The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is a cherished annual event celebrating the island’s historic lilac blooms. It takes place from Friday, June 6, through Sunday, June 15. This 10-day celebration marks the beginning of summer on the island and features a variety of events and activities.
🌸 Festival Highlights
- Lilac Festival Queen Coronation: The festival kicks off with the coronation ceremony at 5 PM on Friday, June 6, held at Marquette Park.
- 10K Run/Walk: On Saturday, June 7, participants can join the 10K run/walk, starting at Windermere Point and finishing at the Mackinac Island School Yard.
- Horse-Drawn Grand Parade: The festival concludes with the grand parade at 4 PM on Sunday, June 15. Due to the island’s car-free policy, all floats are horse-drawn, making it one of the few remaining horse-drawn parades in the U.S.
- Daily Activities: Throughout the festival, visitors can enjoy lilac-themed walking tours, planting seminars, art exhibits, live music, and more.
🌿 Lilac Blooms
Mackinac Island is home to over 250 varieties of lilacs, some dating back more than 200 years. The lilacs typically bloom from mid-May through mid-June, with peak blooms often aligning with the festival dates.
🏨 Accommodations
The Inn at Stonecliffe offers the perfect home base for experiencing it all. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of downtown, The Inn at Stonecliffe is a historic retreat perched high above the island with sweeping views of the Straits of Mackinac. After a full day of exploring the island’s pastel-hued lilac-lined streets, guests can return to a peaceful sanctuary surrounded by nature.
