Mackinac Island, Michigan, known to many as the ‘Fudge Capital of the World,’ has announced the return of its annual Fudge Festival from August 23-25. This traditional event honors the history of fudge on the island and the dedicated makers who continue to delight visitors with the sweet treat.

Fudge has had a rich history on Mackinac Island dating back to the late 1800s when the process of making fudge on marble slabs was introduced to create unique flavor profiles and a captivating experience for shoppers. Despite early 20th-century challenges, innovative strategies and post-World War II tourism growth solidified Mackinac Island's reputation as a top fudge destination, which is now celebrated each August with the Fudge Festival. Today visitors are greeted with the sweet aroma of fudge when stepping foot on the island and its 13 fudge shops produce more than 10,000 pounds of fudge each day during peak season. 

“Fudge has been a special part of the Mackinac Island culture for centuries and no visit is complete without sampling the delectable confectionery treat,” says Tim Hygh, executive director of Mackinac Island. “The art of fudge-making is a mesmerizing process that always delights visitors and leaves them with a delicious sweet to enjoy or bring back to loved ones. The Fudge Festival is our way of celebrating this beloved tradition and bringing together the community to honor the dessert that’s become a cornerstone of our island’s identity.”

This year, the “Fun-tastical Fudge Naming Competition” returned by popular demand and in July, fudge enthusiasts from all over were encouraged to submit their most creative fudge names. The 2024 contest received nearly 6,000 name ideas with “Devil’s Kitchen Delight,” named after one of the island’s popular rock formations along M-185, being crowned as the winning pick. Mackinac Island Tourism narrowed it down to their top 20 picks and used a random number generator to select the winner this year. During the festival, fudge makers from Joann’s Fudge Shop, Kilwins Mackinac Island Fudge, May’s Candy Shop, Original Murdick’s Fudge, Ryba’s Fudge Shops and Sanders Fudge & Candy Shop will create and offer their version of Devil’s Kitchen Delight.

Fudge shops offering fudge-themed specials and giveaways include: Kilwins Mackinac Island, Joann’s Fudge Shop, May’s Candy Shop, Murray Hotel Fudge Company, Ryba’s Fudge Shops and Sanders Fudge & Candy Shop.

More details about the island's festivities, events, attractions and more during the Fudge Festival can be found online.