Red Flannel Festival Guide to Guests, Location, and Ticket info
If you love reading event guides like Hampton Beach Seafood Festival Guide to Guests, and Ticket Info, then you’ll enjoy learning about the Red Flannel Festival — one of Michigan’s most unique and heartwarming traditions. This small-town event in Cedar Springs is more than just a festival; it’s a symbol of pride, laughter, and community spirit.
What Type of Festival Is It?
The Red Flannel Festival is a community and heritage festival that celebrates the culture and humor of Cedar Springs, Michigan. It is not just a music or food event — it’s a festival born from history, storytelling, and tradition.
In the 1930s, a New York writer claimed that red flannel underwear could no longer be found in America. The local newspaper in Cedar Springs responded, proudly saying that their town still had red flannel. The playful exchange drew national attention, and in 1939, the town hosted its first Red Flannel Day.
Today, that fun little story has turned into a large-scale annual celebration where everyone wears red flannel to honor the town’s legacy. The festival features parades, craft fairs, lumberjack shows, races, and live performances. It’s a family-friendly event that welcomes visitors from all over the country.
Location of the Festival
The Red Flannel Festival is held in Cedar Springs, Michigan, located in Kent County. This small, friendly town becomes a lively stage for a full day of activities. The main streets — Ash, Beech, and Main — are decorated in red as crowds gather to celebrate.
Downtown Cedar Springs transforms into a sea of red flannel during the festival weekend. The parks host musical performances and craft vendors, while the streets buzz with energy from parades and games.
Who Organizes the Festival?
This Flannel Festival is organized by Red Flannel Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization managed by local volunteers. This community-based group ensures that the festival stays true to its roots.
The festival committee includes local business owners, city members, and volunteers who dedicate their time to planning the event each year. Their mission is to preserve the tradition while promoting Cedar Springs as the “Red Flannel Capital of the World.”
This dedication keeps the festival authentic and grounded in community pride. It’s not run by corporations but by people who genuinely love their town.
Dates and Times
This Flannel Festival takes place annually on the first Saturday of October. For 2025, the festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025.
Although the main celebration happens on Saturday, events often begin earlier in the week, including the Queen Scholarship Pageant, craft shows, and fun runs.
Here’s a quick look at the usual festival schedule:
| Day | Events |
|---|---|
| Wednesday–Friday | Opening events, competitions, pageant, and carnival |
| Saturday | Grand Parade, Lumberjack Show, Craft Fair, 5K Run, and Music Night |
| Sunday | Community cleanup and church service (optional) |
Festival day typically starts around 9 AM and lasts until midnight, with live music closing the night.
Where to Buy Tickets
Most of the Red Flannel Festival events are free and open to the public. You can enjoy the parade, street performances, and outdoor events without spending a dime.
However, some activities like the Queen Pageant, Grand Lodge Concert, or craft fairs may require a small entry fee. Tickets can be purchased at the gate on the event day or at select local stores in Cedar Springs before the festival.
Those who wish to participate in contests or parade floats must register in advance on the official Red Flannel Festival website or in person at the festival office.
Performers at Red Flannel Festival
The Red Flannel Festival always features an exciting lineup of performers. Live music is a major part of the event, with regional bands, local artists, and marching bands performing throughout the day.
Each year, the festival hosts the Red Flannel Marching Band Invitational, where school bands from across Michigan come to perform and compete. Later in the evening, live rock and country bands entertain crowds at the Grand Lodge Show, creating the perfect closing act for the day.
Performers vary yearly, but they always bring energy and excitement that keeps the crowd dancing and singing.
Main Attractions
Visitors to this Flannel Festival can expect a variety of fun and engaging attractions. Each one represents a piece of Cedar Springs’ personality and culture.
| Attraction | Description |
|---|---|
| Grand Parade | The most popular event with colorful floats, marching bands, and local organizations. |
| Craft & Vendor Fair | Local artists and craftsmen showcase handmade items and delicious foods. |
| Lumberjack Show | A nod to the town’s lumber history with demonstrations of sawing and log rolling. |
| Keystone Kops | Comedic volunteers “arrest” anyone not wearing red and fine them a dollar. |
| Red Flannel Queen Pageant | Young women compete for the title based on personality, talent, and service. |
| Car Show | Dozens of classic and modern cars line up downtown. |
| 5K & 10K Run | Runners participate in scenic routes through Cedar Springs. |
| Live Music | Bands perform rock, country, and folk tunes at night in the Grand Lodge. |
These events bring together families, tourists, and locals to celebrate creativity, humor, and history.
The Festival Atmosphere
Walking through Cedar Springs during the Red Flannel Festival feels like stepping into a live storybook. The town is covered in red decorations, people wear plaid, and the laughter of children fills the streets.
You’ll see families enjoying funnel cakes, kids waving at floats, and performers engaging the audience. The festival promotes unity, happiness, and appreciation for simple joys — qualities that define small-town America.
If you enjoy visiting state and town festivals, this Flannel Festival offers a similar sense of charm found at events like Apple Blossom Festival Winchester VA Guests & Ticket Guide. Both share an emphasis on tradition, pageantry, and community bonding.
Why the Red Flannel Festival Matters
The Red Flannel Festival matters because it preserves the humor and heart of Cedar Springs. It reminds people of the value of community traditions and small-town pride.
Every event — from the Queen Pageant to the Keystone Kops — represents the unity that makes this festival unique. Locals proudly call their home “The Red Flannel Town,” and that nickname reflects their cheerful spirit.
The festival also draws thousands of visitors, helping local businesses and artisans gain exposure. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with hometown friends and celebrate Michigan’s rural heritage.
Visitor Tips
If you’re planning to attend this Flannel Festival, a few tips can make your experience even better:
- Wear red flannel — It’s tradition!
- Arrive early for the parade to find good viewing spots.
- Bring cash for food stalls and games.
- Check weather forecasts, as October can be chilly in Michigan.
- Stay late for live music and night events at the Grand Lodge.
Following these tips ensures you don’t miss out on any excitement during the day.
The Spirit of Red Flannel
What truly makes the Red Flannel Festival special is its spirit — a blend of humor, warmth, and community. Wearing red flannel isn’t just for fun; it’s a reminder that unity and laughter can turn a small town into a symbol of joy.
Generations have grown up celebrating this event, and each year adds new memories to the legacy. Whether it’s dancing to music, cheering at the parade, or getting “arrested” for not wearing red, everyone leaves with a smile.
Conclusion
The Red Flannel Festival stands as one of Michigan’s proudest traditions, combining history, humor, and heart. What started as a simple newspaper joke has become a celebration that unites people every October.
If you’re seeking a wholesome, fun-filled weekend that captures the charm of small-town America, Cedar Springs is the place to be. Put on your red flannel, join the parade, and become part of a story that has lasted for generations — because in Cedar Springs, red flannel isn’t just clothing, it’s a way of life.
