In just a few more weeks, your kids will be running down the street after a yellow cheese wagon that will take them into the next school year. But before you send your kids off into the world of early mornings, books and busses that is the school year, get in one more summertime celebration. This Labor Day weekend, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties offer tons of festivals, fairs, parades, concerts and carnivals that will really end your summer with a bang. Check out this list of summer kiss-offs and choose one or two Labor Day events to hit up before the school year kicks back in.
And check our listing of September festivals to find family fun through the end of the month.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Aug. 18-Sept. 30, 2018 (Saturdays-Sundays; plus Sept. 28)
- Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
- Times: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays, plus Sept. 29
- Cost: Check ahead for ticket prices
- Phone: 248-634-5552
The 16th century comes to life, from the scenery to the clothing, at this annual festival. Each weekend features a different theme, in addition to the traditional jousting competitions, costumed characters, puppet performances and other events that this fest is known for.
Saline Community Fair
Aug. 29-Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
- Times: Fair: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Wednesday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Rides: 3 p.m. Wednesday, noon Thursday, 2 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday-Monday
- Cost: $7/general, $5/track events, $10-$18/single day ride wristbands, $35/weekend ride pass
Bring your kiddos for a day full of fun rides, entertainment and healthy activities; plus car and tractor shows, live animals on display and more.
Fifth Third Michigan State Fair
Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Times: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday
- Cost: $6-$8/fair, $17/circus, $23/ride wristband, $10/parking
- Phone: 248-348-6942
This Michigan tradition has been bringing families together for more than 160 years, and features circus performances under the big top along with family-favorite events like livestock exhibits, vendor booths, live entertainment, a midway full of games and rides, yummy carnival food, shopping, art on display and much more.
Arts, Beats & Eats
Aug. 21-Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: downtown Royal Oak area
- Times: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday
- Cost: Free/until 5 p.m. Friday, $7/after 5 p.m. Friday, $3/before 3 p.m., $5/after 3 p.m., $2.40-$3.75/ride
- Phone: 248-541-7550
As its name suggests, this 21st annual features all of the best art, music and food that southeast Michigan has to offer; plus games, carnival rides a kids’ area and more.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Aug. 31-Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: Hart Plaza to Campus Martius Park, downtown Detroit
- Times: varies, check ahead
- Cost: free
- Phone: 313-469-6564
This annual fest spans four days, several city blocks and features hundreds of jazz performances that will make you want to swing, daddy-o. Find jazz talks and jam sessions, too.
New Baltimore Art on the Bay
Sept. 1-2, 2018
- Address: Walter & Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Baltimore
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Cost: free
- Phone: 586-725-0291
This annual two-day fine arts and craft show sets up on the banks of Lake St. Clair and features tons of paintings, drawings, sculptures, candles and other artwork on display, plus music and more.
Labor Day Outdoor Games
Sept. 1-2, 2018
- Address: Outdoor Adventure Center, 1801 Atwater St., Detroit,
- Times: 1-4 p.m.
- Cost: free with center admission: $3-$5.
- Phone: 844-622-6367
Celebrate Labor Day with lawn games, team-building fun, chalk art and more.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Sept. 1-3, 2018
- Address: downtown Hamtramck area
- Times: noon-10 p.m. daily
- Costs: free; $5/parking; fees apply for some events
- Phone: 313-333-7523
Head down to this 39th annual Hamtown tradition to enjoy a carnival and midway music, a 5K run, an art fair, canoe races and a Polish Day parade.
Labor Day Bridge Walk
Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: Downtown South Lyon
- Times: 9 a.m.
- Cost: free; pre-registration is appreciated
- Phone: 248-437-8105
Take a 2.5-mile stroll around downtown South Lyon, or brave the entire 5-mile walking route to the high school and back.
Franklin’s Art in the Village
Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: downtown Franklin area
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
- Cost: free
- Phone: 248-626-2231
This annual art fair features tons of pottery, glass, jewelry and other artwork by more than 75 artists on display and runs as part of the annual Franklin Labor Day Roundup.
Labor Day Roundup in Downtown Franklin
Sept. 3, 2018
- Address: downtown Franklin
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday
- Cost: free
- Phone: 248-626-2231
This 74th annual offers a parade (at noon), midway games, inflatables, pony rides, magic and juggling show, a rock climbing wall, a car show and more. You’ll even get to check out the historic Franklin Cider Mill, which will be open during the festival. Plus, meet some dogs that are up for adoption, too.
Photo from Fifth Third Michigan State Fair Facebook page
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.
