With kids in tow, seeing the latest stage show or attending that super popular special event can put a real dent in the ol’ bank account. It’s great once in a while, but geez, where are all of the free southeast Michigan events this weekend?
Turns out, there are plenty of free events to choose from, and we’ve rounded up the best options happening this weekend in this convenient spot.
Every activity listed here will cost you absolutely nothing for admission. Zilch. Maybe you’ll have to splurge a few bucks for parking and a little for some activities within the event. But that’s it!
Want to try some events in Detroit that won’t cost you a fortune? Searching for online activities in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties that won’t break the bank?
Then check back here regularly and mark your calendars so you don’t miss any of the free family fun happening over the next week or so.
Don’t see an event that fits your fam? Check out our online calendar for more fun events.
Macomb
Spring Fling
May 14, 2022
- Address: Fraser Public Library, 16330 E. 14 Mile Road, Fraser
This annual event features live animals at a petting zoo outside the Fraser Public Library. Other family-friendly activities, too.
St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade
May 29, 2022
- Address: Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores
The parade starts at Ridgeway and finishes up at 11 Mile Road. It includes military and veteran groups, high school marching bands, public officials, clowns, motorcycles, Jeeps and more.
Sterling Heights Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2022
- Address: 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
Hundreds gather for a solemn tribute to the fallen at this 43th-time event. There will be a parade to follow that kicks off from the City Center parking lot.
Center Line Festival
June 3-5 2022
- Address: 25355 Lawrence St., Center Line
This annual fest will feature fireworks, petting farm, inflatables, Trackless train rides, music and more.
Bay-Rama Fishfly Festival
June 22-26, 2022
- Address: Downtown New Baltimore
The short-lived water bugs drive the theme of this fest, which has a carnival, fireworks, parade, kids activities, corn hole tournament and more.
Dairy Day Festival
June 25, 2022
- Address: Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray
See cows being milked, enjoy games, crafts, family photo opportunities and more. Also, free dairy products including cheese and ice cream treats.
Oakland
“Birds and Beasts” Exhibit by Painter Joan Sterling
Now-May 20, 2022 (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
- Address: Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 W. 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
Head to city hall to see Joan Sterling’s solo exhibit of colorful lions and cape buffalo, titled, “Birds and Beasts.”
Islam & its People – a Family Discovery Event
May 14, 2022
- Address: Franklin Public Library, 32455 Franklin Road, Franklin
Families are invited to join Franklin Public Library for a fun afternoon of calligraphy, story time, crafts, sweet treats and more.
Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade and Party
May 15, 2022
- Address: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
The parade is a 40-year-old tradition that takes place in Birmingham. There will be a party in Shain Park afterwards.
Spring Palooza
May 20, 2022
- Address: Novi Civic Center Campus, 45175 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
This carnival themed event features live entertainment, police and fire demonstrations, outdoor games, food and lots of family bonding.
Downtown Highland Founders Day Celebration
May 21, 2022
- Address: Downtown Highland area
Kick off spring with a community celebration that features a parade and other family fun. See floats, bands, teams, community groups and more.
Memorial Day at Fuerst Park
May 25, 2022
- Address: 45325 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
This Memorial Day event will feature a patriotic-themed concert, dinner for veterans and refreshments for the community.
Southfield Memorial Day Ceremony
May 27, 2022
- Address: Southfield City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield
Join the city of Southfield for their Memorial Day ceremony at Southfield City Hall.
Asian Pacific American Cultural Celebration
May 28, 2022
- Address: Novi Public Library, 45255 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
Meet at the patio and the meeting room at the Novi Public Library to celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month. There will be music, dancing, speakers, cultural displays, speakers and food.
Ferndale Wellness Fair
May 28, 2022
- Address: 701 Woodward Heights, Ferndale
There will be an on-site food truck with vegan tacos, sodas, coffee and other handmade items. Take a Yoga or Tai Chi class or get a massage or facial. Free book exchange, too. Registration required.
Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival
May 28, 2022
- Address: Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., Rochester
Enjoy this annual family-friendly festival that features a car festival, pancake breakfast, art show with handmade artwork, plant sale, food trucks, live performances and more.
Holly Memorial Day Ceremony
May 28, 2022
- Address: Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Road, Holly
Attend a Memorial Day Ceremony at the Great Lakes National Cemetery honoring deceased veterans. The VFW State Honor Guard will present the colors and perform a rifle salute during the ceremony. There will be patriotic music, too.
Farmington Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2022
- Address: Grand River Ave., between Orchard Lake Road and downtown Farmington
The parade starts off on Grand River Avenue, between Orchard Lake Road and downtown Farmington. The event ends with a ceremony at Memorial Park at Grand River Avenue & Oakland Street, followed by a free community luncheon.
Memorial Day Parade in Milford
May 30, 2022
- Address: Central Park, 159 N. Main St., Milford
All veterans and active military are invited to march in Milford’s annual parade for Memorial Day.
Royal Oak Memorial Parade & Ceremony
May 30, 2022
- Address: S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak
Honor fallen veterans at this annual procession that takes place in downtown Royal Oak. The parade begins at Washington and Lincoln and proceeds north to S. Sherman Drive. Ceremony to follow.
South Lyon Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2022
- Address: Downtown South Lyon
This procession steps off at Barlett Elementary and heads through downtown to the cemetery for a ceremony honoring the sacrifices of our veterans.
Walled Lake Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2022
- Address: E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake
The parade will take place downtown Walled Lake. They will be passing out candy along the way so make sure to bring a bag to collect it in.
Art on the Grand
June 4-5, 2022
- Address: Downtown Farmington
Fine artists and crafters from around the country are featured and have booths in a variety of disciplines and price ranges. Different artistic categories include: painting, pottery, photography, jewelry, mixed media, wood, wearable art, glass, leather, sculpture and more.
Ferndale Pride
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Farmington
Celebrate the area’s LGBTQIA community. Find vendors, activities, entertainment, a kid’s area, food trucks and more. Pets are allowed to attend.
International Kite Festival
June 4-5, 2022
- Address: James Atchison Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson
Kids receive a free kite to decorate (while supplies last) and fly it with your fam. There will also be professional kite flying demos, live music, food trucks, inflatables, magic show, face painting and more.
M1 Concourse Cars & Coffee | Euro Day
June 4, 2022
- Address: 1 Concourse Drive, Pontiac
Join M1 Concourse on the first Saturday of each month for the largest Cars & Coffee event in Michigan! Share this massive monthly tradition with your fellow auto-enthusiasts to showcase their vehicles. This is a kid-friendly event.
Pride Festival
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Ortonville
There will be a parade, vendors, food trucks, entertainment, speakers, kids games, movie and more.
Pride Trivia Night
June 8, 2022
- Address: Novi Public Library, 45255 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
Join the library for some fun LGBTQ+ themed trivia and game show style games to celebrate Pride Month! For ages 12 and up.
Berkley Art Bash
June 11, 2022
- Address: Downtown Berkley
Families can enjoy art displays from 150 vendors and makers, face painting, food trucks and stands, kids activities, live music and more.
The Art of Fire
June 11-12, 2022
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak
This fair showcases over 100 artists who work with clay, glass and metal. Metal working and live glass blowing, too. Food and drink specials are available at Royal Oak restaurants as well as concessions on site.
Pirate Treasure Hunt
June 13, 2022
- Address: Auburn Hills Public Library, 3400 E. Seyburn Dr., Auburn Hills
Kids in grades 2-5 will be able to become a pirate for a day and hunt for buried treasure. Registration required.
Celebrate Father’s Day
June 14, 2022
- Address: Pontiac Public Library, 60 E. Pike St., Pontiac
Kids can create their own Thank You card for their father and hear a story at the Pontiac Public Library. Refreshments will be given. Registration required.
Riverview Summerfest
June 16, 2022
- Address: Young Patriot’s Park, 14133 Civic Park Drive, Riverview
This festival will include carnival rides, a children’s pony ranch, live music, classic car show, face painting, fireworks and more.
Summer Stadium Community Cookout
June 16, 2022
- Address: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
Join the Hawk at the football stadium for tailgating games, music, inflatables and bouncers. Hot dogs, chips and drinks can be purchased at the event. Great for all ages.
Opa! Fest
June 17-19, 2022
- Address: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 W. Wattle Road, Troy
At this Greek fest there will be activities for adults and kids. Participate in Greek dancing, cooking demonstrations, live music, cultural exhibits and more.
Grosse Pointe Pride 2022
June 18, 2022
- Address: Downtown Grosse Pointe
Families can enjoy a walk around downtown Grosse Pointe. There will be Pride-themed activities around the area. Dogs are welcome.
Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
June 18, 2022
- Address: Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights
Celebrate Juneteenth with craft activities, face painting, petting zoo, bounce houses and live music, vendors, food trucks and more.
Unity in the Community Juneteenth Celebration and Slows Bar BQ Food Truck
June 18, 2022
- Address: Novi Public Library, 45255 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
Ages 12 and up will be able to join the library for a traveling black history museum, presentations, music, step show, steel pan instrumental, free Harlem burritos from Cornbread Restaurant and more. Enjoy food from Slows Bar BQ food truck featuring their signature dishes of chicken, pulled pork, Mac and cheese, vegetarian options and more.
Downtown Auburn Hills Summerfest
June 24-25, 2022
- Address: Downtown Auburn Hills
Start summer with music, dancing, maker’s market, classic car show, a pet parade, food, contests and more.
Red, White & Blues Fireworks Festival
June 25, 2022
- Address: 305 N. John St., Highland
Enjoy a firework show at this annual along with live music, vendors, kid’s activities, food and more. For all ages.
Festival of the Hills
June 29, 2022
- Address: Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills
Michigan’s second-largest fireworks display is the big draw, plus enjoy plenty of family games and live entertainment.
South Lyon LGBT+ Pride Event
July 9, 2022
- Address: McHattie Park, S. Lafayette St., South Lyon
Bring your family out and enjoy lots of fun outside activities in the park. There will be music, vendors, face painting, art activities, entertainment, food trucks, drag queen story time and more. Childrens Rainbow Run sponsored by British Swim School.
Yeti Fest Art Day – Bigfoot & Sasquatch Soiree
July 9, 2022
- Address: The Hawk – Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
This event offers unique artists with painting, sculpture and jewelry mediums featuring Bigfoot. There are also art activities for kids and other believers. You will be able to create a sasquatch of your own! Great for all ages.
Washtenaw
Rummage Sale
May 12-13, 2022
- Address: Old St. Pat’s Church, 5671 Whitmore Lake Road, Ann Arbor
Join Old St. Pat’s Church as they host a community rummage sale in the parish center. Come find unique pieces and some treasures.
Milan Community Fair
June 2-4, 2022
- Address: Wilson Park, 147 Wabash St., Milan
Find an art market, live music and rides galore. There will be a parade on Thursday, fireworks are scheduled on Friday and kid’s events occur Saturday.
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights
June 2, 9, 16, 23, 20, 2022
- Address: Palmer Commons, 304 S. Main St., Chelsea
Entertainment, arts and musical acts are performed at various and separate stages through historical downtown Chelsea every Thursday evening. For kids, there will be face painters, balloon artists, circus acts, jugglers, magicians, ‘How to Chalk’ themed art stage and more.
Ann Arbor African American Festival
June 4, 2022
- Address: Downtown Ann Arbor
This annual fest features live music, balloon twisting, dance performances, face painting, crafting station and more.
Ann Arbor Summer Festival
June 10-July 3, 2022
- Address: Various venues in Ann Arbor
This annual features more than 200 events in nearly four weeks. Outdoor shows are free. Kid-friendly options include a screening of Encanto on June 12 and Pokémon Detective Pikachu on June 16. Check out the KidZone for more.
Chelsea Painters Art Fair
June 11-12, 2022
- Address: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 W. Old US Hwy. 12, Chelsea
Peruse a collection of fine art created by local talents at this 47th annual. It will feature acrylic, watercolor, colored pencil, pastel, oil and more.
Wayne
Saturday in the Park on Hines Drive
Now-Sept. 24, 2022 (Saturdays)
- Address: Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive, Westland
Hines Drive will be closed from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive for families to run, walk or bike safely without vehicle traffic.
Saturday Storytime
Now-Dec. 31, 2023 (Saturdays)
- Address: 27th Letter Books, 3546 Michigan Ave., Detroit
Join 27th Letter Books for their weekly story offering, made bilingual in Spanish & English. Following the reading, you will be invited to stay and explore the book themes through art studio time or an interactive activity
Story Time with Mr. Jim
Now-Dec. 29, 2022 (Thursdays)
- Address: Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St., Dearborn Heights
Caroline Kennedy Library offers simple stories, music, crafts, bubbles and fun for little ones and their caregivers every Thursday. Recommended for ages 2-3, but all ages are welcome.
Bike With The Mayor
May 15, 2022
- Address: Qahwah House W Dearborn, 22000 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Join Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud and his Executive Team for the First Annual Mayor’s Bike Ride through the city.
Nature Fest
May 21, 2022
- Address: Crosswinds Marsh, 27600 Haggerty Road, New Boston
This nature-oriented event will feature live entertainment, nature crafts and games, live animals and canoeing. Ages 17 and younger can participate in a fishing contest. Fishing poles and bait are limited, so bring your own if you have one. No registration required.
Technology Fair
May 21, 2022
- Address: Caroline Kennedy Library, 24590 George St., Dearborn Heights
Local schools and technology groups from around Southeast Michigan will showcase their technology talent with drones, robots, 3-D printing and much more. There will be demonstrations and classes for kids and teens ages 5-17. No registration is required.
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration
May 28, 2022
- Address: Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
The DIA celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with a program of music and dance performances by community cultural groups including Chinese, Korean, Indian and Taiwanese.
Dearborn Memorial Day Parade
May 30, 2022
- Address: Downtown Dearborn
This 96th annual event brings local bands, businesses and organizations together to honor our fallen heroes.
Grosse Pointe Memorial Day Service
May 30, 2022
- Address: Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms
Honor the sacrifice our fallen soldiers made at this annual service. Pre-registration is required
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear on Belle Isle
June 3, 2022
- Address: Belle Isle Park, The Raceway at Belle Isle Park street circuit, Detroit
This annual auto series race features high-intensity IndyCar series races and high-speed trucks. Also, live music, games, interactive displays, food and more.
Grosse Ile Islandfest
June 3-5, 2022
- Address: Grosse Ile Municipal Airport, 9601 Groh Road, Grosse Ile Township
Highlights include a carnival and petting zoo every day, parade and fireworks on Saturday and live music every night.
Palmer Park Art Fair
June 4-5, 2022
- Address: 910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit
Check out artwork by artists from all over the country, meet authors, enjoy music, eat at specialty food booths and enjoy family activities at this annual.
Celebrate Juneteenth with American Girl Addy
June 7, 2022
- Address: William P. Faust Public Library, 6123 Central City Pkwy., Westland
Hear a story about Juneteenth, play a game, make a craft and enjoy a snack. For children ages 6 and up. Registration required.
New York International Children’s Film Festival: Kid Flicks One
June 11, 2022
- Address: Detroit Film Theatre Auditorium, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
This event features the winners from the 2021 New York International Children’s Film Festival is North America’s largest film festival for children and teens ages 3-18.
Canton Liberty Fest
June 16-18, 2022
- Address: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton
This 28th-time festival serves up three days of food, music and fun, including a big carnival. Fireworks will take place on Friday evening.
Arts & Acts Festival
June 17-19, 2022
- Address: Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St., Northville
The festival includes the juried fine art show, musical entertainment, children’s activities, plus Northville Art House Chalk Festival and a large variety of food and drink.
Annual Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 18, 2022
- Address: Coleman Center, 35351 Beverly Road, Romulus
Celebrate The Healing Harvest’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth event with Black-owned food trucks, Black-owned vendors, live music, kid’s activities, scholarship giveaways and more.
Juneteenth Celebration at Leanna Hicks Public Library
June 18, 2022
- Address: 2500 Hamlin Dr., Inkster
Head to the library to join in on square dancing lessons, horses and rodeo demonstration, country-style food, information on Juneteenth and more.
Juneteenth Community Celebration
June 18, 2022
- Address: Calvary Presbyterian Church, 19125 Greenview Ave., Detroit
This family-friendly event will have African drumming, African dancing, a mental health speaker, food, DJ, musical performances, vendors, kids zone and more.
Juneteenth Jubilee Freedom Weekend
June 18-19, 2022
- Address: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
Celebrate Juneteenth with a weekend of activities including film screenings, live music, a treasure hunt and more.
Juneteenth Mobility Stroll and Roll
June 18, 2022
- Address: City Hall Park, 13615 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
Join the route, which will begin at Michigan Avenue and Schaefer and end at City Hall Park. Several stops are planned along the route. There will also be fun activities geared toward all ages including a Kid’s Zone and a Mobility Zone as part of the attractions. Registration required.
Annual Dearborn Heights Juneteenth Festival
June 19, 2022
- Address: Richard A. Young Recreation Center, 5400 McKinley St., Dearborn Heights
Celebrate the heritage, freedom and excellence of African Americans with a day of live entertainment, food trucks, hustle workshops, bounce houses and more.
Juneteenth Fun, Food and Family Marketplace Celebration
June 19, 2022
- Address: Marygrove College, 8425 W. McNichols Road, Detroit
Celebrate Juneteenth and Father’s Day with music, food trucks, vendor marketplace, kid activities, card games, contests, corn hole, history tours and more.
Fun Comedy Magic Show with Gordon the Magician at the Fred C. Fisher Library
June 21, 2022
- Address: 167 4th St., Belleville
Gordon and his sidekick, George the Raccoon, will bring his unique brand of illusion right to the Fred C. Fisher Library. Be ready for him to pick on you to volunteer. You can even bring a “pick me” sign with you.
Livonia Spree
June 21-26, 2022
- Address: Ford Field Park, 33841 Lyndon St., Livonia
This fest celebrates the city’s 70th birthday with food, rides, games, music and fireworks the final night.
Taylor Summer Festival
June 23-26, 2022
- Address: Heritage Park, 12303 Pardee Road, Taylor
This fest features live music, fair food, carnival rides, fireworks and more.
Trenton Summer Festival
June 24-26, 2022
- Address: 2800 3rd St., Trenton
This annual festival features live performances, vendors, crafts, kids corner, beer tent and tons of family fun.
Ford Fireworks
June 27, 2022
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
This event is recognized as one of America’s largest and most magnificent fireworks displays. It’s a spectacular summer tradition in the city and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of spectators. The fireworks are shot off from three barges on the Detroit River.
Fun Comedy Magic Show with Gordon the Magician at the Hamtramck Library
July 13, 2022
- Address: 2360 Canif, Hamtramck
Gather the kids and head to Hamtramck Library for a fun, comedy magic show with Gordon the Magician along with his sidekick, George the Raccoon. Create a “pick me” sign because Gordon will ask for volunteers.
Ann Arbor Art Fair 2022
July 21-23, 2022
- Address: 721 E. Huron St. #200, Ann Arbor
Check out the largest juried art fair in the nation, which features nearly 1,000 artists, which spans over three days. Offers a wide selection of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more. There will also be live music, sidewalk sales and culinary treats.
This post is updated regularly.
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