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 that doesn’t mean you can’t get in one more summertime celebration before the school year gets too busy.
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 visit. Don’t forget to check our roundup of September festivals to find family fun through the end of the month.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Aug. 19-Oct. 1, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
- Cost: $17-$25.95/adults, $10-$15.95/ages 5-12, free/4 and under
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 themed so check on it before you head out.
2023 Saline Community Fair
Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2023
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
- Cost: $5/ages 11 and up, free/ages 10 and under
Visit the annual fair to enjoy live music, rides, livestock, contests, live shows and more. Activities for all ages.
Michigan State Fair
Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Cost: $10/fair admission, $42/ultimate admission
Walk the midway, see the circus, ride carnival rides, see demonstrations and more at the State Fair that dates back to 1849. Other attractions include livestock shows, live entertainment and carnival eats.
Romeo Peach Festival
Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Romeo, 269 E. Washington St., Romeo
- Cost: Free
This annual fest is fun for the whole family. Catch carnival rides, craft shows, peach treats and more.
Arts, Beats & Eats
Sept. 1-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak area
- Cost: $5-$10, free/under 3
Enjoy art at the juried fair, eats from food trucks and beats that include live music. The kids zone will have arts and crafts, bounce houses and interactive, educational and fun performances all weekend.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Sept. 1-4, 2023
- Address: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Listen to the greats and up-and-coming Jazz artists at the ultimate Jazz show happening at different locations in Detroit. Hours vary by performance.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Sept. 2-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Hamtramck area
- Cost: Free
This annual Labor Day Festival features a carnival, music, food, wrestling, canoe races and a parade.
Historic Base Ball
Sept. 2-4, 2023
- Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free with museum admission
Enjoy a game of baseball played with the 1897 rules on select Saturdays and Sundays (including Labor Day) throughout the summer.
Annual Labor Day Round Up in Downtown Franklin
Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: 32325 Franklin Road, Franklin
- Cost: Free
The 79th Franklin Community Association Labor Day Round Up family fair will feature a parade at noon, giant inflatables, pony rides, petting farm, magic show, jugglers, interactive circus, midway games, face painting, Leo’s Coney Island, classic cars, Historical Society and Garden Club displays and dog rescue. There will be an art fair, Art in the Village, for adults only.
BRICKLIVE
Through Sept. 4, 2023
- Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: $5/person. A general admission ticket or zoo membership is required for all guests ages 3 and older
Visit the Detroit Zoo to see more than 70 life-sized Lego animals that will be on display as part of the zoo’s latest installation, BRICKLIVE.
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life
Through Sept. 10, 2023
- Address: The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: Free w/museum admission and for members
Julia Child: A Recipe for Life explores the key ingredients that led to Julia’s personal evolution and America’s culinary revolution. In this exhibit, experience sounds and smells from Julia’s kitchen, videos, audio, photography, interactive The French Chef TV set and more.
Disney Animation: Immersive Experience
Through Sept. 9, 2023
- Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
- Cost: $27.99-plus
Sing along and experience your favorite Disney songs and movies in an immersive experience.
Looking for even more family fun things to do this weekend and beyond? Check out our online calendar for more.
This post was originally published in 2017 and is updated regularly.
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