Passing through August 22-24

Question

Wondering if there are any 'big events' in Michigan around these days that I should either plan on going to, or "avoiding the area"! (For example, I wouldn't want to venture near Brooklyn on a NASCAR weekend, but may make a quick driveby of the speedway on an 'off' weekend).

I'll be at the start of a long roadtrip, leaving Cleveland in the afternoon (most likely on the 22nd), with an overnight around Saginaw, then the next day over to the Lake Michigan coast (Tunnel of Trees, Sturgeon Bay Beach for quick photos), then across the bridge and up to Sault Ste Marie for the overnight (most likely).

Answer

Your road trip through Michigan sounds exciting! Regarding big events around August 22-24, Michigan has quite a few annual festivals, fairs, and activities that may either be worth attending or something to plan around, depending on your interests. I'll share a few notable events during that time period that you may want to consider when planning your route, as well as suggestions for areas that could get busy due to large gatherings.

1. Michigan International Speedway (Brooklyn, MI) - NASCAR Weekend (August 22-24)

If you're planning to pass anywhere near Brooklyn, MI, it's worth noting that Michigan International Speedway hosts the NASCAR Cup Series and other races around that time. This event attracts large crowds, so the area will likely be busy with race fans.
If you're not a NASCAR fan, it may be best to avoid the area around the weekend, especially on race day (August 23). However, if you're just passing by on the outskirts, a quick drive-by should be fine.

2. Michigan Renaissance Festival (Near Detroit, MI - August 22-24)

Located in Holly, Michigan (about 30 miles north of Detroit), this festival is a popular event for families and visitors of all ages. It runs for several weekends, including August 22-24. The festival features jousting, food, crafts, music, and a variety of Renaissance-themed activities. If you enjoy medieval-themed festivals, this could be an excellent stop. It can get quite busy, but it’s a fun and unique experience.

3. Great Lakes Environmental Festival (August 22-24 - Detroit area)

This event in Detroit celebrates environmental sustainability with various eco-friendly exhibits, speakers, and activities. If you're interested in environmental issues and sustainability, it could be a fun and educational stop.

4. Cherry Festival (Traverse City, MI - August 22-24)

Though Traverse City’s famous Cherry Festival is earlier in the summer (usually in July), the town still has several events around late August, including local farmers' markets and arts festivals. If you're driving through the area, it may be busier than usual, but not overwhelmingly so.

5. West Michigan Whitecaps Baseball (Grand Rapids, MI)

The West Michigan Whitecaps, a minor league baseball team in Grand Rapids, will likely have home games on August 22-24. If you're a baseball fan and passing through Grand Rapids, this could be a fun way to spend a few hours. The games tend to be less crowded than major league events, so it’s a more relaxed atmosphere.

Other Considerations

Saginaw: Saginaw itself may not have any huge events during this time, but if you're overnighting there, check out the local attractions such as the Saginaw Art Museum or Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge.
Tunnel of Trees (M-119): This beautiful scenic drive will definitely be peaceful, and though the area may get some tourists, it's not typically crowded, especially in late August before fall foliage peaks.
Sturgeon Bay Beach: You’ll likely find this beach area relatively calm for a quick stop for photos. However, since it’s close to Lake Michigan, it could get a bit busier on a summer weekend. Still, it’s generally not as crowded as some of the more popular tourist beaches.
Sault Ste. Marie: The city is pretty quiet, especially for a road trip stop. It’s a nice place to relax at the end of your trip, and it’s generally not impacted by large events in late August.

Tips for Your Route:

Check the event calendars of the cities you'll be passing through, as smaller local festivals or fairs may also pop up unexpectedly.
If you prefer to avoid traffic or larger crowds, plan to bypass Detroit during peak times (especially on August 22 when the NASCAR event is happening). Saginaw, St. Joseph, and other towns in between could offer more relaxed experiences.
Use a traffic app like Google Maps to get real-time information on road conditions and any events that may be affecting your route.

Overall, your trip looks well-planned, and the Michigan International Speedway NASCAR event is the biggest concern if you're not interested in racing. Aside from that, you should be able to enjoy a nice, relaxed journey with beautiful scenic stops. Safe travels and enjoy your road trip!

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