Get outside and enjoy the summer weather with these iconic events in Frankenmuth, Michigan!

Dog Bowl and Balloons Over Bavarian Inn | May

Don’t miss the unofficial kick off to the summer at the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl and Balloons Over Bavarian Inn Memorial Day weekend. It’s a great weekend of free family fun! Dog Bowl is a high energy event that showcases dogs running, jumping, diving, and retrieving! Located in Frankenmuth River Place Shops. Lots of great events: Best Costume Contest, 50 yard Doggie Fun Run, Disc Dog Competitions, Wiener Dog Races, Pet Retail Vendors, Dog Bowl King and Queen, Dog Breeds of the World Show, Annual Canine Cruise of the Bavarian Belle River Boat, & DockDogs Competition. Then check out the hot air balloon event. Balloonists compete in morning and evening flights as they float over Frankenmuth. Experience the Village of Balloons at night with the Balloon Glow! Watch 15+ tethered balloons inflate, then interact with the pilots & crew.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival | June

Time to grab your steins and lederhosen because The Bavarian Festival comes to Frankenmuth every summer! In early June, Downtown Frankenmuth is taken over by even more Bavarian culture than usual. Fun activities such as live music, a maypole rising ceremony, and Bavarian parade make this a weekend to remember. Of course there is delicious food and beer, and other unique events such as an Instagram Scavenger Hunt and the Fest Olympics. Age old traditions, and new activities take place each year including the crowning of the Bavarian Princess!

📷: @winterpomsky

Concerts in the Park | June – August

Music of the past and the present are performed outdoors for live free concerts in Frankenmuth. Enjoy hits from Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, or Tim McGraw on any given weekend to add to your Frankenmuth experience. These concerts are held under the pavilion in Palmer Schau Platz in beautiful Memorial Park. Consider bringing your own chairs to this fun in the sun event, but rest assured there is a full service concessions stand at every performance!

Keepsake Collection Arts & Crafts Show | June – September

These amazing juried art shows take place on various weekends throughout the summer at Zehnder’s Park in Frankenmuth. The event is held by Keepsake Collection Shows, an organization dedicated to providing merchant opportunities for makers and artists to sell handmade goods. Here you will find artfully made furniture, decorations, jewelry, toys, and more! Plus, our very own Zehnder’s hosts a food tent every year. YUM!

Friday FUN Nights | Every Friday During Summer

Musicians, artists, entertainers, and magicians are just some of the delightful sights to be seen during Friday FUN Nights. Every Friday during the summer, Downtown Frankenmuth is taken over by fun activities for the entire family. Consider bringing a some extra cash so you can tip performers and keep this tradition alive!

Volksläufe (The People’s Race) & Fireworks | July

Get ready to race on July 4! The Volksläufe, German for “The People’s Race”, is held annually in celebration of family, friendship, and fitness! The race’s certified 5k, 10k, and 20k courses begin and end in beautiful Heritage Park.

Antique Fire Muster | July

Gather the entire family for the Antique Firetruck Muster in Heritage Park. Complete with vintage and contemporary fire engines, this event is fun in the sun and full of educational opportunities for kids and adults. Don’t miss the parade through Downtown on the Saturday during the event!

Frankenmudder| July

Support the Michigan’s Military & Space Heroes Museum and experience a 5K unlike any other. The Frankenmudder features 18 obstacles to challenge the mind, body, and warrior spirit. From climbing over a genuine USA tank, to flipping a tractor tire, and trucking through the muddy trails – you are sure to burn more than a few calories, and have lots of fun. Gather your team, and get training today!

Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest | August

This festive event dates back to 1977, and the tunes keep coming! Enjoy live music in Polish, German and Slovenian styles. Enjoy delicious food and beer along with the exciting music to keep you dancing all through the night. Admission ranges between $18-$20.

Frankenmuth Auto Fest | September

Celebrate the end of summer with one last major event. The Frankenmuth Auto Fest attracts over 2,500 classic cars, street rods, and muscle cars. This event always takes place the weekend after Labor Day and features a giant block party and live music. Enjoy the outdoors, and rev those engines while you can!

About the Author

Frankenmuth CVB

The Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau is a destination marketing organization, promoting tourism to Michigan's Little Bavaria.