Rock ‘n’ Rides to Bring Music, Food, & More to Downtown Royal Oak

The festival is scheduled for June 16-19
687
rock n rides music
Rock ‘n’ Rides attendees can enjoy music at three stages. // Photograph courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Rides Royal Oak

Kick off your summer in Royal Oak with local entertainment, family-friendly activities, and good food. The four-day Rock ‘n’ Rides festival is returning to the city’s downtown area on June 16.

“Rock ‘n’ Rides Royal Oak has become the go-to destination to celebrate the start of summer in metro Detroit,” says Jon Witz, event producer, in a press release. “The event is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together outdoors to enjoy live music, amusement rides, and tasty treats, while also supporting charitable and community organizations to build a stronger community.”

Among the musical artists scheduled for this year’s event are R&B funk group Back in the Day Band, Lapeer rock band The Reefermen, and funk/Latin jazz recording artists Damon Terrell at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Stage. Meanwhile, the House of Dank Stage will feature a lineup of the metro Detroit DJs, including Dru Ruiz, DJ DAV, and DJ Katalist. And the Flagstar Evening Groove Stage — which will operate as the Flagstar Family Stage during the day and host magicians, jugglers, clowns, and more — will highlight local artists at night, such as Sex Pistols tribute group Fabulous Disaster and contemporary country artist Taylor Tucky.

rock n rides rides
There will be 18 rides at the festival. // Photograph courtesy of Rock ‘n’ Rides Royal Oak

Of course, another main attraction of the festival is the rides, and there will be plenty of them. The carnival will feature 18 rides, with thrilling names like the Cliffhanger, Ring of Fire, and Screamer. Other activities include carnival games, an axe-throwing trailer with professional axe masters onsite to give demonstrations and coach attendees, an Inflatable Fun Area with multiple bounce houses, face painting, and arts and crafts.

A lineup of guest food trucks will round out the festival experience. Guests can expect to see Island Noodle, Hog Heaven, Build a Burger, Mike’s Mexican Grill, Cajun Soul Sisters, and more. There will also be carnival food, such as corn dogs, funnel cakes, and elephant ears, and alcoholic beverages — Jim Beam and Tito’s Vodka are among the festival’s sponsors.

The festival will run from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on June 16, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on June 17 and 18, and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on June 19. Tickets are $5 before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m. There is no cost to attend before 5 p.m. on June 16 and 17. There are additional fees for carnival rides and the Inflatable Fun Area.

Rock ‘n’ Rides is partnering with more than 10 local nonprofits and community organizations this year, and a portion of the gate and beverage sales will be donated to them. The festival is also hosting a Community Day on June 16. Presented by Henry Ford Health, the initiative will provide 1,500 local kids and their families with free carnival wristbands and lunch.

For more information, visit rocknridesro.com.