Michigan Cherry Season, Explained
Fresh cherries run from late June into August, and the 2026 National Cherry Festival ends July 11.
Michigan grows most of the country's tart cherries. The current Michigan Agriculture Facts and Figures says the state produced 74 percent of the U.S. tart-cherry supply in 2023. The same source lists fresh sweet cherries as available from late June through August.
Michigan's share changes with each crop year. The 74 percent figure applies specifically to the 2023 harvest.
Tart cherries and sweet cherries
Michigan's tart crop is led by the Montmorency variety. Tart cherries commonly go into frozen fruit, dried fruit, juice, preserves, and baking because their acidity holds up when sugar is added.
Sweet cherries are the type usually sold for eating fresh. Michigan grows them too, but on a smaller scale than tart cherries. A market sign that says “Michigan cherries” is not enough to identify which type is in the container. Ask the seller.
The 2026 festival dates
The 100th National Cherry Festival runs July 4-11, 2026. The festival's official event calendar carries current schedules and changes.
Use the official calendar for times, locations, tickets, closures, and cancellations.
Finding cherries near Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market is open Wednesdays and Saturdays during the summer, but vendor attendance and fruit inventory change. Check current market updates or call before making a trip for cherries alone.
Fresh tart cherries can be harder to find than sweet cherries because much of the tart crop is processed. Frozen Michigan tart cherries are a sound substitute for baking when fresh fruit is unavailable. Check the package for origin and variety rather than assuming every cherry product is Michigan-grown.
Storage and preservation
MSU Extension's cherry guide recommends selecting undamaged fruit, washing it under cool running water, and storing cherries in a refrigerator at or below 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not wash produce with soap.
The same extension guide gives tested methods for freezing tart and sweet cherries. Use that guidance rather than an improvised syrup or canning formula. MSU says properly preserved fruit should be limited to what a household can use within 12 months for best quality and nutritive value.
Tart and sweet cherries are not interchangeable in every recipe. If a recipe calls for tart cherries, substituting sweet fruit changes both the sugar and acid balance. Adjustments should come from a tested recipe, especially when preserving.
The short version
Michigan's fresh cherry window runs from late June into August. The state remains the country's dominant tart-cherry producer, but annual percentages vary. The 2026 National Cherry Festival runs July 4-11. For market availability, verify with the seller. For storage and preservation, use MSU Extension's tested instructions.
2026 National Cherry Festival: July 4-11. Fresh Michigan cherries are generally available from late June through August.