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Guide to Southeast Michigan 2012 Labor Day Family Fun
Concerts, art fairs and family fun are in store for the big extended weekend! Celebrate at one of these annual festivals in southeast Michigan.
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It's parents' and kids' final chance for a little summer festival fun before those school bells ring! During this last unofficial weekend of vacation, be sure to celebrate. After all, Labor Day pays tribute to American workers just like you, mom and dad – so give yourself a pat on the back and a much-needed extended weekend.
Metro Parent did some searching, and we're on a mission to delight families with the top annual Labor Day weekend events. Check out our five-day guide below.
Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012
Peach Festival
- Address: Downtown Romeo
- When: 2 p.m.-midnight
- Cost: Free, $20/wristbands
This five-day annual event kicks off today. The North American Midway Carnival runs 2-10 p.m. (get $3 off a wristband with a coupon from The Macomb Daily). There's also food, an adults-only Beers Around the World event and the 21st annual 5K/10K Fun Run, which kicks off at 6:45 p.m. sharp.
Saline Community Fair
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
- When: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Cost: $7/ages 11-plus, Free/ages 10 and under, $18/ride armbands (or $1 per ticket for rides)
Thursday is Preschool Day! Young kids ages 2-plus get in for only $5 (11 a.m.-2 p.m. only) and enjoy the kiddie rides and activities with Ann Arbor Hands On Museum. Regular admission and rides pick up starting at 2 p.m. Don't miss the livestock auction and SJO Motorcross, both at 7 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 31, 2012
Great Lakes State Fair
- Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Time: 8 a.m.-midnight
- Cost: $25/adults, $20/children
Michigan's tradition returns! See livestock exhibits (8 a.m.-9 p.m.), agriculture and indoor vendor booths with a made in Michigan focus (10 a.m.-9 p.m.), an entertainment tent, beer garden and outdoor venues (11 a.m.-midnight), midway (11 a.m.-11 p.m.) and circus (at noon and 2:30, 5 and 7:30 p.m.).
Arts, Beats & Eats
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak
- Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free/before 5 p.m. (Friday only), $5/after 5 p.m., free/under age 3, $10/16 food tickets, $2.50-$3.75/ride, fees apply/parking
The 15th annual features lots of great food samples, a juried fine arts show, 200-plus bands on 10 stages and rides (10 are for kids ages 3-13; 11 a.m.-11 p.m.). On the Oakland County Parks Kids Stage, catch Chautauqua Express at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m., Rosco at various times and Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music. Kids Zone also promises arts and crafts, a moonwalk and more. Shoot some hoops at the Metro PCS USA Basketball Dream Tour 5-7 p.m. today, too.
Detroit Jazz Festival
- Address: Hart Plaza to Campus Martius
- Time: 4 p.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Jazz performers take one of five stages at this 33rd annual event. Opening night Sonny Rollins and the Terence Blanchard Quintet, along with and food and beverages (great evening for a leisurely night along the riverfront).
Peach Festival
- Address: Downtown Romeo
- Time: 10 a.m.-1 a.m.
- Cost: Free, $20/wristbands
Today's highlights include the baby and pet photo contest (noon-8 p.m.), RWB Peach Jam Skateboard Clinic (4-7 p.m.) and Romeo Idol contest (7-9 p.m.). The midway runs noon-11 p.m. Hungry? Hit the St. Clement of Rome K of C's pasta dinner from 4 to 8 p.m.
Saline Community Fair
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
- When: 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
- Cost: $7/ages 11-plus, Free/ages 10 and under, $18/ride armbands (or $1 per ticket for rides)
Friday is Ladies Day, when gals ages 11-plus get in for $5 (until 1 p.m.). Special programs for the girls start at 1 p.m. Today also has Saline's Got Talent (at 6 p.m.) cement slab tractor pull (7 p.m.), and local music faves Fiddlers ReStrung play at 7:30 p.m. Top it off with a movie at dusk.
