17 Things To Do This Labor Day Weekend

It may be the unofficial end of summer, but there’s still plenty of action in metro Detroit
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Photograph courtesy of the Michigan State Fair

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Enjoy your long weekend before back-to-school and back to the grind at one of these metro Detroit events.

Dino Days at Blake’s

Get close to life-like dinosaurs on this walk-through tour! Experience dinosaurs created with advanced technology that feature sound, feathers, movement, fur, breathing movements, scaly skin, and more. Sept. 1-4. Ticket prices vary. Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada; 586-784-5343; blakefarms.com.

Romeo Peach Festival

This peachy festival, founded in 1931, features a 5K run, craft show, carnival rides, and live entertainment. Come out for the Peach Festival Fireworks on Sept. 1 and Mid America Carnival Rides on Sept. 3. Aug. 31-Sep. 4. Free admission, fees apply for some activities. Downtown Romeo; 586-752-6543; romeopeachfest.com.

Movies in the Parks

Unwind with a movie night in the park. Arrive a little early to enjoy the parks trails and beaches, then relax with blankets and popcorn for a screening of Minions – The Rise of Gru. All ages event. Sept. 2. Free. Eastwood Beach at Stoney Creek Metropark. Stoney Creek Metropark, 4300 Main Park Road, Shelby Township; 586-781-4242, metroparks.com

Michigan State Fair

Thrill-seekers, food lovers, and shopaholics can find more to love at this year’s state fair, with rides, a beer garden, and vendors. Aug. 31 through Sept. 4. Ticket prices vary. Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi; 248-348-6942; michiganstatefairllc.com.

Outdoor Adventure Center Thrilling Thursday

Head into Labor Day Weekend at one of the Outdoor Adventure Center’s Thrilling Thursday events! Thursday, Aug. 31 is Outdoor Cooking. According to its website, you can “learn some tips and ideas” for your next camping adventure. 6-8 p.m. Free. Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit; 844-622-6367; michigan.gov.

Candlelight Concerts

Candlelight Concerts, presented by Fever, are an amazing way to experience live music. Surrounded by candlelight, enjoy A Tribute to Queen and More from Aug. 31-Sept. 7. Ticket prices and times vary. Find more showings and programs on their website. The War Memorial, 32 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms; 313-881-7511; feverup.com.

Detroit Jazz Festival 2023

Founded in 1980, the Detroit Jazz Festival has always been a way for people to come together over music. Artists like Veronica Swift, Marcus Elliot, Michael Malis, Balance (USA), and more will take the stage at Detroit’s 2023 Jazz Festival. Sept. 1-4. Free. Hart Plaza, Detroit; 313-877-8057; detroitjazzfest.org.

Lake St. Clair Summer Concerts

With weekly Sunday night concerts, Lake St. Clair offers low-cost summer fun in the form of all music types. Labor Day weekend will feature Dave Hamilton Band at 6:30 p.m. Free with a Metropark pass. Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metro Parkway, Harrison Township; 586-463-4581; metroparks.com.

Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats

Royal Oak’s 20th annual festival is back. Take a stroll around downtown Royal Oak, enjoy food and shopping from local vendors, and watch performances on one of nine different stages. Sept. 1-4., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. No cost for admission until 5 p.m. on Friday, $10 after 5 p.m. on Friday, $5 before 3 p.m. and $10 after 3 p.m. Saturday-Monday. Several city blocks in downtown Royal Oak; 248-541-7550; artsbeatseats.com.

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

Featuring a 5K, canoe races, live music, carnival rides, and a parade, Hamtramck’s 43rd annual Labor Day Festival is jam-packed with fun activities for the family. Sept. 2-4. Free. Jos Campau Ave., Hamtramck; hamtownfest.com.

Dancing in the Streets

Put on your dancing shoes and head to Ann Arbor for its groovy annual festival. Sample different music and dance styles and leave with a new set of moves. Sept. 3. Free. 4531 Concourse Drive, Ann Arbor; aactmad.org.

Sidewalk Sales

Shop into the back-to-school season with a stroll down the sidewalk. This Labor Day Weekend, multiple local businesses in Glen Arbor are set to offer deals and specials to participate in annual sidewalk sales. Sept. 1-4. Downtown Glen Arbor; visitglenarbor.com.

Detroit River Sails

BaySail offers multiple public sailing packages to view the Detroit skyline from the water. Try a Sunset Sail Sept. 1-3 from 7-10 p.m. Ticket prices vary. 107 5th St., Upper Floor, Bay City; 989-895-5193; baysailbaycity.org.

Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Bridge Walk

Take a walk and enjoy nature at the annual Paint Creek Trail Labor Day Bridge Walk. Choose a one-mile or 5Kround-trip trail. Onsite registration starts at 8 a.m. The event begins at 9 a.m. Sept. 4. $5 suggested donation per family. City of Rochester Municipal Park Kiwanis Pavilion, Paint Creek Trail, Rochester; 248-651-9260; paintcreektrail.org.

Ongoing DIA Exhibits

The DIA is hosting multiple exhibits through the fall. Visit James Barnor: Accra/London until Oct. 15, Inside|Outuntil October, and After Cubism through January. Free admission for Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County residents, $8-$18 for non-residents. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Experience “an epic weekend of fierce competitions and new experiences” this weekend at the Michigan Renaissance Festival. This Labor Day Weekend’s theme is “Vikings Invasion.” Sept. 2-4. 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly; 248-634-5552; michrenfest.com.

Oudolf Garden Detroit

Soak up the last bits of summer sun with a visit to the beautiful Oudolf Garden. The three-acre, four-section garden lives inside a Michigan State Park positioned on the Detroit River. Oudolf Garden Detroit, Belle Isle; 313-474-4700; oudolfgardendetroit.org.

This post has been updated for 2023.