Special Events for 4-H Youth
Whether you’re showing an animal, shooting a bow, learning about legislation, building a robot or something else, Michigan 4-H has a lot to offer. While youth learn about their specific project area, they’re also learning something else: critical life skills that help them contribute to their communities now and in the future.
Below are 4-H events & programs open to all 4-H youth.
New activities added every month! Click here to see what's coming next!
2026 Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase
Enter photo and video projects in showcase
Michigan youth ages 5-19 as of Jan 1, 2026 are eligible to enter the Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase and share their projects online. There is no fee to enter and 4-H membership is not required.
There are classes in livestock and animal showmanship, still exhibits, contests, educational and leadership, and more! Youth can enter multiple classes and receive positive and constructive feedback from evaluators. Youth can enter the same project in a local or county fair but cannot enter the same project in the in-person Michigan State Fair.
The registration deadline is August 7, 2026.
Scholarship available
Participants in the Michigan State Fair 4-H & Youth Virtual Showcase also can apply for up to $1,000 in post-secondary education scholarships.
Michigan youth, ages 8-19 years old as of Jan. 1, 2026, who submit a project in the virtual showcase are eligible to apply in their age bracket (8-11, 12-15 and 16-19). The deadline to apply for scholarships is Monday, August 10, 2026 at 4 p.m. EST.
The Michigan State Fair 4-H and Youth Virtual Showcase Scholarship is provided by the Michigan State Fair Foundation and supported by the Bowman family.
For more information
For more information and to register go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/
Questions, please contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu or Laurie Rivetto at rivettoL@msu.edu.
Michigan 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship Virtual Showcase Business Pitch Contest
The Michigan 4-H Youth Entrepreneurship Virtual Showcase Business Pitch Contest gives youth ages 8–19 the opportunity to showcase their creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial skills through a short virtual business pitch.
Participants may present a business they already own, currently operate, or hope to start in the future, including product, service, or community impact ideas. Youth will create a two-minute video pitch introducing themselves, explaining their business idea, identifying the problem they are solving, and sharing why their product or service stands out.
Entries will be judged on creativity, communication, understanding of the target audience, and overall presentation skills. Winners in each age division will receive gift card prizes sponsored by Michigan State University Federal Credit Union and be recognized through Michigan 4-H communications and social media.
Prizes awarded to the top 3 in all class divisions
- 8-11 year olds
- 12-15 year olds
- 16-19 year olds
Judging Criteria
- Creativity and originality of the business idea
- Clear explanation of the product or service
- Understanding of the customer of audience
- Communication skills and pitch clarity
- Age appropriate understanding of money and decision making
- Adherences to guidelines and directions
Contest Rules
- Entries may be businesses youth have:
- Already started
- Are currently operating
- Or are planning to start
- Businesses can be product, service or social/community impact based
- Entries must include a photo of the exhibitor/youth for potential promotional and announcement purposes
- Entries must feature the youth participant on camera, speaking directly to the audience while pitching their business or product
- All submissions must be the youth's own original work
- Business ideas should reflect positive values, ethical entrepreneurship, and responsible decision making
- Content must be appropriate for all audiences
Format
- Video submissions should be no longer than 2 minutes
- Videos should be uploaded to YouTube with the channel set to unlisted
- The YouTube link must be entered into the submission system
Registration deadline is August 7, 2026.
For more information and to register go to: https://www.canr.msu.edu/virtual-showcase/State-Fair-Virtual-Showcase/
Questions, please contact Janelle Stewart at stewa191@msu.edu or Laurie Rivetto at rivettoL@msu.edu.
4-H and FFA Livestock Judging State Contest 2026
July 1, 2026
Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University
In the livestock judging contest, participants can demonstrate their livestock evaluation and selection skills, as well as improve their communication and decision-making skills.
4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp 2026
July 6, 2026 – July 9, 2026
Anthony Hall at Michigan State University
The Michigan 4-H Animal and Veterinary Science Camp is a pre-college program held at Michigan State University through which youth will explore fields relating to animal science and veterinary medicine.
July 7, 2026 – July 9, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon each day
East Lansing, MI
Young writers will learn about the wonderful world of writing in the garden.
July 8, 2026 – July 10, 2026
Clear Lake Education Center - 8025 N. Clear Lake Road, Manistique, MI 49854 U.P.
4-H Camp is for youth age 9-13 or going into 4th-8th grades in the fall.
July 16, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
East Lansing, MI
Come cool off from the summer heat and have fun in the garden with water.
2026 Saginaw Bay 4-H Fish Camp
July 20, 2026 – July 21, 2026
Calling all youth ages 8–13 interested in learning how to fish and protect our Great Lakes! All campers will receive a fully loaded tackle box, fishing rod and reel, snacks, and more.
July 23, 2026, 10 a.m. – Noon
East Lansing, MI
We cannot get enough of these amazing six-legged friends! Join us for an annual tribute to insects in the gardens.
4-H Garden Adventures Summer Camp 2026-Session 1
July 27, 2026, 9a.m. – 1 p.m.
1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
This camp is designed for youth ages 7-12 and encourages sustainability & growth through an engaging, hands-on approach.
July 30, 2026, 10 a.m. - Noon
East Lansing, MI
Come celebrate the end of summer vacation at the garden with bubbles!
August 4, 2026 – August 6, 2026, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. each day
Young artists will love spending three days in the gardens creating marvelous projects.
2026 Michigan 4-H State Horse Show
August 13, 2026 – August 16, 2026
Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University, 4301 Farm Lane, Lansing, MI 48910
The 4-H State Horse Show is an annual, four-day event that brings together 4-Hers from counties across Michigan. Members are selected by their county 4-H programs to participate in this event.
4-H Garden Adventures Summer Camp 2026-Session 2
August 17, 2026 – August 20, 2026
1490 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
This camp is designed for youth ages 7-12 and encourages sustainability & growth through an engaging, hands-on approach.