AM — Farmers Market + Festival Grounds — One last stroll for treats and souvenirs.

Afternoon

• 11:15 AM – 1:00 PM — DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade — The grand parade with marching bands, floats, and festival royalty.

• 6:00 PM — Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest — One last splash of silliness.

Evening

• 10:30 PM — Festival Finale Fireworks — A beautiful close to the 100th National Cherry Festival over West Grand Traverse Bay.

By the time the last parade float rolls down Front Street and the final slice of cherry pie is claimed, you’ll understand why the National Cherry Festival isn’t just an event — it’s a full-on summer tradition. A week of air shows over the bay, pie-eating contests that get delightfully messy, live music drifting across the water, and those small, sun-soaked moments that somehow turn into lifelong memories. With this itinerary in hand, you won’t just attend the festival — you’ll experience it.

Now here’s your next smart move: Book Your Stay and make the Alexandra Inn your perfect home base for festival week. There’s nothing better than ending a full day of cherry-filled fun with a comfortable room waiting for you. Reserve your accommodations early, settle in, and make this 100th annual Cherry Festival celebration as seamless as it is unforgettable.