TRAVERSE CITY — The National Cherry Festival will mark its 100th anniversary in unforgettable fashion this July, with country music stars Chase Matthew and Lauren Alaina set to co-headline a major centennial concert event, festival organizers announced Sunday.
The milestone performance will take place during the 2026 festival, which runs June 27 through July 4, celebrating a century of honoring the region’s cherry industry, agricultural heritage, and vibrant community spirit.
Festival officials described the concert as one of the centerpiece events of the centennial celebration.
“This is a historic year for the National Cherry Festival,” said festival organizers in the announcement. “Bringing two powerhouse country artists to Traverse City reflects both our roots and the energy that’s carried this event forward for 100 years.”
A Centennial Moment
Founded in 1926 as the Blessing of the Blossoms Festival, the National Cherry Festival has grown into one of Michigan’s most iconic summer traditions, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors annually to the shores of Grand Traverse Bay.
The 100th anniversary celebration is expected to feature expanded programming, commemorative events, and nods to the festival’s long history — culminating in the high-profile July concert.
Lauren Alaina, known for hits like “Road Less Traveled” and “Getting Good,” brings a decade-long career that includes chart-topping singles and major award nominations. Chase Matthew, one of country music’s fastest-rising performers, has gained national attention with his high-energy shows and streaming success.
Organizers said the pairing aims to appeal to longtime country fans as well as younger audiences.
Boost for Local Economy
Local tourism officials anticipate the centennial lineup will further boost summer visitation and economic activity.
“The Cherry Festival already fills hotels and restaurants,” said one downtown business owner. “Adding artists of this caliber for the 100th year is going to make this July even bigger.”
Concert ticket details, pricing, and on-sale dates are expected to be released in the coming weeks on the festival’s official website.
Looking Ahead to July
Beyond the concert, this year’s festival will continue beloved traditions including the air shows over West Grand Traverse Bay, parades, cherry pie eating contests, and community events that have defined the celebration for generations.
As Traverse City prepares to welcome visitors from across Michigan and beyond, organizers say the centennial is both a celebration of the past and a launch point for the next century.
“Reaching 100 years is something special,” organizers said. “This community built the Cherry Festival — and this year, we celebrate that legacy together.”
The National Cherry Festival runs June 27–July 4, 2026, in downtown Traverse City.
