From food and floral fests to community and cultural fairs, there’s no shortage of festivals to keep the summertime fun rolling. There are so many that it can be tough to keep track of them all — and no one wants to miss the event they’ve been looking forward to all year.
Enter in this guide to southeast Michigan’s summer festivals. We’ve done the digging to find details on as many metro Detroit carnivals, fairs, and festivals that we could find, along with information on a few big, can’t-miss events across the state, happening May-September, and put them all in one spot.
Flip through it now or bookmark it and pull it up when you’re looking for something to do solo, or with your brood, this summer — and be sure to let us know if we missed your favorite summertime festival in the comments so that we can add it to our list.
May | June | July | August | September
May
59th Annual Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
The Mexican Patriotic Committee of Metropolitan Detroit’s annual Cinco de Mayo event celebrates Latino culture with music and dancing. The event will feature vendors, food trucks, musicians, mariachis, family activities, a parade, and more. May 4-5. Southwest Detroit area; Facebook.com.
St. Florian Strawberry Fest
Polish culture takes center stage with performances by folk dancers, music Polka dancing, Polish eats, and of course, plenty of strawberry treats. May 4-5. St. Florian Roman Catholic Parish, 2626 Poland St., Hamtramck; stflorianparish.org.
Holland Tulip Time Festival
Head to the state’s west side to walk through more than millions of tulips of varying colors, ride the carnival rides, take in the live entertainment, and explore Dutch culture. May 4-12. Downtown Holland area; tuliptime.com.
Fiesta Detroit
Somos Culture Creators — a subsidiary of local collective We Are Culture Creators that services Detroit’s Latinx art community — have organized a week of events in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The main event, Fiesta Detroit, takes place on May 5 and features over vendors, community organizations, cultural performances, wrestling, food, and more. El Club, 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit; eventbrite.com.
Berkley Days
Berkley is turning 101 and they are celebrating with a fireworks display, a carnival, vendors, live entertainment, and much more. May 9-12. Berkley Days, 2400 Robina Ave., Berkley; berkleydays.org.
Uncorked: Detroit Wine Fest
The inaugural event features more than 100 wines and bubblies from around the world, food trucks, and after-hours admission to the Michigan Science Center. May 11. Michigan Science Center, 5020 John R. Road, Detroit; Eventbrite.com.
Art Birmingham
Originally known as the Birmingham Fine Art Festival, this juried art show is now in its 43rd year. Join more than 80,000 fair goers for art on display, art activities, food trucks, and more. May 11-12. Downtown Birmingham area; theguild.org.
Motor City Comic Con
Comic book, anime, and pop culture fans gather to meet over 250 comic book creators, writers, and artists along with special celebrity guests. In addition, guests are encouraged to dress in their best cosplay for the cosplay contest, participate in art classes, sit in on panel talks, and much more. May 17-19. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; motorcitycomicon.com.
Greater Rochester Heritage Days
Celebrate the founding of Rochester! There will be car shows, art displays created by Michigan artists, a plant sale, and a Pioneer Playground that offers crafts and activities for kids, and much more. May 25-26. Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th St., Rochester; rochesterheritagedays.org.
Kensington Art Fair
More than 100 juried artists from across the country are showcasing their best work at this annual art show. View the work on display and maybe purchase a new piece for your home. There will also be hands-on activities and a variety of food trucks on site. May 25-27. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford; kensingtonartfair.com.
Movement Music Festival
This electronic music festival celebrates Detroit’s contributions to the genre with six stages featuring more than 115 musical acts. Local talent is the main highlight of the annual fest, but national headliners will perform, too. May 25-27. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; movementfestival.com.
Milan Community Fair
Don’t miss the fair rides and games at the carnival. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, shop the marketplace, a Saturday magic show, and fireworks on Friday. May 30-June 1. Wilson Park, 89 Wabash St., Milan; milanfair.com.
Detroit Grand Prix
This annual Indycar race returns to the streets of downtown Detroit this year. Live musical performances, too. May 30-June 2. Downtown Detroit area; detroitgp.com.
Great Lakes Woodworking Festival
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute team up on this fest, which celebrates all things woodworking. Enjoy live demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as a stunning collection of furniture and décor created by local woodworkers. May 31-June 1. Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute, 1375 N. Main St., Building 41, Adrian; greatlakeswoodworkingfestival.com.
June
Ferndale Pride
Ferndale’s annual Pride strives to recognize and support all corners of the local LGBTQ+ communities. Find live musical and theatrical performances, mom hugs, food, and vendors and informational stands. June 1. Downtown Ferndale area; ferndalepride.com.
Michigan Pride
Gather at the State Capitol to celebrate all LGBTQ+ Michiganders. There will be vendors, a parade, and so much more. June 1. Steps of the Capitol, 130 S. Capitol, Lansing; michiganpride.org.
Ann Arbor African American Festival
For 27 years, this event has celebrated the contributions of Ann Arbor’s historic Black Business District. Expect live jazz, pop, and dance music performances, mascot characters, and tons of vendors selling everything from food and drink to clothing, books, and beauty products. June 1. Downtown Ann Arbor area; a2festival.org.
Palmer Park Art Fair
Peruse the work of 100 juried artists, take in storytelling and book readings by area authors, grab a bite off a food truck, enjoy a beer in the beer tent, and much more. Live music and dance performance and hands-on projects, too. June 1-2. Palmer Park, between McNichols and Seven Mile Road, Detroit; palmerparkartfair.com.
Art on the Grand
Ceramics, jewelry, painting, photography, wood, wearable art, glass, leather, sculptures, and more are on sale at this annual art fair. June 1-2. Along Grand Avenue, downtown Farmington area; artonthegrand.com.
Lyon Township International Kite Festival
Watch gravity-defying kite stunts performed by professional flyers, live entertainment, food, and kids’ games and crafts. Festival goers even get a free kite, while supplies last. June 1-2. James Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson; lyonevents.org.
Canterbury Village Medieval Faire
Take a step back in time to when knights, jesters, and princesses ruled the land. There will be roaming entertainment including musicians, minstrels, pipers, and fire breathers. Plus, plenty of food in the Gaelic Pub, including turkey legs. June 1-2 and 8-9. Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Court, Orion Township; canterburyvillagemedievalfaire.com.
Seymour Celebration
Each day of this event offers a carnival. In addition, there’s a live music performances and a fireworks display, too. June 6-9. Downtown Seymour Lake area; oxparkrec.org.
Ypsi Pride
Wear your best rainbow garb and join in the fun of Ypsi Pride! There’s live entertainment, local food and goods vendors, and even kid-friendly fun for the entire family. More details to be released closer to the event date. June 7. Depot Town, Ypsilanti; Facebook.com.
Motor City Irish Fest
Don your favorite green garb to enjoy Irish-inspired music, shop Irish retail and food, taste some Irish whiskey, and more. June 7-9. Greenmead Historical Village, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia; motorcityirishfest.com.
Motor City Pride and Parade
As the largest Pride celebration in the state, Motor City pride brings more than 50,000 people downtown for a Pride parade, vendor booths, and a festival that features live entertainment, and food trucks. There’s also a kids’ area with age-appropriate activities and entertainment. June 8-9. Hart Plaza, 1 W. Jefferson, Detroit; motorcitypride.org.
Flint Art Fair
The Friends of Modern Art have been hosting this annual art fair since 1967 and has won multiple awards. It will feature up to 125 artists that work in all kinds of mediums including ceramics, painting, fiber, metal, photography, sculpture, wood, and more. June 8-9. Flint Cultural Center, 1120 E. Kearsley St., Flint; flintartfair.org.
Chelsea Painters Art Fair
This 41st annual art fair will feature 16 award-winning artists selling their original watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, mosaic, and other work. June 8-9. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Highway, Chelsea; chelseapainters.com.
Hamburg Family Fun Fest
Begin your summer with carnival rides, a petting zoo, ice skating, live entertainment, a circus, stunt shows, wood carving demonstrations, hands-on activities, fireworks and much more. June 12-16. Hamburg Township Library, 10311 Merrilll Road, Whitmore Lake; hamburgfunfest.com.
Liberty Fest
The city of Canton is celebrating Independence Day with a marketplace to shop, food vendors to try, carnival rides, midway games, two stages of live entertainment, and fireworks. June 13-15. Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton; canton-mi.org.
Riverview Summerfest
There’s something for everyone at this summertime festival. Find everything from fireworks and a midway filled with carnival games and rides to a beer tent, vendor booths, and live music. June 13-15. Young Patriots Park, 14300 Library Drive, Riverview; cityofriverview.com.
Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
This event celebrates freedom with free concerts, food trucks, vendor booths, educational exhibits, and fun activities like a climbing tower and bounce houses. June 15. Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights; madisonheightsjuneteenth.com.
Arts and Acts
Contemporary artwork, handicrafts, and other pieces by fine artists from Michigan and across the U.S. are displayed at this art fair, which is on hiatus for 2024 but will return next year. Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St., Northville; northvillearthouse.org.
Juneteenth Freedom Fest
The City of Detroit, the Detroit branch of the NAACP, Juneteenth Jubilee, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Metro Detroit Black Business Alliance, DPSCD, Detroit Means Business, Black Leaders Detroit, and the Eastern Market Development Corporation have teamed up on this event, which features live entertainment, kids’ activities, Black Bottom Row, and much more. June 16. Eastern Market, 2934 Russell St., Detroit; Eventbrite.com.
Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival
Celebrate the stinky bugs that invade metro Detroit each summer with a parade, festival games, midway rides, a demolition derby, live entertainment, and more. June 19-23. Downtown New Baltimore area; bay-rama.com.
Electric Forest
This year’s four-day, multi-genre music festival will feature performances by Everything Always, Pretty Lights, Subtronics, Excision, and many others. It all happens at a campground in Rothbury, so pack and plan accordingly. June-20-23. 5900 S. Water Road, Rothbury; electricforest.com.
Canterbury Taco Fest
All-star wrestling and performances by metro Detroit’s best bands are in store, but that’s not all. There’s also a pepper eating contest and a cutest chihuahua contest, margaritas, tequila cocktails, and of course, a wide variety of tacos and Mexican desserts. June 21-23. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion; canterburytacofest.com.
Opa!Fest
This 31st annual celebrates all things Greece through authentic cuisine and folk dancing, cultural events, church tours, cooking demonstrations, a kids’ play area, and more. June 21-23. Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Road, Troy; opafest.org.
Ford Fireworks
Head downtown for the spectacular annual fireworks display — brought to you by the same people that produce America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. June 24. On the Detroit River, Detroit; theparade.org.
2024 Festival of the Hills
The full line-up of events has not been released yet, but past events have included musical entertainment, fireworks, and an outdoor movie. June 26. Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills; rochesterhills.org.
Clawson Fourth of July
This annual tradition first started back in 1933. Today, it offers five days of Fourth of July fun including the 5K Freedom Run on June 26, a concert in the park on June 30, a kiddie parade on June 29, and a carnival and arts and craft fair on July 3-4. Clawson Park, 935 N. Custer Ave., Clawson; clawson4thofjuly.org.
Taylor Summer Festival
38 Special, The Hideaways, and Dave Fio will perform during this annual summer soirée. Plus, a carnival, fireworks, food, and more. June 27-30. Downtown Taylor area; cityoftaylor.com.
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
This 39th annual event is a giant celebration of hot air balloons. The festival features a carnival filled with games and rides and an open-air market, along with hot air balloon rides and displays, fireworks, hands-on activities, food and much more. June 28-30. Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Road, Howell; michiganchallenge.com.
The Original Michigan Lavender Festival
This fest boasts being the largest lavender festival on the east coast and features more than 200 artists and makers selling all things lavender. You’ll also find food trucks, car shows, and educational workshops. June 28-30. Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds, 195 Midway St., Imlay City; themichiganlavenderfestival.com.
Trenton Summer Festival 2024
Kick off summer with hundreds of crafters, vendors, and musicians. The event features family-friendly activities, a beer tent, fireworks, and more. June 28-30. Downtown Trenton area; trentonmi.org.
Independence Fest 2024
This Fourth of July celebration has been going strong for more than 25 years. Expect live entertainment, a dog show, the Michigan market, food, and more. A fireworks display closes out the event. June 29. Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston; indtwp.com.
National Cherry Festival
Traverse City is known as the cherry capital of the world, and they prove they’ve earned the title with this annual festival. The event will feature a classic car show, a farmers market, a carnival with games and rides, and plenty of cherry goods and treats. June 29-July 6. National Cherry Festival, 521 S. Union St., Traverse City; cherryfestival.org.
Cars Under the Stars
Park your car at the concourse to watch a spectacular fireworks display. Live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer, too. June 30. M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac; m1concourse.com.
July
Royal Oak Taco Fest
Start your summer off with a healthy helping of tacos, Cervesa, and tequila. The street food fair will offer eats from more than 50 taquerias and other eateries, margaritas, a kids’ area, and five stages of live entertainment. July 4-7. Downtown Royal Oak area; royaloaktacofest.com.
Oakland County Fair
An off-road derby, microwrestling, rodeo, and monster truck displays are among the grandstand events at this year’s fair. Safari Petting Zoo, racing pigs, the K9s in Flight Dog Show and Hot Glass Academy and others will also set up shop. Plus, a midway full of games and carnival rides, animal displays, and live entertainment. July 5-14. Oakland County Fair Grounds, 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg; oakfair.org.
Light Up Livernois Fashion, Art, and Design Festival
This event celebrates the creative influence along Livernois. Shop more than 300 merchants, watch the fashion show, check out art galleries, and try local eateries. July 6. Along the Avenue of Fashion, between Six Mile and Eight Mile Roads, Detroit; lightuplivernois.com.
Uncle Sam Jam
Hinder, Queensryche, and a Queen tribute are among the bands lined up to perform this July 4th celebration. Plus, monster truck rides, a petting zoo, carnival midway, and fireworks. July 11-14. Woodhaven Civic Center Park, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven; unclesamjamfest.com.
The Saline Celtic Festival
The fun kicks off on Friday there will be live entertainment, a beer garden, jousting, and art demonstrations. Saturday brings more live entertainment including pipe and drum bands and the Saline Fiddlers. Find Highland Games and dance competitions, a carnival, food, and kids’ activities, too. July 12-13. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; salineceltic.org.
Michigan Elvisfest
Fans of the King of Rock n’ Roll gather to see some of the world’s leading Elvis tribute artists. Kids activities, a car show, and raffles, too. July 12-13. Wayne County Fairgrounds, 10871 Quirk Road, Belleville; mielvisfest.com.
Art in the Park
This “signature Michigan event” will welcome more than 400 U.S. artists that work in paintings, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, photography, and more for its 44th year. Plus, live entertainment, living murals, children’s activities, and theater shows. July 12-14. Downtown Plymouth area; artinthepark.com.
African World Festival
Join the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for this 41st annual cultural fest. An expected 25,000-plus people will gather for live entertainment and more than 125 vendors selling food, clothing, art, and more. July 12-14. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; thewright.org.
Blake’s Lavender Festival
You can pick your own lavender in the fields, shop an open-air market featuring more than 200 artisans, try lavender lemonade, ice cream, and cupcakes, and enjoy workshops and DIY projects. July 12-14 and 19-21. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com.
Hippie Fest in the Village
Shops at this festival of “Peace, Love and All things Groovy” will be selling everything from unique jewelry and clothing to themed items and crafts. The weekend will also offer live music, tarot readers, and more live entertainment. July 13-14. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; facebook.com.
Concert of Colors
This annual event features a wide variety of music and dance from around the world. July 16-21. Various locations, Detroit; concertofcolors.com.
Ann Arbor Art Fair
The largest art fair in the U.S. is split into three independently juried fairs that attract more than 1000 artists and span 30 city blocks. In addition to art on display and for sale, the event includes live musical performances and other entertainment, art projects, art demonstrations, and food. July 18-20. Downtown Ann Arbor area; theannarborartfair.com.
Farmington Founders Festival
Entertainment includes the Fido Festival dog agility event, a crafters market, kids’ activities in the Kids area, a festival parade, a beer tent, and farmers market. July 18-20. Downtown Farmington area; foundersfestival.com.
Faster Horses
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, and Hardy are just a few of the headliners at this annual country music festival. July 19-21. Next to the Michigan International Speedway, 12626 U.S. Highway 12, Brooklyn; fasterhorsesfestival.com.
Festa Italiana
It’s a three-day celebration of Italian heritage. Enjoy authentic Italian food, wine, and beer, along with national and local entertainment, kids’ activities, fireworks, and much more. July 19-21. Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; facebook.com.
Thunder Over Michigan Air Show
Turn your eyes to the sky for two days of aerial shows. Included in the line-up are a USAF F-16 Viper, Northrop F-5B Freedom Fighter, P-51 Mustang “Red Nose,” and others. Guests can also take a ride in UH-1H Huey Greyhound, and B-25 Rosie’s Reply. Proceeds from the event go to support the Yankee Air Museum. July 20-21. Yankee Air Museum, 47884 D. St., Belleville; yankeeairmuseum.org.
Detroit Festival of Books
Shop used, rare, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books, creative arts, vintage board games, and much more at this 6th annual event. July 21. Eastern Market Shed 5, 2810 Russell St., Detroit; detroitbookfest.com.
The Festival of Chariots
This 39th annual celebration of Indian culture returns with a parade of chariots, including a 40-foot chariot, Indian food, live entertainment including dancing and music, vendors, and kids’ activities. July 21. Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi; facebook.com.
Fowlerville Family Fair
Celebrate summer with an old-school-style family fair that includes carnival games and rides, a vendor market, 4-H animals, and grandstand events such as a demolition derby, rodeo, and live music. July 22-27. Fowlerville Fair Grounds, 8800 W. Grand River Ave., Fowlerville; fowlervillefamilyfair.com.
Sterlingfest
Tackle carnival rides, play midway games, shop the vendor market, enjoy live entertainment, and more in celebration of the Sterling Heights. July 25-27. Sterling Heights Park and Recreation, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights; facebook.com.
Sounds & Sights Festival
Celebrate summer with a classic car show, art market, chalk art displays and competitions, food, kids’ activities, and more. July 26-27. Downtown Chelsea area; chelseamich.com.
Michigan Summer Beer Festival
Michigan’s finest breweries will be on site with samples of hundreds of Michigan beers. Food will be on sale alongside the drinks. Live music by local bands, too. July 26-27. Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; annarbor.org.
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show
Shop wall art, sculptures, home décor, wearable art, and jewelry created by artists from the Orchard Lake and West Bloomfield areas, along with nationally renowned artists. Live musical performances and food, too. July 27-28. Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, 6900 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield; artsandeducationinc.org.
Arab & Chaldean Festival
Explore and celebrate Arab and Chaldean culture, art, and fashion in the art gallery or at the fashion show. Shop the vendor booths on site selling food and dry goods and enjoy music and dance performances. Kids’ activities, too. July 27-28. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; arabandchaldeanfestival.com.
August
Buy Michigan Now Festival
Celebrate Michigan-based entrepreneurs by shopping this annual vendor fair, which features Michigan businesses exclusively. Local musicians will perform, kids’ activities are available, and there will be food, too. Aug. 2-4. Downtown Northville area; buymichigannow.com.
Dearborn Homecoming
The 43rd go-around of this annual community celebration will offer a carnival, musical performances, a beer tent, vendors, food trucks, art installations and two days of fireworks displays. Aug. 2-4. Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn; dearbornhomecoming.com.
Ann Arbor Pride
Tree Town is celebrating Pride a little later than usual, with the event officially happening in August. Expect food, drag performers, musical entertainment, vendor booths, and more. Aug. 3. Downtown Ann Arbor area; annarborpride.com.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Juried artists set up their best work in the shadow of the beautiful Scott Fountain on Belle Isle. Guests can explore the art, of course, but there’s also art projects to do, a beer tent, and music. Aug. 3-4. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com.
Jazz on the River
National and international jazz artists will perform at this 32nd annual. Watch out for the release of a fill list of acts closer to the event. Aug. 3-4. Elizabeth Park, 4651 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton; waynecounty.com.
Gratiot Cruise
This summertime tradition sees a wide variety of classic cars drive along Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township. In addition to the cars, families will enjoy the Family Fun Zone, which features food and art vendors, crafts, inflatables, and live entertainment. Aug. 4. Along Gratiot, Clinton Township; ctgratiotcruise.com.
Dexter Summer Festival
Formerly known as Dexter Daze, this event will include art for sale, vendor booths, live music, activities for kids, and more. Aug. 9-10. Monument Park, Dexter; dextersummerfestival.com.
Saline Summerfest
There will be both electric vehicle and classic car shows, live entertainment and an arts and crafts show. Aug. 9-10. Downtown Saline area; salinesummerfest.org.
Milford Memories Summer Festival
Among the activities at this summer event are a blind canoe race, cornhole tournament, 5K races, the Art in the Village art fair, a beer tent, live music, and so much more. Aug. 9-11. Downtown Milford area; milfordmemories.com.
St. Rafka Church Summer Festival
Basheer Twal & Band, and DJ Sal will make an appearance as entertainment at this celebration of Middle Eastern and American Culture. In addition, find dancing, food, and kids’ activities. Aug. 9-11. St. Rafka Church, 32765 Lyndon St., Livonia; saintrafkafestival.com.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival
Take a walk through the sunflower field to cut your own sunflowers and take insta-worthy photos. Then, shop more than 100 artisans, enjoy a sunflower class or demonstration, and make-and-take sunflower crafts. Aug. 9-11 and 16-18. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakesfarms.com.
Shelby Township Art Fair
This year marks the 41st for this annual event, which attracts some 15,000 visitors to a marketplace with more than 120 artists and vendors. Catch live music, interactive art displays, and free crafts, too. Aug. 10-11. River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township; shelbyartfair.org.
Armada Fair
The Armada Fair has been offering fun to southeast Michiganders for 152 years. This year, expect a 4-H show and livestock sale, grandstand events including a monster truck show and demolition derby, a midway games and rides, live entertainment, and much more. Aug. 12-18. Armada Fairgrounds, 74280 Fair St., Armada; armadafair.org.
GreekFest 2024
Taste popular Greek food and pastries and enjoy music and dance performances. Adults 21+ can enjoy the Taverna, while families will find kids’ games, inflatables, and rides. There will also be a vendor fair, with vendors from both the U.S. and Greece, selling unique items and gifts. Aug. 15-18. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores; assumptionfestival.com.
Howell Melon Festival
It’s all things melon at this 64th annual festival. Race in the 47th Melon Run, play the Melon Classic Golf Scramble, enjoy dueling pianos and a sit-down dinner at the Melon Ball, and enjoy live music and entertainment at the Mainstage Concert. Aug. 15-18. Downtown Howell area; howellmelonfestival.com.
Woodward Dream Cruise
Line up along Woodward from Ferndale to Pontiac to see classic and sports cars drive by. Each community decides on special events and activities that run alongside the event. Participating communities are Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and Pontiac. Aug. 17. Along Woodward in Oakland County; woodwarddreamcruise.com.
Macomb County Pride Festival
The 4th annual event offers a full day of good vibes and tons of fun. It will feature a street fair filled with vendors and food stalls, along with live entertainment, special guests, and much more. Aug. 17. Downtown Mount Clemens area; macombcountypride.com.
Afro Nation Detroit
The world’s biggest Afrobeats festival is coming to Detroit! Celebrate African music and entertainment with performances by some of the biggest names hip-hop, R&B, dancehall, reggae, and other African, Afro-Caribbean, and African-American genres. Check the website regularly for updates on the line-up and additional festival details. Aug. 17-18. Bedrock’s Douglass Site; detroit.afronation.com.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Take a trip back in time to a 16th century European Village that offers music, magic, juggling, and jousting performances. There will be more than 100 artisans at the marketplace and memorable characters including mermaids, fairies, knights, and more. Each weekend during the event features a different theme. Weekends Aug. 17-Sept. 29. Michigan Renaissance Festival, 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly; michrenfest.com.
Chelsea Community Fair
Take on some fun fair rides and watch traditional grandstand events such as the figure 8 derby, demolition derby, tractor pulls, and more. There will be animal displays and shows, a parade, and more. Aug. 20-24. Chelsea Community Fair, 20501 W. Old US Highway 12, Chelsea; chelseafair.org.
Lincoln Park Days
Swing by the annual community celebration for live entertainment and more. Aug. 23-25. Downtown Lincoln Park area; facebook.com.
Saline Community Fair
Elliott’s Amusements will be on site with their best rides and games for fair goers to enjoy alongside livestock and animal displays, live entertainment, and grandstand events like the tractor pull. Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Saline Community Fair, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; salinefair.org.
Michigan State Fair
The midway offers all kinds of rides including a Zipper, Tilt-A-Whirl, Ferris Wheel, and more. If rides aren’t your thing, there’s also a wide variety of fair games, grandstand events and the Shrine Circus. Don’t miss the livestock shows and “Beginning of Life” animal displays. Plus, crafts, a dog show, musical performances, and so much more. Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; michiganstatefairllc.com.
Romeo Peach Festival
This festival has been a Labor Day weekend tradition for more than 90 years. There will be tons of peach treats and goods, of course, but guests will also enjoy a parade, carnival, live entertainment, and more. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Downtown Romeo area; romeopeachfestival.com.
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats
More than 200 acts perform across nine stages. There’s also a juried art show and plenty of food trucks to choose from. Saturday and Sunday offer fun for families, and there’s a kids’ zone filled with art activities and age-appropriate performances. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Downtown Royal Oak area; artsbeatseats.com.
Detroit Jazz Festival
The world’s largest free jazz festival in the world will feature live performances by some of the most talented musicians. Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Downtown Detroit area; detroitjazzfest.org.
CorvetteFest
More than 150 Corvettes are on display at this 19th annual event. Aug. 31. Canterbury Village, 2357 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; canterburyvillage.com.
Art on the Bay
This arts and crafts show hosts vendor booths to highlight local artisans and businesses. Aug. 31-Sept. 1. Walter & Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Balitmore; artonthebay.com.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Kiss summer goodbye with a weekend of music, food, vendors, carnival rides, games, special events, and more. Aug. 31-Sept. 2. Joseph Campau area; hamtownfest.com.
September
Smokin’ Jazz & BBQ Blues Festival
The setlist at this 17th annual includes live music, cornhole tournament, and an obstacle course. Plus, sample delicious ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, specialty mac n’ cheese, and more. Sept. 6-7. Downtown Brighton area; brightoncoc.org.
2024 Art & Apples Festival
Head to the 30-acre Rochester Municipal Work to shop the works of over 200 fine art exhibitors. There will also be a wide variety of food trucks, live entertainment, art demonstrations, and art activities. Sept. 6-8. Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th St., Rochester; pccart.org.
Dally in the Alley
This annual community event celebrates life in the Cass Corridor with vendor booths, music performances, art displays, food, and fun. Sept. 7. Cass Corridor area, Detroit; dallyinthealley.com.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair and the DIY Street Fair
More than 100 juried artists and 30 authors will gather in downtown Ferndale to display and sell their work at the Funky Ferndale Art Fair. Hop over to the DIY Street Fair, which run concurrently, for live music, food trucks, vendor booths, adult drinks, and more. Sept. 20-22. Downtown Ferndale area; funkyferndaleartfair.com and ferndalediy.com.
Victorian Festival
Close out the last few days of summer at this celebration of Northville. There will be live music and theater performances, Victorian reenactors, vendor booths, and educational presentations. Sept. 20-22. Mill Race Historical Village, 215 Griswold St., Northville; northville.org.
This post has been updated for 2024.
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