In the 1850s, the first cherry trees were planted in the Traverse City area, where they thrived. Commercial cherry production followed, as well as the now famous National Cherry Festival, which began in earnest in 1929 and has been growing ever since. The weeklong festival is far more than just an excuse to eat delicious cherries. There are concerts, parades, and even an air show to take in during the peak of summer. Join the nearly 500,000 attendees for food, rides, and memory making.