Frankenmuth River Place Shops hosts more than 20 community festivals and events every year, from the world’s largest Olympic -style festival for dogs known as the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl to the food truck festival series called the Funtown Chowdown!
Browse our calendar below to see what’s happening during your visit to River Place Shops!
May
14may2:00 pm9:00 pmFrankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the second Thursday of the month from 2-9 PM starting in May: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10.
Come and celebrate this year with themed events! Each food truck festival will showcase special activities and entertainment along with a variety of great food and specialty tap takeovers.
May 14: Camp Chowdown
June 11: Bam! Pow! Food Truck WOW! Superheroes
July 9: Lei’d Back Luau
August 13: Color Splash Bash
September 10: Disco Fever
Each festival will feature around 20 food trucks from across Michigan with a variety of cuisine and desserts, live music, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverage sales, designated handicap parking area, and additional activities for families. Don’t miss out on Funtown Chowdown 2026, a community dinner like no other!
Visit http://bit.ly/funtownchowdown for updates and more information.
Time
22may(may 22)8:00 am25(may 25)9:00 amBalloons Over Bavarian Inn
Event Details
Join us Memorial Day Weekend 2026 in Frankenmuth as more than 20 hot air balloons lift off over the Frankenmuth Event Field at Frankenmuth River
Event Details
Check out the full schedule of activities at https://dogbowlfun.com/balloons-over-bavarian-inn/ or get updates on flight and glow events from the Balloons Over Bavarian Inn Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/BalloonsOverBavarianInn
View full list of FAQ’s about Frankenmuth Dog Bowl and Balloons Over Bavarian Inn by clicking here!
Time
Location
Frankenmuth River Place Shops
925 S. Main St. Frankenmuth, MI 48734
(800) 600-0105 [email protected]
FAQ
Can I reserve tethered balloon ride tickets in advance?
No, reserved tickets are not available to book in advance. We cannot guarantee times due to the volatility of wind and weather. All tickets will be sold at the time of the experience.
Can I see balloons glowing in the evening?
YES – there will have TWO Balloon Glow locations each night, Friday, Saturday & Sunday (all inflating at 9pm for one hour). TWO (2) hot air balloons will glow at the Bavarian Inn Lodge front lawn. The Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Field at Frankenmuth River Place Shops (Due south of the Lodge) will have app. 13 balloons glowing each night (different mix each night). All will inflate around 9pm (assuming calm winds) until about 10pm. On Sunday night fireworks will be shot off over Zehnder’s parking lot area and viewable from around downtown Frankenmuth & our glow fields at 10:00pm.
Can my very young children go up in the balloon with me?
Generally speaking children five and over will do well and enjoy a Hot Air Balloon Ride. Young children must always be riding with a parent who can control and comfort them. If a child is “at all” afraid, they should not ride. Please keep in mind the Burners are hot and make a loud sound, so if your child is timid or afraid of loud sounds it may be better to wait until they are older.
Does the Tethered ride accept credit cards?
YES
How Many people can ride at a time with the Pilot?
Many factors go into the total amount of people we can carry including outside temperature and weight of each individual. Typically we can accommodate four adults weighing 180 pounds or less OR a maximum of about 700 pounds. It can be a family or a group of friends. Also, since children are generally smaller in size and weigh less, we may be able to accommodate a larger number.
I see hot air balloons flying over Frankenmuth. Can I get a ride in one? or where are they flying?
There are 25 balloons holding a competition in flight over Frankenmuth all weekend. They do not have a predetermined launch or landing site. So enjoy them in the air!
Is there a way to reserve a long private balloon flight?
YES, Magic Clouds Balloon Corporation is taking ONE morning flight on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (approximately 6:00 am!). The typical price for shared flight is $400 / person for up to 4 individuals with the pilot. All flights will be about 45 minutes to an hour – depending on landing locations and availability. All flights are weather permitting. The entire experience from inflation to landing could be up to 3 hours. Family members are welcome to follow the chase vehicle & crew in their own vehicle(s) to see them land and help pack up the balloon. For a potential flight go to www.bcballoonrides.com and click on book flights, then hit the hamburger button (3 lines) in top corner of screen and choose Frankenmuth, Mi flights. (Mobile directions) You can reserve or chat with them online. There are no long evening flights since the balloon will do tethered rides from 6:00 until just before dark.
What is the difference between a Balloon Flight and a Balloon Tethered Ride?
A balloon flight is usually a 2-3 hour experience from helping the pilot and crew to inflate the balloon, flying for 45 minutes to a little over an hour and landing in a down-wind location from where you started. A “Chase Crew” follows your flight path and helps you pack up at the end of the experience. For a private ride pricing and availability, please visit www.BCBalloonRides.com
A tethered ride is a shorter experience where a Hot Air Balloon is anchored to the ground. You go up about 50 to 60 feet in the air for approximately a 5-minute experience. You will have an FAA certified pilot in the balloon basket. This is a great way to see the sights and sounds around Frankenmuth and get a small sample of flying in a Hot Air Balloon. The tether ride will be available for $30.00 per adult and $15 per child (12 & under)
What may cause this pop-up activity from not happening?
Rain, Thunder & lightning causes all hot air balloons to be grounded. In addition, moderate winds also cause a tethered balloon to be grounded for the safety of our passengers, pilots, and crewmembers.
Where & When will the tethered balloon rides happen?
On May 23, 24 & 25th, the tethered balloon rides will happen on the West corner of Bavarian Inn Lodge (adjacent to the peacock cage). If winds are mild, rides may start at 6:00 PM or slightly earlier.
Will there be any Balloon rides available this year?
Yes, the Tethered Rides are being offered in front of Bavarian Inn Lodge. We will have 2 Tethered Balloons on Friday night, 3 Tethered Balloons on Saturday, and 3 on Sunday!
23may(may 23)8:00 am24(may 24)6:00 pmFrankenmuth Dog Bowl 2026
Event Details
The world’s largest Olympic-style festival for dogs returns with dock and disc dog competitions, sheep herding demonstrations, balloon glows and flights, wiener dog races, a pet costume parade, and so
Event Details
The world’s largest Olympic-style festival for dogs returns with dock and disc dog competitions, sheep herding demonstrations, balloon glows and flights, wiener dog races, a pet costume parade, and so much more!
The FREE two-day family festival takes place Memorial Day weekend – May 23 and 24, 2026 – and is the same weekend as Balloons over Bavarian Inn, featuring daily competitions and nightly balloon glow events in the Frankenmuth Credit Union Event Field near River Place Shops.
Dogs are welcome, but please note – all dogs must be on leashes! Shop our pet-themed vendor marketplace, sign your dog up for doggie races or lure coursing competitions, and explore more than 40 shops and attractions located at River Place Shops.
Find more information and a full schedule at www.dogbowlfun.com! All events take place at River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St. Parking is free and located around the Bavarian-styled shopping complex and along Weiss Street. With activities spread out over 25 acres of Bavarian Inn property, there will be plenty of space for guests and canines to enjoy themselves safely.
Time
23may(may 23)9:30 am24(may 24)10:15 amCanine Cruise at the 2026 Dog Bowl
Event Details
Back by popular demand, the annual Canine Cruise on the Cass River returns during the 2026 Frankenmuth Dog Bowl! This unique tour of Frankenmuth takes place aboard the
Event Details
Back by popular demand, the annual Canine Cruise on the Cass River returns during the 2026 Frankenmuth Dog Bowl! This unique tour of Frankenmuth takes place aboard the Bavarian Belle historic paddleboat, which docks on the north side of Frankenmuth River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St. in Frankenmuth.
Pets are not only welcome but also encouraged on the Canine Cruise. Cruises will be at 8:15am and 9:30am on Saturday, May 23 and at 9:30am on Sunday, May 24 during Frankenmuth Dog Bowl festival. Each tour lasts around 45 minutes and includes a narrated history of Frankenmuth and plenty of photo opportunities with your pup!
Proceeds from the Canine Cruise go to Frankenmuth Dog Bowl Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission of advocating for responsible pet ownership through educational programs and world-class events, with a goal of being a recognized source of knowledge and entertainment for dogs and the people they love.
Registration is limited to the first 75 participants and one dog per person for each session. There are no refunds for the Canine Cruise Package.
The Bavarian Belle does allow a limited number of pets on their regularly scheduled cruises, learn more about pricing and times here: http://www.bavarianbelle.com/
While at Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, make sure to check out the many activities, including a pet-themed vendor marketplace, the pet costume contest, fun run doggie races and explore more than 40 shops and attractions located at River Place Shops. For more information and a full schedule, visit www.dogbowlfun.com!
All events take place at River Place Shops, 925 S. Main St. Parking is free and located around the German-style shopping complex and along Weiss Street. With the events spread out on over 25 acres of Bavarian Inn property, there will be plenty of space for guests and canines to enjoy themselves safely.
Time
23may(may 23)11:00 am24(may 24)10:30 pmThe Cluck & Pup Patio Party
Event Details
Join us May 23 & 24 for the Cluck & Pup Patio Party, happening in the Covered Bridge Shop parking lot during Frankenmuth Dog Bowl and Balloons Over Bavarian Inn
Event Details
Join us May 23 & 24 for the Cluck & Pup Patio Party, happening in the Covered Bridge Shop parking lot during Frankenmuth Dog Bowl and Balloons Over Bavarian Inn weekend.
🌭 Featuring:
🍗 Frankenmuth favorites from the Cluck Truck
🍹 Refreshing drinks from the Bridgeview Bar
🎶 Great music all day long
🐶 A pet- and family-friendly place to relax and hang out
It’s the perfect spot to grab a drink, enjoy great food, and soak in the weekend festivities—right next to the Covered Bridge.
📍 Frankenmuth, MI | May 23 & 24 | Starts at 11 AM
Time
June
11jun2:00 pm9:00 pmFrankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the second Thursday of the month from 2-9 PM starting in May: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10.
Come and celebrate this year with themed events! Each food truck festival will showcase special activities and entertainment along with a variety of great food and specialty tap takeovers.
May 14: Camp Chowdown
June 11: Bam! Pow! Food Truck WOW! Superheroes
July 9: Lei’d Back Luau
August 13: Color Splash Bash
September 10: Disco Fever
Each festival will feature around 20 food trucks from across Michigan with a variety of cuisine and desserts, live music, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverage sales, designated handicap parking area, and additional activities for families. Don’t miss out on Funtown Chowdown 2026, a community dinner like no other!
Visit http://bit.ly/funtownchowdown for updates and more information.
Time
13jun(jun 13)11:00 am11jul(jul 11)4:00 pmKids Rule Now! Youth Entrepreneurship Expo
Event Details
Support local youth at Kids Rule Now! Youth Entrepreneurship Expo! 💙 Head to Frankenmuth River Place Shops on July 11th from
Event Details
Time
13jun12:00 pm6:00 pmBavarian Volkswagen Festival
Event Details
Come check out the Bavarian Volkswagen Festival on Saturday, June 13, in the East River Place Shops parking lot. There will be more than 200 Volkswagens for you and
Event Details
Come check out the Bavarian Volkswagen Festival on Saturday, June 13, in the East River Place Shops parking lot.
There will be more than 200 Volkswagens for you and the whole family to enjoy! We can’t wait to see you there!
Time
27jun(jun 27)11:00 am28(jun 28)1:30 pmRock N Roll K9 Shows
Event Details
Visit Frankenmuth River Place Shops this summer to witness performances by Rock N Roll K9’s! Showtimes for June 27 & 28 Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm Sunday: 11 am &
Event Details
Visit Frankenmuth River Place Shops this summer to witness performances by Rock N Roll K9’s!
Showtimes for June 27 & 28
Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm, and 3 pm
Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
Showtimes for August 15 & 16
Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm
Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
All performances will take place at the Fest Platz stage inside Frankenmuth River Place Shops and are FREE to attend.
Time
July
13jun(jun 13)11:00 am11jul(jul 11)4:00 pmKids Rule Now! Youth Entrepreneurship Expo
Event Details
Support local youth at Kids Rule Now! Youth Entrepreneurship Expo! 💙 Head to Frankenmuth River Place Shops on July 11th from
Event Details
Time
09jul2:00 pm9:00 pmFrankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the second Thursday of the month from 2-9 PM starting in May: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10.
Come and celebrate this year with themed events! Each food truck festival will showcase special activities and entertainment along with a variety of great food and specialty tap takeovers.
May 14: Camp Chowdown
June 11: Bam! Pow! Food Truck WOW! Superheroes
July 9: Lei’d Back Luau
August 13: Color Splash Bash
September 10: Disco Fever
Each festival will feature around 20 food trucks from across Michigan with a variety of cuisine and desserts, live music, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverage sales, designated handicap parking area, and additional activities for families. Don’t miss out on Funtown Chowdown 2026, a community dinner like no other!
Visit http://bit.ly/funtownchowdown for updates and more information.
Time
18jul(jul 18)8:00 am19(jul 19)6:00 pmCass River Colonial Encampment
Event Details
FREE Family Event taking place July 18 and 19 at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! Experience an encampment of historical reenactors representing the many eras of America’s history. Visit and tour military
Event Details
FREE Family Event taking place July 18 and 19 at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
Experience an encampment of historical reenactors representing the many eras of America’s history. Visit and tour military camps ranging from the French & Indian War through the Revolutionary War, and shop at historical vendors.
Experience activities including:
– Flag-raising ceremonies
– Fashion show
– Period concerts
– Battle skirmishes
– Revolutionary War Cannons Artillery & Weapons Demonstrations
Ongoing daily camp life and guard duty in the River Place Shops and Period encampments. The tent camps will be spread throughout the east side of Frankenmuth River Place Shops and the Covered Bridge grounds.
Time
August
13aug2:00 pm9:00 pmFrankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the second Thursday of the month from 2-9 PM starting in May: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10.
Come and celebrate this year with themed events! Each food truck festival will showcase special activities and entertainment along with a variety of great food and specialty tap takeovers.
May 14: Camp Chowdown
June 11: Bam! Pow! Food Truck WOW! Superheroes
July 9: Lei’d Back Luau
August 13: Color Splash Bash
September 10: Disco Fever
Each festival will feature around 20 food trucks from across Michigan with a variety of cuisine and desserts, live music, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverage sales, designated handicap parking area, and additional activities for families. Don’t miss out on Funtown Chowdown 2026, a community dinner like no other!
Visit http://bit.ly/funtownchowdown for updates and more information.
Time
15aug(aug 15)11:00 am16(aug 16)1:30 pmRock N Roll K9 Shows
Event Details
Visit Frankenmuth River Place Shops this summer to witness performances by Rock N Roll K9’s! Showtimes for August 15 & 16 Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm Sunday: 11 am &
Event Details
Visit Frankenmuth River Place Shops this summer to witness performances by Rock N Roll K9’s!
Showtimes for August 15 & 16
Saturday: 11 am, 1 pm, & 3 pm
Sunday: 11 am & 1:30 pm
All performances will take place at the Fest Platz stage inside Frankenmuth River Place Shops and are FREE to attend.
Time
September
10sep2:00 pm9:00 pmFrankenmuth Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops! The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the
Event Details
It’s time for the Funtown Chowdown, Frankenmuth’s Annual Food Truck Festival at Frankenmuth River Place Shops!
The fun takes place in the parking lot east of the shopping complex on the second Thursday of the month from 2-9 PM starting in May: May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, and September 10.
Come and celebrate this year with themed events! Each food truck festival will showcase special activities and entertainment along with a variety of great food and specialty tap takeovers.
May 14: Camp Chowdown
June 11: Bam! Pow! Food Truck WOW! Superheroes
July 9: Lei’d Back Luau
August 13: Color Splash Bash
September 10: Disco Fever
Each festival will feature around 20 food trucks from across Michigan with a variety of cuisine and desserts, live music, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverage sales, designated handicap parking area, and additional activities for families. Don’t miss out on Funtown Chowdown 2026, a community dinner like no other!
Visit http://bit.ly/funtownchowdown for updates and more information.
Time
Interested in more Frankenmuth events and festivals?
Visit the Frankenmuth Visitor’s Center website here for more fun in Frankenmuth!
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