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here’s another blockbuster concert lineup coming to the National Cherry Festival this summer. And while tickets already are in small supply for shows featuring “Chicago,” “3 Doors Down” and “Jordan Davis,” there are a few more big acts yet to be named.

Keep an eye on the festival web site and social media channels for the latest updates on the 97th annual event, scheduled July 1-8 in Traverse City. The festival typically breaks concert news on Monday mornings, with tickets going on sale the following Friday.

The headliners already announced for the festival’s eight consecutive nights of live entertainment include some pretty big names, and the yet-tobe-revealed performers are going to be exciting too, said Kat Paye, the festival’s executive director.

“They’re going to be the things that are missing from the lineup thus far,” she said. “We really try to have a very eclectic lineup, a something-foreveryone feel, and we’ve got to round out the week.

“You’ll see everything from country to classic rock to heavier rock ‘n roll, and then we always have a comedian or something non-musical.”

This year’s non-musical event on the open-air Pepsi Bay Side Music Stage presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan already has been announced: comedians Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the

Cable Guy will close down the festival on Saturday, July 8. Some reserved chair seats can be had for $80, with $60 standing-room general admission tickets also still available.

Here’s the rest of what’s already on tap for the National Cherry Festival:

• Flo Rida on Sunday, July 2.

• Theory of a Deadman & Skillet on Tuesday, July 4.

• 3 Doors Down with special guest Candlebox on Wednesday, July 5.

• Country music artist Jordan Davis on Thursday, July 6.

• Chicago on Friday, July 7.

This summer’s lineup continues the National Cherry Festival tradition of bringing big names to the concert stage. Past festivals have showcased acts including Kane Brown, Pat Benatar, Styx, Dan + Shay, Nelly, Foreigner, REO Speedwagon and many more.

All of the shows are in the festival’s 4,500-seat open-air venue – the Pepsi Bay Side Music Stage presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. The stage gets built each year, like creating a little city within Traverse City for the rst week of July.

“What a more beautiful way to enjoy a concert than right on the water,” Paye said. “I de nitely encourage you to get your tickets early.”

Although VIP packages that include food and beverage on The Deck are sold out for some National Cherry Festival concerts, reserved seats remain available for some shows as well as general admission tickets. Some artist holds also could be released in the coming weeks, so keep an eye on the festival web site and social channels for ticket availability.

Upcoming concert acts aren’t the only big National Cherry Festival announcements to be on the lookout for this spring. Tickets are now on sale for special foodie events during the free air show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds on the rst weekend of the festival. Some new events are also in the works including a pickleball tournament using the many new courts in Traverse City and a curling event at the Traverse City Curling Center. And, back this year for the rst time since before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 is the National Cherry Festival pit spit contest. See if you can spit a cherry pit farther than the current 85-foot record!

“All of your favorite, traditional events are back at the National Cherry Festival for our 97th year,” Paye said. Check out the full National Cherry Festival schedule to plan your visit, and nd the perfect place to stay in the Traverse City. area for your trip.

Upwards of 500,000 people come to the National Cherry Festival each year to celebrate Traverse City as the Cherry Capital of the World.