National Cherry Festival
This page was last updated June 12, 2023 for the 2023 Festival, and information provided is subject to change.
Don’t want to park downtown at all? TAKE THE BAYLINE FROM BATA! Click here for more information! The Bayline is a FREE east-west circulator that has multiple free park-n-ride stops.
Current Parking Permit Holders
Surface Permit Holder Alternative Parking
Parkers displaced by lot closures may obtain an access card for use at the Old Town parking structure. This card is available anytime and is free of charge.
Display Your Parking Permit
Permits MUST be displayed at all times both for garage and surface lot permit holders. Garage permit holders may be denied access during peak times for failure to display
Festival Parking Rates
Event rates will be in effect on various days throughout the festival. Parkers may pull a ticket and pay the hourly rate for the first two hours of parking in both parking structures before event rates will go into effect.
Airshow
All day Saturday, July 1st-Sunday, July 2nd
$20 – Hardy Parking Structure
$10 – Old Town Parking Structure
All Day Rate
4th of July, Tuesday
$10 – Hardy Parking Structure
$5 – Old Town Parking Structure
Saturday, July 8th
$10 – Hardy Parking Structure
$5 – Old Town Parking Structure
Fireworks
After 7 PM, Tuesday July 4th
$5 – Hardy Parking Structure
$5 – Old Town Parking Structure
After 7 PM, Saturday, July 8th
$5 – Hardy Parking Structure
$5 – Old Town Parking Structure
Parades
After 5 PM, Thursday July 6th & before 1 PM Saturday, July 8th
Hourly rates apply – Hardy Parking Structure
Hourly rates apply – Old Town Parking Structure
Metered Parking Lots
For the duration of the festival, all metered parking lots will increase to a 10-hour parking limit. (time limits increased at pay stations, but not through Parkmobile mobile pay application)
Saturday, July 1st-Saturday, July 8th
$1.50 per hour, $20 daily maximum
Parade Parking
For the “best kept secret” for parade parking, access on of our two parking garages on the parade route and avoid street closures.
Hardy Parking Garage, 303 East State Street may be accessed by starting from Cass & Eighth, head north on Cass Street, turn right at State Street and arrive at the Hardy Parking Garage on the left.
Old Town Parking Garage, 125 East Eighth Street may be accessed by starting from Cass & Eighth, head west on Eighth Street and arrive at the Old Town Parking Garage on the right.
Parking Closures & Restricted Parking
Lot B
Carnival and Midway Operations will take over the permit lot corner of Union & Grandview Parkway Wednesday, June 28th 11:30 PM -Sunday, July 9th
Lot C
Police Command Center will take over the metered lot south of Grandview Parkway between Cass and Park Streets Wednesday, June 28th 5:00 PM-Sunday, July 9th
Lot D
Grand Traverse Sheriff Dive Team will take over the metered boat launch spaces in the lot south of Grandview Parkway between Park Street Thursday, June 29th-Sunday, July 2nd. All double spaces for vehicles with trailer only will be unavailable. All single vehicle spaces are available for festival parking.
Marina Drive
Festival Operations will take over the metered parking north of Grandview Parkway, east of Open Space from Tuesday, June 27th – Sunday, July 9th
Lot M
Festival Operations will take over the metered lot in Duncan Clinch Marina Area Tuesday, June 27th – Sunday, July 9th
Old Town – Ground level 125 East Eighth Street
The Farmers Market will relocate to the ground level of the parking garage. Access is available from the west alley off of both Lake Avenue and Eighth Street. Regular parking will resume after the market.
Parking is restricted and unavailable:
Saturday, July 1st 6:00 AM-12:00 PM
Wednesday, July 5th 6:00 AM-12:00 PM
Saturday, July 8th 6:00 AM-12:00 PM
Lot RB
Festival Operations will take over the metered lot north of Grandview Parkway, east of sand volleyball courts from Tuesday, June 27th – Sunday, July 9th
Lot T
Carnival and Midway Operations will take over the permit lot corner of Union & Grandview Parkway Wednesday, June 28th 11:30 PM -Sunday, July 9th
Festival Parking FAQs
My car was towed. Where is it?
We will attempt to relocate any vehicle that is towed from a closure location to another parking lot within walking distance in the downtown area. The most common locations would be parking lots E, P or V. If you cannot location your vehicle and need further assistance, please call Brickyard Towing (231) 947-8697. Be prepared to give your license plate, state and vehicle description.
Where can I park my RV or bus?
The downtown area does not have any oversized (double) parking spaces. All oversized vehicles that do not fit into the designated lines of parking are required to pay for the multiple spaces that are occupied.
Do you allow motorcycles in the parking garages?
No. Motorcycles are not permitted to enter under parking gates as recommended for safety reasons by the manufacturer.
Does the event rate allow re-entry?
No. All event rates are valid for one entry.
What do I do if I lost my event parking pass?
Event parking passes cannot be replaced and lost ticket fees will be assessed.