Every small town in America has something they’re proud of—a claim to fame, a local treasure, a festival that encapsulates who they are. For Traverse City, that pride comes in the form of a small, juicy fruit that’s made a big impact: the cherry. And for a full century now, this community has thrown a party in its honor that’s grown into one of the largest and most beloved festivals in the Midwest.
This year, the National Cherry Festival turns 100. That’s 100 summers of pie-eating contests, parades, farm tours, and patriotic flair. A hundred years of honoring the humble cherry and the hardworking people who grow, harvest, cook, and celebrate it.
A Festival Rooted in Tradition
The National Cherry Festival began with modest intentions. Around 1910, local growers began holding a simple “Blessing of the Blossoms” ceremony each spring—an agricultural prayer of sorts, hoping for a fruitful harvest. By 1925, Traverse City crowned its first Cherry Queen, Gertrude Brown, and in 1926, the inaugural Cherry Festival was born. Within just a few years, the celebration attracted national attention—so much so that President Herbert Hoover attended in 1930, and the Michigan legislature designated it a national festival in 1931.
Since then, the festival has grown right alongside the cherry industry it celebrates. Traverse City produces 75% of the nation’s tart cherries thanks to its cool climate and rich soil, earning its title as the Cherry Capital of the World. Each year, over 500,000 visitors descend on this town of just 16,000 residents for eight days of cherry-themed revelry. It’s a staggering transformation—proof that this isn’t just a local celebration; it’s an invitation for all to come and join in.
Small Town Americana at Its Finest
The charm of the National Cherry Festival lies in its delightful blend of old-fashioned Americana and modern-day thrill. Picture this: a marching band made up of local musicians—aptly named the National Cherry Festival Marching Band—striding down Front Street in step with vintage tractors, high school drum lines, community floats, and the National Cherry Queen waving regally from a convertible.
Then there’s the midway—the smell of french fries and sweet fried dough in the air, amusement park rides colorfully whirring, a Ferris wheel circling high above the Bay, and the sight of children slurping down cherry slushies under the summer sun. It’s the kind of slice-of-life festival that feels like a Norman Rockwell painting brought to life—with just a whole lot more cherry pie.
Over the years, the National Cherry Festival has introduced some truly unforgettable highlights. The air show, which first debuted in 1978 with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, still thrills spectators lining the shoreline, the roar of jets overhead echoing against the Bay. In 1987, Traverse City made global headlines by baking the world’s largest cherry pie, weighing in at over 28,000 pounds—a sweet marvel that drew national attention and still holds a place in local lore. The festival’s concert series continues to bring top-charting musical acts to the Bay, making for evenings of dancing under the stars. Seasoned athletes and weekend warriors alike gather for the Meijer Festival of Races, with races ranging from a 5k to half marathon.
Adding to the cultural depth of the festival is the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Pow Wow, hosted by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. People of all nations are invited to be guests in this vibrant celebration of the region’s first people. Visitors can immerse themselves in the culture, language, and spirit of the tribes through traditional singing and dancing, artisan crafts, and Indigenous foods. It's a moving and meaningful way to honor the deep roots of the Grand Traverse region and celebrate the community that continues to shape it.
With more than 150 events—85% of them free—the National Cherry Festival offers something for everyone, no matter your pace. Take it slow with a nostalgic stroll through the classic car show, cheer on the kids at the sand sculpture contest, or browse the arts and crafts fair. Craving something more high-energy? Join a beach volleyball match, enjoy rubber duck races, tee off in the Cherry Golf Scramble, or dive into the classic cherry pie-eating and pit-spitting contests. The Ultimate Air Dogs competition is a perennial favorite, showcasing nearly a hundred canine athletes and their proud owners. Visit the food tents to indulge in all things cherry; baked goods, lemonade, barbeque, and ice cream, just to name a few. And to top it all off, the festival lights up the night with spectacular fireworks.
At its core, this festival is about agriculture. Traverse City isn’t just celebrating cherries—it’s celebrating the people and practices that sustain them. With opportunities to tour working cherry orchards, taste the fruits fresh off the tree, indulge in pies and baked goods, or sip local wines and ciders made from cherries and grapes grown on nearby hillsides, the National Cherry Festival offers a chance to connect with the land.
A Centennial Celebration
So what can you expect from this year's 100th anniversary? In short: everything you love about the festival—and more. Organizers plan to bring back iconic events like the bed races, where teams sprint down the street pushing elaborately decorated bedframes; the beloved 25-cent-a-card bingo tent; and the ever-popular milk carton boat regatta. New surprises are also in store to honor the milestone, including showings of a feature-length documentary on the festival’s history—ten years in the making—and historical exhibits featuring the very first queen’s coronation dress and extensive photo archives. You can also expect commemorative moments, special tributes to past Cherry Queens and festival presidents, and a bunch of cherry pies. Of course, the big four will be back and better than ever: the air show, concert series, fireworks, and parades.
For Traverse City locals, the 100th year is more than a party—it’s a chance to reflect on what makes this community special. It’s about pride of place. About generational stories passed down, from cherry pickers to parade-goers to pie judges. About being a town where 2,800 volunteers log over 45,000 hours to make visitors feel welcome, and traditions stay alive.
While many towns around the country have a festival, few can match the scale, the heart, or the longevity of the National Cherry Festival. It’s a testament to a community that has never lost sight of what makes it unique. Where else can you eat a slice of pie on the beach, watch fighter jets zoom overhead, tour a cherry orchard, cheer on a marching band, and meet a queen—all in the same day? Here in Traverse City, we don’t just top things off with a cherry—we build the whole celebration around it.
