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.
We love summer especially because there are so many fun events and festivals to check out. Some of our favs include Blake’s Lavender Festival, Blake’s Sunflower Festival, Oakland County Fair and Canterbury Village Medieval Faire.
This article was recently updated on April 29, 2024 by Metro Parent’s audience development coordinator, Kari Zaffarano. The update included her adding new Metro Detroit events as well as updating previous year’s events to the MetroParent.com‘s calendar and featuring the best summer festivals in metro Detroit, aligning Metro Parent’s mission to provide the top parenting resources for local families. Questions? Please reach out to kari@metroparent.com.
Summer Festivals Near Me in Macomb County
Find even more summer festivals in Macomb County on our calendar.
Great Blue Heron Festival at Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center
May 4, 2024
- Address: 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 11-12, 2024
- 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.
Center Line Independence Festival at Center Line Memorial Park
May 31-June 2, 2024
- Address: 25355 Lawrence St., Center Line
- Cost: Free; $25-$30/wristbands (cash only)
This annual fest will feature live bands, magic show, games, petting farm, inflatables, food trucks and more.
Bay-Rama Fishfly Fest in Downtown New Baltimore
June 19-23, 2024
- Address: Downtown New Baltimore area
- Cost: Free, fees for some activities; register 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.
Dairy Day at Wolcott Mill Metropark, Farm Center
June 22, 2024
- Address: 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.
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
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 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 Art & Music Fair 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 or slide on carnival rides at this annual.
Blake’s Sunflower Festival at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill
Aug. 9-11, 16-18, 2024
- Address: 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Cost: $10/early bird discount ticket, $12/Friday ticket, $14/Saturday or Sunday ticket, free/ages 2 and under; free/parking
Shop from over 200 artisans, cut your own sunflowers, a children’s tent with lots of activities, DIY make and take workshops and more.
Shelby Township Art Fair at River Bends Park
Aug. 10-11, 2024
- Address: 5700 22 Mile Road, Shelby Township
- Cost: Free
This annual fair is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Visit River Bends Park to see some of the best work by local, regional and national artists and crafters. There will also be food, musical entertainment, a kid’s craft area and more.
Armada Fair at Armada Fairgrounds
Aug. 12-18, 2024
- Address: 74280 Fair St., Armada
- Cost: $10/ages 13-plus, $5/ages 10-12, free/ages 9 and under; $5/daily parking, $25/weekly parking (cash only for parking)
This old-school fair offers everything from carnival rides and games to livestock displays, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, rodeo, monster trucks and much more.
New Baltimore Art on the Bay at Walter & Mary Burke Park
Aug. 31-Sept. 1, 2024
- Address: 36300 Front St., New Baltimore
- Cost: Free
This annual art show features paintings, drawings, sculptures, candles and other crafts on display and for sale along with food vendors, music and more.
Summer Festivals Near Me in Oakland County
Find even more summer festivals in Oakland County on our calendar.
Berkley Days
May 9-12, 2024
- Address: 2400 Robina Ave., Berkley
- Cost: $3/admission for ages 2-plus, $20/wristband on Thursday and Sunday, $25/wristband on Friday and Saturday
This annual festival offers midway rides, games, fair food, live entertainment, vendors and more.
Art Birmingham in Downtown Birmingham
May 11-12, 2024
- Address: Shain Park, 270 Merrill St., Birmingham
- Cost: Free
Peruse the works from juried artists at this 43rd-time show that takes place on the street surrounding Shain Park, in downtown Birmingham.
Farm Fest at Maybury Farm
May 18, 2024
- Address: 50165 Eight Mile Road, Northville
- Cost: $13-$15, free/under 2
This family-friendly event has cow-milking, seed-planting, lawn games, face-painting, live entertainment, food trucks, education presentations and more.
Kensington Metropark Art Fair at Kensington Metropark
May 25-27, 2024
- Address: 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 trucks on-site and more.
Canterbury Village Medieval Faire at Canterbury Village
June 1-2, 8-9, 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $13.99-$16.99/adult, $4.99-$7.99/child, free/under 2
Head to Canterbury Village and take a stroll through time. Celebrate with live music, food, arts, crafts, games and live reenactment, including a jousting tournament. The theme for June 1-2 is vikings and the theme for June 8-9 is pirates.
Ferndale Pride in Downtown Ferndale
June 1, 2024
- 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.
Seymour Celebration
June 6-9, 2024
- Address: Seymour Lake area, Oxford
- Cost: $30-plus/wristbands, Tickets are 4 for $5 or buy a sheet of 50 for $60
This annual fest features a carnival, fireworks on Friday and Saturday, live entertainment and more.
Canterbury Taco Fest at Canterbury Village
June 21-23, 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: $5-$6/entry at door
Enjoy tacos, Mariachi bands, contests, dance lessons, bounce houses, vendors, live entertainment on five stages, wrestling and more at this annual event.
Opa! Fest at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
June 21-23, 2024
- Address: 760 Wattles Road, Troy
- Cost: Admission is three canned goods/person, $3/person, $10/family, free/ages 11 and under
At this Greek fest there will be activities for adults and kids. Participate in Greek dancing, cooking demonstrations, live music, cultural events, children’s play area and more.
Oakland County Fair at Oakland County Fairgrounds
July 5-14, 2024
- Address: Springfield Oaks County Park, 12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg
- Cost: $15/one day parking pass, $30/ten day parking pass, Carnival tickets vary by day
This annual hometown attraction features a carnival full of games, rides and arena shows. Also, a monster truck show, live animals, fireworks and more.
Hippie Fest at Canterbury Village
July 13-14, 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
This festival is family-friendly and features live music, tie-dye chalk art, bubble fun, tarot readers, vendors, a best-dressed hippie contest and more.
Milford Memories Summer Festival
Aug. 9-11, 2024
- 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.
Michigan Renaissance Festival at Hollygrove Grounds
Aug. 17-Sept. 29, 2024 (Saturdays and Sundays, plus Labor Day, Sept. 2 and Festival Friday, Sept. 27)
- Address: 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. Each weekend is themed so check on it before you head out.
Michigan State Fair at Suburban Collection Showplace
Aug. 29-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: 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 in Downtown Royal Oak
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, 2024
- Address: Downtown Royal Oak area
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
Enjoy art at the juried fair, eat 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.
Summer Festivals Near Me in Washtenaw County
Find even more summer festivals in Washtenaw County on our calendar.
Milan Community Fair at Wilson Park
May 30-June 1, 2024
- Address: 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 in Downtown Ann Arbor
June 1, 2024
- Address: Fourth Ave. & E. Ann St., Ann Arbor
- Cost: Free
This annual fest features live music, dance performances, magic show, vendor booths and more. Also, a kids corner.
Saline Celtic Festival at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
July 12-13, 2024
- Address: 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 Summer Art Fair in Downtown Ann Arbor
July 18-20, 2024
- Address: Main Street, Liberty Street, State Street and South University
- 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 Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
July 21-26, 2024
- Address: 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 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.
Saline’s Summerfest in Downtown Saline
Aug. 9-10, 2024
- 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 at Chelsea Community Fairgrounds
Aug. 20-24, 2024
- Address: 20501 Old US-12 Highway, Chelsea
- Costs: $10/daily pass, $30/season pass, free/ages 10 and under (cash only)
Fair rides are really the huge draw but you’ll find a demolition derby, rodeo, truck pulls, live animals and more at this fair.
2024 Saline Community Fair at Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds
Aug. 28-Sept. 1, 2024
- Address: 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.
Summer Festivals Near Me in Wayne County
Find even more summer festivals in Wayne County on our calendar.
Palmer Park Art Fair at Palmer Park
June 1-2, 2024
- Address: 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.
Spring VegFest at Eastern Market
June 2, 2024
- Address: 2934 Russell St., Detroit
- Cost: Free admission
Come out to the state’s largest plant-based event at historic Eastern Market. There will be nearly 100 vendors, demonstrations, music, speakers, fun for kids and more.
Motor City Irish Fest at Greenmead Historical Park
June 7-9, 2024
- Address: 20501 Newburgh Road, Livonia
- Cost: $15/adult ticket day of event, $5/ages 13-17, free/ages 12 and under; $5/parking
This annual festival celebrates Irish culture with food, drinks, music, dance, exhibits and kid’s activities.
Motor City Pride Fest at Hart Plaza
June 8-9, 2024
- Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: $5/admission, free/12 and under
This annual event brings over 65,000 people together to celebrate the LGBTQIA community. The parade will take place on Sunday.
Canton Liberty Fest at Heritage Park
June 13-15, 2024
- Address: 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.
Ford Fireworks at Hart Plaza
June 24, 2024
- Address: 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.
Trenton Summer Festival in Downtown Trenton
June 28-30, 2024
- Address: 2800 3rd St., Trenton
- Cost: Free
This annual festival features live performances, vendors, family-friendly areas, a beer tent, fireworks and more.
African World Festival at Hart Plaza
July 12-14, 2024
- Address: 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
- Cost: Free admission for members of The Wright Museum; contact for other prices
Celebrate the 41st Annual African World Festival, which is three days full of entertainment, live demonstrations, community resources and information, vendors and more.
Concert of Colors
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.
Arab & Chaldean Festival at Hart Plaza
July 29-30, 2023
- Address: 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 in Downtown Northville
Aug. 2-4, 2024
- Address: Downtown Northville area
- 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.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Aug. 3-4, 2024
- 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.
St. Rafka Church Festival at St. Rafka Maronite Catholic Church
Aug. 9-11, 2024
- Address: 32765 Lyndon, Livonia
- Cost: Free
This festival celebrates Middle Eastern and American culture. Find food, music and dance, giant inflatables, carnival games and more.
Lincoln Park Days in Downtown Lincoln Park
Aug. 23-25, 2024
- Address: Downtown Lincoln Park area
- Costs: Free/admission, fees apply for rides, concerts and parking
This annual festival features a carnival, vendors, beer tents, games, music, food and more.
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