Summer is officially here in Detroit and there are lots of events and fun things to do for the whole family, from firework shows to concerts and beer tastings to the renaissance festival. Set aside a date, and circle it on the calendar, for these 12 fun activities.
Go to the Detroit Institute of Arts
Check out the new art exhibit dedicated to the famous photographer Bruce Weber, running from June 20th through Sept. 7th. The exhibit features photographs taken in 2006 of model Kate Moss while on an assignment for W fashion magazine, and photos shot last year of familiar faces in Detroit and people who reflect the city’s evolution.
Salute to America at Greenfield Village
There’s no better way to celebrate the birth our nation on July 2-5 then having a picnic and playing games at the historic Greenfield Village. Stick around after the sun goes down for a concert performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. When the concert is over, it’s time for the grand finale: the DSO playing Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, including canon fire and a breath-taking fireworks show.
It’s one for your money, two for the show, three to get ready. Now go, cat, go to the 15th Annual Michigan Elvis Fest on July 11-12 at Ypsilanti’s Riverside Park. Put on your blue suede shoes and celebrate the King of rock & roll in style by watching critically acclaimed Elvis impersonators perform all your favorite hits live on stage.
Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival
Featuring 800 different beers from more than 80 different Michigan craft breweries, the 17th Annual Michigan Brewers Guild Summer Beer Festival takes place on July 25-26 at Ypsilanti’s scenic Riverside Park. There will be food-for-purchase and live music played by many local artists. Attendees must be 21 or older. Purchase tickets sooner rather then later, because they go fast.
Take the whole family to see animals of all shapes and sizes from around the world. Schedule a whole day at the zoo to see all the animals and attractions, including a carousel for the little cubs, a train ride, a 4-D Theatre, an adventure ride and many more.
Support local businesses and products on Aug. 1-3 by bringing your family to downtown Northville to chow down some grub from food vendors, watch live music, and kids can have fun playing games all day long. Every purchase made benefits Michigan’s economy.
Nothing says Detroit like an Eminem concert. Slim Shady will be in town on Friday, Aug. 22 rapping with pop-star Rihanna at Comerica Park. Purchase tickets now before they’re sold out.
Celebrate and embrace African culture by coming to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History on Aug. 15-17. Eat ethnic food, buy authentic African artwork and products from vendors and watch live performers play drums and dance.
Cruise down Woodward Avenue in a pink Cadillac or a Mustang during the largest automotive event in the world on Saturday, Aug. 16. Don’t have a classic car to drive? No problem. Watch all the classic cars from your generation drive by from the comfort of a lawn chair with a Vernors in one hand and a Hunter House cheeseburger in your other hand.
Hear ye’! Hear Ye’! On the 16th August through the 28th of September, go back into the times of knight, dragons and castles.
Michigan is known for its cider mills. There are over 30 mills to choose from in the Detroit area. Pick a mill and take a step back into the simpler times while eating a donut and drinking cider.
Royal Oak will play host to hundreds of thousands of people for the 17th year in a row this Labor Day weekend, offering more than 200 live performances on 10 stages, a critically acclaimed fine arts show and a taste of the fine cousin served in Metro Detroit. New attractions this year include NBA Nation in which fans can try their best at calling a game, a Hair City hair contest and Healthy Festival Fun classes taught by Life Time and Priority Health.
