Earth, Wind & Fire
The legendary music ensemble transcended genres and generations with celebratory anthems like “Let’s Groove,” “Shining Star,” and “September.” The band has garnered a long list of accolades over the course of its 56-year career, including six Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, a BET Lifetime Achievement Award, and Kennedy Center Honors. Aug. 2. $53+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and glass from local and national artists at this juried art fair on Detroit’s scenic Belle Isle. After shopping, relax on an Adirondack chair in the Secret Garden, a fairly new addition to the fair that features outdoor art in its natural element. Over 20 organizations will offer hands-on activities for kids and adults, which have previously been done in collaboration with the Belle Isle Nature Center, Detroit Zoo, and Detroit Bird Alliance. Aug. 2-3. No cost with a state parks pass. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com.
Beetlejuice
Based on the iconic Tim Burton film, this hilarious musical follows misfit teenager Lydia as she becomes haunted and taunted by the deceased former residents of her new home. Featuring stunning set pieces, a toe-tapping score, and all the raunchy humor of the beloved movie, Beetlejuice promises to kick off spooky season with a bang. Aug. 5-10. $48.80+. Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Thomas Rhett
The Nashville-based country star will make a stop at Pine Knob Music Theatre as he tours in support of his 2024 album About a Woman, which sees the singer-song-writer marrying traditional country sounds with retro ’80s flourishes and electronic beats. Vocalist Tucker Wetmore and country-pop artist Dasha will kick off the show. Aug. 8. $89+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com.
Sail Detroit Festival
For the first time since 2001, the tall ships are returning to our riverfront when the 2025 Tall Ships Challenge stops in the Port of Detroit. Ticketholders will enjoy exclusive access to board historic ships, meet the crews, and learn about the history of sailing on the Great Lakes. Aug. 8-10. $12+. Port Authority of Detroit at the Riverwalk, 130 Atwater St., Detroit; saildetroit.com.
Cake
While the grunge-laden sounds of Nirvana and Pearl Jam dominated radio airwaves in the early to mid-’90s, this Sacramento alt-rock outfit emerged as a ray of silly sunshine by blending elements of rap, funk, pop, and rock. The band achieved mainstream success with its platinum-selling 1998 album Prolonging the Magic and its hit single “Short Skirt/
Long Jacket.” Aug. 13. $49+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com.
Linkin Park
The influential rock band will tour in support of its first full-length album since the death of lead singer Chester Bennington in 2017. Fans will also hear from Pvris, a pop-rock project led by singer-songwriter Lynn Gunn. Aug. 14. $61+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Hour Detroit’s GrillFest
Join your fellow Detroiters for a day that celebrates grilling. Guests can sample a variety of bite-size creations from participating restaurants and caterers and vote in the Best Bite Competition. Aug. 17. $35+. Eastern Market, Shed 5, 2810 Russell St., Detroit; hourdetroit.com/grillfest.
Chris Distefano
Relatable humor and a charismatic stage presence helped to launch the stand-up career of this MTV alum, who got his start on the comedy reality series Guy Code. Distefano has since starred in the sitcom Benders and released specials on Netflix and Comedy Central. Aug. 22. $42+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival
The fields at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill burst with hundreds of golden sunflowers during this annual summer celebration. In addition to stunning photo ops, admission includes farm demonstrations, activities for kids and adults, and DIY sunflower craft workshops. Visitors can also pick their own sunflowers, wildflowers, fruits, and vegetables. Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 30-Sept. 1. $12+. Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com.
Arts, Beats & Eats
Hundreds of thousands of Michiganders flock to this annual celebration of art, food, and music. Expect dozens of live artists on nine different stages — ranging from talented local performers to internationally acclaimed legends — along with a juried art show, delicious local food and drink options, and fun for the whole family. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. $7+. Downtown Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com.
Detroit Jazz Festival
A Detroit tradition for more than 40 years, this festival at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park brings world-class jazz talent to the Motor City. Headliners for this year’s lineup include legendary saxophonist Branford Marsalis, pianist and composer Kenny Barron, and a duet performance by Cuban American multi-instrumentalists Paquito D’Rivera and Chucho Valdés. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. No cost. Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org.
This story originally appeared in the August 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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