The leaves are changing colors and the chilly wind is beginning to blow your summer buzz right out the door – but don’t fret, summer isn’t over just yet. In September in metro Detroit, we have tons of last-minute fairs and festivals to make sure you get in one last bash before the hustle and bustle of the school year totally harshes your mellow.
From hometown fairs to fall fests and pre-Halloween celebrations, there’s sure to be one more shindig that your whole family will be into. Check out this list of upcoming September festivals to find the right one.
Renaissance Festival
Aug. 17-Sept. 30, 2019 (Saturdays and Sunday; plus Sept. 27)
- Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
- Times: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; plus Friday, Sept. 27
- Phone: 248-634-5552
- Cost: $14.95-$23.95/tickets
Experience the 16th century with themed weekends full of full-contact jousting competitions, kids’ shows, and feasts; plus live mermaids and other costumed characters, puppet shows and street performances. Dress in your best costume to top off your trip.
Saline Community Fair
Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2019
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Times: Check ahead for details
- Cost: $7/general, $5/track events, $10-$18/single day ride wristbands
A parade kicks off this annual fair on Aug. 27, followed by a week of rides, livestock exhibits, games, live entertainment and much more.
Fifth Third Bank Michigan State Fair
Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi
- Times: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday
- Phone: 248-348-6942
- Cost: $6-$8/fair, $17/circus, $23/ride wristband, $10/parking
This annual Michigan tradition brings back the ever-popular pig races, livestock exhibits and agricultural displays, live entertainment, a midway full of games and rides and performances by the Detroit Shrine Circus (for an additional charge).
Romeo Peach Festival
Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Romeo Lions Field
- Times: Call ahead for details
- Phone: 586-752-6633 (ask for Gary)
- Cost: Free/admission
This fest has brought joy to the community for more than 85 years. Swing by in 2019 for carnival games, rides and plenty of peachy goodness.
Arts, Beats and Eats
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak
- Times: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday
- Phone: 248-541-7550
- Cost: Friday: Free through 5 p.m. $7/after 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday: $3/before 3 p.m., $5/after 3 p.m., $7/after 5 p.m. Additional fees/rides
This 22nd annual fills the streets with the community’s best music, food and artwork for families to enjoy.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Hart Plaza to Campus Martius Park, downtown Detroit
- Times: vary, check ahead
- Phone: 313-469-6564
- Cost: Free
Introduce your kiddos to the smooth music of some seriously cool cats at this annual four-day fest. Offers jazz talks and jam sessions, too.
New Baltimore Art on the Bay
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2019
- Address: Walter & Mary Burke Park, downtown New Baltimore
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Phone: 586-725-0291
- Cost: Free
This New Baltimore tradition sets up on the banks of Lake St. Clair and features two days of live music, food and artwork on display.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Downtown Hamtramck area
- Times: Noon-10 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free/general, $5/parking; fees apply for some events
Hamtown celebrates Labor Day and Polish culture with a parade, 5K and kiddy races, art displays, live music, a carnival and more.
Labor Day Roundup
Sept. 2, 2019
- Address: Downtown Franklin area
- Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Phone: 248-626-2231
- Cost: Free
Find a parade at noon followed by midway games and inflatables, magic and juggling performances, a car show and more. Be sure to swing by Franklin’s Art in the Village, which runs concurrently, and features artwork by local artists on display.
Richmond Area Good Old Days Festival
Sept. 5-8, 2019
- Address: Downtown Richmond area
- Times: 5-11 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 586-727-1320
- Cost: Free/admission, $20/ride wristband; additional fees apply for some activities
Now in its 56th year, this fest offers classic carnival fun like games, rides and livestock displays; plus a demolition derby, classic cars on display, a parade and more.
Plymouth Fall Festival
Sept. 6-8, 2019
- Address: Downtown Plymouth area
- Times: Noon-10 p.m. Friday, 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 734-335-0199
- Cost: Free/admission, $25/ride wristbands
Send summer off with a bang at this annual fest, which features a car show, craft show, pet show, food, live music and entertainment; plus a big ol’ carnival.
Art & Apples Festival
Sept. 6-8, 2019
- Address: Downtown Rochester area
- Times: 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 248-651-4110
- Cost: Free, $5/suggested donation
Apple treats and the work of 290 artists are the highlight of this annual festival, which is hosted by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts. Find live music and entertainment, and a kids’ area, too.
Dally in the Alley
Sept. 7, 2019
- Address: North Cass area, boxed by Anthony Wayne Drive, West Hancock Street and West Forest and Second avenues, Detroit
- Times: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Find art on display, live food, tons of eats and fun for kids at this 41st annual. Note: Rain day is Sunday.
Old Car Festival
Sept. 7-8, 2019
- Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Times: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 313-982-6001
- Cost: $21-$28, $6/parking
This annual boasts being the longest-running antique car show and features tons of authentic classic and antique cars on display.
Kelley-Fisk Farm Festival
Sept. 7-8, 2019
- Address: Fisk Farm, 9180 Highland Road, White Lake
- Times: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free/admission; donations welcome
Visit this historical White Lake farm for pie-eating contests, crafts, live entertainment, storytelling and more.
Harvest Festival & Corn Day
Sept. 8, 2019
- Address: Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray Township
- Times: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Phone: 586-749-5997
- Cost: $2/person, $10/vehicle permit
Swing by the farm center for candle-dipping, horseback riding, crafts and other activities; plus tons of produce for sale.
Monarch Migration Festival
Sept. 8, 2019
- Address: Leslie Science and Nature Center, 1831 Traver Road, Ann Arbor
- Time: 1-3:30 p.m.
- Phone: 734-997-1553
- Cost: $5/person
These beautiful bugs make the long trek south every winter. Learn why and meet some up close. Face painting, crafts and games in store. Registration required.
Metro Boat Show
Sept. 12-15, 2019
- Address: Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway, Harrison Township
- Times: Noon-7:30 p.m. Thursday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sundayy
- Phone: 734-261-0123
- Cost: $10/adults, free/kids 12 and under, $10/parking
Those that prefer to live life on the waves celebrate the art of boating with live music, art on display and kids’ activities; plus a boat and watercraft show, swimming, demonstrations and more.
Troy Family Daze
Sept. 12-15, 2019
- Address: Troy Civic Center, 3425 Civic Center Drive, Troy
- Times: 4-9 p.m. Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-9 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 248-909-0977
- Cost: $3/person, free/under age 6, fees/rides
Come together with your community for four days of food, family entertainment, live animal, a cirque show, carnival and more.
Northville Heritage Festival
Sept. 13-15, 2019
- Address: Downtown Northville
- Time: 4-10 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m.-10 pm. Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 248-349-7640
- Cost: Free/admission, fees apply for some activities
Find kids’ games, vintage baseball, a farmers’ market, historical tours and more at this fest, which used to be known as the Victorian Festival.
Flat Rock RiverFest
Sept. 13-15, 2019
- Address: Huroc Park, 28700 Arsenal Road, Flat Rock
- Times: 4-11 p.m. daily
- Phone: 734-379-9438
- Cost: Free
This downtown festival offers live music and entertainment, food and drinks, carnival games and rides, fireworks and much more.
Common Ground’s Birmingham Street Art Fair
Sept. 14-15, 2019
- Address: Downtown Birmingham area
- Times: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 734-662-3382
- Cost: Free
This 45-year-old fair packs the streets with the works of some 150 artists, food, kids’ activities and more.
Russian Festival
Sept. 14-15, 2019
- Address: St. Vladimir Orthodox Church, 9900 Jackson Road, Dexter
- Times: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 1-7 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 734-678-8042 (general inquiries; ask for Nathan)
- Cost: Free/admission; some fees may apply
Enjoy two full days of cultural fun including authentic Russian food and music; plus dancing, a kids’ area, shopping, and more.
Rendez-vous Festival
Sept. 15, 2019
- Address: Ste. Anne Parish de Detroit, 1000 St Anne St, Detroit
- Times: 11 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Phone: 313-496-1701
- Cost: $5-$10, free/5 and under, $25/family pass
This third annual fest celebrates the French Canadian and Native American people that once inhabited the Detroit area. Find kids’ activities, food, music and dancing, re-enactors, cultural exhibits, artisans and more.
Romulus Pumpkin Festival
Sept. 20-21, 2019
- Address: Historical Park, 11147 Hunt St., Romulus
- Times: 4 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday
- Phone: 734-955-4577
- Cost: Free
This 22nd annual kicks off with a parade and fills the entire weekend with fall-themed fun like pie baking, pumpkin rolling and sunflower growing, kids’ activities, live entertainment and more.
Saline Main Street’s Oktoberfest
Sept. 20-21, 2019
- Address: Main Street area, Saline
- Times: 5-11 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday
- Cost: Free/admission; additional fees may apply
German eats, authentic rock and folk music, a biergarten, a play area for kids and other activities are in store at this annual.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair
Sept. 20-22, 2019
- Address: Downtown Ferndale area
- Times: 3-7 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 248-546-1632
- Cost: Free
More than 120 edgy artists show off their work at this annual display – plus food and fun for the kids, too.
DIY Street Fair
Sept. 20-22, 2019
- Address: Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue, downtown Ferndale
- Times: 6 p.m.-midnight Friday, 11 a.m.-midnight Saturday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
Find tons of cool do-it-yourself artwork for sale and on display, live music, food, kids’ activities and more.
Davisburg Heritage Festival
Sept. 21, 2019
- Address: Downtown Davisburg area
- Times: 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
- Phone: 248-846-6558
- Cost: Free/admission, fees apply for some activities
Get your fill at a pancake breakfast in the morning and stick around for tractor and fire truck displays, wagon rides, historical demonstrations, a craft show and much more.
Detroit China Festival
Sept. 21, 2019
- Address: Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Times: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: $5-$100
Celebrate Chinese culture through food and entertainment. Games and kids’ fun included.
Native American Heritage Day
Sept. 21, 2019
- Address: Nankin Mills Park, Hines Drive, Westland
- Times: 1-5 p.m.
- Phone:734-261-9498
- Cost: Free
This annual celebration of Native American culture offers dancing, drumming food and crafts.
Festival of the Senses
Sept. 21-22, 2019
- Address: Civic Center Sled Hill, 40700 Romeo Plank Road, Clinton Township
- Times: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Phone: 586-286-9336
- Cost: Free
This fest offers live performances, entertainment by Rosco the Clown, food vendors and art displays by around 100 local artists.
Hawkfest
Sept. 21-22, 2019
- Address: Lake Erie Metropark Marshland Museum, 32481 W Jefferson Ave., Brownstown
- Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
- Phone:734-379-5020
- Cost: $2/person, $10/parking
Take a look at eagles, hawks, falcons, owls and other birds of prey. There’s games and crafts, too. Registration required.
South Lyon Area Pumpkinfest
Sept. 27-29, 2019
- Address: Downtown South Lyon
- Times: 6-11 p.m. Friday (adults), 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Phone: 248-437-1735
- Cost: Free
On Friday, grown-ups enjoy a biergarten and main stage entertainment, while the whole family enjoys inflatables, a craft show, farmers market, and tons of pumpkin-themed fun on Saturday and Sunday.
Diehl’s Ciderfest
Sept. 28-29, 2019
- Address: Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 1479 Ranch Road, Holly
- Times: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
- Phone: 248-634-8981
- Cost: Free
Now in year No. 38, this annual fest offers up tons of family-friendly fun and entertainment like hayrides, a corn maze, petting farm, a craft show and more.
Pumpkin Festival
Sept. 28-29, 2019
- Address: Erie Orchards & Cider Mill, 1235 Erie Road, Erie
- Times: 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
- Phone: 734-848-4518
- Cost: Free
Take a pony or hay ride, enjoy live entertainment and pick some apples or a pumpkin during this fest.
Scarecrow Festival
Sept. 28-29, 2019
- Address: Downtown Trenton area
- Times: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
Check out an array of scarecrows on display, vendor booths and live entertainment.
Deneweth’s Fall Fun Fest
Sept. 28-Oct. 26, 2019 (Saturdays and Sundays)
- Address: Deneweth’s Garden Center, 16125 22 Mile Road, Macomb Township
- Times: Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
- Phone: 586-247-5533
- Cost: $10/kids, free/adults
Celebrate the Halloween season with a spooky train ride or in the spooky barn. There’s also an inflatable haunted house, a corn maze and straw climbing mound, games, pumpkin painting, and tons of yummy cider and doughnuts.
This post was originally published in 2016 and is updated regularly.
