2025 is just around the corner, and to celebrate we’ve compiled a list of the biggest events, from summer festivals to cultural celebrations. Start planning your year now and experience the best that central Michigan has to offer!

The Mt. Pleasant area offers a variety of events to enjoy all year long. To see the full calendar of community events, click here.

Central Michigan University, a D1 Athletic School, hosts year-round sporting events, musical productions, cultural celebrations, speaker series, and more! Be sure to cheer on the CMU Chippewas at a home game in 2025 – Fire Up Chips!

Try your luck at the biggest gaming floor in Michigan, Soaring Eagle Casino or catch big name entertainment year-round! In the summer, attend an outdoor summer concert with 13,000 other people or catch entertainment and comedy shows in the Entertainment Hall throughout the rest of the year. To see the full calendar of community events, click here.

Get your popcorn and a front row seat to the year’s most talked about films, including Oscar nominees, multiple genres, and international cinema at the Central Michigan International Film Festival (CMIFF). This five-day festival also includes independent and student produced short films throughout the Mt. Pleasant Community! Keep an eye of the CMIFF website for the movie lineup.

Every year during the last full weekend in April, trees are tapped, sap is gathered, and pancakes are flipped in the Village of Shepherd at the annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival. The never-ending event list includes a 5k run, an arts and craft show, a classic car and truck show, a horse pull, fair rides and games, a pancake breakfast complete with fresh maple syrup, and so much more!

Known as Scotland USA, celebrate the history of Scottish traditions in Alma at the annual Alma Highland Festival. This festival unites clans and onlookers for a weekend of traditional Highland dancing, bagpipes, kilts and camaraderie.

Every year, Central Michigan University’s campus is transformed into a giant sporting arena for SOMI’s biggest event of the year, the State Summer Games! Watch athletes participate in sporting events likes bocce ball, bowling, gymnastics, horseshoes, powerlifting, volleyball and more. Everyone is welcome to come cheer on and support the athletes!

Wander through historic downtown Mt. Pleasant as you savor craft beer, wine, and ciders from all over the state of Michigan and surrounding areas at the 11th annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival (MPCBF)! Stop by a local food truck for a bite to eat, enjoy live music, or challenge your friends in street games. Step outside your comfort zone and sample something new, or stick to your old favorites. Keep an eye on the MPCBF website for 2025 festival updates!

For over 40 years, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe has hosted their annual Powwow every summer on their tribal grounds in Mt. Pleasant. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, and experience authentic cuisine, arts and crafts, dance, and storytelling. Learn about the rich history and heritage of this community in the heart of Michigan.

Celebrate the most joyous time of the year as you meet in Mt. Pleasant for the Christmas Celebration, held annually in historic downtown. Shop at the winter market, where you’ll find a bounty of locally-made gifts and stocking stuffers. Get in the festive spirit with the Jingle All the Way 5K, a delicious pancake breakfast with Santa, and the dazzling lighted parade.

Complete your time in Mt. Pleasant with a stay at one of our lodging properties. The Mt. Pleasant area offers a variety of lodging to compliment your stay while visiting for events! Learn more about our lodging properties here.

What event will you attend in Mt. Pleasant in 2025? Whichever you choose, don’t forget to snap a photo and tag us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. Be sure to use #MeetMtP – we might just feature your photo or video!