While Cereal Fest really kicks off summer here in Calhoun County, it’s only the beginning of the fun.
Here are 7 events you should put on your calendar:
JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth has been celebrated in Battle Creek for decades. Join the tradition June 19-20 with activities for the entire family.
On Friday, go to Washington Heights United Methodist Church for a showing of the basketball movie “GOAT.” The movie begins at 5:30 p.m.
The party continues on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Claude Evans. There will be a free hot dog lunch, activities for kids, community recognition and entertainment.
MARSHALL BLUES FESTIVAL
Maybe it’s because Marshall is halfway between the musical cities of Detroit and Chicago, but this small town loves the blues. In summer, main street is replaced with a music stage and beer tent. Food vendors line the street, ready to feed hungry music-lovers.
Plan on it for June 27. Bring a chair and listen to blues music from 3 to 11 p.m. for free. This year’s headliner is local favorite Laith Al-Saadi. Leading up to the main event is the Brendon Linsley Band, Who Dat? Blues Band and Generator, while Damn the Band keeps things lively in the beer tent.
FIELD OF FLIGHT
Hot-air balloons, jet planes, fireworks and Ferris wheels take over the skies of Battle Creek from July 1-5.
The official air show, with demo teams and acrobatics, is from noon to 5:30 p.m. July 3-5. Hot air balloons usually launch at 7 p.m. every day, and night shows include pyrotechnics.
If what you’re after are carnival thrills, July 1 is the best day to attend. There aren’t any planes, but admission is half off (parking $5). All of the vendors will be open, selling things like barbecue ribs and lemonade by the gallon. Skerbeck Carnival, a trampoline show, balloon illume and FireKeepers Stage will provide the entertainment. It’s also Kids Day, so kids can sign up to win a free bike.
PRIDE FESTIVAL
Celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with a parade, drag show and big family festival at Leila Arboretum.
The parade through downtown Battle Creek is 7 p.m. on July 17. The procession ends in front of Cafe Rica, where there will be a drag show.
The festival is 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 18 at Leila Arboretum. There will be food trucks, vendors, and live entertainment. Adults can stick around for the After Glow dance party.
COLOR THE CREEK
Color the Creek has brought professional muralists to paint in Battle Creek for ten years. It has filled the walls of the city with realistic animals, larger-than-life heroines, prism bursts and the mantra “Believe in Battle Creek.”
You can pick up a guide to all of the murals at the Battle Creek Welcome Center and take yourself on a tour. Not only is it great art, it’s great for social media.
Color the Creek returns Aug. 8-15 with more murals, art installations and events. Families should keep an eye out for Kids Day – last year included spray paint art, flower crowns and chalk designs.
CALHOUN COUNTY FAIR
The county fair has been a tradition in Marshall since 1848. You don’t have to be a farmer to enjoy this weeklong event. Anyone craving fried food and a ride on the carousel is welcome Aug. 16-22.
It’s a chance for kids to get close with animals such as sheep, horses, cows and goats. There’s a petting farm and show animals are kept in barns that are open to the public.
There’s a show every night, ranging from a rodeo to demolition derby. Check out the schedule for livestock selfies and the frog-jumping contest.
BACKYARD BURGERS & BREWS FESTIVAL
Finish the summer with good food on Aug. 22. This festival started as a burger competition and has evolved into a food truck rally with offerings that range from pizza to Indian food to ice cream bars.
There are at least three downtown blocks of trucks to try.
Of course, the burgers and brews are still important. We recommend stopping by Handmap Brewing’s outdoor patio for the best burgers and inventive pairings with craft beer brewed here in Battle Creek.
