The 27th annual Arts, Beats & Eats festival returns to downtown Royal Oak over Labor Day weekend. At the four-day event of sights, sounds and tastes, guests can enjoy national musical acts, a talented juried art show, exciting art and science activities for kids, tasty eats and a variety of other activities for families.
Attending Arts, Beats & Eats with Kids
- When: Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak. Check the website for an event map.
- Hours: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday
- Cost: Free before 5 p.m. on Friday; $12/person after 5 p.m. on Friday. $10/person before 3 p.m. on Saturday-Monday; $12/person after 3 p.m. on Saturday-Monday. Children under 3 years old are free.
- Parking: Arts, Beats & Eats has partnered with nine parking lots and parking structures to provide parking for guests. Lots will begin charging at 2:00pm on Friday; parking structures begin charging at 5 p.m. on Friday. 2024 parking rates TBA.
- Shuttle parking: There is a shuttle lot at Royal Oak High School. Parking is $10 per vehicle and shuttle rides are free to and from the festival.
Arts, Beats & Eats draws hundreds of thousands of guests each year, making it one of the most popular summer fests in Michigan. Last year, 345,000 people attended the festival, generating more than $386,000 for local charities.
To ensure a safe and smooth festival experience for your family, check out these helpful tips and fun things to do with kids so you can plan out your day before you head to Arts, Beats & Eats.
Things to do at Arts, Beats & Eats with kids
- Stop by the Kids Zone for free arts and crafts, inflatables and science activities presented by Michigan Science Center. The Detroit Institute of Arts stage will feature a variety of interactive, educational and fun performances geared towards families throughout the weekend.
- Ride 10 kiddie carnival rides. Carnival tickets are $1 each, and rides cost three-six tickets.
- Visit the Juried Fine Art Show on the southern edge of the festival. The art show will showcase ceramics, drawings and paintings, digital art, glasswork, jewelry and much more.
- Enjoy live music from national music acts, including Cheap Trick, Dustin Lynch and Gin Blossoms. Follow the festival on social media to stay up to date on this year’s lineup!
- Sample a variety of tasty eats and beverages from local food vendors.
- Shop downtown and enjoy special deals at local shops, restaurants and small businesses.
Tips for visiting Arts, Beats & Eats with kids
- For free admission, donate three or more canned goods to a participating Flagstar Bank from Aug. 14-29. For every three canned goods, patrons will receive a coupon good for free admission from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., or for a $5 discount when used after 1 p.m.
- Special needs families with a family member with ASD can sign up for free Family Day tickets. Families will receive free early admission for up to four people, free parking, a free arts and crafts activity, free carnival rides and a free lunch.
- Chairs, coolers and bikes are not allowed.
- Baby formula, baby bottles and sippy cups are allowed; no other outside food or beverage will be permitted.
- Guests ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 8 p.m.
- Leave family pets at home — your furry friends won’t enjoy the loud crowds, and it’ll make for a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
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