For little ones, the National Cherry Festival provides heaps of excitement in the form of contests, activities, and shows. For those of us a bit older, the festival offers no less. Call up a sitter, invite some friends, and check out these events geared toward the National Cherry Festival’s 21-and-over crowd.


Beer Tent

June 29–July 6, noon–11 p.m.
Cool off with a cold one and enjoy views from “Traverse City’s Coolest Bar on the Bay!”  Libations include local and imported selections of beer, wine and specialty cocktails. Festival goers must be 21 to enter the tent and have a commemorative pin. Please drink responsibility and always assign a designated driver.

Blues, Brews & BBQ

June 29, 1–4 p.m.
Kick off the 93rd annual National Cherry Festival with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, micro-brews, as well as the finest BBQ around!Watch the Thunderbirds as they soar high over West Grand Traverse Bay, all while sipping on a cold brew and enjoying some savory BBQ! It will be an opening event that everyone will want to attend!

Adult Cherry Pit-Spit Contest

June 29 – July 5, 6–7 p.m.
The tradition of the Cherry Pit-Spit Contest continues! According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record distance is 95 feet and 6.5 inches (29.12 m). See if you can beat the record at the National Cherry Festival! Join the fun, trophies awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place, women’s and men’s. Register on site, prior to the to 6 p.m. contest. No fee required.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Excursions

July 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; 10 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Take a wine-tasting excursion through Northern Michigan wine country. Discover breathtaking views and enjoy a vineyard picnic lunch while sipping local wines and chatting with the laid-back, down-to-earth winemakers who craft them.

Adult Cherry Pie Eating Contest

July 1–5, 5–6 p.m.
Dive into a slice of cherry pie! The first one to finish their slice wins. Prizes awarded. Free registration will open 30 minutes prior to the event at the stage, no fee required.

Senior Shuffleboard Tournament

July 1-5, 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
Join the Traverse City Senior Center for a free festival favorite, shuffleboard! All ages are welcome. Once you start play, you must finish. Intermediate game knowledge is expected. Advanced registration requested/walk-ons based on availability. Please arrive by 9:30 a.m. to check in.

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National Cherry Festival Fun!