Photo: Jeff Marcero ~ WJR
TRAVERSE CITY, MI, June 30, 2025 ~ The streets of downtown Traverse City are once again filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of summer as the 99th National Cherry Festival gets underway.
Running through July 5, the annual event draws hundreds of thousands of visitors to the region, celebrating the area’s deep agricultural roots and its signature crop: the cherry.
What began in 1925 as a modest “Blessing of the Blossoms” has grown into an eight-day festival featuring more than 100 events, ranging from air shows and parades to pie-eating contests and live music.
According to organizers, about 85% of the events are free to attend.
“Our goal is to keep the charm while maintaining vibrancy and resilience,” said Brenda McClellan, vice president of investor engagement at Traverse Connect, in a recent interview with WJR’s “‘All Talk with Kevin Dietz.” “We’re working to attract and retain talent and to advocate for the region.”
PODCAST:
June 29, 2025 ~ The 99th National Cherry Festival is in full swing! Our own Dave Lorenz is there to capture the excitement from Hotel Indigo, perched along the breezy bayside in Downtown Traverse City. Learn why this beloved celebration of Michigan’s agricultural roots and lakeside lifestyle continues to draw visitors from across the country. Guests on this edition include Traverse City Tourism’s Trevor Tkach, Hotel Indigo’s Rob Bruning, TC Whiskey’s Chris Fredrickson, and Cherry Capital Airport’s Kevin Kline.
(CONTINUED) The festival’s main hub is the Open Space Park, located along the waterfront near Clinch Park Marina. From there, visitors can explore a mix of carnival rides, food vendors, and artisan booths, all within walking distance of downtown businesses and restaurants.
The Cherry Festival is as much a community tradition as it is a tourist attraction. Local farms and markets offer cherry-picking opportunities throughout the week, while Downtown Traverse City hosts sidewalk sales and pop-up events that reflect the city’s small-town character.
VIDEO:
Cherries, cherries and more cherries! Learn more about the history of Traverse City‘s iconic fruit and its very popular National Cherry Festival.
(CONTINUED) Events like the Kids Pet Show, Ultimate Air Dogs, and the Cherry Royale Parade offer family-friendly entertainment, while evening concerts and fireworks bring crowds to the bayfront after dark.
While the festival includes pet-themed events, most venues do not allow animals unless they are service animals. Parking can be limited near the Open Space, so visitors are encouraged to use shuttle services or park-and-ride options when available.
The festival is primarily located at the Open Space, adjacent to Clinch Park Marina. This location is within walking distance of downtown, which will also be sprinkled with events throughout the festival.
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