Summer has arrived in Michigan, and the season of festivals, concerts and fairs has begun. With the rising temperatures and high UV index, it's the best time of year to get outside and enjoy good company. Here are some events in Central Michigan to attend during the summer months.

Highland Festival

The 48th annual Alma Highland Festival and Games offers a weekend of dancing, kilts, bagpipes and camaraderie for members of Scottish clans and onlookers, according to the festival's website.

The festival will be held May 22-24 in Alma.

One-day passes for the event are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (62 and over) and children ages 6-17, and free for children 5 years and under. Two-day passes are $25 for adults and $15 for seniors and children.

The festival beings Friday night with a choreographed dance competition at 7 p.m. in the Heritage Center. The band Jedi Mind Trip will also perform from 7:30 to 11:30 p.m.

The opening ceremony of the festival will be held at 12:15 p.m. Saturday in the Alma College football stadium.This will include athletic events, presentations, workshops and band competitions and performances. On Sunday, there will be an arts and crafts fair, Chef Eric McBride, "The Celtic Caterer," preparing traditional Scottish cuisine and Scottish music will be performed by Colin Grant Adams.

Special Olympics Michigan State Summer Games

The State Summer Games is the largest Special Olympics Michigan event with 2,600 Special Olympians along with an additional 3,400 coaches, volunteers, chaperones, family members and spectators attending each year, according to the event's website.

The games are presented by SpartanNash and will be held May 28-30 at Central Michigan University.

There are 10 different types of competition offered at the games each year. These include aquatics, bocce, athletics, weightlifting, horseshoes, bowling, gymnastics, power lifting, volleyball, motor activities training program and developmental athletics.

Athletes are able to compete in the State Summer Games after qualifying during local competitions during the rest of the year.

Mount Pleasant Summer Festival

The 31st Mount Pleasant Summer Festival will offer farmer's and flea markets, craft shows, carnival rides and more.

The festival will take place June 4-7 at Island Park.

The first Fun 5K Run/Walk will start at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6. The event will help kick off the festival and the Mount Pleasant Craft Beer Festival, according to the run's website. Attendees are asked to wear fun, appropriate gear such as superhero gear, clown outfits, bright colors and face paint.

Those pre-registered before May 23 are guaranteed T-shirts. Others are first come first serve. Packet pick-up and day of registration begins at 9 a.m.

The beer and entertainment tent, children's village and carnival will open at 11 a.m. on the same day.

Mount Pleasant Craft Beer Festival

Live music, Michigan-brewed beer and food will be offered at this year's festival.

The festival will be held 4-9 p.m. June 6 in downtown Mount Pleasant.

The event is hosted by the Mount Pleasant Jaycees and is open to adults 21 years or older. Live music will include artist Matt Gabriel. Complimentary water will be provided at hydration stations, and food will be provided by Max & Emily's Eatery, Qdoba Mexican Grill, Killer Hibachi and Erbert and Gerbert's Sandwich Shop.

All ticket holders will receive a sampling glass and six drink tickets upon admission. Additional drink tickets may be purchased for $1 each. Most beverages for sampling will cost one ticket per hour.

According to the event's website,VIP tickets are $35 and general admission tickets are $20. VIP ticket holders will gain early admission at 3 p.m.

Le Tour de Mont Pleasant

Again this year, the Revolution Cycling Club and the Mid-Michigan Cycling Club are partnering to offer an Omnium that includes a Time Trial, and the Michigan State Championship Road Race.

The seventh annual Le Tour de Mont Pleasant bicycle race will be held June 12-13 in Mount Pleasant.

The road race is Saturday, June 13, with the start/finish line at Mid Michigan Community College. The annual children's race, which usually draws over 100 kids from around the community, will take place at noon in Island Park, while the road race is underway, according to the event's website.

Art Walk Central

Art Walk Central is an art competition and art infusion during the month of August.

People's Choice voting and painting the intersection of Main and Broadway beings at 9 a.m. Aug. 1.

A chalk art workshop will be held Aug. 4. A chalk art event will be Aug. 6-8, a printmaking demonstration and Movies by Moonlight will be Aug. 8, an Art Reach open house (for sponsors and venues) will be Aug. 11, a plein air event will be Aug. 14-16 and a judge's roundtable is Aug. 15.

Another "Movies by Moonlight" will be on Aug. 15 and voting will end at 5 p.m. Aug. 18 with winners announced at the Art Reach Auction for the Arts on Aug. 19, according to the event's website.