2024 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. D1 Athletic School Central Michigan University hosts year-round sporting events, musical productions, cultural celebrations, and more! Be sure to cheer on the CMU Chippewas at a home game in 2024 – Fire Up Chips! In addition to holding the biggest gaming floor in Michigan, Soaring Eagle Casino also hosts big name entertainment at their outdoor summer concerts over summer, like Chris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood, and entertainment and comedy shows inside the Entertainment Hall during the winter. See the full calendar of community events here.

Get 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 will also include 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!

Celebrate the history of Scottish traditions in Alma, otherwise known as Scotland USA, at the 55^th 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 the athletes!

Meet in Mt. Pleasant this summer for the 10^th Annual Mt. Pleasant Craft Beer Festival (MPCBF), and meander through downtown as you savor craft beer, wine, ciders, and meads from all over the state of Michigan and surrounding areas! 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. Either way, you’re sure to have a hoppy time. Keep an eye on the MPCBF website for 2024 festival updates!

For 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, right in the heart of Michigan.

Art Reach of Mid Michigan invites visitors and community members to partake in Art Walk Central. This month-long annual event features over 60 artists from across the state of Michigan as they produce chalk art, sculptures, paintings, installations, and more, which are displayed throughout downtown Mt. Pleasant, at surrounding businesses, and even the CMU Art Gallery. This event is perfect for all ages and is a great way to support Art Reach, which has been keeping the arts alive in central Michigan for over 40 years.

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.

The Mt. Pleasant area offers a variety of lodging to compliment your stay while visiting for these events! Learn more about our lodging properties here.

What event will you be visiting Mt. Pleasant for in 2024? 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!