Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is a 10-day celebration held each June during peak lilac bloom. Here are the signature events each year:
The Lilac Festival marks the symbolic start of summer on Mackinac Island and draws visitors from around the world. Here are answers to frequently asked questions about the dates and theme for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.
History of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival began in 1949 as Mackinac Island Lilac Day, featuring a single parade honoring the island’s amazing lilacs.
Lilacs thrive on Mackinac Island thanks to cool lake breezes, limestone-rich soil with high pH and generations of careful stewardship. Some of the island’s lilac stems are over 200 years old, making them among the oldest and largest lilacs in the world!
Highlights of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
These days, the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival has grown into 10 days of activities showcasing the sweet-smelling lilacs and other community traditions including a Poster Contest, coronation of a lilac queen, a scenic 10k run, garden tours, flower planting seminars and more.
Coronation of the Mackinac Island Lilac Queen & Court
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival opens with the crowning of the Lilac Festival Queen and her court. The queen is a Mackinac Island Public School student selected by her peers for leadership and community involvement. The queen and her court often attend festival events and are featured in the Grand Parade.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Poster Contest
Artists are invited each year to submit designs for the annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival poster. A jury narrows the entries to a list of 20 finalists and selects the winning artwork to be displayed throughout the island. There’s also a People’s Choice Awards winner that gets announced on the first day of the Lilac Festival.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival 10K Run/Walk
The Lilac Festival Run & Walk welcomes runners and walkers of all levels to experience Mackinac Island’s scenic roads and shoreline views. The gorgeous 10k course goes through downtown, up into the middle of the island and along the lake with the Mackinac Bridge in the distance. It’s one of four big road races conducted each year by Run Mackinac.
Walking Tours, Planting Seminars & Live Music
Guided lilac walking tours led by horticulturists highlight historic plantings across Mackinac Island, while gardening seminars offer insight into the care and preservation of these iconic plants. Live music and cultural programs also are scheduled throughout the festival with additional activities such as street dancing, crafts, a Vintage Bicycle Rally, cornhole tournament and kid-friendly fun including movie screenings at Fort Mackinac and bounce houses in Windermere Park often part of the fun.
The Grand Parade of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
The Grand Parade, held on the final Sunday afternoon of the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, is one of the last remaining horse-drawn parades in the world. Horse-drawn floats and marching bands travel westward on Main Street from Mission Point Resort to Windermere Point, with popular viewing areas near Marquette Park at the foot of Fort Mackinac and along downtown storefronts.
Trip Planning Tips for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Trip Planning Tips for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Each year’s official Mackinac Island Lilac Festival schedule outlines daily events, times and locations. Many traditions remain consistent, while entertainment and special activities vary from year to year making each festival unique.
How To Attend Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Events
Many events, including the grand parade, walking tours and coronation of the queen, are free to attend, while some activities such as the Lilac Festival Run & Walk require registration. See the Lilac Festival schedule for details on specific activities.
Where To Stay for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Resorts, hotels, B&Bs and other places to stay on Mackinac Island fill up for the Lilac Festival far in advance. (Take note of future Lilac Festival dates below!) For the best experience, it’s recommended to book lodging on the island. You also may be able to find accommodations on the mainland in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace and take a ferry boat to the island for festival events.
Getting to Mackinac Island for the Lilac Festival
As a car-free destination, Mackinac Island is reached by ferry boat, private watercraft, or small airplane. The Arnold Transit Company and Shelpler’s Ferry companies can help you get to Mackinac Island from both Mackinaw City and St. Ignace throughout the day during the Lilac Festival. Once you arrive on Mackinac Island, transportation is by foot, bicycle, or horse-drawn carriage taxi.
What to Pack for the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
June weather on Mackinac Island is generally mild, with pleasant high temperatures around 70 degrees and refreshing evening lows in the 50s. Mornings and nights can get chilly so dressing in layers is a good idea. Also, comfortable walking shoes are a must for making your way from one Lilac Festival activity to the next.
Accessibility at the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Many festival events take place in downtown Mackinac Island or in places with accessible paths, making many activities welcoming for visitors of all mobility levels. Learn more about accessibility on Mackinac Island.
Other Things to Do During the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Nowhere else combines historic charm, fragrant lilacs, and car-free streets quite like Mackinac Island during peak bloom. Yet, while the flowers and festival events take center stage, there are many other ways to enjoy the beauty and culture of Mackinac Island in June.
Here’s a list of things to do on Mackinac Island to round out your Lilac Festival itinerary:
- Sample world-famous Mackinac Island fudge
- Explore historic Fort Mackinac or hike your way up to scenic Fort Holmes
- Bike all the way around Mackinac Island on the 8.2-mile perimeter road
- Take a scenic boat ride on the Straits of Mackinac
Plus, be sure to check out the Mackinac Island events calendar for other activities to enjoy in June on Mackinac Island.
Download the Mackinac Island Visitor Guide and view the official Mackinac Island Lilac Festival schedule to start planning your experience of one of the world’s most beloved traditions!
Plan Your Lilac Festival Visit to Mackinac Island
Ready to plan your visit to Mackinac Island? Check out our visitors guide and let us help you find places to stay, food and drink, and things to do when you visit Mackinac Island.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival FAQ
What is the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival?
The Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. It began in June 1949, organized by two local residents. It’s 10 days celebrating the lilacs and their uniqueness and history on Mackinac Island. Join us for the Lilac Queen coronation, official poster reveal, 10K Run/Walk, lilac walking tours, lilac planting seminars, bounce houses, Michigan Cornhole tournament, live music, the Grand Parade, and more.
How Do I Sign Up for Lilac Walking Tours?
Registration is not required for walking tours or planting sessions with our lilac expert. Meet at the designated spot and join the walk and talk as you make your way through Marquette Park and some downtown areas.
Where Can I See the Lilacs?
Lilacs are abundant and in a variety of locations on Mackinac Island. The biggest concentration is in Marquette Park. Some of the oldest lilacs are in front of Harbour View Inn. Be sure to check out the twisted lilac trunks along the boardwalk from Windermere Point to Mackinac Island Public School.
Will it Be Super Busy on the Island Because of the Festival?
Yes and no. The Lilac Festival isn’t a typical “festival” with wristbands, tickets, and a sectioned off area. The lilacs really do the talking. Since it is such a beautiful time to see the unique lilacs, the festival has gotten busier over the years, especially the second weekend that features the Grand Parade. You won’t be shoulder to shoulder with visitors, but if you are looking to spend the night, be sure to book early.
Find more answers to frequently asked questions about the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival.
