From flying pancakes to savory BBQ, these National Cherry Festival food events have every taste bud covered. Don’t forget to support local farmers and vendors by visiting one of the week’s many farmers markets. The National Cherry Festival runs from June 29–July 6.


Farmer’s Market Brunch

June 29 – July 6, 8 a.m.–noon
This year TWO Taste the Local Difference vendors will be setting up shop to provide you with an amazing Farmers Market Brunch – Bubbies Bagels & Rad.ish Vegan Street Food.

Sara Hardy Farmer’s Market

June 30, July 3 & July 6, 7:30 a.m.–noon
This farmer’s market is THE best place to discover locally grown agricultural products. Find everything from produce and baked goods to flowers and plants. The first 100 people to arrive at the market on festival days will get $5 toward their farmer’s market purchase.

Very Cherry Flying Pancake Breakfast

June 29, 8–11 a.m.
Support a good cause and enjoy a flipping good time as Chris Cake’s pancakes soar through the air in support of the Kevin Copeland Memorial Scholarship. Top your cakes with Herkner’s Cherry Topping & Out of the Woods Maple Syrup at this event sponsored by Molon Excavating.

Cherry Farmer’s Market at Festival Open Space

June 29–July 6, 10 a.m.–11 p.m.
This is the event for the cherry obsessed! Stop by this daily market for the best cherries from local farmers and vendors.

Flight Deck

June 29 & June 30, 12:30–4 p.m.
This year the National Cherry Festival, “Flight Deck” will give Festival Premium viewing as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds take to the skies! Enjoy a picnic-style lunch while watching the airshow over the bay. Menu includes brats, hot-dogs, chips and Pepsi! Flight Deck is located at the Open Space Park.

Indigo View Air Show

June 29 -30
You are invited to attend our exclusive Indigo View Air Show. This Air Show event sets itself apart from any other in National Cherry Festival history. Uniquely tailored to the features of Traverse City, immerse yourself in Hotel Indigo’s inviting upscale atmosphere. Overlooking the Grand Traverse West Bay, Hotel Indigo’s swank rooftop is where you will enjoy the magnificent airshow while indulging in the most scrumptious sips and bites that you will taste all summer. Menu to be announced. Two beverage tickets are included with your meal. You will not want to miss this event!

Blues, Brews & BBQ

June 29, 1–4 p.m.
Kick off the 93rd annual National Cherry Festival with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, micro-brews, as well as the finest BBQ around!Watch the Thunderbirds as they soar high over West Grand Traverse Bay, all while sipping on a cold brew and enjoying some savory BBQ! It will be an opening event that everyone will want to attend!

Great American Picnic

June 30, 12:45–4 p.m.
Join us Sunday, June 30 for the ultimate Great American Picnic. Watch the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as they perform over West Grand Traverse Bay enjoying cherry inspired picnic food. Not only will there be excellent food, there will be outdoor games and fun for the whole family!

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