Photo by Justin DoCanto on Unsplash.com

Mackinac Island's Annual Lilac Festival

June 2026

A celebration of lilacs takes place every June on Mackinac Island where this Northern Michigan destination features many varieties of gorgeous lilacs in a 10-day festival.

With dozens of varieties, some brought to the island before the Civil War, the lilacs are the stars of this spectacular celebration. Don’t miss the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival with 10 days of activities in a spectacular setting.

Here's what happened in 2025:

Daily

  • Times Vary – Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling excursions with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Visit mackinackayak.com for pricing and schedule.
  • Times Vary – Boat cruises with Sip ‘n Sail Cruises. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for more info.
  • Times Vary – Morning, Historic, and Sunset cruises with Sip N’ Sail cruises. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for pricing and schedule.
  • 10am-5:30pm – Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum- 7070 Main St.
  • 10am-8pm – View local artists, Nicki Griffith and Pat Pulte, new works in the Murray Hotel Lower Gallery- 7260 Main St.
  • Afternoons – Great Turtle Toys flying kites at Windermere Point (wind, weather, and staff permitting)
  • Evenings – Night Life on Mackinac Island- Live music, island cocktails, and more.

Friday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am – Open House: Art & Book Meet & Greet with Stacy Windahl, author of When the Season Ends | A Mackinac Island Novel at Island Books – 7372 Main St.
  • 12-4:30pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 12-5pm – Launch of the Pure Michigan & Ryba’s Fudge Summer Flavor at Ryba’s- 7314 Main St.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing: Stacy Windahl, author of When the Season Ends | A Mackinac Island Novel at Island Books.
  • 1:30-3pm – Artist Reception for Lilac Festival Poster Contestants at the Center for the Arts at Mission Point.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6pm Coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and unveiling of the Lilac Festival Poster at Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St. Free event.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 6:30-8:30pm – Lilac Vase Watercolor Vase at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Nick Vasquez at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.

Saturday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 9am-4pm – Sign-up to Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac at 6:30pm.  Sign up at the Tourism Booth on Main Street for a chance to fire the cannon. Age 13 and up.
  • 9:30am – Rolling start of the Lilac Festival 10K Run & Walk. Starts in front of Windermere Point and finishes in the Mackinac Island School Yard- 7846 Main St. Register at runmackinac.com.
  • 10-10:45am – Seminar: Grand Hotel History at on the Grand Hotel West Front Porch- 286 Grand Ave.
  • 10-11am – Garden Tour at the Grand Hotel.
  • 10-11:30am – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11am-2pm – Vintage Bicycle Rally on the Rock. Meet & Greet, Best of Show, Ride around the Island, and more. Meet at Marquette Park.
  • 11am-4:30pm – Annual Used Book Sale at the Mackinac Island Public Library- 903 Huron St. Cash only.
  • 11:45am – Lil Lilac Kids Run. Starts and ends at Mackinac Island Public School. Free event. Register at runmackinac.com.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 12:30-2pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour. Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1-3pm – Meet Michigan author Linda Hughes and get your signed copy of her book: “Lilac Island and Secrets of the Island” at Windemere Point.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 6-9pm – Live music featuring Gabi June at The Inn at Stonecliffe- 8593 Cudahy Circle.
  • 6:30-8:30pm – Line Dancing in the Street with West Michigan Bootscooters. Located on Market St. between Fort St. and Astor St. Free event.
  • 9-11:30pm – Movie in the Fort featuring Live at the Fort located in Fort Mackinac. Free admission to see The Wizard of Oz, bring a chair or blanket and your favorite snack.

Sunday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 10-11:30am – Walking Tour: Downtown Gardens.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11-12:30pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 3-4pm – Gelli Printing for Kids Class at Watercolor Cafe. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 6-8pm – Lilac Festival Puzzle Challenge at Community Hall- 7358 Market St. Fastest teams to complete the puzzle wins prizes! Limited space, 6 people per team, sign up at mackinacisland.org
  • 6-8pm – Stitching Lilacs & Embroidery Workshop at Watercolor Cafe. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Nick Vasquez at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.

Monday

  • 9:30-10:30am – Lilacs & Warblers Walk beginning at Marquette Park. 
  • 10-11am – Garden Tour at the Grand Hotel.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11-12:30pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1-3pm – Meet Michigan author Cynthia Burk and get your signed copy of her book: “Finding Lilacs” at the Island Book Store.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.

Tuesday

  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11-12:30pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 12:30-2:30pm –  Nature Tour with Trish Martin, starts at Bogan Lane Inn- 1420 Bogan Lane. Free event.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Walking Tour: Creating the Village of Mackinac Island on Historic Downtown Mackinac Market Street.

Wednesday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 9:30-11:30am – Michigan Governor’s Summer Residence Tour. Free, 15 minute guided tour.
  • 10-11:30am – Walking Tour: Downtown Gardens.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 11:30am-1pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – Somewhere in Time movie at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Free event by the Mackinac Arts Council.
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Walking Tour: Mackinac in the 1830’s beginning at the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
  • 6-7:30pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 7-8pm – Artist-in-Residence Program. Station 256 Conference Room above the State Park Visitor Center- 7200 Lake Shore Dr. Free event.

Thursday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 10-11:30am – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 4-5pm – Music & Meditation with Pianist John Kissane at Ste. Anne Catholic Church. Free, come and go event, donations accepted. No applause please.
  • 5-7pm – Mackinac: Our Famous Island movie at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Free event by the Mackinac Arts Council.
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Mackinaw Mission Walking Tour – This walking tour will discuss the rise, fall, and legacy of the Mackinaw Mission, and examine some of the physical reminders of the mission that remain today. The tour will begin in front of The Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum and will end at Mission Point Resort.
  • 6pm – This Time for Keeps movie at Mission Point Resort Theatre Free event by the Mackinac Arts Council.
  • 6:30-8pm – Live music featuring Laura Rain & The Ceasars at Marquette Park.

Friday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 9am-4pm – Sign-up to Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac at 6:30pm.  Sign up at the Tourism Booth on Main Street for a chance to fire the cannon. Age 13 and up.
  • 10-11am – Garden Tour at the Grand Hotel.
  • 10-11:30am – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 12:30-2pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1-3pm – Meet Michigan author Carrie Fancett Pagels and get your signed copy of her book: “Tandem Cottage” at Island Book Store.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 6-7pm – The History of Anishnaabek at the Straits in the Early 1800’s at the Biddle House- 7406 Market St.
  • 6-8pm – Lilac Vase Watercolor Vase at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.

Saturday

  • 9am-12pm – Lilac Wheel of Fortune at Sanders on Mackinac- 7330 Main St., Mackinac Island. Spin the wheel for your chance to
    win lilac treats or various discounts.
  • 9am-4pm – Sign-up to Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac at 6:30pm.  Sign up at the Tourism Booth on Main Street for a chance to fire the cannon. Age 13 and up.
  • 10-11am – Garden Tour at the Grand Hotel.
  • 10-11:30am – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 10-11:30am – Walking Tour: Downtown Gardens.
  • 10am-12pm – Grand Hotel Stables Tour
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11am-2pm – Drag Brunch at Community Hall-
    7358 Market St. Buy tickets at straightspride.org.
  • 11am-5pm- Michigan Cornhole Tournament at Windermere Point. Bags fly at 11:am. $10/player or $20/team.
  • 11:30am-12pm – Garden Tour at Island House Hotel (6966 Main St.) unveiling the rich history and timeless beauty of the Victorian-style gardens. Meet at the Island House Hotel front porch. Free event.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener Activities. Q&A, Resources, and Smart Gardener program information. Near Art Museum in Marquette Park. Come and go, free event.
  • 12:30-2pm – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1-3pm – Meet Michigan author Rita Mace Walston and get your signed copy of her book: “The Forager’s Chef” at Island Book Store.
  • 1-3pm – Open house at Grand Hotel Stables. Free event featuring the Hackney Horses.
  • 2-4pm – Pop-Up Shop: Mackinpaws at Little Luxuries- 7372 Main St.
  • 2-5pm – Live music featuring Jerry Sprague behind the Cannonball Oasis- 7641 British Landing Rd. Free Event.
  • 3-4pm – Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation Seminar at Ste. Anne Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 5-7pm – Lovely Lilacs Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 7-9pm – Live music featuring Bistro on the Greens at Mission Point Resort.

Sunday

  • 10-11:30am – Free Lilac Walking Tour, Meet a lilac docent behind the Art Museum, near the playground in Marquette Park. Free event, will move about 1 mile.
  • 10am-6pm – Lilac Festival Poster Exhibit at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby- One Lakeshore Dr. Free and open to the public.
  • 10:30am-1pm – Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free.
  • 11am-1pm – Book Signing with block print artist, Natalia Wohletz at Little Luxuries.
  • 1pm – Lilac-themed walking tour at Fort Mackinac- 7127 Huron Rd.
  • 1:30-4pm – Grand Parade Pre-Party in Marquette Park. Musical performances, face painting, henna, glitter tattoos, clowns, balloon animals, and more fun at Marquette Park. Free event before the parade.
  • 4-5:30pm – Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade beginning at Mission Point Resort and ending at Windermere Point.
  • 4-6pm – Mission Point Resort Garden Tour. Free event, register online at missionpoint.com.
  • 5-6:30pm – The McCartney Years at Mission Point Resort Theatre. Tickets are $27 each and may be purchased online at missionpoint.com or at the door.
  • 5:30pm – Raffle Ticket Party at Mary’s Bistro– 7463 Main St. Tickets are $100. First place is $3,000 and 2nd-8th place is $1,000 each. Drawing is at 6:30 pm. Need not be present to win.
  • 7-9pm – Live music featuring Bistro on the Greens at Mission Point Resort.

Stay tuned for information on the 2026 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival!

Experience Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island was originally a fort built to protect nearby territories, but now it is filled with beauty and lots of things to do. Read the stories below or go to the Mackinac Island destination page.

For more information on the Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, please contact the event organizer:

Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

7274 Main Street, Mackinac Island, MI 49757

(906) 847-3783

mackinacisland.org

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