One of Michigan’s many qualities is hot summers, and with the end of school, boredom can easily set in for students.
Activities such as bike rides, swimming, roller skating and frisbee can keep people entertained outside, but for how long?
The favorite American pastime may be baseball, but for many, a childhood staple is carnivals.
Featuring greasy foods, challenging games and fast rides to cool off from the glaring sun, carnivals present a great option to fight summer boredom.
The Eastern Echo has compiled a list of carnivals and fairs in and around Ypsilanti, organized by date.
Canton Liberty Fest 2025
Date: June 12–14
Time: June 12, 1–10 p.m.; June 13, 1–11 p.m.; June 14, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Location: Heritage Park, Canton
Tickets: Multiple ticket options are available with options starting now at $30.
This is the 32nd annual Liberty Fest. The event features classic carnival rides, games, food trucks, live entertainment, fireworks and more. To learn more and buy tickets, visit the city's website.
Carnival Weekend!
Date: July 13–15, 2025
Time: All day
Location: 6680 Bunton Road, Ypsilanti
Tickets: Prices vary depending on length of stay and type of lodging.
This event is hosted on the Detroit/Ann Arbor KOA Holiday Campgrounds. Guests are invited to stay in a recreational vehicle, tents or on-site lodging. This event will feature classic carnival games, a dunk tank, cotton candy and more. While the event runs July 11–13, guests can choose their own length of stay. For more information and to book a stay, visit KOA's website.
The Manchester Community Fair
Date: Aug. 5–9, 2025
Time: Varies by day
Location: 600 E. Duncan St., Manchester
Tickets: Tickets are not on sale yet, and prices are not listed.
This is the 80th annual Manchester Community Fair. The five-day event features different live musicians, tents and other events nightly. Additionally, all five days there are carnival rides, fair food and fair games. For more information, visit the Manchester Community Fair website.
Fun Fest 2025
Date: Aug. 9, 2025
Time: 1 to 10:30 p.m.
Location: Frog Island Park, Ypsilanti
Tickets: $20
This is the fifth annual Fun Fest event, hosted this year by Fundamental Sound Co. There will be live music from more than seven bands, upwards of 25 vendors, art exhibits, food trucks and more. For more information, visit Fundamental Sound Co.'s Facebook page.
The Chelsea Community Fair
Date: Aug. 19–23, 2025
Time: The official 2025 schedule has not been published yet.
Location: 20501 W. Old US Highway 12, Chelsea
Tickets: Ticket prices for 2025 have not been updated yet.
While the official schedule for the 2025 Chelsea Community Fair has yet to be published, it will likely feature similar events and attractions as previous years. This fair offers classic carnival games and rides, as well as different animal exhibits such as horse shows and cow judging. For more information and events, visit the fair's website.
The Saline Community Fair
Date: Aug. 27–Sept. 1, 2025
Time: Open at 10 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. on Sunday
Location: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Saline
Tickets: Ticket prices vary depending on which option is selected; however, presale tickets have a discount and are on sale now.
While the schedule of the fair is subject to change, attendees can look forward to a variety of events, including carnival rides and games, animal shows, tractor and truck pulls, live music and more. To find more information and purchase tickets, visit the Saline Fair's website.
The Michigan State Fair
Date: Aug. 28–Sept. 1, 2025
Time: 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m.–8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Location: 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
Tickets: Admission to only the fair, not including rides, is $10. Admission to the fair with unlimited carnival rides and bicycle and freestyle motocross shows is $42.
The Michigan State Fair boasts a multitude of attractions. It features the classic carnival rides and live music, as well as a blood drive, BMX and FMX performances, livestock, baking contests and more. Visit the fair's website to learn more and purchase tickets.
