June’s final weekend marks the return of Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant with sets by May Erlewine, Jason Singer of Michigander, The Go Rounds and many more. The preview, schedule and ticket links.
Inviting Setting: Smiling Acres boasts that as well as performances on multiple stages. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
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Take it from northern Michigan’s Silver Creek Revival: Performing at Smiling Acres Music Festival in Trufant is “always something special.”
“We’re so excited to get back out to Smiling Acres,” said Jack Jensen drummer for the Americana and indie-folk band that performs at 2:20 p.m. on Saturday, during the three-day festival that officially runs Friday-Sunday (June 27-29).
“We’ve got some newer tunes to debut from our upcoming EP recorded at Dogtown Studios. Playing festivals is our favorite. Getting to hang out with other musicians and see so much music outside in a festival environment is always something special. There’s nothing like being under the stars listening to music.”
Some 1,200 expected attendees would agree with Jensen, creating “the sense of community and cooperation that seems to come out of thin air,” said Nate Drews, who owns the festival site with his wife, Rhonda.
“What makes (the festival) special in my view is, even though there is something going on in multiple areas at the same time, it is peaceful here,” Rhonda added. “Everyone is relaxed and enjoying themselves. … I look forward to the smiles the most. Seeing families and attendees having the best time ever. Kids running and laughing and being able to be kids.”
The festival has made various improvements and additions over the year while keeping Smiling Acres the cozy, family-oreiented celebration of regional artists that’s endeared it to many music lovers who return every year.
And with performances by mega-popular acts such as May Erlewine, Jason Singer of Michigander, The Go Rounds, Desmond Jones, Roosevelt Diggs, Ralston Bowles, Djangophonique, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds (the band’s final show with its current lineup) and a silent disco presented by Ruben Martinez and Lady Ace Boogie, the 2025 festival has plenty to entice attendees. More info here.
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Smiling Acres: May Erlewine, who performed in 2024, returns on Sunday. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
SMILING ACRES MUSIC FESTIVAL ESSENTIALS
WHEN: (Friday-Sunday) June 27-29
WHERE: 3060 N. Johnson Rd., Trufant, Mich., 49347
WEBSITE: https://smilingacresfestival.com/
THE DRIVE: 36 miles (50 minutes) northeast of Grand Rapids
86 miles (1 hour, 25 minutes) northeast of Kalamazoo
170 miles (3 hours) northwest of Detroit
77 miles (1 hour, 30 minutes) northwest of Lansing
124 miles (2 hours) south of Traverse City
THE LINEUP: The Go rounds, Jason Singer of Michigander, May Erlewine, Grace Theisen Trio, Erin Zindle & The Ragbirds, Desmond Jones, Cabildo, Roosevelt Diggs, Billy Gunther & The Midwest Riders, The Legal Immigrants, Candid Antics, The Reverend Jesse Ray, Mark Lavengood (artist-at-large), Blue Water Ramblers, The Incantations and more.
TICKETS: $95 weekend adults (with camping), $25 children 6-12 (with camping; age 5 and under free); $50 adult day pass. Weekend camping passes will be $135 at the gate. Get advance tickets online here.
SMILING ACRES 2025: THE SCHEDULE
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