Celebrate Mackinac Island’s rich history and blooming lilacs during the 71st Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival, June 7–16.
From concerts to culinary events, horse-drawn carriage tours, the Lilac Festival 10K, Mackinac Island Dog and Pony Show, and of course the Lilac Festival Grand Parade there is something for everyone during this 10–day celebration.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival Featured Events
Lilac Festival 10K Run/Walk
Saturday, June 8 | 9:30 a.m. | Windermere Point
A great spring morning race on Mackinac Island. Each year, more than 700 participants travel to the island to take in the early-season beauty. This is certainly a race you don’t want to miss!
Lilac Festival Queen Coronation
Saturday, June 8 | 5 p.m. | Marquette Park
Sixteen-year-old Ava Sehoyan will be officially crowned Lilac Queen 2019 at this traditional ceremony. Ava is a sophomore at Mackinac Island High School. She is the daughter of Alan and Allison Sehoyan. Ava will make appearances throughout the festival and ride in a carriage with her court during the Grand Parade.
Winning Lilac Festival Poster Unveiled
Saturday, June 8 | 5 p.m. | Marquette Park
More than 30 artists from around the country submitted entries in 2019. The winning poster will be announced after the Queen Coronation. The winning poster is sold in stores on Mackinac Island all season long.
Family Fun Area
June 7–9 & 14–16 | Hours vary daily | Windermere Point
Come jump, climb, crawl, squeeze, slide and color your way to a fun start during the Lilac Festival! The free family fun area is located at Windermere Point for kids and adults of all ages. Be sure to stop by and color on the 15-foot customized coloring mural.
Dog & Pony Parade
Saturday, June 15 | 10 a.m.
This zany parade of costumed pooches and ponies will make you grin from ear to ear. The parade takes place on the road leading from Mackinac Island Public School and ends at Windermere Point. Find a spot on the boardwalk for the best seats.
Lilac Festival Grand Parade
Sunday, June 16 | 4 p.m.
The Grand Parade will be telecasted live on Facebook on the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau and the 9 & 10 News page.
Celebrating Mackinac’s lilac collection began in 1949. The festival was started when Evangilene Horn and nurse Stella King encouraged the then teen, and today’s Mackinac Island Carriage Tours Veterinarian, Dr. Bill Chambers, to have a parade on Lilac Sunday. The idea was to bring people to the island to enjoy a great horse drawn parade amidst the lovely lilacs. It was originally a one-day event called Mackinac Island Lilac Day, but over the years has expanded into today’s 10-day festival.
Press release provided by Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau