Looking for fun things to go to over the summer? There’s plenty to do here in Michigan! Make sure to mark you calendars for these upcoming events.
Ann Arbor African American Festival
June 7
9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
4th Ave & E. Ann St. Downtown Ann Arbor, MI
The 28th annual African American Festival of Ann Arbor brings the community together for a day of rich culture and creativity. Multiple genres of music will be performed by live bands, and a market of hand-made artistry and goods are offered for guests to browse. Non-profit organizations come together to share their missions and services, as well as fostering community. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.
Motor City Pride
June 7th and 8th
Saturday – Festival: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Gates close at 8:00 PM.
Sunday – Parade: Noon. Festival: 12:30 PM – 7:00 PM. Gates close at 6:00 PM.
Hart Plaza, 1 West Jefferson, Detroit, MI 48226
Motor City Pride has historical roots, where in 1972, a march was held on Woodward Ave in Detroit to protest homophobic laws and advocate for equal rights. Hart Plaza will host several live performances, including musical acts, drag performances and the Pride Parade on Sunday the 8th at noon. Admission is $5 per person, and free for anyone under 12 years of age.
Canton Liberty Fest
June 12, 13 and 14
Heritage Park
46000 Summit Parkway, Canton, MI 48188
https://www.cantonmi.gov/924/Canton-Liberty-Fest
Canton Township hosts its 32nd annual Liberty Fest in June, located in Heritage Park. The festival will have carnival rides, games with prizes, as well as food trucks and live entertainment. The nights finish off with a dazzling firework display.
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
June 6 – 15
7274 Main Street Mackinac Island, MI 49757
Schedule to be determined
https://www.mackinacisland.org/mackinac-island-lilac-festival
Enjoy a historical annual event on Mackinac Island, celebrating the history of the island and the lilac flowers that were planted over a hundred years ago. Activities include a 10K run, tours and live music. Witness the coronation of the Lilac Festival Queen and her court. The festival ends with a grand parade featuring marching bands, floats, clowns and horse-drawn carriages.
Livonia Spree
June 24 – 29
Opening times vary each day; ends at 11:00 pm
The Livonia Spree is back, bringing with it food, games, and live entertainment. The event will have a 5k run, a carshow, and an amusement park. For the children, the kids’ tent hosts a petting farm, as well as pig and duck races. For the adults, a beer tent with band performances will be available. The event ends with a dazzling display of fireworks.
Art in the Park Plymouth –
July 11, 12 and 13
Downtown Plymouth will be holding its annual Art in the Park event in July. With over 400 artists showcasing their work for sale, live music and live art demonstrations, you’re sure to find something that speaks to you. There is also a family friendly theatre performing multiple shows each day, as well as a children’s mural for kids to draw and paint on.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
Weekends Aug. 16 – Sept. 28 [link]
Starting August 16, Michigan’s annual Renaissance Festival will be held each weekend in Holland. Students of all ages who have achieved “Academic Excellence” qualify for a free ticket, including K-12 and college students. (The student must be enrolled at the time.)
