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June 16, 2023 at 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
This year marks the 75th Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival! It is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. It’s 10 days celebrating the lilacs and their uniqueness and history to 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!
Daily Events
Times Vary: FREE Family Fun Playground at Windermere Point. Bounce houses on weekends. 15-foot customized coloring mural for the entire event.
Times Vary: Kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling excursions with Great Turtle Kayak Tours. Visit their website for pricing and schedule.
Times Vary: Morning, Historic, and Sunset cruises with Sip N’ Sail cruises. Visit their website for pricing and schedule.
9:00 am – 8:00 pm: Collection of all the Lilac Festival posters on display at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby. Free
9:00 am – 8:00 pm: The Top 20 posters from this year’s Lilac Festival Poster Contest on display at the Center for the Arts at the Mission Point Theatre lobby. Free
10:00 am – 8:00 pm: View local artists, Nicki Griffith and Pat Pulte, new works in the Murray Hotel Lower Gallery
Evenings: Downtown entertainment. Listen to live music and local musicians downtown Mackinac Island.
June 16th Daily Events
9:00 am – 4:00 pm: Fire the cannon at Fort Mackinac at 6:30 pm. Sign up for the drawing before 4:00 pm at the Tourism Booth on Main Street for a chance to fire the cannon!
10:00 am: Lilac Walking Tour with Lilac Docent, Anne Borowicz. Meet outside of the Post Office. Free event.
10:00 am – 5:00 pm: Family Fun Bounce House Playground at Windermere Point. Free event.
10:00 am – 5:30 pm: Complimentary admission to the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum.
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Meet Michigan handbag designer Jenna Kator at Little Luxuries for a chance to win a Jenna Kator handbag!
12:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Smart Gardener program for everyone and planting activity for kids at Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds Come and go, free event.
1:00 pm: Lilac Walking Tour with Lilac Docent, Anne Borowicz. Meet outside of the Post Office. Free event.
1:00 pm: Special Tour at Fort Mackinac following the cannon firing. Included with admission to Fort Mackinac.
1:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Meet the Author! Nancy Coco will sign her newest Mackinac based, candy coated mystery, Give Fudge a Chance. Free event at the Island Bookstore
3:00 pm: Lilac Planting Seminar with Lilac Docent, Anne Borowicz. Ste. Anne Catholic Church grounds. Free event.
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Music & Meditation with Pianist John Kissane at Ste. Anne Catholic Church. Free, come and go event, donations accepted. No applause please.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Market Street Art Walk. Galleries and shops on Market Street open for viewing. Free event.
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Mackinac Island Sky Watercolor Painting class at Watercolor Café. All supplies provided. Space is limited, register on their website ahead of time.
6:30 pm – 8:00 pm: Live music with Empty Canvas in Marquette Park! Enjoy this one-of-a-kind combination of art and music. Free event