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Photo courtesy of Royal Oak Taco Fest
Metro Detroit is bustling with excitement this July, offering a plethora of events that promise to entertain and delight residents and visitors alike of all ages. With firework celebrations for Independence Day and summer officially underway, July has something for everyone. From food festivals and beach days to movie nights, here’s a roundup of what you can look forward to around Metro Detroit…
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
Throughout July
800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Campus Martius Park constantly has fun, family-friendly activities going on, especially throughout the summer. David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, shares, “With over 1,400 free, annual events produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, showcasing Detroit remains a year-round passion for our dedicated team.” Highlights include beach parties, family activities, movie nights, and more, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The Beach is open for the season, ready for your relaxation with seating options, umbrellas, and sand spots for sandcastles and other play. July 11th from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., there will be a Beach Party (second Thursday each month throughout the season) with a rotating lineup of bands and DJs performing beachside. On July 21st, families can experience Campus Kids Day, held on the third Sunday in Campus Martius Park from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. for themed entertainment and hands-on activities. Free movie nights happen every Wednesday at 7 p.m. (July 10th, 17th, 24th, and 31st) perfect for families to settle in on the lawn for a summer movie night on the big screen. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as Movie Nights in the D will feature live entertainment before select movie screenings and giveaways. Popcorn will be available for purchase and guests are welcome to bring their own blankets or chairs.
ROYAL OAK TACO FEST
July 4 – 7
Downtown Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Taco Fest is set to be a blast during the 4th of July weekend. This vibrant street festival will feature more than 50 taquerias, taco trucks, and eateries. Attendees can look forward to a variety of activities including taco-eating contests, hot sauce challenges, tequila sampling, lucha libre wrestling, and live music across multiple stages. As Jon Witz, the event producer, states, “This year’s Royal Oak Taco Fest is shaping up to be the biggest and best yet, with an incomparable array of taco trucks, cerveza, and tequila, all in a vibrant atmosphere and fantastic music to go with it.” This family-friendly festival also includes an expanded Kids’ Zone with entertainment ranging from inflatables to face painting and more for no extra cost. You’ll find an extensive selection of tacos, Mexican specialties, and classic festival treats like deep-fried candy bars and Italian ice. Grab your entry tickets, bring your appetite, and enjoy over 100 live acts along with an ice-cold margarita!
CLASSIC DEFIANT
July 8
449 East Milwaukee Avenue, Detroit
Classic Defiant is offering a rum-focused evening experience at Kiesling on July 8th for those looking to continue celebrating the Fourth of July holiday in style. Drew Pompa, the event organizer, shares, “We are popping up at one of my favorite bars in the city, Kiesling. It’s a rum-focused bartending event that presents our audience with both classic rum cocktails and their modern twists. Food will be served by Takoi Restaurant.” Attendees can expect both classic and defiant drinks, ranging from daiquiris to Immortality Key, made with passion fruit liqueur, strawberry guava syrup, and lime juice. This event is perfect for rum enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy creative cocktails in a lively atmosphere.
DRINKING WITH DOGS
July 9
567 Livernois, Ferndale
Canine To Five thrives at creating events for dog owners and lovers, and the Drinking with Dogs series is no different. Throughout the summer, Canine To Five hosts free meet-ups to benefit local animal rescues, with the one on July 9th at Ferndale Project benefiting Rebel Dogs Detroit. Bring your leash-friendly pups, socialize, and enjoy a brew or two on the patio! It’s a fun, pet-friendly way to spend an evening, surrounded by your furry friends. They also host meet-ups for specific breeds, dog walks, and photoshoots! Keep up on social media for all of the fun events to come!
FOOD TRUCK RALLY
July 10
316 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Farmers Market holds a monthly Food Truck Rally (every second Wednesday) throughout its season. Featuring live music, kid’s crafts, face painting, balloon art, a bounce house, and local vendors, this event series is a family-friendly good time. Admission is free and July 10th’s event will be from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. For those looking for some mobile eats, this is for you! It’s a great way to connect with the community, try different cuisines with the family, and enjoy the summer weather.
DETROIT HISTORICAL MUSEUM
July 11, 14
5401 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
History buffs can appreciate a trip to the Detroit Historical Museum, but a free trip is even better! For an evening surrounded by history, the museum will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. on July 11th for a late-night experience. On July 14th, admission is free for the day, as is every second Sunday at the museum, with no advance registration necessary. Exhibits like Streets of Old Detroit and America’s Motor City certainly stand out, as do the ever-changing exhibitions that the Detroit Historical Museum features. Each of these events provides an excellent opportunity to take the family to learn more about the rich local history, offering fascinating looks into the past through various displays.
PIG AND WHISKEY
July 12 – 14
Downtown FerndaleA highlight of the summer is the return of Pig and Whiskey. As Sadie Quagliotto, Marketing Coordinator, puts it, “Pig and Whiskey returns this July and is going to be more meaty and whiskey-filled than ever before. We have a great musical lineup and we’re bringing back our tasting tent! Tickets [are] on sale now with VIP options.” This festival has been combining the best of barbecue and whiskey with live music for over 15 years, making it a must-attend event for food and drink aficionados. With 100 whiskey options, delicious barbecue from chicken to ribs, and music, it’s a must-see weekend.
LAVENDER FESTIVAL
July 13 – 14
12040 Plank, Milan
For a serene experience, the Lavender Lane’s Lavender Festival offers a delightful escape. This festival celebrates the beauty and fragrance of lavender with activities and products surrounding the flower. Stroll through thousands of lavender plants, pick a bunch for yourself, and check out the vendors, plants for purchase, and food trucks for a bite to eat. For other entertainment, there will be face painting, henna tattoos, a full petting farm, and even riding ponies during this weekend. It’ll be a peaceful retreat that’s perfect for a summer day.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 5, 2016.
