The beloved and spear-ited annual Empire Asparagus Festival is back May 18–20! This classic Northern Michigan event celebrates good eats, groovy beats, and community feats.

This episode is sponsored by Artichoke Creative.

The Empire Asparagus Festival returns for its 15th delectable year with asparagus themed events and entertainment planned for all three days. Friday night will kick off the festival with a block party featuring live music from Jack Pine and an old-fashioned Great Lakes fish boil in addition to the usual pig roast. Entrance to the festival is $5, children under 16 get in free, and tickets are available online now on MyNorthTickets.com.

You’ll work up an appetite Saturday morning running the Kick Yer Ass-paragus 5K, then head downtown for the rest of the festivities. All runners will receive free entry to the festival, a free drink ticket, and a customized T-shirt—just show your bib number!

The big tent on Front Street will be open all day Saturday, from noon to 10 p.m., featuring a children’s soda bar sponsored by Northwoods Soda until 5 p.m. Sunday morning join the Leelanau County Zonta Club at the Empire Township Hall for an asparagus and eggs brunch to cap off the weekend.

This year, the festival is once again partnering with Bay Area Recycling for Charities to be a Zero Waste certified event.

Get your tickets on MyNorthTickets.com where you’ll also find the full schedule of events!


Make these delicious asparagus recipes at home!