Family Labor Day Events in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

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 don’t forget to check our roundup of September festivals to find family fun through the end of the month.

Dinosauria

Now-Sept. 5, 2022

• Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Cost: $6/Dinosauria, $13/Dino Total Experience, free/children under 2

The zoo brings you an immersive walk-through experience that will take you back in time to the prehistoric era. Here, you will see 29 life-like animatronic dinosaurs, including a towering, 65-foot-long Brachiosaurus!

Immersive Van Gough 

Now-Sept. 5, 2022

• Address: Lighthouse ArtSpace Detroit, 311 E. Grand River Ave., Detroit
• Cost: $39.99-plus, $29.99/children 16 and under

This immersive experience offers a look into the mind of the world’s most iconic impressionist artist, Vincent Van Gogh. The fully immersive exhibition allows visitors to transport into Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Aug. 20-Oct. 2, 2022 (Saturdays and Sundays)

• Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
• Cost: $24.95/adults, $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.

Saline Community Fair 

Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2022

• Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Saline
• Cost: $5/ages 11 and up, free/ages 10 and under

Come out to the annual fair and enjoy live music, rides, livestock, contests, live shows and more. Activities for all ages.

Michigan State Fair  

Sept. 1-5, 2022

• 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, carnival eats and more.

Romeo Peach Festival  

Sept. 1-5, 2022

• 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. 2-5, 2022

• 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. The Kid’s Zone will have arts and crafts, bounce houses and fun, interactive and educational performances all weekend.

Detroit Jazz Festival

Sept. 2-5, 2022

• 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.

Historic Base Ball 

Sept. 2-5, 2022

• 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.

Blake’s Sunflower Festival

Sept. 3-5, 2002

• Address: Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
• Cost: $8/person, free/ages 10 and under

Stroll through the fields of sunflowers, shop at the artisan market and enjoy sunflower-inspired treats at this fest. There will be free classes, speakers, demos and workshops at this annual event.

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

Sept. 3-5, 2022

• Address: Downtown Hamtramck area
• Cost: Free

This annual festival is back after a year’s hiatus. Enjoy a carnival, music, food, wrestling and canoe races.

Labor Day Bridge Walk 

Sept. 5, 2022

• Address: McHattie Park, S. Lafayette St., South Lyon
• Cost: Free

Go at your own pace at this annual event, which is virtual this year. Fun for all ages. Register online for a free t-shirt.

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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