If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family before summer wraps up, Lapeer Days is one of those local traditions that’s worth putting on the calendar.
The 2026 Lapeer Days Festival takes place Friday, August 21 through Sunday, August 23 in downtown Lapeer. The festival is free to attend, and there’s a lot packed into the weekend for kids and adults alike.
Start With the Carnival
For most kids, the carnival is probably going to be one of the biggest draws.
The Skerbeck Family Carnival is set up in the parking lot behind ChoiceOne Bank off Saginaw Street and runs from Wednesday through Sunday. If you have younger kids, this can be an easy place to start before walking through the rest of downtown.
If rides are a big part of your plan, it’s worth checking the official Lapeer Days schedule ahead of time for current armband days, hours, and ticket information.
Saturday Morning Is Parade Time
One of the biggest traditions of Lapeer Days is the annual parade.
This year’s parade is scheduled for Saturday, August 22 at 11:00 AM in downtown Lapeer. If you’re bringing younger kids, I’d plan on getting downtown a little early so you can find a spot along the route before things fill up.
Bring a couple of folding chairs, some water, and maybe a snack for the kids, and you’re set.
There’s Plenty for Younger Kids
You don’t have to spend the whole day going from carnival ride to carnival ride.
Throughout the weekend, the festival is also scheduled to have inflatables, free face painting and balloon art, Tina’s Party Ponies, a dunk tank, and other family activities around downtown. Saturday also includes an exotic animal show at 1:30 PM and the Beautiful Baby, Tiny Tot & Terrific Toddler Contest at 2:00 PM.
For families with little ones, that makes it pretty easy to build a day around a few activities without feeling like you have to see everything.
Walk Through the Arts & Crafts Show
The Juried Arts & Crafts Show runs throughout the festival along Pine and Clay Streets near Nepessing.
Even if your kids aren’t quite as excited about shopping as you are, this is one of those parts of the festival that’s worth walking through. It’s a good chance to see local vendors and makers while taking a break from the rides and bigger crowds.
Grab Some Food
A festival day isn’t complete without finding something good to eat.
Along with the food vendors throughout downtown, the Lapeer Optimist Club’s famous Chicken Dinner is scheduled for Saturday beginning at noon.
Our advice with kids is pretty simple: eat before everyone gets too hungry. Festival crowds plus hungry toddlers is usually not the best combination.
Check Out the Classic Cars on Sunday
If you have a car fan in the family, Sunday may be the day to go.
The John Monteleone Memorial Classic Car Show is scheduled for Sunday from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at 255 Clay Street near the Lapeer County Courthouse.
It’s an easy activity to pair with walking downtown, grabbing lunch, and letting the kids get one last carnival ride in before heading home.
Parking With Kids
Parking is free throughout downtown during the festival, although normal parking rules still apply.
There is also auxiliary parking available at Lapeer High School, 933 S. Saginaw Street, with free shuttle service into downtown on Friday and Saturday. If you’re coming with a stroller, diaper bag, chairs, and everything else that seems to come along with little kids, the shuttle may be worth considering depending on how busy downtown is.
Our Pick for a Family Day
If we were trying to make one family day out of Lapeer Days, Saturday would probably be our pick.
Get downtown early enough to find a spot for the 11:00 AM parade, grab some lunch afterward, then work your way through the inflatables, face painting, animals, ponies, arts and crafts, and carnival.
Just don’t try to do everything.
With young kids especially, sometimes the best local memories come from slowing down, letting them pick a couple of things they’re excited about, and enjoying the day.
A Great Lapeer County Tradition
One of the things we love about living and working around Lapeer County is having events like this right in our backyard.
Lapeer Days has been a community tradition for more than 120 years, and whether you come for the parade, carnival, food, music, classic cars, or just an afternoon walking around downtown, there’s something for almost every family.
The festival schedule can change, so before you head out, check the official Lapeer Days website for the latest times and event information.
If you’re looking for something local to do this weekend, it may be worth checking out. Be sure to look at the official Lapeer Days schedule before heading out, since times and events can change.