Photo by Justin DoCanto on Unsplash.com

Mackinac Island's Annual Lilac Festival

June 2027

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 2026:

Daily

  • 10am-5:30pm – Free Art Exhibition at the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum- 7070 Main St.
  • 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.
  • 1pm – Walking Tour: Fort Mackinac– 7127 Huron Rd.; Special Lilac Festival Program.
  • 4pm – Lilac Walking Tour with the Mackinac Island Grounds Team. Learn about lilacs and how the team provides seasonal and daily beauty for visitors. Meet at Mission Point Resort’s Main Lobby. Free event.
  • Evenings – Night Life on Mackinac Island- Live music, island cocktails, and more.

Friday

  • 9:30-10:30am – Free Walking Tour: Lilacs & Warblers Birding Adventure at Marquette Park- 7200 Huron St.
  • 12-4:30pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Nancy Coco, author of the Mackinac Candy-Coated Mysteries Series 
  • 1:30-3pm – Artist Reception for Lilac Festival Poster Contestants at the Center for the Arts Theatre lobby at Mission Point. Free.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – On Island Time Afternoon Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5-6pm Lilac Festival Queen Coronation and Poster Celebration at Marquette Park. Free.
  • 5:30-7pm – “Lovely Lilacs” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 7:30-9pm – “Biking with Lilacs” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Wixie on the Rocks at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Saturday

  • 9:30am – 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.
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:45am – Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bridge Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Emily Kenyon. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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 “Smart Gardening Program” at Marquette Park. Free event.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – On Island Time Afternoon Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Will Springsteen. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church- 6837 Main St. Free event.
  • 5pm – Michigan Craft Beer Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Will Springsteen. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 6-7:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 6-8:30pm – “Stitching Lilacs” Embroidery Workshop at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 6:30-8:30pm – Street Dance with the West Michigan Bootscooters. Located on Market St. between Fort St. and Astor St. Free event.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Wixie on the Rocks at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Will Springsteen. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 9-11:30pm – Movie Screening: 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

  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:45am – Easy Like Sunday Mornin’ Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring music by DJ Mike Williford. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11am-2pm – Vintage Bicycle Rally on the Rock. Meet at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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.
  • 12-2pm – Free Michigan Jam Tasting featuring The Yooper Sisters Jam at Little Luxuries- 7372 Main St.
  • 12-3pm – MSU Master Gardener “Smart Gardening Program” at Marquette Park. Free event.
  • 1pm – Free Hymn Sing at Little Stone Church- 1590 Cadotte Ave.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Linda Hughes, author of the Secrets Trilogy 
  • 1-4pm – Lord of the Gourd: Watermelon Carving Demonstration at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Free event.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 6-8pm – “St. Anne’s Church” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 6-8pm – Lilac Festival Puzzle Challenge at Community Hall- 7358 Market St. Fastest teams to complete the puzzle wins prizes! Free event, limited space, 6 people per team, click here to sign up.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Melissa Wickson. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Monday

  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Cynthia Birk, author of the Finding Lilacs 
  • 1-4pm – Lord of the Gourd: Watermelon Carving Demonstration at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Free event.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Mary Bowen. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 6-8pm – “Biking with Lilacs” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Mark Bowen. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Tuesday

  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:30-11am – Meet & Greet with Michigan Watercolor Artist Emily Frushour at Little Luxuries. Free event.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Patti Eddington, author of the Don’t Look in the Freezer
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Chris Calleja. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Walking Tour: Creating the Village of Mackinac Island at Windemere Point.

Wednesday

  • 10am-4:30pm – Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at Flagship- 1511 Astor St. Free Festival Flag (while supplies last).
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:30am-12pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Jim Balone, author of Zombie Seagulls 
  • 2pm – History Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – Mackinac Island Great Turtle History Cruise on Sip ‘n Sail Cruises with Phil Porter. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Emily Kenyon. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5:30-6:30pm – Walking Tour: Mackinac in the 1830’s at the Richard & Jane Manoogian Art Museum. Free.
  • 7-8pm – Open House: Artist-in-Residence Program. Station 256 Conference Room above the State Park Visitor Center- 7200 Lake Shore Dr. Free event.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Emily Kenyon. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Thursday

  • 10am-4:30pm – Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at Flagship- 1511 Astor St. Free Festival Flag (while supplies last).
  • 10am-7pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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 “Smart Gardening Program” at Marquette Park. Free event.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – On Island Time Afternoon Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Paul Bedour. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 3-5pm – Michigan Beer Sampling with Cheboygan Brewing Co. at Little Luxuries. Free event.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Paul Bedour. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5:30-6:30pm –  Free Walking Tour Mackinaw Mission at the Richard & Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
  • 6-7:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 6-8pm – “St. Anne’s Church” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Gabi June at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Paul Bedour. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Friday

  • 10am – Hands on Floral Design by Sweetwater Floral at Mission Point Resort. Cost is $130 per person.
  • 10am-4:30pm – Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at Flagship- 1511 Astor St. Free Festival Flag (while supplies last).
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11:30am – 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 “Smart Gardening Program” at Marquette Park. Free event.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – On Island Time Afternoon Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 2pm – Joel’s Jurassic Magic Show at the Mackinac Island Public Library- 903 Huron St. Free event.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5:30-7pm – “Lovely Lilacs” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 6-7:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 6:30pm – Concert in Marquette Park featuring Peter Mayer
  • 7:30-9pm – “Biking with Lilacs” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Sam Van Wagoner at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Gabi June. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Saturday

  • 10am-4:30pm – Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at Flagship- 1511 Astor St. Free Festival Flag (while supplies last).
  • 10:30am-4:30pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:45am – Bloody Mary & Mimosa Bridge Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Emily Kenyon. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 11am-5pm- Michigan Cornhole Tournament at Windermere Point. 
  • 11:30am – 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 “Smart Gardening Program” at Marquette Park. Free event.
  • 2pm – Live performance featuring Brian Vander Ark, lead singer of The Verve Pipe in the back yard of Cannonball Oasis- 7641 British Landing Rd. Free admission.
  • 2pm – Shaken & Stirred: Lilac Libations at Mission Point Resort’s Lilac Lounge. Event includes multple tastings, tips on technique & presentation, and recipe cards to take home. Cost is $45 per person.
  • 2pm – On Island Time Afternoon Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Emily Kenyon. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 2-4pm – Book Signing at Island Books: Jim Bolone, author of Zombie Seagulls And 13 Other Bite-Sized Nightmares
  • 2-4pm – Meet & Greet with local artist Natalia Wolhetz at Little Luxuries. Free event.
  • 3-4pm – Seminar: Lilac Planting, Pruning, & Propagation at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Free event.
  • 6-7:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 6-8:30pm – “Stitching Lilacs” Embroidery Workshop at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8-11pm – Live music featuring Sam Van Wagoner at Mary’s Bistro Draught House- 7463 Main St.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring music by DJ Mike Williford. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Sunday

  • 10am-2pm – Permanent Jewelry Pop-Up at Flagship- 1511 Astor St. Free USA Flag (while supplies last).
  • 10:30am-1pm – Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point on Lake Shore Rd. Free.
  • 10:45am – Easy Like Sunday Mornin’ Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring music by DJ Mike Williford. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 11am-12:30pm – Free Walking Tour: All About the Lilacs at Marquette Park.
  • 1:30-4pm – Free Grand Parade Pre-Party at Marquette Park.
  • 1-3pm – Book Signing at Island Books: local author Jennifer Wolhetz
  • 4-5:30pm – Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Parade down Main St.
  • 5pm – It’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Cruise with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Brian Thomas. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.
  • 5:30pm – Lilac Festival Raffle Drawing Downtown.
  • 6-8pm – “St. Anne’s Church” Watercolor Class at Watercolor Cafe- 6939 Main St. Space is limited and fees apply. Purchase tickets at watercolormackinac.com.
  • 8:30pm – Sip ‘n Sail at Sunset with Sip ‘N Sail Cruises. Featuring live music by Brian Thomas. Visit sipnsailcruises.com for tickets.

Stay tuned for information on the 2027 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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