Michigan is flush with musicians, artists and performers, and every summer, the secretly gifted among us come out to show off their talents at local festivals. Even better, the majority of those festivals are geared toward families.
With designated kids zones and activities, taking little ones out on the town is totally doable, and after months of keeping to ourselves, spending some time around other people might be a good thing.
See a world-class jazz fest, watch dancers – or knights! – battle, sway to live music on the beach or try your hand at chalk art.
MACOMB COUNTY | OAKLAND COUNTY | WASHTENAW COUNTY | WAYNE COUNTY
Macomb
Great Blue Heron Festival
May 6, 2023
- Address: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free
Visit the site of a Great-Blue Heron nest. Guided hikes, activities and educational stations, too.
Downtown Mount Clemens Made in Michigan Show
May 13-14, 2023
- Address: Macomb Place, Mount Clemens
- Cost: Free
This fair showcases all things made in Michigan. See vendors, live entertainment on the fountain stage and more.
Romeo MayFest 2023
May 20, 2023
- Address: Romeo Lions Club, 269 E. Washington St., Romeo
- Cost: $5-$10, free/ages 3 and under; Tickets sold at the door
This annual fest will feature live music, a car show, local food trucks, 50/50 raffles, local vendors and crafters and more. There will also be a kid’s area that will have bounce houses, obstacle course, carnival games, glitter tattoos and more.
Center Line Festival
June 2-4, 2023
- Address: Center Line Parks & Recreation, 25355 Lawrence St., Center Line
- Cost: Free
This annual fest will feature live bands, magic show, games, petting farm, inflatables, food trucks and more.
Blake’s Lavender Festival
July 14-16, 2023
- Address: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: $10/person, free/ages 10 and under; free/parking
Stroll through the fields of lavender, shop at the artisan market and enjoy lavender inspired treats at this fest. There will be free classes, speakers, demos and workshops at this annual event.
Dairy Day Festival
June 17, 2023
- Address: Wolcott Mill Metropark Farm Center, 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray
- Cost: Free, $10/park vehicle entry
Start your day watching the cows being milked. After that, enjoy games, crafts, family photo opportunities and more. Also, free dairy products including cheese and ice cream treats.
Bay-Rama Fishfly Fest
June 21-25, 2023
- Address: Downtown New Baltimore area
- Cost: Free, fees for some activities; preregister to enter competitions
They smell and cover buildings, but these bugs are the stars at this annual fest with a carnival, kids activities, cardboard boat race, corn hole tourney, parade, fireworks and more.
Festa Italiana
July 14-16, 2023
- Address: Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway, Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free/general, $10/parking
Enjoy family fun with an Italian flair including Italian food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, imported beer, contests, a Family Fun Zone and more.
Sterlingfest
July 27-29, 2023
- Address: Sterling Heights City Center, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/rides
Families can check out art on display, get their fill of tasty fair food and spin, swing or slide on carnival rides at this annual.
Sunflower Festival
Aug. 11-13, 2023
- Address: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: $10/person, free/ages 10 and under; free/parking
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.
Shelby Township Art Fair
Aug. 12-13, 2023
- Address: River Bends Park, 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free
Visit this annual fair in River Bends Park to see some of the best work by Michigan’s artists and crafters. There will also be food, musical entertainment, a kid’s craft area and more.
Armada Fair
Aug. 14-20, 2023
- Address: Armada Fairgrounds, 74280 Fair St., Armada
- Cost: $10/ages 13-plus, $5/ages 10-12, free/ages 9 and under; $10/daily parking, $40/weekly parking (cash only for parking)
This old-school fair offers everything from carnival rides and games to livestock displays, demolition derby, tractor pulls, rodeo, monster trucks and much more.
New Baltimore Art on the Bay
Sept. 2-3, 2023
- Address: Walter & Mary Burke Park, 36300 Front St., New Baltimore
- Cost: Free
This annual art show features paintings, drawings, sculptures, candles and other crafts on display and for sale from over 70 hand-picked artists and craftsmen.
Oakland
Berkley Days
May 11-14, 2023
- Address: Berkley area, 2400 Robina Ave., Berkley
- Cost: $20-plus for midway
This annual offers midway rides, games, fair food, robotics, live entertainment, vendors and more.
Art Birmingham
May 13-14, 2023
- Address: Shain Park, 270 Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
Peruse the works from juried artists at this 42nd-time show that takes place on the street surrounding Shain Park, in downtown Birmingham.
City Superhero Showcase
May 19, 2023
- Address: Novi Civic Center Campus, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
- Cost: Free
This annual event features family activities, police and fire demonstrations, character meet and greet, food and more.
Lake Orion Flower & Art Fair
May 19-21, 2023
- Address: Orion Art Center, 115 S. Anderson St., Lake Orion
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/plants
Vendors will be outdoors selling flowers, plants and art. There will also be food trucks, plenty of vendors and crafters to shop at and more.
Highland Founders Day Celebration
May 20, 2023
- Address: Downtown Highland area
- Cost: Free
This annual event features a parade, kids zone, vendors and crafters, inflatables, petting zoo, mini-train rides, food trucks and more.
Celebrate Birmingham Hometown Parade and Party in Shain Park
May 21, 2023
- Address: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
The parade is an over 40-year-old tradition that takes place in Birmingham. There will be a party in Shain Park afterwards.
Greater Rochester Heritage Days Festival
May 27-28, 2023
- Address: Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., Rochester
- Cost: Free
Enjoy this family-friendly event that features a car festival, pancake breakfast, art show with handmade artwork, plant sale, food trucks, live performances and more.
Kensington Metropark Art Fair
May 27-29, 2023
- Address: Kensington Metropark, 4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford
- Cost: Free with admission, $10/parking pass
Enjoy art by artists from across the country as well as live art demonstrations, hands-on activities for kids, food for the family and more.
Art on the Grand
June 3-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Farmington, 37000 Grand River Ave., Farmington
- Cost: Free
Fine artists and crafters from around the country are featured and have booths in a variety of disciplines and price ranges. Different artistic categories include: painting, pottery, photography, jewelry, mixed media, wood, wearable art, glass, leather, sculpture and more.
Canterbury Village Medieval Faire
June 3-4, 10-11, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $14.99/person (not including ticket and processing fees), free/under 2, military and veterans, $5/parking (not including ticket and processing fees)
Head to Canterbury Village and take a stroll through time. Celebrate with live music, food, arts, crafts, games and live re-enactments, including a jousting tournament.
Farm Fest
June 3, 2023
- Address: Maybury Farm, 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $12-$15, free/under 2
This family-friendly event has cow-milking, seed-planting, lawn games face-painting, live entertainment, food trucks, games, education presentations and more.
Ferndale Pride
June 3, 2023
- Address: Downtown Ferndale area
- Cost: Free
This festival celebrates the progress made by the LGBTQIA community through music, stage performances, vendors, a kids area, food trucks and more.
International Kite Festival
June 3-4, 2023
- Address: James Atchison Memorial Park, 58000 Grand River Ave., New Hudson
- Cost: Free
Kids receive a free kite to decorate (while supplies last). There will also be professional kite flying demos, live music, vendors, games and more.
Water Lantern Festival
June 3, 2023
- Address: Martindale Beach, 4570 Huron River Pkwy., Milford
- Cost: $32.95-plus/adults, $18.93-plus/ages 8-14, free/ages 0-7 no lantern kit, $19.99/additional lanterns
Enjoy music, food trucks and an incredible sight as thousands of floating lanterns reflect unique messages of love, hope and happiness.
Seymour Celebration
June 8-11, 2023
- Address: Seymour Lake area, Oxford
- Cost: $30-plus/wristbands, $1.50/ticket
This annual fest features a carnival, fireworks on Friday and Saturday, live entertainment and more.
Berkley Art Bash
June 10, 2023
- Address: 12 Mile between Coolidge and Greenfield, Berkley
- Cost: Free admission
Families can enjoy art displays from 150 vendors and makers, activities for kids, live music and more.
Opa! Fest
June 16-18, 2023
- Address: St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 760 Wattles Road, Troy
- Cost: Admission is three canned goods/person, $3/person, $10/family, free/ages 12 and under
At this Greek fest there will be activities for adults and kids. Participate in Greek dancing, cooking demonstrations, live music, cultural exhibits and more.
Canterbury Taco Fest
June 23-25, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $5-$10/person, $5/parking (not including taxes and fees)
Enjoy tacos, Mariachi bands, contests, dance lessons, lawn games, love entertainment on five stages, wrestling and more at this annual event.
Auburn Hills Downtown Summerfest
June 24, 2023
- Address: Downtown Auburn Hills area
- Cost: Free
Start the summer at this family-friendly annual event with live entertainment, food and more.
Red, White & Blues Fireworks Festival
June 14, 2023
- Address: 305 N. John St., Highland
- Cost: Free
Enjoy a firework show at this annual along with live music, shopping, food and more. For all ages.
Festival of the Hills
June 28, 2023
- Address: Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road, Rochester
- Cost: Free
Michigan’s second-largest fireworks display is the big draw, plus enjoy plenty of family games and live entertainment.
Independence Fest
July 1, 2023
- Address: Clintonwood Park, 6000 Clarkston Road, Clarkston
- Cost: Fees apply, check ahead
Kick off your Fourth of July festivities with live music, a petting zoo, inflatables, rock wall, spray park, stilt-walker, face painting, balloon animals and more. Fireworks will begin at dusk.
Clawson 4th of July Freedom Festival
July 4, 2023
- Address: Clawson Park, 935 N. Custer Ave., Clawson
- Cost: Contact for fee
Celebrate the Fourth of July with this massive shebang full of live music, food trucks, art on display and more. It all leads up to fireworks display at dusk.
Oakland County Fair
July 7-16, 2023
- Address: Oakland County Fairgrounds, Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg
- Cost: $12/car, $6/motorcycle or walk-ins; Carnival tickets vary by day
This annual hometown attraction features a carnival full of games, rides and arena shows. Also, monster truck show, live animals, fireworks and more.
Hippie Fest
July 8-9, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $5-$8/person, free/ages 4 and under; $5/parking
This festival is family-friendly and features live music, magicians, entertainment, Monster Truck show and rides for children and more. There will be lots of craft making, drink stations and shopping.
Farmington Founders Festival
July 20-22, 2023
- Address: Downtown Farmington area
- Cost: Free/admission, additional fees may apply
Celebrate the city of Farmington with a live entertainment, Airborne Bouncers, live sand art, gaming trailer, foam party and more.
2023 The Festival of Chatiots
July 23, 2023
- Address: Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road, Novi
- Cost: Free
A big parade kicks off this Indian cultural fest. There will be live music, free food, Yoga, kid’s activities and more.
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show
July 29-30, 2023
- Address: 6900 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township
- Cost: Contact for prices
This fine art show features one-of-a-kind and limited-edition artworks in many materials by our participating local studio artists, as well as many other top artists from around the country.
Canterbury Barbecue Festival 2023
Aug. 4-6, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $5-$10/person, $5/parking, free/under 3
Enjoy this BBQ festival, which features five stages of entertainment and activities, delicious food and more.
Milford Memories Summer Festival
Aug. 11-13, 2023
- Address: 317 Union St., Milford
- Cost: Free
Families can enjoy a three-day art festival, live musical entertainment, sports tournaments, rock climbing tower, and more at this annual event.
Canterbury Dog Fest
Aug. 12-13, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Free
Bring your doggie out to this free fest at Canterbury Village. There will be plenty of vendors to shop at.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Aug. 19-Oct. 1, 2023 (Saturdays and Sundays, plus Labor Day, Sept. 4 and Festival Friday, Sept. 29)
- Address: Hollygrove Grounds, 12600 Dixie Highway, Holly
- Costs: $17-$25.95/adults, $10-$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. Come in costume and enjoy.
Michigan State Fair
Aug. 31-Sept. 4, 2023
- 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.
Arts, Beats and Eats
Sept. 1-4, 2023
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak area
- Cost: $5-$10, free/under 3
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 craft, bounce houses and interactive, educational and fun performances all weekend.
Corvette Fest 2022
Sept. 2, 2023
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Free
Come out to Canterbury Village for the premier show of over 150 Corvettes being displayed. Browse the village shops, too.
Washtenaw
Milan Community Fair
June 1-3, 2023
- Address: Wilson Park, 147 Wabash St., Milan
- Cost: Free; fees for rides
Find vendors, live music and rides galore. There will be a parade on Thursday, fireworks are scheduled on Friday and a magic show Saturday.
Ann Arbor African American Festival
June 3, 2023
- Address: Downtown Ann Arbor area
- Cost: Free
This annual fest features live music, dance performances, magic show, vendor booths and more. Also, a kids corner.
Saline Celtic Festival
July 7-8, 2023
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $15-plus/adults, $8-plus/ages 65-plus, $5-plus/ages 6-17, free/ages 5 and under
Celtic music and dance, traditional field events like jousting and Ancient Athletic Games, and a “wee folks” area are in store at this annual.
Ann Arbor Art Fair 2023
July 20-22, 2023
- Address: 721 E. Huron St., Suite 200, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free/admission
Offers a wide selection of media including drawing, painting, sculpture, glass, ceramics, jewelry, mixed media and more. There will also be live music, sidewalk sales and culinary treats.
Washtenaw County 4-H Youth Show
July 23-29, 2023
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
This event showcases the art projects and livestock that have been made and raised by local 4-H kids.
Sounds & Sights Festival
July 28-29, 2023
- 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.
Dexter Daze
Aug. 11-12, 2023
- Address: Monument Park, Dexter
- Cost: Free admission
This annual summer fest features live stage performances, food, a parade, fireworks and much more.
Saline’s Summerfest
Aug. 11-12. 2023
- Address: Downtown Saline area
- Cost: Free
The streets of downtown Saline fill with hot rods, arts and crafts, live music and more for families during this summertime soiree.
Chelsea Community Fair
Aug. 22-26, 2023
- Address: Chelsea Community Fairgrounds, 20501 Old US-12 Highway, Chelsea
- Costs: $10/daily pass, $30/season pass, free/ages 10 and under
Fair rides are really the huge draw but you’ll find a demolition derby, rodeo, truck pulls, live animals and more at this fair.
2023 Saline Community Fair
Aug. 30-Sept. 3, 2023
- Address: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor
- Cost: $5/admission ages 11 and up, free/ages 10 and under
Come out to the annual fair and enjoy live music, rides, livestock, contests, live shows, more. Activities for all ages.
Wayne
St. Florian Parish Strawberry Festival
May 6-7, 2023
- Address: St. Florian Roman Catholic Church, 2626 Poland St., Hamtramck
- Cost: Free
Get your fill of Polish food, music and plenty of strawberries. There will also be a raffle drawing and prizes for kids, too.
Fiesta Detroit: Annual Cinco de Mayo Festival
May 7, 2023
- Address: El Club, 4114 Vernor Hwy., Detroit
- Cost: $10/general admission, $75/VIP ticket (not including online fees)
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo at this fest, which features food, vendors, Latin music, arts, live performances and more.
Annual Spring Vintage, Repurposed & Handmade Market
May 13, 2023
- Address: Brownstown Event Center, 23345 King Road, Brownstown
- Cost: $5/admission, free/12 and under
This annual market will feature 100 businesses selling vintage items, handmade signs, furniture, wood decor, boutique clothing, jewelry, personalized items and more.
Movement Electronic Music Festival
May 27-29, 2023
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: $119-plus
This festival makes its appearance in Detroit every Memorial Day weekend. Thousands of people from across the globe gather here to celebrate the birthplace of Techno. This dance music festival showcases new and old music influences. Older teens and grown-ups.
Palmer Park Art Fair
June 3-4, 2023
- Address: Palmer Park, 910 Merrill Plaisance St., Detroit
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/items on sale
Check out artwork by artists from all over the country, meet authors, enjoy music, eat at specialty food booths and enjoy family activities at this annual.
Motor City Irish Fest
June 9-11, 2023
- Address: Greenmead Historical Village, 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
- Cost: $10-$15/adults, $5/ages 13-17, free/ages 12 and under, $5/parking
The Motor City Irish Fest is an annual event that brings together people of Irish heritage and friends to celebrate Irish culture with music, dance, food and drink, exhibits and activities for children.
Motor City Pride Fest
June 10-11, 2023
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: $5/admission, free/12 and under
This annual event brings over 50,000 people together to celebrate the LGBTQIA community. The parade will take place on Sunday.
Canton Liberty Fest
June 15-17, 2023
- Address: Heritage Park, 150 Canton Center Road, Canton
- Cost: Free/admission, fees/ride wristbands
This annual event is filled with live performances, a carnival, food, games, music, fireworks and more.
Arts and Acts Festival
June 16-18, 2023
- Address: Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady Street, Northville
- Cost: Free/admission
The festival is always held the third weekend in June. It includes the juried fine art show, musical entertainment, children’s activities, plus Northville Art House Chalk Festival and a large variety of food and drink.
Trenton Summer Festival
June 23-25, 2023
- Address: Downtown Trenton, 2800 3rd Street, Trenton
- Cost: Free
This annual festival features live performances, vendors, family-friendly areas, beer tent, fireworks and more.
Ford Fireworks in Detroit
June 26, 2023
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Recognized as one of America’s largest and most magnificent fireworks displays, this popular event, which is produced by The Parade Company, is a spectacular summer tradition in the city and is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of spectators. The fireworks are shot off from three barges on the Detroit River.
Uncle Sam Jam
July 6-9. 2023
- Address: Woodhaven Civic Center Park, 23101 Hall Road, Woodhaven
- Cost: $30/all-day ride passes, $10-$15/parking
Enjoy a carnival, live music, axe throwing, cornhole tournaments, freak show, petting zoo, monster truck rides and fireworks, too.
Michigan Elvisfest
July 7-8, 2023
- Address: Wayne County Fairgrounds, 10871 Quirk Road, Belleville
- Cost: $25/Friday, $45/Saturday, $60/two-day ticket, free/kids 12 and under, $5/day for parking
The best professional Elvis tribute artists in North America perform some of The King’s hottest hits at this annual. There will be kid’s activities and food trucks, too.
Plymouth Art in the Park
July 7-9, 2023
- 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.
Detroit Kite Festival
July 9, 2023
- Address: Belle Isle Cricket Field, 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit
- Cost: $11/car for Michigan residents, $31/car for non-Michigan residents
Head to Belle Isle for this annual kite flying fest. You can bring your own kite or borrow one that’s available to use. There will be other activities including food trucks, too. No registration required.
Metro Detroit Youth Day
July 12, 2023
- 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 39-year-old event. Registration required.
African World Festival
July 14-16, 2023
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free admission for members of The Wright Museum; contact for other prices
Celebrate the 40th Annual African World Festival, which is three days full of entertainment, live demonstrations, community resources and information, vendors and more.
Concert of Colors
July 19-23, 2023
- 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. You can broadcast it at home, as well.
Arab & Chaldean Festival
July 29-30, 2023
- Address: Hart Plaza, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free
Thousands gather each year to experience Arab and Chaldean culture through art, fashion, music, dance and more.
Buy Michigan Now Festival
Aug. 4-6, 2023
- Address: Downtown Northville, 133 W. Main St., Northville
- Cost: Free
There will be Michigan-made products including accessories, apparel, art, beverages, candles, foods, jewelry, home decor, skincare, woodwork and more. There will also be live entertainment and a kid’s zone.
Dearborn Homecoming Festival
Aug. 4-6, 2023
- Address: Ford Field Park, 22051 Cherry Hill St, Dearborn
- Cost: Free/general; fees for rides
Celebrate the city with three days of midway rides, live music food and firework displays at this annual.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Aug. 5-6, 2023
- Address: Sunset Drive, Detroit
- Cost: Free/entry, parking pass required
Enjoy juried artists who set up their work near the beautiful Scott Fountain at the Motor City gem. Enjoy make and take projects, international food, music and more.
Jazz on the River
Aug. 5-6, 2023
- Address: Elizabeth Park, 4461 Elizabeth Drive, Trenton
- Cost: Free/admission, $5/parking
This event is celebrating its 31st year. See different jazz performances and there will be food, drinks and vendor items available to purchase.
St. Rafka Church Festival
Aug. 18-20, 2023
- Address: St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church, 32765 Lyndon, Livonia
- Cost: Free
This festival celebrates Middle Eastern and American culture. Find food, music and dance, giant inflatables, train rides and more.
Lincoln Park Days
Aug. 25-27, 2023
- Address: Downtown Lincoln Park area
- Costs: Free/admission, fees apply for rides, concerts and parking
There’s a full-on carnival and midway, live music, games and more at this annual community celebration.
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