2022 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: Everything you need to know

Paula Wethington, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
The 10-day Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island begins June 7. Courtesy photo
The 10-day Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island begins June 7. Courtesy photo

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is the largest and oldest community festival on the site of one of Michigan’s most-loved tourist destinations.

When is the 2022 Lilac Festival?

The 2022 festival dates are June 3-12 with the theme of “Flower Power: Peace, Love, Lilacs.”

2022 Lilac Festival schedule

Festivalgoers have several events to look forward to.

Highlights include the Lilac Queen Coronation on June 3; a 10K run/walk on June 4; and the Lilac Festival Parade returns this year with the procession taking place June 12.

Other scheduled events include nature and birding tours, floral design and jewelry making workshops, artist demonstrations, beer sampling, lilac-inspired food and drinks at island businesses, outdoor movies, street dances, cornhole tournament and live music.

You can also participate in walking tours or planting sessions with lilac expert Jeff Young at designated areas.

View the full schedule of events here.

More: These 8 quintessential Michigan festivals are well worth the trip

Every year, Mackinac Island hosts its Lilac Festival, to celebrate the flower that has become the favorite of many.
Every year, Mackinac Island hosts its Lilac Festival, to celebrate the flower that has become the favorite of many.

What else to know

You can learn how and why lilacs became part of the Mackinac Island landscape in the newly published book, “Lilacs: A Fortnight of Fragrance.” Proceeds from the book will benefit the island’s Lilac Preservation Fund.

Mackinac Island’s tourist season is from late April through October; and 2021 was exceptionally busy with first-time visitors seeking new vacation options during pandemic travel restrictions.

Transportation to the island this time of year is typically by ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, with parking lots available on the mainland. There are no cars allowed on Mackinac Island; residents and visitors get around by horses, bicycles or walking.

Michigan’s first state park was established on the island in 1895 and the island’s Grand Hotel was featured in the popular 1980 film “Somewhere in Time.”

More: Mackinac Island tourism 'absolutely crazy,' sets revenue record in 2021

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2022 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival: What you need to know