Mini golf, movies, festivals, and fireworks, oh my!

Summer is so close we can taste it! Here’s a rundown of family-friendly events, free festivals, fireworks, and more to enjoy this June, July and August all across greater Midland. 


Movies on Main

Consider yourself a movie buff? This free film series is for you! Movies on Main takes place at Ace Hardware (419 E. Main Street) on Thursday nights from 9 to 11 p.m. The series kicks off Thursday, June 6, with Top Gun: Maverick. Other cult classics,, including Remember the Titans, Happy Gilmore, The LEGO Batman Movie, and Dirty Dancing, will be shown weekly now until August. 

The Commons Live Music Series

Grab your comfy chair or your dancing shoes to enjoy free live music on Friday and Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. downtown through Sept. 28. Stone Street Revival kicks off the fun on Friday, June 7 followed by Leave Those Kids Alone on June 8. Each week, there are different genres of bands performing energetic shows throughout the series, set up on the Pedestrian Plaza Stage in the intersection of McDonald St. & Main St. 

Mini Golf on Main

Looking for a little friendly competition? Try out Mini Golf on Main, the 18-hole golf putt-putt golf course from June 20-30. Put on by the Midland Downtown Business Association, this unique course offers a free day of fun for families and couples of all ages. Pick up your equipment and scorecards at Joyful Tantrum, follow the map, and return the putters to Serendipity Road for a chance to win prizes. Mini Golf on Main is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fourth of July Festivities and Fireworks

‘Tis the season to light up the sky with red, white, and blue fireworks. Enjoy the free July 4th City of Midland Fireworks from Main Street at 10:05 p.m. 

The Sanford Lake Association hosts the July 4 fireworks at Sanford County Park from 4 p.m. to midnight. Enjoy food vendors, recreational activities, live entertainment and more at this free event. 

Tailgates N’ Tallboys Music Festival

Who says you have to make a long drive to catch an outdoor music festival? Head on down to the Midland County Fairgrounds for the Tailgate N’ Tallboys Michigan on July 26-27. The lineup includes Jelly Roll, Quinn XCII, Jessie Murph, Warren Zeiders, Matt Hansen, Alexandra Kay, Tucker Wetmore, Lakeview, Hueston, and DJ Cliffy D.

Midland Area River Days Festival

Enjoy a local favorite event from Aug. 1-4 with the Midland Area River Days Festival. As in years past, there will likely be even more free fun, axe throwing, live music, hot air balloons, food and drinks, art and makers, fireworks, and more. 

Midland County Fair

Nothing says summertime like the fair: rides and games, deep-fried food, and animals. Enjoy the 86th annual Midland County Fair, Aug. 11-17, at the fairgrounds. Plenty of grandstand events, midway entertainment and rides, food vendors, competitions, and more await. 

Great Lakes Beer Festival at Dow Diamond

The frothy festival makes a return to Dow Diamond on Saturday, Aug. 17, from 2 to 7 p.m. This year marks the third year of the 21+ Great Lakes Beer Festival, featuring some of the region’s best beer, food, and live music. More than 70 breweries, distilleries, cideries, and meaderies will be on tap, highlighting Michigan’s craft beverage scene.
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Read more articles by Sarah Spohn.

Sarah Spohn is a Lansing native, but every day finds a new interesting person, place, or thing in towns all over Michigan, leaving her truly smitten with the mitten. She received her degrees in journalism and professional communications and provides coverage for various publications locally, regionally, and nationally — writing stories on small businesses, arts and culture, dining, community, and anything Michigan-made. You can find her in a record shop, a local concert, or eating one too many desserts at a bakery. If by chance, she’s not at any of those places, you can contact her at sarahspohn.news@gmail.com.