2026 Metro Detroit Summer Events Preview: Art Fairs & Field Trip

    Our curated guide to fairs and festivals, concerts and performances, art fairs, and Independence Day celebrations.
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    Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park
    Photo courtesy of Fredrick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park

    May 23–25

    Kensington Art Fair: One hundred juried artists from across the country showcase their best work at this annual art show. There will also be hands-on activities and a variety of food trucks on-site. Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford; kensingtonartfair.com.

    June 6–7

    Palmer Park Art Fair: Peruse the work of more than 100 juried artists, take in storytelling and book readings by local authors, grab a bite from a food truck, enjoy a beer in the beer tent, and much more. You’ll also find live music, dance performances, and hands-on projects. Palmer Park, Detroit; palmerparkartfair.com.

    June 13–14

    Chelsea Painters Art Fair: The 51st annual art fair will feature 16 award-winning artists selling original watercolor, pastel, colored pencil, and mosaic pieces, among other work. Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old U.S. Highway 12, Chelsea; chelseapainters.com.

    June 27–28

    Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair: For 55 years, the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair has featured local artists, students, and community arts associations. Donations and a share of profits go toward college scholarships, arts programs, organizations, and recreation in Royal Oak. Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak; royaloakarts.com.

    July 10–12

    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 45th year. Plus, enjoy live entertainment, living murals, children’s activities, and theater shows. Downtown Plymouth; artinthepark.com.

    July 16-18

    Ann Arbor Art Fair: Featuring nearly 1,000 artists and spanning 30 city blocks, this summer tradition in downtown Ann Arbor is made up of three separate events: Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Original; Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair; and Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair. As the largest juried art fair in the nation, it draws artists from around the country to present works in a variety of mediums, including paint, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, and sculpture. No cost. #Downtown Ann Arbor; theannarborartfair.com#

    July 25–26

    Orchard Lake Fine Art Show: Shop wall art, sculptures, home decor, 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. 6925 Daly Road, West Bloomfield; artsandeducationinc.org.

    Aug. 1–2

    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, plus a beer tent and music. Belle Isle, Detroit; belleisleartfair.com.

    Aug. 8–9

    Shelby Township Art Fair: This year marks the 43rd 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. River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township; shelbyartfair.org.

    Sept. 5–6

    Art on the Bay: This arts and crafts show hosts vendor booths to highlight local artisans and businesses. Walter and Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Baltimore; artonthebay.com.

    FIELD TRIP

    Chihuly in Grand Rapids: Running May 2 through Nov. 1, Chihuly at Meijer Gardens at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids will showcase dozens of glass master Dale Chihuly’s creative works both inside the galleries and outside throughout the gardens. Several of his innovative artworks have been on display at the facility for decades, and a variety of others were presented during two special exhibitions in 2002 and 2010. This exhibition will feature monumental outdoor installations such as Chihuly’s towering glass sculptures, vibrant Reeds, and other impressive pieces, plus original drawings that offer insights into his creative process. “His groundbreaking art creates unforgettable connections between nature, culture, and human creativity,” says Charles Burke, CEO of the cultural center, adding that visitors will surely “be captivated by the dynamic interplay between Chihuly’s spectacular art and our gardens’ natural beauty.” meijergardens.org/chihuly-at-meijer-gardens.


    This story originally appeared in the May 2026 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.