Traverse City to Host Inaugural Donut and Beer Festival in 2026

After an eight-year tour through Kalamazoo, Columbus, Milwaukee, and multiple stops in Grand Rapids, the country's first and largest Donut & Beer Festival is finally coming to Traverse City. Outlier Events announced on March 5 that the festival will make its Northern Michigan debut at Turtle Creek Stadium, home of the Traverse City Pit Spitters, on Saturday, June 13, 2026, running from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The centerpiece of the event is scale: more than 200 types of donuts alongside craft beers, ciders, seltzers, wines, and non-alcoholic options. Every ticket includes food and drink tokens, a branded lanyard, and a souvenir sampling cup. Outlier Events is the same Michigan-based production company behind Tots & Taps and the Mac & Cheese Festival.

"We are thrilled to bring the Donut & Beer Festival to Traverse City for the first time ever," said Madison Kihm of Outlier Events. "This region is famous for its foodies and summer energy. We're bringing everyone together for a full afternoon of snacks and high-octane entertainment at Turtle Creek Stadium."

Entertainment goes well beyond sampling. Whiskey Friends, a full-band Morgan Wallen tribute act, will perform live, while Micro Mania Micro Wrestling brings what organizers describe as a high-powered and athletic ringside show. DJs, live music, family zones, and yard games round out the programming across the five-hour event window.

Tickets come in three tiers: General Admission runs $39 to $49, VIP is $59 to $69, and Platinum is $129, with price differences tied to early entry and alcohol access. Platinum and VIP holders receive an exclusive 90-minute early entry window to beat the crowds. The festival has sold out every year since its 2017 Kalamazoo debut, and over 100,000 people have attended across its touring run.

Priority list tickets go on sale March 19, with general tickets opening April 2. Those interested can sign up for first access through the official event website.