For nearly four decades, families have gathered in downtown Hamtramck for an end-of-summer celebration – and this year that tradition continues. Head to the city’s downtown area for some free family fun during the 39th annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival.
The fest, which is sponsored by HATCH (a Hamtramck art collective), takes place Sept. 1-3, 2018 and welcomes people of all ages to enjoy a variety of activities. One of the most popular things to do and see at this annual shebang is the Yacht Club Canoe Races that takes place down Joseph Campau.
This annual competition involves push carts that resemble canoes on wheels – they’ll race against each other, and the lucky winner will receive a wooden captain’s wheel as his or her prize.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Enjoy live music on the north and south stages, packed with various artists filling 40-plus time slots over three days. Catch afternoon and evening shows by local rock bands and even Martha Reeves & the Vandellas.
There’s also carnival rides for kids and adults and loads of delicious eats throughout the event, which takes place from noon until 10 p.m. daily on Saturday, Sunday and the official Labor Day holiday.
On Monday, catch the Polish Day parade at 1:30 p.m. The 2018 parade celebrates 100 years of Poland’s independence and features community organizations, dance troupes, Polish groups and others who will gather at the corner of Holbrook and Joseph Campau and make their way up Joseph Campau to Commor.
All the fun is free, and people of all ages are welcome to attend. Bring some cash for snacks and other goodies, too. Parking is available for $5 in the city lot at Mitchell and Caniff streets.
For more information on things to do in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor this weekend, visit the Metro Parent calendar.
Photo from Hamtramck Labor Day Festival’s Facebook page
