Fairs & Festivals in Detroit
May-June
Detroit Grand Prix
This annual IndyCar race returns to the streets of downtown Detroit this year and includes tech talks with industry insiders, food trucks, a car show, and more. May 30-June 1. Downtown Detroit; detroitgp.com
Motor City Pride
As Michigan’s largest Pride celebration, Motor City Pride includes a festival and parade full of color, song, and dance. In previous years, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Attorney General Dana Nessel made appearances and gave speeches to crowds of more than 65,000 people. June 7-8. Hart Plaza, 1 W. Jefferson Ave., Detroit; motorcitypride.org
Juneteenth Jubilee Detroit Freedom Weekend
At this Juneteenth weekend celebration, networking opportunities and a grant competition will be available to uplift Black entrepreneurs at Hotel Saint Regis Detroit. There’s also a community fun run, a community and health vendor fair, interactive field games for kids and families, and a tour that explores the Detroit River’s role in Black liberation. June 20-21. Robert C. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater St., Detroit; jubileeblockparty.wixsite.com
July
Light Up Livernois Fashion, Art, and Design Festival
This event celebrates the creative influence along Livernois Avenue. Shop more than 300 merchants, watch live comedy, check out art galleries, and try local eateries. July 5. Along the Avenue of Fashion, between Six Mile and Eight Mile roads, Detroit; lightuplivernois.com
African World Festival
Join the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History for this 42nd annual cultural fest. An expected 20,000-plus people will gather for live entertainment and to check out the more than 100 vendors selling food, clothing, art, and more. July 18-20. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; thewright.org
Detroit Festival of Books
Shop used, rare, and unusual books, vinyl records, comic books, artwork, vintage board games, and much more at this eighth annual event. July 20. Eastern Market Shed 5, 2810 Russell St., Detroit; detroitbookfest.com
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 as well as kids’ activities. July 26-27. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; arabandchaldeanfestival.com
Aug.-Sept.
AfroFuture
AfroFuture is coming to the U.S. for the first time in Detroit. Attendees can expect a variety of music performances that feature genres like Afrobeats, amapiano, Motown, and techno, as well as art installations and a marketplace that highlights the creativity of Africa. “This is more than just a typical festival — it’s a moment of unity and a celebration of the power of Africa,” AfroFuture CEO and co-founder Abdul Karim Abdullah said. Aug. 16-17. Bedrock’s Douglass site, Detroit; detroit.afrofuture.com
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Kiss summer goodbye with a weekend of music, food, vendors, carnival rides, games, special events, and more. Traditionally takes place Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Joseph Campau Historic District; hamtownfest.com
Dally in the Alley
This annual community event celebrates life in the Cass Corridor with vendor booths, music performances, art displays, food, and fun. Traditionally takes place the Saturday after Labor Day, Sept. 6. Cass Corridor, Detroit; dallyinthealley.com
Fairs and Festivals in the Suburbs
June
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, you’ll find plenty of food in the Gaelic pub, including turkey legs. May 31-June 1 and June 7-8. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; canterburyvillagemedievalfaire.com
The Original Michigan Lavender Festival
This lavender festival features more than 200 artists and makers selling all things lavender. You’ll also find food trucks, lavender-infused treats, and educational workshops. June 6-8. Eastern Michigan State Fairgrounds, 195 Midway St., Imlay City; themichiganlavenderfestival.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 6-8. Greenmead Historical Park, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia; motorcityirishfest.com
Ann Arbor African American Festival
For 28 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 drinks to clothing, books, and beauty products. June 7. Downtown Ann Arbor; a2festival.org
Lyon Township International Kite Festival
Watch gravity-defying kite stunts performed by professional flyers and enjoy live entertainment, food, and kids’ games and crafts. Festival goers even get a free kite, while supplies last. June 7-8. James F. Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson; lyonevents.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 12-14. Young Patriots Park, 14100 Civic Park Drive, Riverview; cityofriverview.com
Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
This event celebrates freedom with free concerts along with food trucks, vendor booths, educational exhibits, and fun activities like a climbing tower and bounce houses. June 14. Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights; madisonheightsjuneteenth.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 18-22. Downtown New Baltimore; bay-rama.com
Thunder over Michigan Air Show
While the aerial shows are the main attraction at this annual event, there’s plenty going on at ground level, too. Headlining the three-day show are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels; other performers include a C-130 “Fat Albert,” a U.S. Air Force Raptor, and more. Additional attractions include aircraft rides, ground displays, and a kids’ zone and exploration station. Proceeds from the event support the Michigan Flight Museum. June 20-22. Willow Run Airport, 801 Willow Run Airport, Ypsilanti; thunderovermichigan.org
Opa! Fest
This 32nd annual festival celebrates all things Greek through authentic cuisine and folk dancing, cultural events, church tours, cooking demonstrations, a kids’ play area, and more. June 20-22. St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattles Road, Troy; opafest.org
Taylor Summer Festival
Hinder and Sebastian Bach with special guest Finger Eleven will perform during this annual summer soiree. Plus, there will be a carnival, fireworks, food, and more. June 26-29. Heritage Park, 12111 Pardee Road, Taylor; cityoftaylor.com
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest
This 40th 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 27-29. Howell High School, 1200 W. Grand River Ave., Howell; michiganchallenge.com
Trenton Summer Festival
Kick off summer with hundreds of crafters, vendors, and musicians. The event features family-friendly activities, a beer tent, fireworks, and more. June 27-29. Downtown Trenton; trentonmi.org
July
Royal Oak Taco Fest
Start your summer off with a healthy helping of tacos, cerveza, and tequila. The street-food fair will offer eats from more than 50 taquerias and other eateries, plus margaritas, a kids’ area, and five stages of live entertainment. July 3-6. Downtown Royal Oak; royaloaktacofest.com
Oakland County Fair
An off-road derby, micro wrestling, a rodeo, and monster truck displays are among the grandstand events at this year’s fair. Various types of games, a petting zoo, carnival rides, live entertainment, and other attractions will also be available. July 11-20. Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg; oakfair.org
Michigan Celtic Festival
The fun kicks off on Friday with live entertainment, a beer garden, jousting, and art demonstrations. Saturday brings more live entertainment, including pipe and drum bands and the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic. Find Highland Games and dance competitions, a carnival, food, and kids’ activities, too. July 11-12. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; mi-celtic.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 11-13 and 18-20. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; blakefarms.com
Hippie Fest in the Village
Shop at this festival of “peace, love, and all things groovy,” where vendors 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 12-13. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion; canterburyvillage.com/event/hippie-fest-in-the-village
Farmington Founders Festival
Entertainment includes the Fido Festival dog agility event, a crafters market, kids’ activities, a parade, a beer tent, and a farmers market. New this year is a 5K run. July 17-19. Downtown Farmington; foundersfestival.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 18-20. Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; facebook.com/festaitalianami
Festival of Chariots
This 40th annual celebration of Indian culture returns with a parade of chariots, including a 40-foot chariot; Indian food; live entertainment such as dancing and music; vendors; and kids’ activities. July 21. Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi; thefestivalofchariots.com
Fowlerville Family Fair
Celebrate summer with an old-school family fair that includes carnival games and rides, a vendor market, 4-H animals, and grandstand events such as a demolition derby, a rodeo, and live music. July 21-26. Fowlerville Fairgrounds, 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 arts. July 24-26. Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights; facebook.com/sterlingfest
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. Enjoy live music by local bands, too. July 25-26. Riverside Park, 2 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti; mibeer.com
Aug.-Sept.
Buy Michigan Now Festival
Celebrate Michigan-based entrepreneurs by shopping at this annual vendor fair, which features Michigan businesses exclusively. Local musicians will perform, kids’ activities are available, and there will be food, too. Aug. 1-3. Downtown South Lyon; buymichigannow.com
Dearborn Homecoming Festival
The 44th go-round 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. 1-3. Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill St., Dearborn; dearbornhomecoming.com
Clinton Township Gratiot Cruise
This summertime tradition sees a wide variety of classic cars drive along Gratiot Avenue 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. 3. Along Gratiot Avenue, 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. 8-9. Monument Park, Dexter; dextersummerfestival.com
Milford Memories Summer Festival
Among the activities and attractions at this small town’s big three-day extravaganza are a cornhole tournament, 5K races, the Art in the Village art fair, a beer tent, live music, and plenty of kids’ activities. Aug. 8-10. Downtown Milford; milfordmemories.com
St. Rafka Church Summer Festival
At this celebration of Middle Eastern and American culture, expect to enjoy dancing, American and Arabic music, kids’ activities, and plenty of food, including falafel, beef and chicken sandwiches, and Middle Eastern pastries. Aug. 8-10. St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, 32765 Lyndon St., Livonia; saintrafkafestival.com
Armada Fair
The village of Armada has been offering a lot of fun to southeast Michiganders for more than 150 years. At this year’s weeklong fair, expect a 4-H show and livestock sale, grandstand events including a monster truck show and demolition derby, midway games and rides, live entertainment, and much more. Aug. 11-17. Armada Fairgrounds, 74280 Fair St., Armada; armadafair.org
GreekFest 2025
Taste popular Greek food and pastries and enjoy music and dance performances. Adults 21 and up can enjoy the taverna, while families will find kids’ games, rides, and more. There will also be a vendor fair, with vendors from both the U.S. and Greece selling unique items and gifts. Aug. 15-17. Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 21800 Marter Road, St. Clair Shores; assumptionfestival.com
Howell Melon Festival
It’s all things melon at this 65th annual festival. Race in the 48th Melon Run, enjoy live music and entertainment at the main-stage concerts, and have a taste of the signature Howell melon ice cream. Aug. 15-17. Downtown Howell; howellmelonfestival.com
Woodward Dream Cruise
Line up along Woodward from Ferndale to Pontiac to see classic and sports cars drive by. Each community that borders Woodward decides on special events and activities that run alongside the Saturday event, with some taking place on Friday. Participating communities are Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Royal Oak, Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and Pontiac. Aug. 16. Along Woodward in Oakland County; woodwarddreamcruise.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 also be animal displays and shows, a parade, and other activities. Aug. 19-23. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 W. Old U.S. Highway 12, Chelsea; chelseafair.org
Saline Community Fair
Elliott’s Amusements will be on-site with its best rides and games for fairgoers to enjoy alongside livestock and animal displays, live entertainment, and grandstand events like the tractor pull. Aug. 27-31. Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor; salinefair.org
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. 16-Sept. 28, Sept. 1, and Sept. 26. 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly; michrenfest.com
Blake’s Sunflower Festival
Take a walk through the sunflower field to cut your own sunflowers and take Insta-worthy photos. Then, shop from more than 100 artisans, enjoy a class or demonstration, and try make-and-take sunflower crafts. Aug. 22-24 and Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada;
blakefarms.com
Michigan State Fair
The midway offers all kinds of rides, including a Zipper, Tilt-a-Whirl, and Ferris wheel. If rides aren’t your thing, there’s also a wide variety of fair games, grandstand events, and agriculture contests and exhibitors. Don’t miss the livestock shows and food-eating contests. Plus, there will be crafts, a dog show, musical performances (including the Michigan State Fair Superstar talent contest), and so much more. Aug. 28-Sept. 1. 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, a carnival, live entertainment, and more. Aug. 28-Sept. 1. Downtown Romeo; romeopeachfestival.com
Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats
More than 200 acts perform across nine stages at this four-day art, music, and food festival in downtown Royal Oak. There’s a juried art show, dozens of food trucks, and music of all genres, and it all ends on Monday night with a performance on the main stage by a well known artist or band (the music acts were not available at press time). The family-friendly festival also has a carnival with rides all four days and Family Days (a program for children with autism) on Saturday and Sunday. Entry tickets are required, but part of the proceeds will go to good causes. Since 1998, the festival has donated more than $7 million to
charitable organizations. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. Downtown Royal Oak; artsbeatseats.com
Independence Day
June
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 12-14. Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton; cantonmi.gov
Ford Fireworks
Head downtown for the spectacular annual fireworks display — brought to you by the same people who produce America’s Thanksgiving Parade. June 23. On the Detroit River, Detroit; theparade.org
Independence Fest
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 28. Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston; indtwp.com
Cars Under the Stars
Park your car at the concourse to watch a spectacular fireworks display. Find live entertainment, food trucks, and craft beer, too. June 29. M1 Concourse, 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac; m1concourse.com
July
Clawson Fourth of July
This annual tradition first started back in 1933. Today, it offers five days of Fourth of July fun, including a concert in the park and an ice cream social on June 25, a kiddie parade on June 28, a freedom run on June 29, a carnival and arts and crafts fair July 3-4, and a morning parade and evening fireworks on July 4. Clawson City Park (935 N. Custer Ave., Clawson) and other locations; clawson4thofjuly.com
Uncle Sam Jam
Hinder, Queensrÿche, and a Queen tribute are among the bands lined up to perform at this July Fourth celebration. Plus, you’ll find monster truck rides, a petting zoo, a carnival midway, and fireworks. July 10-13. Woodhaven Civic Center Park, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven; unclesamjamfest.com
Art Fairs
May-June
Kensington Art Fair
One hundred juried artists from across the country showcase 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 24-26. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford; kensingtonartfair.com
Palmer Park Art Fair
Peruse the work of over 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. You’ll find live music and dance performances and hands-on projects, too. May 31-June 1. Palmer Park, west of Woodward between McNichols and Seven Mile roads, Detroit; palmerparkartfair.com
Flint Art Fair
The Friends of Modern Art has been hosting this annual art fair since 1967 and has won multiple awards. The fair will feature up to 125 artists who work in all kinds of mediums, including ceramics, paint, 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 50th annual art fair will feature 16 award-winning artists selling their original watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, mosaic, and other work. June 14-15. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old U.S. High-way 12, Chelsea; chelseapainters.com
July-Aug.
Art in the Park
This “signature Michigan event” will welcome more than 400 U.S. artists who work in painting, sculpture, ceramics, fiber, photography, and more for its 44th year. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, living murals, children’s activities, and theater shows. July 11-13. Downtown Plymouth; artinthepark.com
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. You’ll find live musical performances and food, too. Free parking is available behind Corewell Health’s West Bloomfield medical center. July 26-27. 6925 Daly Road, West Bloomfield; artsandeducationinc.org
Belle Isle Art Fair
Juried artists set up their best work in the shadow of the beautiful James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle. Guests can explore the art, of course, but there are also art projects to do, a beer tent, and music. Aug. 2-3. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com
Shelby Township Art Fair
This year marks the 42nd for this annual event, which attracts some 15,000 visitors to a marketplace with more than 100 artists and vendors. Catch live music, interactive art displays, and free crafts, too. Aug. 9-10. River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township; shelbyartfair.org
Art on the Bay
This arts and crafts show hosts vendor booths to highlight local artisans and businesses. Aug. 30-31. Walter and Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Baltimore; artonthebay.com
Sept
2025 Art & Apples Festival
Head to the 30-acre Rochester Municipal Park 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. 5-7. Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., Rochester; pccart.org
Music
Fontaines D.C.
Hailing from Dublin, this Irish postpunk outfit got a high-profile boost when its track “Favourite” appeared on Barack Obama’s 2024 list of favorite songs. The band’s latest single, “It’s Amazing to Be Young,” was released in April. May 7 $49+. The Fillmore, 2115 Woodward Ave., Detroit; livenation.com
Teddy Swims
The singer, songwriter, and rapper gained viral fame in 2019 thanks to his YouTube covers of popular songs, which garnered him millions of views and a deal with Warner Records. He’ll support the second installment of his debut album, I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2), when he arrives at the Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre this spring. May. 21. $242+. Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre, 14900 Metro Parkway, Sterling Heights; 313presents.com
Movement
This Memorial Day weekend tradition celebrates Detroit’s revered place in techno and electronic music history by bringing together an expansive bill of DJs, performers, and innovators for three days of music and art. This year’s music lineup boasts more than 100 artists, including Detroit native and techno producer Jeff Mills, Belgian DJ Charlotte de Witte, and Chicago-based up-and-comer John Summit. May 24-26. $169+. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; movementfestival.com
The Beach Boys
Fronted by founding member and original lead vocalist Mike Love, this incarnation of the beloved and influential surf rock band also features longtime member Bruce Johnston and musical director Brian Eichenberger. May 25. $29+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 313presents.com
I’m with Her
Fusing elements of Americana, bluegrass, and folk music influences, this trio won a Grammy Award for best American roots song in 2020 for their single “Call My Name.” Their long-awaited sophomore album, Wild and Clear and Blue, is expected to drop this May. June 7 $31+. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; theark.org
Sleigh Bells
The noise-pop duo broke out in 2010 with their boisterous, distortion-heavy debut album, Treats. They’ll support their latest effort, this year’s Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, when they bring their signature gritty sound to Detroit’s El Club this June. Singer Sophie Hunter will kick off the show. June 11. $40.79+. El Club, 4114 W. Vernor, Detroit; dice.fm
Ledisi
Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and author Ledisi will bring her smooth fusion of jazz, R&B, and neo-soul sounds to the Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre this summer in promotion of her forthcoming album. The New Orleans native stirred hearts at this year’s Super Bowl, where she performed the spiritual hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” June 14. $35.50+. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; thearetha.com
Outlaw Music Festival
The 10th anniversary edition of this annual country and folk tour features a lengthy lineup of heavy hitters, including Willie Nelson and Family, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, Trampled by Turtles, and Myron Elkins. June 20. $35+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com
The Music of John Williams
Relive some of modern cinema’s finest moments with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performs selections from Superman, E.T., Jaws, Jurassic Park, Indiana Jones, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and more. July 6. $25+. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; dso.org
Concert of Colors
Now in its 34th year, this annual global music festival welcomes artists from all over the world to perform indoor and outdoor concerts at the Detroit Institute of Arts and other prominent cultural institutions within the city. July 14-20. No cost. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; concertofcolors.com
Summer of Loud Tour
Fans of hard rock will find lots to love at this one-day festival, from veteran performers to up-and-coming talent. Featured artists include I Prevail, Beartooth, Killswitch Engage, Parkway Drive, The Devil Wears Prada, The Amity Affliction, Dark Divine, and Alpha Wolf. July 16. $36+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com
Dinosaur Jr. and Snail Mail
The sounds of ’80s alt-rock auteurs Dinosaur Jr. were so formative that many acclaimed ’90s artists — from Kurt Cobain to Billy Corgan to Radiohead — have cited them as influential to their own work. The legends will share the stage with indie rock solo project Snail Mail — the stage name of guitarist and singer-songwriter Lindsey Erin Jordan. July 26. $39.50+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, 318 W. 4th St., Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com
The Lion King Live in Concert
The visually stunning animated film was a cultural behemoth when it debuted, thanks in no small part to its iconic music. Featuring orchestration by Hans Zimmer, songwriting by Tim Rice, and vocals by Elton John, the Grammy Award-winning soundtrack is a masterpiece in its own right. Hear it performed live by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra while the film plays on the big screen at this family-friendly experience. July 27. $49+. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org
Barenaked Ladies
The Canadian rock band dominated the late ’90s airwaves with hits like “One Week,” “If I Had $1,000,000,” and “Pinch Me.” The band will be joined by ’90s contemporaries Sugar Ray and Fastball when it makes a stop at Pine Knob Music Theatre during its “Last Summer on Earth” tour. Aug. 2. $29.50+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com
Jazz on the River
National and international jazz artists will perform at this 28th annual festival. Watch out for the release of a full list of acts closer to the event. Aug. 2-3. Elizabeth Park, 4250 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton; waynecounty.com
Damien Escobar
The virtuoso violinist first rose to fame as half of the duo Nuttin’ but Stringz, which won third place in the 2008 season of America’s Got Talent. Escobar emerged as a solo artist following the duo’s separation in 2012 and has since released five studio albums, including 2024’s Gemini. Aug. 6. $15+. Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; thearetha.com
Tate McRae
The Canadian pop star got her first taste of fame at age 13, when she made it to the final round of the American reality competition show So You Think You Can Dance. She later signed on with RCA Records and released her first hit single, “You Broke Me First, in 2020. Aug. 16. $152+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.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 every Labor Day weekend. Aug. 29-Sept. 1. No cost. Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; detroitjazzfest.org
99.5 WYCD Hoedown
Country music superstar Dierks Bentley will headline this year’s Hoedown at Pine Knob. Rising bluegrass star Zach Top and indie country act The Band Loula will also perform. Aug. 30. $55.75+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, 33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston; 313presents.com
Alabama Shakes
The critically acclaimed Southern rock band will emerge from an eight-year hiatus to play a string of headlining dates this summer. Fans can expect to hear old favorites like “Sound & Color” and “Hold On” as well as new, unreleased material. The audience will also hear from special guest Sam Evian, a New York-based song-writer, instrumentalist, and producer. Sept. 5. $40.50. Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills; 313presents.com
Smokin’ Rock N Blues Festival
At this festival, participants can enjoy live music and delicious barbecue, including ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, pork tenderloin, as well as sweet treats and mac and cheese. Sept. 5-6. Downtown Brighton; brightoncoc.org
This story originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on May 5.
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