Summer festivals featuring music, art and food
BY ELIZABETH CASELLA
MANAGING EDITOR
After a long winter, summer is right around the corner. It is the season of festivals with endless days of warmth and sun. Nights seem to last longer with bonfires and friends to create countless hours of talking and games. Michiganders can finally enjoy the warmer weather and festivities that their great state has to offer. From up north to the Detroit Metro area, there are festivals for everyone to enjoy this upcoming season.
Meadow Brooks Ampitheatre at Oakland University3554 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, MI 
In Rochester, Michigan the Meadow Brook Music festival is held at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre at Oakland University. This decades-old summer concert series includes acts that tour nationally, as well as legendary and emerging artists. In the festivals first four seasons, Meadow Brook was exclusively the summer home to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra until in 1968 the schedule was broadened to include ballet performances as well. The early 70s added rock and pop acts to the venues summer line up to bring in a wider variety of crowds. Performers such as the 1975, Walk the Moon, The Lumineers and many more popular artist will be featured during this festival. Tickets vary per concert. For more information and to purchase tickets visit palacenet.com/venues-events/meadow-brook-amphitheatre.
May 28 through 30 
Hart Plaza 
1 Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI 
Memorial day weekend is the perfect time to enjoy and EDM showcase that boast a high- profile lineup of DJs and artists. Formally known as the Detroit Electronic Music Festival, or DEMF, this weekend dance party offers access to over 100 international and nationally celebrated performers, art installations and an interactive techno demo. Tickets are $75 for a general admission day pass or $175 for all three days. For more information and to purchase tickets visit movement.us.
June 10 through July 3 
The Ann Arbor Summer Festival was established in 1984. This annual gathering is known as a celebration of outdoor entertainment throughout the city, performing arts and community spirit for not only the city, but Michigan as well. This three week event features over 140 scheduled events that range from circus shows, family entertainment, dance performances, nationally touring artist, comedy routines, movie features, theatrical plays and much more. Ticket prices vary depending on individual events. For more information visit a2sf.org.
July 2 through 9 
Traverse City 
The annual cherry blossoming festival of Traverse City will once again be celebrated from July 2 to 9. This popular event is a historical commemoration of the significance of the cherry farming within the area. Events and celebrations such as a dazzling parade, air shows, cherry pancake breakfast, film screenings, arts and crafts and much more are all featured during this week long festival. In 1987 the festival set the world record for the largest cherry pie ever baked. This festival is free besides cost of festivity events and more information can be found at cherryfestival.org.
August 12 through 14 
Hart Plaza 
199 West Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, MI 
The best summer combination comes together at the Ribs and R&B Festival. Guests are treated to a summertime celebration of barbeque and music. Located in Hart Plaza, in the heart of Detroit, an outstanding line up of local grilling geniuses and barbeque experts will serve up mouth-watering ribs, brisket and chicken. Show after show of soul and R&B singers will be featured for entertainment as well. For more information visit ribsrnbjazzfest.com.
One does not need to travel abroad or even across state lines to enjoy a break from work this summer. Enjoying the festivals around the state is the best way to celebrate Michigan and everything it has to offer.
For more information on all of these festivals and many more that will be happening this summer visit everfest.