This July, I’ve found tons of family-friendly fun, including Fourth of July fireworks and events and tons of summer festivals for you to check out.
If you’re looking for a free activity, check out music in the park and movie in the park events perfect for you and your kids. I can’t wait to take my son, Jordan, to check out an outdoor movie this month. We make a night of it by packing snacks or a picnic dinner!
Keep on scrolling to see our top picks of kid-friendly July 2024 events in metro Detroit. You can also find more family events listed in our calendar. Be sure to tag us on Instagram @metroparentmag if you check any of them out!
This article was recently updated on June 28, 2024 by Metro Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Metro Detroit events to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best family events in metro Detroit this month. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.
Best July family events in Macomb County
Enjoy the music in the park events happening at the Huron-Clinton Metroparks, Symphony by the Shores at Lake St. Clair Metropark and Sunday Night Concert Series at Lake St. Clair Metropark. Find even more July events in Macomb County on our calendar.
Symphony by the Shores at Lake St. Clair Metropark
July 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 2024
- Address: 31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Township
- Cost: Free w/admission, parking pass required
Bring blankets, chairs and even a picnic to enjoy while listening to the beautiful sounds of the symphony. Concerts wicll be held at Thomas Welsh Activity Center. For all ages. July 2 is Jazz Quartet ft. Keith Kaminski, July 9 is Dixieland Band, July 16 is String Quartet, July 23 is Woodwind Quintet and July 30 is Brass Quintet.
Sunday Night Concert Series at Lake St. Clair Metropark
July 7, 14, 21, 28, 2024
- Address: 31300 Metro Pkwy., Harrison Township
- Cost: Free w/admission, parking pass required
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. July 7 is RocknSoul, July 14 is All Time High, July 21 is Under Pressure and July 28 is Gridiron & Friends.
Clinton Township Fireworks
July 10, 2024
- Address: 40700 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy inflatables, face painting, food vendors and live musical performances during the day and a firework show at dusk.
Blake’s Lavender Festival at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
July 12-14, 19-21, 2024
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: $12/Friday ticket, $14/Saturday or Sunday ticket, free/ages 2 and under; free/parking | Get tickets
Shop from over 200 artisans, sip on lavender lemonade, enjoy lavender-themed treats, a children’s tent with lots of activities, DIY workshops, free train ride to the lavender field and more.
Festa Italiana at Freedom Hill County Park
July 19-21, 2024
- Address: 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free/admission, $10/parking
Celebrate Italian Heritage with delicious food and live music. The family fun zone at this Italian cultural fest features fireworks, zip line, bounce house and a rock-climbing wall.
Sterlingfest at Dodge Park
July 25-27, 2024
- Address: 40620 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free/admission; fees/rides
Families can check out art on display, hear live entertainment, get their fill of tasty fair food and spin swing and slide on carnival rides at this annual.
Best July family events in Oakland County
Be sure to check out Funbox at Oakland Mall before it leaves on July 7. Head to Canterbury Village for their summer events – including Hippie Fest, Kids Fest and Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration. Find even more July events in Oakland County on our calendar.
Clawson 4th of July Freedom Festival in Clawson Park
July 4, 2024
- Address: 935 N. Custer Ave., Clawson
- Cost: Contact for fee
Head to Clawson Park to join in on the Fourth of July fun, including live music, food trucks, arts and crafts fair and fireworks.
Oakland County Fair at the Oakland County Fairgrounds
July 5-14, 2024
- Address: 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg
- Cost: $$15/one day parking pass, $30/ten day parking pass; Carnival tickets vary by day; visit event website for advanced ticket purchases
This annual hometown attraction features a carnival full of games, rides and arena shows. Also, monster truck show, live animals, fireworks and more.
Great Lakes Live Steamers at Starr Jaycee Park
July 6-7, 2024
- Address: 1321 W. 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: Free; donations are accepted and appreciated. Donations are used to help maintain the trains and tracks
Little ones can go on a miniature train ride through Starr Jaycee Park in Royal Oak. It is run by volunteer club, Great Lakes Live Steamers.
FUNBOX Detroit at Oakland Mall
Through July 7, 2024
- Address: 412 W. 14 Mile Road, Troy
- Cost: $22, free/ages 2 and under | Get tickets
Check out the massive outdoor bounce park, which offers 25,000 square feet of connected jumping zones with 10 different play areas. Kids of all ages can enjoy the Mountain Challenge, Battle Beam, Gumball Gallop, Obstacle Course and more.
Reels by the Riverside at Civic Center Park
July 13, 2024
- Address: 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills
- Cost: Free
Grab your blankets and snacks to enjoy a movie at the park. Watch The Emoji Movie (PG).
Farmington Founders Festival in Downtown Farmington
July 18-20, 2024
- Address: Downtown Farmington area
- Cost: Free, fees for some activities
Celebrate the city of Farmington with a live entertainment, bounce houses, live sand art, gaming trailer, foam party and more.
Family Day at Cranbrook Art Museum
July 20, 2024
- Address: 39221 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills
- Cost: Free w/gallery admission, free/ages 12 and under
Explore the galleries through guided activities and get your hands messy with educators in the Art Lab.
Canterbury Kids Fest at Canterbury Village
July 20-21, 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
This two-day festival features a petting zoo, lawn games, bubbles, bounce houses, magic shows, circus acts, fun characters and more.
Movies in the Moonlight in Downtown Rochester
July 20, 27, 2024
- Address: 431 S. Main St., Rochester
- Cost: Free
The movies are located in the parking lot at the corner of East Third and Water, one block east of Main. Featured movies begin at dusk (about 9:15 p.m.) and pre-shows start at 8:30 p.m. Bring your own chairs. July 20 is Wonka (PG) and July 27 is The Super Mario Bro. Movie (PG).
The Festival of Chatiots at Novi Civic Center
July 21, 2024
- Address: 45175 W. Ten Mile Road, Novi
- Cost: Free admission
A big parade kicks off this Indian cultural fest. There will be live music, free food, Yoga, kid’s activities and more.
Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration at Canterbury Village
July 27-28 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
Celebrate Harry Potter’s birthday at this outdoor event. There will be costume contests, magic vendors, music, scavenger hunts, interactive characters and more.
Best July family events in Wayne County
Enjoy Salute to America: Summer Stroll at Greenfield Village July 2-5. While you’re there, make sure to see a Historic Base Ball on Saturday or Sunday. Find even more July events in Wayne County on our calendar.
Salute to America: Summer Stroll at Greenfield Village
July 2-5, 2024
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $29.50-plus, $9/parking | Get tickets
Wander through Greenfield Village and enjoy small ensembles from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra scattered around the open-air history museum. American history is proudly on display at the event with choral singing, ragtime, jazz and more on the setlist. Guests can enjoy marching fifes and drums and a booming fireworks display.
Lake Erie Metropark Fireworks at Lake Erie Metropark
July 3, 2024
- Address: 32481 W. Jefferson Ave., Brownstown Township
- Cost: Free/admission, $10/daily pass
Pack your picnic basket and enjoy a night under the stars with a firework display at Lake Erie Metropark. Live entertainment provided by the Rick Lieder Trio beginning at 6 p.m. Fireworks display at 10 p.m.
Summer Concert Series in Northville Town Square
July 6, 13, 20, 27, 2024
- Address: 150 E. Main St., Northville
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy acoustic music and big bands performing in downtown Northville this summer.
Metro Detroit Youth Day on Belle Isle
July 10, 2024
- Address: Belle Isle Park, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Kids ages 8-15 will enjoy a day full of free games, races and other contests along with live entertainment, celebrity guests and more at this 40-year-old event. Registration required.
Movie Nights in the D at Campus Martius
July 10, 17, 24, 31, 2024
- Address: 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Head downtown to see a movie with your friends or family. In July, watch The Fifth Element (PG-13), PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie (PG), Spanish Movie Night: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (PG-13) and School of Rock (PG-13).
Uncle Sam Jam at Woodhaven Civic Center Park
July 11-14, 2024
- Address: 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven
- Cost: $25-$38/all-day ride passes, $10-$15/parking | Get passes
Enjoy a carnival, live music, cornhole tournaments, classic car show, petting zoo, monster truck rides, fireworks and more.
Art In The Park in Downtown Plymouth
July 12-14, 2024
- Address: Downtown Plymouth area
- Cost: Free
This annual Michigan favorite fills the downtown area with the work of over 400 artists from across the country. It offers food, music and family activities, too.
African World Festival at Hart Plaza
July 12-14, 2024
- Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free admission for members of The Wright Museum; $15/ages 18-61, $12/ages 6-17 and 62-plus, free/ages 5 and under | Get tickets
Celebrate the 41st Annual African World Festival, which is three days full of entertainment, live demonstrations, community resources and information, vendors and more.
Outdoor Games: Bubbles and Chalk at Outdoor Adventure Center
July 13, 2024
- Address: 1801 Atwater St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Enjoy family-friendly lawn games, bubbles and sidewalk chalk.
Concert of Colors in Detroit
July 15-21, 2024
- 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.
Great Lakes Live Steamers at Southgate Train Park
July 20-21, 2024
- Address: 13901 Leroy St., Southgate
- Cost: Free; donations are accepted and appreciated. Donations are used to help maintain the trains and tracks.
Little ones can go on a miniature train ride through Southgate Train Park in Southgate. It is run by volunteer club, Great Lakes Live Steamers.
Movies at 360 Park
July 20, 2024
- Address: 1404 Virginia Park St., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Pack up your lawn chairs and movie snacks for a great summer series. Watch Elemental (PG) on July 20.
Arab & Chaldean Festival at Hart Plaza
July 27-28, 2024
- Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Thousands gather each year to experience Arab and Chaldean culture through art, fashion, music, dance and more.
Best July family events in Washtenaw County
Washtenaw County has plenty for kids to do in Ann Arbor, including the Ann Arbor Civic Band Summer Concert Series, Saline Celtic Festival and Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. Also, check out other summer festivals all month. Find even more July events in Washtenaw County on our calendar.
Ann Arbor Civic Band Summer Concert Series at Burns Park
July 3, 10, 17, 2024
- Address: 1300 Baldwin Ave., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
See the Ann Arbor Civic Band along with their band directors, Dr. J and Nick Smith, at this summer concert series event. Bring a chair or blanket4th of July Parade in Downtown Ann Arbor
4th of July Parade in Downtown Ann Arbor
July 4, 2024
- Address: Washington St., William St., Main St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
Enjoy the annual, family-friendly 4th of July parade in downtown Ann Arbor, which is hosted by the Ann Arbor Jaycees. The city is also celebrating its bicentennial this year.
Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights in Downtown Chelsea
July 4, 11, 18, 25, 2024
- Address: 222 S. Main St., Chelsea
- Cost: Free
Arts, entertainment and musical acts are performed at various and separate stages throughout historical downtown Chelsea every Thursday evening. For kids, there will be magicians, jugglers, face painters, balloon artists, circus acts, ‘How to Chalk’ themed art stage and more.
Saline Celtic Festival at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
July 12-13, 2024
- Address: 5055 Ann Arbor Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $8-$18/adults, $5/ages 6-17, free/ages 5 and under | Get tickets
Celtic music and dance, traditional field events like jousting and Ancient Athletic Games, and a “wee folks” area in store at this annual.
The Lavender Harvest Festival at Lavender Lane Farm
July 13-14, 2024
- Address: 12040 Plank Road, Milan
- Cost: $10, free/ages 12 and under
Stroll the lavender fields and take photos and visit with over 40 artisan vendors at this festival. Also, a petting zoo, henna tattoos, face painting and more.
Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair in Downtown Ann Arbor
July 18-20, 2024
- Address: Main Street, Liberty Street, State Street and South University, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
The Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair is a juried fine art event featuring 400 exhibiting artist booths, live entertainment in partnership with The Ark, art activities and more.
Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
July 21-26, 2024
- Address: 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
Families can see the livestock projects, artwork and other talents of local 4-H groups at this annual event.
Sounds & Sights Festival in Downtown Chelsea
July 26-27, 2024
- Address: Downtown Chelsea area
- Cost: Free
There will be live music at the social tent, car show, farmers market, kid zone, chalk art, art market, food court and more at this annual event.
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