What Is the National Cherry Festival?

The National Cherry Festival is an eight-day celebration held annually in Traverse City, the cherry capital of the world. What started in 1926 as a simple “Blessing of the Blossoms” ceremony has grown into one of the top festivals in the country, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The festival fills downtown Traverse City and the Open Space along Grand Traverse Bay with a packed schedule of events:

• Air shows over the bay — one of the festival’s most spectacular attractions
• Parades through downtown, including the Grand Royale Parade
• Live concerts featuring nationally known and regional artists
• Cherry pit spitting contest — a quirky local tradition and crowd favorite
• Midway and carnival rides for families
• Food vendors serving everything cherry — cherry pie, cherry salsa, cherry bratwurst, and more
• Fireworks over Grand Traverse Bay on the Fourth of July
• 5K and 15K races, bike tours, and golf tournaments
• Orchard tours showcasing the cherry farms that make the region famous

The Centennial Celebration

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the National Cherry Festival — and the organizers are pulling out all the stops. While specific centennial events are still being announced, the milestone is expected to bring special programming, historical exhibits, and expanded entertainment honoring a century of cherry heritage in Northern Michigan.

For anyone connected to Traverse City, this is a once-in-a-generation celebration. It’s a chance to honor the agricultural roots that built the region and the community spirit that’s kept the festival alive for 100 years.

Why It Matters for Northern Michigan Businesses

The Region’s Biggest Economic Week

The Cherry Festival is the single largest economic event in the Grand Traverse region. Hotels, restaurants, shops, gas stations, and service businesses across a wide area see their busiest week of the year. For many businesses, festival week accounts for a meaningful share of their annual revenue.

A Tourism Amplifier

Visitors who come for the Cherry Festival often extend their stay to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes, wine country, and the charming towns around the bay. The festival serves as a gateway that introduces people to everything Northern Michigan has to offer — and many come back year after year.

Community Building at Scale

The festival is also a community event in the truest sense. Local volunteers make it happen. Local businesses sponsor it. Local families attend year after year. It’s a shared experience that binds the community together and passes traditions from one generation to the next.

Planning Your Visit

• Dates: July 4–11, 2026
• Location: Downtown Traverse City and Open Space along Grand Traverse Bay
• Tickets: Many events are free. Check cherryfestival.org for ticketed events and schedules
• Accommodations: Book as far in advance as possible — Cherry Festival week is the busiest week in Traverse City and rooms sell out quickly
• Getting around: Parking downtown is limited during the festival. Use shuttle services when available and plan to walk once you’re in the festival area

Tips for Local Business Owners

• Prepare for volume. If your business serves tourists, staff up and stock up. Festival week demand is real.
• Promote online. Use the festival hashtags and post content leading up to the event. Visitors start planning weeks in advance.
• Partner with other businesses. Cross-promotions work especially well during the festival when visitors are actively exploring the area.
• Make sure your tech is ready. The worst time to have a system outage is your busiest week of the year. Double-check your internet, POS systems, and backups before the festival starts.

A Century of Cherries

One hundred years. That’s how long the National Cherry Festival has been bringing people together in Traverse City. It’s a celebration of agriculture, community, and the unique character of Northern Michigan — and this centennial is going to be one for the history books.

We’re honored to support businesses across Northern Michigan. If your team needs reliable IT heading into your busiest season, reach out — we’re here to help.

What Is Red, White & Kaboom?

Red, White & Kaboom is Lakeland’s signature Independence Day event, held each year along the beautiful Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror in downtown Lakeland. The celebration features live music, a wide variety of food and drink vendors, family-friendly activities, and culminates in a professional fireworks display over the lake.

The event typically begins in the early evening — around 6:00 PM — with live entertainment and vendors, building up to the main fireworks show at 9:00 PM. Thousands of residents and visitors line the promenade, spread out on blankets, and fill the surrounding streets to enjoy the show.

And the best part? It’s completely free.

Event Details

• What: Red, White & Kaboom — Lakeland’s 4th of July Celebration
• When: July 3, 2026 (Lakeland traditionally holds the event the evening before the 4th)
• Where: Frances Langford Promenade at Lake Mirror, Downtown Lakeland, FL
• Cost: Free admission
• Parking: Downtown parking garages and lots — arrive early for the closest spots
• Bring: Blankets, lawn chairs, and a nonperishable food item to donate to Volunteers in Service to the Elderly (VISTE)

Why It Matters to the Polk County Community

Red, White & Kaboom is more than a fireworks show — it’s a gathering point for the entire community. Families, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and local business owners come together in the heart of downtown Lakeland to celebrate. It’s one of those events that strengthens the sense of community that makes Polk County such a great place to live and do business.

For Local Businesses

The event draws thousands of people into downtown Lakeland, creating a natural boost for restaurants, shops, and service businesses in the area. If your business is near Lake Mirror, this is one of your biggest foot traffic nights of the year.

Even if your business isn’t in the immediate area, Red, White & Kaboom is a great opportunity for team building. Take your staff out, grab some food from the vendors, and enjoy the fireworks together. It’s good for morale and it costs nothing.

For Families

This is hands-down one of the best free family events in Polk County all year. Kids love the atmosphere, the food, and of course the fireworks. The lakefront setting is beautiful, and the promenade area is spacious enough that even on a busy night, you can find a good spot if you arrive early enough.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Evening

• Arrive early. Parking fills up fast and the best viewing spots along the promenade go quickly. Getting there by 5:00 or 5:30 PM gives you the best options.
• Bring chairs or a blanket. There’s plenty of open space along the promenade and surrounding areas, but seating is first-come, first-served.
• Stay hydrated. July in Florida is hot, even in the evening. Bring water or plan to buy drinks from the vendors.
• Bring a food donation. The event partners with VISTE to collect nonperishable food items. It’s a great way to give back while you celebrate.
• Plan your exit. Traffic after the fireworks can be heavy. If you’re not in a rush, stay a few extra minutes after the show and let the initial wave of traffic clear out.
• Check social media for updates. Follow the City of Lakeland and Red, White & Kaboom pages for any last-minute schedule changes or weather updates.

A Lakeland Tradition Worth Celebrating

Red, White & Kaboom has been a Lakeland institution for years, and for good reason. It captures everything that’s great about community — people coming together, supporting local causes, and celebrating together. If you’re in Polk County this July, there’s no better way to kick off the holiday weekend.

We’re proud to be part of the Polk County business community. If your business needs technology that works as hard as you do, let’s connect.

What Is the Lilac Festival?

The Lilac Festival is a 10-day celebration of the hundreds of lilac bushes that bloom across Mackinac Island each spring. The festival has been a tradition for decades, drawing visitors from across Michigan and beyond to enjoy the island at its most beautiful.

The highlight of the festival is the Grand Parade — one of the only horse-drawn parades in the country, winding through the island’s car-free streets lined with blooming lilacs. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience that captures everything people love about Mackinac Island.

Beyond the parade, the festival includes:

• Lilac Festival 10K Race — a scenic run around the island’s perimeter
• Garden tours featuring the island’s historic lilac collections
• Live music and entertainment throughout the festival period
• Artisan markets and local vendors showcasing Northern Michigan crafts and products
• Photography walks through the island’s most picturesque gardens and trails
• Wine and food events featuring local Michigan producers

Why It Matters for Northern Michigan

The Lilac Festival is more than a tourist event — it’s an economic engine for the entire Straits of Mackinac area. Ferries, hotels, restaurants, shops, and service businesses across Mackinaw City, St. Ignace, and the surrounding region all see a significant boost during festival weeks.

For local business owners, the festival represents:

Peak Season Kickoff

The Lilac Festival marks the unofficial start of Northern Michigan’s tourist season. For businesses that depend on summer visitors, this is the first major wave — and a strong Lilac Festival week often predicts a strong summer overall.

Community Identity

Events like the Lilac Festival define what makes Northern Michigan different from everywhere else. They celebrate the history, beauty, and character of the region in a way that builds community pride and attracts people who value those same things — including potential customers, employees, and business partners.

Networking and Connection

Festival events bring together business owners, community leaders, and residents in a relaxed, festive atmosphere. It’s a natural opportunity to strengthen relationships and build the kind of local connections that make small business work.

Planning Your Visit

• Dates: June 5–14, 2026
• Getting there: Ferry service from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace — Shepler’s and Star Line both operate frequent trips during the festival
• Accommodations: Book early — island hotels and Mackinaw City lodging fill up fast during the festival
• Grand Parade: Check the official festival website for the exact parade date and time (typically mid-festival)
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and a jacket — island weather in early June can be cool, especially near the water

Tips for Local Businesses

• Promote early. If your business benefits from festival traffic, start promoting specials and availability now — visitors plan these trips weeks in advance.
• Extend your hours. Festival visitors are exploring all day. Staying open a little later can capture business you’d otherwise miss.
• Share on social media. Post photos and content using festival hashtags to connect with the visitor audience online.
• Partner with other local businesses. Cross-promotions and package deals with nearby businesses can attract customers who are already in the area.

A Northern Michigan Treasure

The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival is one of those events that captures the soul of Northern Michigan. Whether you go for the parade, the gardens, the food, or simply the chance to walk the island when the lilacs are at peak bloom, it’s an experience you won’t forget.

We’re proud to serve businesses across Northern Michigan. If you need reliable IT support that understands the rhythm of life up here, let’s talk.

If you live or work in the western suburbs, Blooming Fest is one of those events that reminds you why this area is such a great place to be.

What Is Blooming Fest?

Blooming Fest is an outdoor community event organized by the City of West Chicago. It’s centered around spring — featuring plant sales, garden displays, and nature-inspired activities — but it goes well beyond gardening. The event includes local artists and artisans, food vendors, live music, children’s activities, and community booths from local organizations and businesses.

It’s free to attend, easy to get to, and perfect for all ages. Whether you’re picking up plants for your garden, browsing handmade goods, or just enjoying a Saturday outdoors with your family, Blooming Fest delivers.

Event Details

• What: Blooming Fest — West Chicago’s annual spring celebration
• When: Saturday, May 16, 2026
• Where: Downtown West Chicago (Main Street area)
• Cost: Free admission
• Parking: Street parking and nearby lots — arrive early for the best spots

Why Local Businesses Should Get Involved

Blooming Fest is more than a fun outing — it’s a local economic engine. Here’s why it matters for small businesses in the area:

Visibility in Your Community

Community events like Blooming Fest draw foot traffic that no digital ad can replicate. If your business is in or near West Chicago, this is an opportunity to be seen by hundreds of local residents and families in a positive, relaxed setting.

Networking with Other Local Businesses

Events like this bring together a cross-section of the local business community — restaurants, retailers, service providers, artists, and organizations. It’s a natural environment for building relationships that can lead to referrals, partnerships, and collaborations.

Supporting the Community That Supports You

When local businesses show up at community events — as sponsors, vendors, or simply as attendees — it strengthens the fabric of the community. People remember which businesses are part of the neighborhood, and that kind of goodwill pays dividends over time.

Making the Most of Blooming Fest

Whether you’re attending as a family or representing your business, here are a few tips:

• Bring cash — some vendors may not accept cards, especially smaller artisans
• Arrive early — the best plant selections go fast, and morning crowds are lighter
• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking and standing on pavement for a while
• Bring a wagon or cart if you’re planning to buy plants — they add up quickly
• Check the city’s website for the latest schedule of performers and activities before you go

A Celebration of What Makes the Suburbs Great

In a world of big-box stores and online shopping, events like Blooming Fest remind us what’s special about local communities. It’s people coming together, supporting each other’s work, and enjoying a beautiful spring day in the neighborhood they call home.

We love being part of the Chicago suburbs business community, and events like this are a big part of why.

Are you a local business looking for tech support you can count on? Let’s connect — we’d love to be part of your team.

Running through May 10, 2026, this after-dark event transforms one of the region’s most beloved zoos into a glowing wonderland of handcrafted lanterns, live performances, and unique food experiences. And it’s just a short drive from anywhere in the western suburbs.

What Is Glow Wild?

Glow Wild is an evening event at Brookfield Zoo featuring hundreds of illuminated animal lanterns, many of them life-sized or larger. The lanterns are handcrafted and displayed along a walking path through the zoo, creating a visual experience that’s unlike anything else in the Chicago area.

Beyond the lanterns, you’ll find live entertainment, interactive light installations, and food and drink options designed specifically for the event. It’s the kind of experience that works equally well as a family outing, a date night, or a team event.

Why We’re Sharing This

At its core, Advanced Computer Solutions is a community-focused company. We work with small businesses across the Chicago suburbs every day, and we believe that strong communities are built on more than just commerce. Events like Glow Wild bring people together, support local institutions, and give families and businesses a reason to enjoy the neighborhood they call home.

Plus, if you’re a business owner, events like this are a great opportunity to connect with your team outside the office. Team outings don’t have to be expensive retreats — sometimes the best bonding happens over glowing elephant lanterns and funnel cake.

Event Details

• What: Glow Wild — an illuminated lantern experience
• Where: Brookfield Zoo, 8400 31st Street, Brookfield, IL
• When: Through May 10, 2026 — select evenings, typically starting at dusk
• Tickets: Available at czs.org — advance purchase is recommended as popular nights sell out
• Parking: On-site parking is available but arrives early on weekends

Tips for Making It a Great Night

• Buy tickets in advance. Popular evenings, especially weekends, sell out. Don’t wait until the last minute.
• Dress for the weather. It’s an outdoor walking event and spring evenings in the Chicago area can still be chilly. Layers are your friend.
• Arrive early. Getting there when doors open gives you the best experience with smaller crowds and easier parking.
• Bring the kids. This event is very family-friendly. Kids love the oversized glowing animals and the interactive installations.
• Make a night of it. There are plenty of restaurants in the Brookfield and La Grange area if you want to grab dinner before or after.

Support Local, Enjoy Local

Brookfield Zoo has been a centerpiece of the western suburbs for generations. Events like Glow Wild keep it vibrant and relevant — and they give all of us a reason to step away from our screens and enjoy something together in person.

Whether you go with your family, your team, or just someone who appreciates a good glowing giraffe, it’s an evening well spent.

Looking for more ways to stay connected to the Chicago suburbs business community? Drop us a line — we love connecting with local businesses.

Running from April 14–19, 2026, at Lakeland Linder International Airport, SUN ‘n FUN draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the globe. It’s one of the largest aviation events in the world, and it happens right here in Polk County.

What Is SUN ‘n FUN?

SUN ‘n FUN is a week-long celebration of aviation and aerospace that features air shows, exhibits, workshops, forums, and one of the biggest fly-in events in the country. Pilots, aviation enthusiasts, families, and curious visitors pour into Lakeland to see everything from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge experimental aircraft.

But it’s not just about planes. The expo includes live entertainment, a massive vendor area, STEM education programs for kids, and evening air shows with fireworks. It’s a full-scale community event that puts Polk County on the national stage.

Why Local Businesses Should Pay Attention

Whether you’re in aviation or not, SUN ‘n FUN brings a massive wave of visitors — and dollars — into the Lakeland area. Here’s why that matters for your business:

Foot Traffic and Visibility

With hundreds of thousands of attendees over the week, restaurants, hotels, gas stations, retail shops, and service businesses across Polk County see a noticeable bump. If your business is anywhere near the airport corridor or downtown Lakeland, this is your busiest week of the spring.

Networking Opportunities

SUN ‘n FUN isn’t just an air show — it’s a gathering of entrepreneurs, engineers, and business owners from across the country. The forums and workshops create natural networking opportunities, even if your business has nothing to do with aviation.

Community Pride

Events like SUN ‘n FUN remind everyone why Polk County is a great place to live and work. Supporting the event — whether as a sponsor, vendor, or just by showing up — strengthens the community ties that make local business work.

What to Know Before You Go

• Dates: April 14–19, 2026
• Location: Lakeland Linder International Airport, Lakeland, FL
• Tickets: Available online at flysnf.org — single-day and week-long passes are available
• Parking: Plan ahead. Traffic around the airport is heavy during the event, so arrive early or consider ride-sharing
• Kid-friendly: Absolutely — the STEM exhibits and youth programs make it a great family outing

Tips for Local Business Owners

If you want to make the most of SUN ‘n FUN week, here are a few ideas:

• Extend your hours if you’re near the event — visitors are looking for dinner spots and evening entertainment after the air shows
• Run a special or promotion tied to the event — “Show your SUN ‘n FUN wristband for 10% off” is simple and effective
• Post on social media using the event hashtags to get in front of the visitor audience
• Stock up on supplies — if you’re in food service or retail, the demand spike is real

A Polk County Tradition Worth Celebrating

SUN ‘n FUN has been part of Lakeland’s identity for decades. It brings economic energy, national attention, and community excitement to Polk County every year. Whether you’re a lifelong aviation fan or you’ve never been, this is a week worth experiencing.

We’ll see you out there. And if you need help making sure your business tech is ready for a busy week, give us a call.