Schedule:

Cherry Farm Market - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Welcome to the 2025 Cherry Farm Market, proudly presented by Ford Insurance Agency in partnership with Freemont Insurance Agency! This year, we're bringing back your favorite vendors from the past alongside exciting new ones.

Diaper Derby & Toddler Trot - 10:00 AM
F & M Park at Railroad & Washington Streets
For our youngest Festival goers, fun filled competitions of baby crawling and toddler trotting. Registration gets under way at 9am and the first race will stat at 10am! Open to children 3 and under.

DTE Energy Day - 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Open Space Park
Join the DTE Energy Optimization team and learn what you can do to save energy and money! Play games and when prizes. All ages Welcome.

Festival Open Space Park - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Immerse yourself in the National Cherry Festival at the main festival grounds locate on West Grand Traverse Bay in the Open Space Park.

Go For The Gold! Pin Program - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Take home a festival keepsake! Commemorative pins will be available for $5, with the possibility of winning one of the grand prizes. Commemorative pins will also be needed for entry into the beer tent.

Kids Club - 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Clinch Park
Join us at Kids' Club, where families can enjoy an array of activities tailored for children of every age group. Our family-friendly event ensures a fun-filled day for all, with engaging experiences designed to spark joy and create long lasting memories.

Official National Cherry Festival Souvenir Tent - 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Open Space Park
Get your Official National Cherry Festival Souvenirs!

Orchard Tours & More - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Michigan State University Horticultural Research Station
NCF and Michigan State University Extension invite you to a 137-acre research farm in the heart of "Cherry Country." There will be educational exhibits, samples of cherry products, and tours of the farm.

Ultimate Air Dogs - 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
Open Space Park
The annual National Cherry Festival, Ultimate Air Dogs competition is always a huge success, featuring nearly one hundred "dog athletes" and their proud owner/trainers competing for advancement in the regional competition.

Arnold's Amusements Midway - 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Corner of Grandview Parkway at Union Street
Visit Traverse City's favorite amusement park! See the city from the top of the Ferris Wheel, enjoy the thrill of fast-past rides or try your best to win a prize at one of the many games.

Beer Tent - 12:00 PM - 10:30 PM
Open Space Park
Cool off with a cold one and enjoy views from "Traverse City's Coolest Bar on the Bay!"

Cornhole Tournament - 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Beer Tent
The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City Michigan has once again partnered with the Michigan Cornhole League and Cornhole America to include cornhole at the festival.

Hole-in-One - 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
X-Golf Traverse City
Daily prize for the closest to the pin, qualifiers will return to X-Golf on Saturday for a chance to win $50,000.

Kids Chalk Art - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Open Space Park
Kids, ages 5 to 12, come and bring your artistic ability to create a picture or two with chalk. Chalk is provided. No fee required.

Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
F & M Park at Railroad & Washington Streets
The Kids Cherry Pie Eating Contest is yummy family favorite that all children enjoy. See which kiddos join the clean plate club! Age classifications from pre-school to 12 years old.

Bubble Gum Blow - 2:00 PM
Kids Club
The Bubble Gum Blowing Contest is a staple of the National Cherry Festival! This year kids 12 & under can compete for the biggest bubble at the Kids Club located in Clinch Park.

Cherries Got Talent Finals - 2:00 PM
Lay's Cherry Blast Stage, Open Space Park
Come and watch our Cherries Got Talent Finalists perform!
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Meijer Festival of Races Packet Pick up - 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Traverse City Central High School - 231-947-4230
Pick up your packet from 3-7pm before the race or the morning of the race from 5:30am to 7:00am

Adult Cherry Pie Eating Contest - 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Lay's Cherry Blast Stage, Open Space Park
Feel like a kid again and 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 event at stage, no fee required.

Queen's Coronation - 5:30 PM
City Opera House
Join us and meet the four candidates competing to be the Next National Cherry Queen, say farewell to our 2024/2025 Queen and welcome in our 2025/2026 Queen.
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Adult Cherry Pit Spit Contest - 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Open Space Park
According to the Guinness Book of Records, the record distance is 95 feet and 6.5 inches. See if you can beat the record at the National Cherry Festival! Join the fun and win a trophy! Register on-site, just prior to the 6pm contest. No fee required.

Hoobastank, Bowling For Soup and Plain White T's - 6:00 PM
Pepsi Bayside Music Stage presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan - ( 231) 947-4230
Festival-goers can celebrate Independence Day with an unforgettable night of fun, alternative music, featuring Hoobastank, Bowling for Soup, and Plain White T’s
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4th of July Fireworks - 10:30 PM
Open Space Park
Thank you to the Traverse City Boom Boom Club for an amazing firework show each year!