Traverse City Cherry Festival Grounds | Traverse City

The Traverse City Cherry Festival Grounds, officially known as Festival Open Space Park, serve as the central venue for the National Cherry Festival—one of the most celebrated agricultural festivals in the United States. Spanning eight days during late June and early July, this event honors the region’s cherry industry, which is among the most productive in the world. The grounds themselves are a focal point of this vibrant celebration, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.

Location and Setting

Festival Open Space Park is located in the heart of Traverse City along West Grand Traverse Bay, bordered by West Grandview Parkway and adjacent to Clinch Park Marina. It is within easy walking distance of downtown Traverse City, making it a convenient and central gathering point for festival-goers. The setting is exceptionally scenic—lush green lawns open onto expansive water views, with the bay’s blue waters providing a refreshing backdrop to the busy festival atmosphere.

This open area is custom-built for large-scale public gatherings, offering over seven acres of level, well-maintained lawn space and paved pathways. It is designed to accommodate food vendors, performance stages, seating areas, carnival rides, and more, while still allowing room for attendees to spread out and enjoy the surroundings.

Core Attractions at the Festival Grounds

During the National Cherry Festival, Festival Open Space Park transforms into a bustling epicenter of activity, with a layout that caters to families, food lovers, music fans, and cultural enthusiasts.

1. Cherry Central Market & Food Vendors

The festival grounds feature a large Cherry Market, where local cherry growers, jam producers, bakers, and other artisans sell everything from fresh tart cherries to cherry salsa, dried fruits, preserves, and baked goods. This area gives festival-goers a chance to sample local agriculture and support northern Michigan businesses.

Adjacent food booths serve cherry-inspired dishes alongside regional classics. From cherry-smoked BBQ and cherry bratwursts to cherry lemonade and classic cherry pie à la mode, nearly every vendor offers a creative take on the fruit that defines the region.

2. Entertainment and Concert Stage

The main concert stage, set up near the waterfront, hosts nightly live music performances. These include local bands, regional acts, and national headliners. Past performers have ranged from classic rock and country to pop and alternative genres. Concerts are free on certain nights, with ticketed VIP areas available for major acts.

3. Air Shows

One of the festival’s signature attractions is the U.S. Navy Blue Angels or other military and civilian air show teams. The air shows take place directly over the bay, with the Festival Grounds serving as the perfect viewing platform. Thousands gather to watch as jets soar and twist overhead, timed to precision and sometimes synchronized with music.

4. Carnival Area

A portion of the park is dedicated to a family-friendly carnival, complete with classic amusement rides, games, and fair food. Bright lights and cheerful music fill the area, attracting children and families especially in the evenings.

5. Cherry Pit Spit & Pie Eating Contests

Held in designated tents or demo areas, these events invite visitors to participate in friendly, cherry-themed competitions. The pit spitting contest—measuring how far participants can launch a cherry pit from their mouths—is a crowd favorite. Likewise, the pie-eating contest often draws large, enthusiastic audiences as participants race to finish slices of cherry pie with no hands.

6. Souvenir & Artisan Tents

A large tented area is reserved for official Cherry Festival merchandise, including shirts, hats, ornaments, mugs, and bags. Additional vendors sell Michigan-made crafts, handmade jewelry, home décor, and more, giving visitors an opportunity to take home a tangible memory of the event.

7. Relaxation and Scenic Areas

Despite the festival's busy schedule, many visitors appreciate the open lawn space and shaded benches scattered around the park. The shoreline walkways offer a chance to unwind, take in the breeze from the bay, and watch boats sail by. The nearby Clinch Park Beach also attracts those wanting a quick swim or beach relaxation between events.

Guest Services and Accessibility

Festival Open Space Park is designed with comfort and accessibility in mind:

First Aid Station staffed by EMTs and nurses

Baby Comfort Station for nursing and diaper changes

Lost and Found Tent

Information Booths providing schedules, maps, and assistance

Accessible paths and seating areas for guests with mobility challenges

Public restrooms and water refill stations are conveniently located throughout the park, and sanitation services are frequent to maintain cleanliness during peak hours.

Surrounding Activities & Connectivity

While Festival Open Space Park serves as the core of the National Cherry Festival, many affiliated events take place throughout Traverse City, all within walking or shuttle distance from the grounds:

Parades on Front Street, including the Junior Royale and DTE Energy Foundation Cherry Royale Parade

Cherry Queen and Court appearances

Fireworks shows over the bay

Cherry Pancake Breakfasts and culinary events hosted at local venues

Downtown Traverse City shopping and wine tasting

Many visitors use the grounds as a “home base,” returning after exploring other festival activities or attractions on the peninsula.

Summary

The Traverse City Cherry Festival Grounds at Festival Open Space Park are the lively heart of the National Cherry Festival, providing a dynamic blend of food, music, family fun, and community spirit all set against the breathtaking waterfront of Grand Traverse Bay. Whether savoring a fresh cherry pie, enjoying a concert as the sun sets, or watching fighter jets roar over the water, the experience is a vivid celebration of Michigan’s cherry-growing legacy and its tight-knit northern community.