Schedule:
Cherry Golf Scramble - 8:30 AM
Grand Traverse Resort and Spa
Great golf at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa, one of the Midwest’s top resorts. This is a two-person, 18-hole scramble on Spruce Run, the original Resort course. Shotgun start, 8:30 a.m. Prizes awarded.
Kids Sand Sculpture Contest - 9:00 AM
Sunset Park Beach
A fun day on the beach with competitions for all ages as well as groups. Age divisions are ages 3 to 5 (9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.), Ages 6 to 8 (9:15 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.), Ages 9 to 12 (10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.), Groups with ages 3 to 12 (10:30 a.m. to noon).
Cherry Farm Market - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Welcome to the 2025 Cherry Farm Market, proudly presented by Ford Insurance Agency in partnership with Freemont Insurance Agency! This year, we're bringing back your favorite vendors from the past alongside exciting new ones.
Festival Open Space Park - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Immerse yourself in the National Cherry Festival at the main festival grounds locate on West Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park.
Go For The Gold! Pin Program - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins will be available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent.
Kids Club - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clinch Park
Join us at Kids' Club, where families can enjoy an array of activities tailored for children of every age group. Our family-friendly event ensures a fun-filled day for all, with engaging experiences designed to spark joy and create long lasting memories.
Official National Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Get your Official National Cherry Festival Souvenirs!
Orchard Tours & More - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station
NCF and Michigan State University Extension invite you to a 137-acre research farm in the heart of "Cherry Country." There will be educational exhibits, samples of cherry products, and tours of the farm.
Arnold's Amusements Midway - 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Corner of Grandview Parkway at Union Street
Visit Traverse City's favorite amusement park! See the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel, enjoy the thrill of fast-past rides or try your best to win a prize at one of the many games.
Ultimate Air Dogs - 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM More Times >
Open Space Park
The annual National Cherry Festival, Ultimate Air Dogs competition is always a huge success, featuring nearly one hundred "dog athletes" and their proud owner/trainers competing for advancement in the regional competition.
Beer Tent - 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Open Space Park
Cool off with a cold one and enjoy views from "Traverse City's Coolest Bar on the Bay!"
Cornhole Tournament - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Beer Tent
The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City Michigan has once again partnered with the Michigan Cornhole League and Cornhole America to include cornhole at the festival.
Hole-in-One - 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
X-Golf Traverse City
Daily prize for the closest to the pin, qualifiers will return to X-Golf on Saturday for a chance to win $50,000.
Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
F & M Park at Railroad & Washington Streets
The Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest is yummy family favorite that all children enjoy. See which kiddos join the clean plate club! Age classifications from pre-school to 12 years old.
Cherry Industry Program and Awards - 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station
Cherry industry information is presented in this special program, bringing industry leaders, Festival officials and the National Cherry Queen and her court together.
Cherry Kids Fun Run - 6:00 PM
The Cherry Kids Fun Run celebrates our youngest generation with an encouraging one mile Fun Run race. This year the Cherry Kids Fun Run races on Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade route.
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Hinder, Buckcherry & Pop Evil - 6:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Pepsi Bayside Music Stage presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - ( 231) 947-4230
Select Seats
Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade - 6:30 PM
Front to Union to 7th Streets
Combining the heritage of the area while celebrating the junior royalty, comes the first ever parade designed to encompass the community of the Grand Traverse Region: Consumers Energy Community Royale Parade.
