The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is returning for 2021. While the 73rd annual festival may be different than previous years, there are still plenty of activities for the whole family. Dive in to learn about the many events and what to expect at this year’s festival.
This is the official press release from Mackinac Island Tourism.
Celebrate Mackinac Island’s rich history and blooming lilacs during the 73rd Annual Lilac Festival, on June 4 to 13, 2021. This year’s festival will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual events with the health and safety of the Island community, employees and guests as the priority.
Festivities for the 10-day Lilac Festival include the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen, Court, and Princess, Lilac Festival poster reveal, daily walking tours and planting sessions with Lilac Expert Jeff Young, the Lilac Festival Run/Walk and the Michigan Cornhole Tournament. This year will also mark the release of Lilacs: A Fortnight of Fragrance on Mackinac Island, a new book written by lifelong Mackinac Island summer resident Sue Allen and master gardener Jeff “The Lilac Man” Young.
In addition to in-person programming on the island, lilac enthusiasts everywhere can enjoy virtual content through Mackinac Island Tourism’s social media channels including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Mackinac Island Tourism Executive Director Tim Hygh shares his insight on this year’s event on behalf of the event’s organizers and hosts: “We are so thrilled to safely welcome certain events back for the 2021 Lilac Festival—including the run/walk and, of course, Jeff Young’s treasured walking tours and planting sessions,” said Hygh. “One of the gifts of the 2020 season was the ability to provide outstanding Mackinac Island experiences to new and returning enthusiasts virtually from the comfort of their homes, and we plan to continue that through virtual programming this year. This hybrid model enables everyone to enjoy Mackinac Island’s rich traditions and history. Whether here in person or tuning in through social media, we’re eager to show off the island’s gorgeous lilacs this spring.”
Mackinac Lilac Festival Events
Coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen & Unveiling of Lilac Festival Poster
Friday, June 4 at 5 p.m. at Marquette Park
Lilac Run and Walk at Mission Point
Saturday, June 5 at 8-9:30 a.m. at Mission Point Resort
For more information and registration please visit the Run Mackinac website.
All events and more information on them can be found on the Mackinac Island events page.
Lil’ Lilac Kids’ Race
Saturday, June 5 at 11:15 a.m. at Mackinac Island Public School
Walking Lilac Tours with Jeff Young
June 5 to 13 – Times and Locations Vary
This year’s lilac tours and planting seminar with lilac expert Jeff Young will be ticketed with limited availability. Please call the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau office at 906-847-8088 to reserve your tickets. Self-guided walking tours will also be available for download.
Michigan Cornhole Tournament
Saturday, June 5 registration begins at 10 a.m. at Mission Point Resort
Learn more about the Michigan Cornhoulse Tournament.
