Date Night Ideas: Fun Things for Parents to Do in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Get information on why parents should make time for each other and get the latest details on what's happening in our area for local couples.

Need to get some one-on-one time with your sweetheart? There are tons of fun events coming to Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor that you and your partner will love.

Here, you’ll find a list of events coming to Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw county. Plus, find some tips on why date nights are so important and get some ideas for at-home dates, too.

Check them out and start planning your next date night.

Not finding an event that fits your and your partner’s interests? Check out our online calendar for more date night events and things to do with your family. 

Local events

Two-black-women-smiling-at-each-other
Photo credit: iStock/FG Trade

Looking for something fun to do with your sweetheart this month? Here are some fun upcoming events in southeast Michigan to try.

Concert of Colors

July 19-23, 2023

  • Address: Various locations in Detroit
  • Cost: Free

Enjoy this annual diversity-themed music festival. Although music is its main focus, it also offers ethnic food, poetry, movies, merchandise vendors, children’s activities and more. Check the website for the full line up.

Nick Mullen with Mike Logan and Carl Sobel at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

July 20-22, 2023

Parents can enjoy a night out with their friends or spouse to see American comedian, Nick Mullen at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

Friday Nights Music Series at Riverside Park

July 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023

Start your weekend off with live music every Friday night at the Knight Amphitheater. See Motown and Bon Jovi tributes.

Music in the Air Concert Series at Kellogg Park

July 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023

See live outdoor musical performances on the Hines Park Lincoln Stage in Kellogg Park throughout the summer. You can drop off your chairs and blankets at 3:30 p.m. on concert days.

Rhythms in Riley Park

July 21, 28; Aug. 4, 11, 18, 25, 2023

Enjoy a free night concert in Downtown Farmington featuring genres such as Country, Rock, Americana, Rockabilly and Blues. Make sure to bring your own chairs and blankets.

Gumbo’s First Annual Mardi Gras Block Party at Gumbo’s 

July 22, 2023

Enjoy live entertainment, crawfish boil, cajun turkey legs, beignets, stilt walker and more for a night out in downtown Mount Clemens. 

Marshbank Music Series at Marshbank Park

July 26, Aug. 2, 2023

Each concert features music from different genres, food trucks and a beer and wine tent. July 26 is Detroit Retro Society and Aug. 2 is Katmandu.

Royal Oak Summer Concert Series at Centennial Commons Park

July 27; Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 2023

Enjoy a weekly summer concert each week with all types of genres including Blues, Irish-American Rock, Modern Country, Swing and much more. Pre-show is with The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music and DJ Invisible is spinning between sets.

Summer Sensation Concert Series at Boulan Park

July 27; Aug. 10, 24, 2023

Come out to Boulan Park on select Thursdays this summer to enjoy a variety of genres. There will be food trucks, too. July 27 is Devin Scillian & Arizona Son, Aug. 10 is Air Margaritaville and Aug. 24 is Thornetta Davis – Detroit’s Queen of the Blues.

Friday Night Live Concert Series at the Center Street Gazebo 

July 28, Aug. 25, 2023

Meet downtown at the Center Street Gazebo on the fourth Friday of every month in the summer. July 28 features Bugs Beddow and Aug. 25 features Arthur Littsey & the Detroit Social Club.

Summer Sounds at The Mall at Partridge Creek

July 28-30, 2023

These weekend shows feature nearly 40 local artists. Make sure to bring a folding camp chair or low to the ground chair since seating is limited. Friday is Teddy Petty, Saturday is The Best of Billy Joel and Elton John and Sunday is Al Carmichael.  

Grace on the Lake Music Festival at Lake St. Clair Metropark

July 29, 2023

This event will have music, food, fun and fellowship at Lake St Clair Metropark in Harrison Township.

Sunday Night Concert Series at Lake St. Clair Metropark

July 30, 2023

Kick back every Sunday evening and listen to cool tunes played live in the park. Musicians range from big band to soul to everything in between.

Dave Landau with Derek Richards and Al April at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 3-5, 2023

Parents can enjoy a night out with their friends or spouse to see comedian, Dave Landau at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

Movie in the Park at Gabriel Richard Park

Aug. 3, 2023

Families can enjoy an outdoor showing of Wakanda Forever on the Detroit Riverfront. Bring your own chairs, blankets and snacks.

Outdoor Concert Series at Brandenburg Park 

Aug. 3, 10, 17, 24, 2023

Bring your lawn chairs out for Brandenburg Park’s outdoor concert series. Aug 3 is Sonic Freeway, Aug. 10 is Swift Brothers, Aug. 17 is Meldrum Brothers and Aug. 24 is Bandwagon.

Canterbury Barbecue Festival 2023 at Canterbury Village 

Aug. 4-6, 2023

Enjoy this BBQ festival, which features five stages of entertainment and activities, delicious food and more.

Dearborn Homecoming Festival at Ford Field Park

Aug. 4-6, 2023

Celebrate the city of Dearborn with live music, carnival rides, food and a firework display at this 42nd annual.

Jazz on the River at Elizabeth Park

Aug. 5-6, 2023

This weekend event is celebrating its 31st year. See different jazz performances and there will be food, drinks and vendor items available to purchase at this summer festival.

Eyes Up Here Comedy Tour at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 9, 2023

This event is a comedy collective of five of the region’s top female comics as they perform at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

J. Chris Newberg with Tom E. Thompson and Jason Fylan-Mares at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 10-12, 2023

See J Chris Newberg at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle where he will perform his comedic songs.

Dexter Daze at Monument Park 

Aug. 11-12, 2023

This annual summer fest features live stage performances, food, a parade, fireworks and much more.

Shelby Township Art Fair in River Bends Park

Aug. 12-13, 2023

Visit this annual fair to see some of the best work by Michigan’s artists and crafters. There will also be food, musical entertainment and more.

Christopher Titus: Carrying Monsters Tour at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 13, 2023

Parents can enjoy a night out to see stand-up comedian, writer, actor and producer,  Christopher Titus at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

The Dinah Washington Tribute starring Nina Simone Neal Hosted by Sky Covington at Aretha’s Jazz Cafe

Aug. 14, 2023

Parents can see The Satin Doll Revue elect Nina Simone Neal performing her solo performance for the Dinah Washington Tribute.

Sinisterhood Full Moon Energy Tour at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 15, 2023

Parents can come out to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle to see comedians and best friends Christie Wallace and Heather McKinney at The Full Moon Energy tour. It combines their comedy dynamic with their love of creepy topics into one unique and hilarious evening. VIP tickets include a post-show Q&A and a signed poster.

Grey Matters Comedy Tour at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 16, 2023

Come out to Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle to see five comedy legends in the third, fourth or fifth-act of their careers.

Cam Rowe with Will Green and Tam White at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 17-19, 2023

Parents can enjoy a night out with their friends or spouse to see Cam Rowe at at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle.

Poolside Performance: Na Bonsai at Cranbrook Art Museum

Aug. 17, 2023

Join Cranbrook Art Museum for their next Poolside Performance featuring Na Bonsai. Poolside Performances are an exploration of experimental music, movement and mark-making. Bring your own blankets and chairs. 

Movies in the Park at McHattie Park

Aug. 18, Sept. 15, 2023

Head to McHattie Park for this summer’s Movies in the Park series! Movies will begin at dusk. Aug. 18 is Back to the Future and Sept. 15 is Top Gun Maverick.

St. Rafka Church Festival at St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church

Aug. 18-20, 2023

The annual festival features henna tattoos, premium bar, hookah lounge, Arabic dancing and more.

Michigan Renaissance Festival at the Hollygrove Grounds 

Aug. 18-Oct. 1, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays)

Fair maids and merry men take a step back to the 16th century for jousting tournaments, comedy and theater shows, music, games and “real” mythological creatures. Each weekend is a different theme.

Candlelight Concert Series at The Reserve at Red Run

Aug. 23, 2023

Parents can enjoy a monthly Candlelight Concert Series featuring the talent of local artists and musicians performing under the soft glow of candlelight. RSVP required because space is limited. August’s concert is Jeff Cavataio, The Best of Stage & Screen.

Jokes On You Comedy Tour at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle

Aug. 23, 2023

Come see Cam Rowe, Kevin Johnson, Mike Geeter, Robert Jenkins, Ricarlo Williams and Tam White at this comedy show.

Blue Moon at the Beach Concert at Kensington Metropark 

Aug. 26, 2023

Dress in your 90s and early 2000s threads and enjoy a night concert by The Persuasion Band. Bring your own chair or blanket. There will also be food trucks, a live astronomy presentation and telescope viewing opportunities.

Arts, Beats & Eats in Downtown Royal Oak

Sept. 1-4, 2023

  • Address: Downtown Royal Oak area
  • Cost: $5-$10

Enjoy art at the juried fair, eats from food trucks and beats that include live music and more at this annual.

Detroit Jazz Festival

Sept. 1-4, 2023

Listen to the greats and upcoming Jazz artists at the ultimate Jazz show happening at different locations in Detroit.

Corvette Fest at Canterbury Village

Sept. 2, 2023

Come out to Canterbury Village for the premier show of over 150 Corvettes being displayed. Browse the village shops, too.

Art in the Village in Downtown Franklin

Sept. 4, 2023

“Art in the Village,” Franklin’s fine art fair, in its 42nd year. This adult only fair features exceptional works in glass, pottery, fiber, furniture, jewelry, photography, painting, watercolor, wood, sculpture, metal and more.

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert at the Fisher Theatre

Sept. 24, 2023

Watch a screening of Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse while listening to a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop. It will feature live musicians and turntables featuring a DJ scratcher live on stage.

The FRIENDS Experience at Great Lakes Crossing 

Through Sept. 24, 2023

The FRIENDS Experience includes set recreations and photo ops, including Joey and Chandler’s apartment, Monica and Rachel’s kitchen and Central Perk. Props, costumes and “Friends” memorabilia that will excite even die-hard fans will be on display. Take a guided tour and purchase items in the gift shop (which is open to the public).

Backyard Beer Garden at Palmer Commons

Sept. 30, 2023

Backyard Beer Garden will have multiple Michigan brews, special cocktails and food from some local favorites. There will be free games like cornhole, giant beer pong, giant flip cup, giant Yahtzee, giant  Jenga and more. 

A2 Artoberfest in Downtown Ann Arbor

Oct. 28-29, 2023

Explore the work of over 100 jury-selected fine artists at this event. There will also be live entertainment, food, drinks, shopping and more.

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition at the Royal Oak Farmers Market

Nov. 16-17, 2023

Check out artwork displayed by 60 artists along with live music, food, adult beverages and more at this annual event.

Date night tips

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Photo credit: iStock

Carving out time as a couple is an important way to keep your relationship healthy. Read these posts to learn how you can make time for your sweetie. Plus, find at-home date night ideas and cheap things to try.

This post is updated regularly.


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