Funnel Cakes & Ferris Wheels: Summer Festivals are Back

By: Toni Cunningham | June 2, 2014
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With the unofficial start of summer officially on, it’s time to start getting seasonal. Summer and festivals go hand in hand, and there will be no shortage of fun in Metro Detroit over the next few months.

Whether you’re looking to spend some time on the riverfront, listening to tunes or watching fireworks, there is a summer festival suited for your style.

Ya’ssoo Greek Festival begins this Friday, June 6 and goes through Sunday, June 8. The festival includes live Greek cuisine, music, dancers, raffles, church tours and much more. You’ll even have the opportunity to meet Miss Michigan from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday. Admission costs $3, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to Therapeutic Riding, Inc. Take note: admission is free before 4 p.m. on Friday, before 1 p.m. on Saturday, and all day on Sunday.

The Belleville National Strawberry Festival kicks off on Friday, June 13 and runs through Sunday, June 15. Held in the downtown area, the free Strawberry Festival has been a staple since 1976. The fun-filled weekend features “berry” special events including a parade, carnival rides, games, arts and crafts, a car show, and plenty of strawberry treats.

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Detroit River Days takes place on the Detroit Riverfront beginning on Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. Presented by GM, the 8th annual event is a perfect excuse to spend an afternoon with the family, enjoying Jet Ski demonstrations, free activities for children, Coast Guard boat tours, local music, street performances and much more.

Admission costs $3 for adults and is free for children and seniors ages 65 and up. Riverdays is free of charge on Friday between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., so get there as soon as it kicks off!

The Livonia Spree, held on the corner of Farmington Road and Lyndon Street in Livonia, begins on Tuesday, June 24 and goes through Sunday, June 29. The celebration includes food, music, carnival activities and a fireworks grand finale (which begin at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Sunday).

Admission costs $50 for a three-day Mega Pass and $25 for a one-day armband admission.

Stars and Stripes Festival, which includes free music and activities all weekend long, will be held at Freedom Hill County Park the weekend of Thursday, June 26 through Sunday, June 29. Shows will be held on various stages throughout the festival grounds and include performances by artists such as Josh Gracin, Bret Michaels, Theory of a Deadman and George Clinton.

Additional events and attractions include a BMX show, petting zoo, white tiger exhibit, salute to the military, a fireworks show and more.

The Founders Festival is held in the streets of Farmington on Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20. This year marks the 50th annual event, which includes a parade, food vendors, a beer tent, craft vendors and more. Now would be the perfect time to get in some shopping too, since you’re surrounded by downtown Farmington’s stores and boutiques.

There’s a Go PlayGround kids zone for the little ones, which will include clowns, crafts and other activities free of charge.

Sounds & Sights Summer Festival will be held in Chelsea on Thursday, July 24 through Saturday, July 26. The annual festival includes various activities held downtown like live music, art, entertainment and activities for children, a classic car show, movies, a dance party and more.

It’s, you guessed it, free!

St. Clair Riverfest, a festival packed with free music and activities, begins on Friday, July 25 and runs through Sunday, July 27. Held at Palmer Park, the festival’s entertainment lineup for this year includes Loverboy, John Waite with The Rockets, and several local acts that are yet to be announced.

Offshore boat races will be held on the St. Clair River and the schedule will be announced as the festival approaches.

Milford Memories, a summer festival and art fair, takes place in downtown Milford on Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10. The festival, which typically draws in 200,000 plus attendees, has a rock climbing wall, blindfolded canoe race, baseball tournament, fun run and more.

The only thing that requires an admission fee is the beer tent, where you have to pay a $4 cover charge.

Enjoy the beautiful sunshine and warmth this summer in Metro Detroit, and spend some time outdoors at a festival!

 

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