Celebrate spring in Northern Michigan with Mother’s Day brunches, farmers markets, wine tours, and the re-introduction of outdoor festivals for everything from mushrooms to beer. Explore these May 2022 events Up North and grab your tickets now.

Rosé All May // Leelanau Peninsula // May 1-31

May is Michigan Wine Month! Join the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail for a month-long tour around the Leelanau Peninsula, featuring rosé from over 20 area wineries.

Wine and a glass that says rose all may.

Photo by Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Brass Band Concert // St. Ignace // May 1

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Northern Michigan Brass Band will return to Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula at the United Methodist Church in St. Ignace.

Mother-Daughter Night Out // Kingsley // May 4

It’s time to spoil mom! Celebrate Mother’s Day with Olds Floral & Design by creating a beautiful carnation table arrangement together.

LUNGS: A Play Reading // Traverse City // May 5

Presented by Parallel 45 Theatre, “Lungs” is a smart and funny drama that follows a couple through the surprising lifecycle of their relationship, as they grapple with questions of family, change, hope and betrayal.

Chicago // Traverse City // May 5

Opening night of “Chicago” at Traverse City’s Old Town Playhouse will be utterly irresistible, so don’t miss it.

Art Walk // Traverse City // May 6

Traverse City’s Downtown Art Walk is a can’t-miss community event, running from 4 to 7 p.m. while various stunning displays will be featured at participating businesses.

Live Music at Encore 201 // Traverse City // May 6, 7, 12, 14, 27 & 28

Add some live music to your night out in downtown Traverse City with Encore 201’s concert series. This May, popular bands like Drew Hale, the Charlie Millard Band and more will hit the stage.

Mother’s Day Brunch // Suttons Bay // May 7

Pamper mom with a trip to Black Star Farms. Enjoy an incredible culinary spread provided by Estate Chef John Worjnarski.

Guided Wildflower Hike // Empire // May 7, 14, 21 & 28

Together with your guide, explore different wildflower habitats in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. During your hike, you will hear about early bloomers, woods and wildlife.

Pink Northern Michigan spring flowers

Photo by Sleeping Bear Dunes Tours

Mother’s Day at Old Mission Flowers // Traverse City // May 8

Celebrate Mother’s Day with a bouquet of daffodils fresh-picked for mom at Old Mission Flowers.

National Morel Mushroom Festival // Boyne City // May 12, 13, 14 & 15

It’s that time of the year! Get ready for Boyne City’s National Morel Mushroom Festival, returning this year with special morel-inspired recipes, live entertainment, a carnival, craft show and more.

Michael Clem House Concert // Cadillac // May 14

At this Cadillac house concert, enjoy an exclusive show by Michael Clem, who has been playing bass, singing and writing songs for the national tour act he co-founded, Eddie from Ohio, for nearly 30 years.

Fort2Fort 5 Mile Challenge // Mackinac Island // May 14

Join the Fort2Fort 5 Mile Challenge at Mackinac Island, starting with a blast of rifles at Fort Mackinac, then taking a winding route up to Fort holmes–the highest point on the island.

‘Nunsense’ A Musical Comedy // Curtis // May 18, 19 & 20

Coming to the Pine Performance Center at the Erickson Center for the Arts, Nunsense is a zany comedy and stunning performance by local actors. Make a trip to this Upper Peninsula show!

The Barry Ross Trio // Williamsburg // May 18

Join crossover violinist, Barry Ross, acclaimed jazz pianist Terry Lower, and renowned vocalist Lana Hoffman, in “The Great American Songbook and All That Jazz.” The Barry Ross Trio will delight your senses and evoke unblemished memories.

GARY: A Play Reading // Traverse City // May 19

Presented alongside Taylor Mac, a non-binary playwright, actor, singer-songwriter, performance artist, director and producer, Parallel 45 Theatre will host a play reading of GARY, A Sequel to Titus Andronicus at the Cathedral Barn.

A 1950s Murder Mystery Dinner // Gaylord // May 21

Hosted by Otsego Resort, enjoy this 1950s prom murder mystery event. Get your puffy sleeved prom gowns and tuxedos ready, there’s a case to solve. (Cocktail hour included!)

An Evening of Art: A Roaring ‘20s Event // Maple City // May 21

Join Leelanau Montessori Forever Foundation at Nature for an evening of fun, food, auctions and dancing, all for a good cause. Roaring ‘20s attire is strongly encouraged but not required. All money raised supports the Leelanau Montessori Public School Academy.

Farmers Market // Harbor Springs // May 28

Nothing’s better than fresh produce and flowers. Head to the Harbor Springs Farmers Market, which opens for the season on the corner of State and Main.

Photo by Harbor Springs Farmers Market

Michigan Beer and Brat Festival // Thompsonville // May 28

The 15th annual Michigan Beer and Brat Festival at Crystal Mountain features a wide selection of Michigan microbrews, meads, hard ciders, wine and of course, gourmet brats.

Bayshore Marathon // Traverse City // May 28

Get your running shoes ready! The Bayshore Marathon, Half Marathon and 10K has become a Memorial Day Weekend tradition for running enthusiasts who want to see the beauty of Grand Traverse County.

Photo(s) by Harbor Springs Farmers Market