20 must-see Michigan-made music festivals

WhateverFest
Tangent Gallery: 715 East Milwaukee St., Detroit
May 12. For the love of local bands. What started as a classic Detroit house show has grown into an annual event for supporting your favorite local bands at our favorite DIY venue the Tangent Gallery. Catch names like Mango Lane and Honeybabe during an entire day of live music, art, and food from local vendors.
Photo via Whatever Fest

Bled Fest
Hartland Performing Center: 9525 Highland Rd., Howell
May 26
A fest that only seems to get better each year. With a commitment to diversity they are bringing a collection of groups that satisfy the most ambitious rock n roller. Names like Remo Drive, Joyce Manor, and Mom Jeans grace the lineup with local acts like Mover Shaker, Dogleg, and Greet Death. Tickets are $35.
Photo via Facebook

Movement Electronic Music Festival Hart Plaza: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
May 26-28
Techno was born in Detroit. This festival is the time to show that off in the heart of the city. Artists like Claude Vonstroke and Diplo will hit that stage playing their electronica masterpieces for people from all over the country. A weekend pass runs $195 and single day $85.
Photo via MT File

Camp Greensky
Hoxeyville Festival Grounds: 11130 West 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston
May 31-June 2
A lineup of psychedelic folk rock with names like Greensky Bluegrass, Jeff Tweedy, and Trampled by Turtles all nestled in the Manistee National Forest. The family friendly venue holds a maximum capacity of 3,000 amongst hiking trails and a flowing river. If you want to get lost in Michigan's natural beauty grab your tent and a couple friends. Tickets start at $175.
Photo by Derek Ketchum

99.5 WYCD Hoedown
DTE Energy Music Theatre: 7774 Sashabaw Rd, Clarkston
June 1
This festival used to knock boots with downtown Detroit but has since relocated to a more rural setting. The 36th annual Hoedown will feature big names Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne and, LANCO. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Tickets start at $35.
Photo via Facebook

Riverscene Indie Music Festival
Wenonah Park: 111 Center Ave., Bay City
State Theatre: 913 Washington Ave., Bay City
June 1-3
This new festival will bring out indie artists from around the country and Canada to Bay City. The outdoor mainstage at Wenonah Park over looks the Saginaw River’s edge - a picturesque backdrop for a festival in the Tri-Cities. Weekend event passes are available for $45.
Photo via Facebook

Electric Forest
Electric Forest Entrance: 100 South Water Rd., Rothbury
June 21-24 and June 28 to July 1
Calling all trippers, twirlers, and railriders - Electric Forest is back with another stacked lineup of EDM and jam bands. Expanded to two weekends for the second year in the row, festival goers will be treated to sets from The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, and Griz Live Band during both weekends. General admission tickets for passes and camping start at $309.75.
Photo via Facebook

Electric Forest
Electric Forest Entrance: 100 South Water Rd., Rothbury
June 21-24 and June 28-July 1
Calling all trippers, twirlers, and railriders - Electric Forest is back with another stacked lineup of EDM and jam bands. Expanded to two weekends for the second year in the row, festival goers will be treated to sets from The String Cheese Incident, Bassnectar, and Griz Live Band during both weekends. General admission tickets for passes and camping start at $309.75.
Photo via Facebook

Three Stacks Music Festival
1100 block of S. Washington Ave., Lansing
June 23
Three Stacks is a newcomer to the Michigan festival scene. Thanks to Fusion Shows, Three Stacks will make its debut with heavy-hitters Against Me!, Pup, and Murder By Death top the list of hardcore performers for this one day event that will also feature local artists, crafters, and food vendors. Photo of Against Me! via Facebook

Common Ground Music Festival
Adado Riverfront Park: 300 North Grand Ave., Lansing
July 5-8
The festival runs not for profit but to give back to the community creating an impact of nearly $60 million so far! Big names like Halsey, Logic, Borns, Hunter Hayes, and T Pain grace the stage for a weekend you won’t forget.
Photo via Facebook

Vans Warped Tour
Meadowbrook Amphitheatre: 234 Festival Dr., Rochester
July 20
It’s the end of an era. OK — so Warped Tour is a national festival but it has a special place in our pop-punk hearts. In its 23rd year, Warped Tour makes its final round with a stacked lineup that includes The Used, Taking Back Sunday, Sum 41, Senses Fail, and more.
Photo via MT File

Corktown Strut
Downtown Detroit
This festival brings out the best in Detroit music, art, and food at venues centered around Corktown. Last year’s lineup featured Metro Times favorites like The Dropout, Double Winter, minihorse, and Prude Boys.
Photo via Facebook

Faster Horses Festival
Michigan International Speedway: 12626 U.S. Highway 12, Brooklyn
July 20-22
Country fans saddle up - Michigan’s three day festival for country music is back. Guests dressed in Daisy Dukes and cowboy boots will see a lineup featuring Blake Shelton, Brantley Gilbert, Brooks & Dunn, Florida Georgia Line, among others. Festival passes are available for $199 with camping passes sold separately.
Photo via MT File

Hiawatha Music Festival
Marquette Tourist Park: 2145 Sugar Loaf Ave., Marquette
July 20-22
The only one of it’s kind in the upper peninsula this festival encompasses traditional music like bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk – including singer/songwriters. Camp out, relax, and maybe take the climb up sugar loaf mountain for some amazing views. Weekend passes run $85 and camping $75.
Photo via Facebook

Mo Pop Festival
West Riverfront Park: 1801 West Jefferson, Detroit
July 28-29
Pop off and watch West Riverfront Park transform into a playground for music connasoures. There’s something for everyone with music across all genres, food trucks for all tastes, and even an arcade. Past performers include Solange, Tyler the Creator,Father John Misty and Iron and Wine. Notable 2018 headliners include Bon Iver, Portugal. the Man, and Vince Staples. Tickets are $125 but will max out at $145.
Photo by Anna Sink

Mo Pop Festival
West Riverfront Park: 1801 West Jefferson, Detroit
July 28-29
Pop off and watch West Riverfront Park transform into a playground for music connasoures. There’s something for everyone with music across all genres, food trucks for all tastes, and even an arcade. Past performers include Solange, Tyler the Creator,Father John Misty and Iron and Wine. Notable 2018 headliners include Bon Iver, Portugal. the Man, and Vince Staples. Tickets are $125 but will max out at $145.
Solange photo by Bre’Ann White

Hoxeyville
Hoxeyville Festival Grounds: 11130 West 48 1/2 Rd., Wellston
August 17-19
If you’re looking for a festival that comes with a peaceful woodsy getaway, Hoxeyville may be your destination. Festival grounds inside the Manistee National Forest will play host to a lineup full of roots and Americana music. Camping, mountain biking, and exploring the Pine River are all options during your time at Hoxeyville. Weekend admission for adults is $145.
Photo via Facebook

Detroit Jazz Festival
Hart Plaza: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
August 31-September 3
Keep it saxy! This is the jazz event to end all jazz events. The labor day weekend festival is always one to look forward to. Jazz legends come from all over the country to celebrate the beauty of booming brass instruments. Admission is free.
Photo via Facebook

Ford Arts, Beats, and Eats
Downtown Royal Oak
August 31-September 3
It’s all in the name - a juried fine arts show, music from over 200 performers on ten stages, and food from dozens of Metro Detroit eateries. Last year’s headlining performers included 311, Grand Funk Railroad, and George Clinton and the P-Funk All-stars. This year’s lineup is yet to to be announced.
Photo via Facebook

Dally In the Alley
Between Forest Ave. and Hancock St., 2nd Ave. and 3rd Ave., Detroit
September 8
Detroit’s annual festival for local music, food, and beer inside of a Cass Corridor neighborhood. No camping or entrance fees makes Dally a great day for roaming from stage to stage to discover your new favorite local artist or a relic of old school Detroit at one of Dally’s many street vendors. Stay tuned for an announcement of this year’s lineup.
Photo via Facebook