A Metro Detroit Summer Guide

By: Carolyn Hall | May 30, 2025
group of people at the Beach at Campus Martius - summer event

Photo courtesy of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Summer in Metro Detroit is bursting with vibrant events, delicious food festivals, live entertainment, and outdoor activities perfect for every interest and age group. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or just want to get out of the house, Metro Detroit has something special planned this summer.

Downtown Detroit Partnership

Multiple locations in Metro Detroit

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has prepared an expansive list of free events happening to keep Metro Detroiters busy this summer. Events run through the fall, including Downtown Street Eats food truck rallies weekdays through October (Cadillac Square and Woodward Esplanade), Movie Nights at Campus Martius Park every Friday from June 13 to August 22, and Saturday Beach Parties once a month from June 28 to September 13 (The Beach at Campus Martius). Other highlights include Tacos & Trivia every Tuesday from June 17 to September 16 (Campus Martius) and Community Yoga sessions from July 9 to August 31 (Capitol Park). Wellness enthusiasts can also enjoy Workout Wednesdays from June 25 to August 27 (Beacon Park) and Pilates in the Park on select Fridays through September (Capitol Park). Families can participate in Campus Kids Days on July 13 and August 17 (Campus Martius), while dog owners will appreciate themed events at Grand Circus Dog Park on July 26 and August 23. “Summer 2025 will bring an exciting lineup of free events, programs, and classes that showcase the city’s diversity, energize and engage visitors, and support local businesses and artists,” shares the Downtown Detroit Partnership Team.

Mother and daughter at Campus Martius Campus Kids Day - summer event
Photo courtesy of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Canterbury Village

2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion

family loading backpacks in a blazer

With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.

Canterbury Village adds flavor to the summer with events catering to food lovers and families alike. Don’t miss the Barbecue Festival (August 1-3) featuring yard games and award-winning barbecue teams, the Michigan Made Festival (August 23-24) for handcrafted goodies, and Donut Fest (September 6-7). Each event features delicious foods and family-friendly activities, promising enjoyable weekends for everyone.

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill

71485 North Avenue, Armada

17985 Armada Center Road, Armada

Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill hosts a variety of unique festivals throughout the summer. The 10th Annual Cider Dayze (August 2-3) is a 21+ event, featuring craft cider and beer from over 50 regional producers, along with live music, food trucks, and a pretzel-eating contest. Blake’s summer season rounds out with the new Farm Fresh Pickle Fest (August 9) for “all pickled things” and the picturesque Sunflower Festival (August 22-24 and August 30-September 1).

sunflower field at Blake Farms - summer events
Photo courtesy of Blake Farms

Buy Michigan Now Festival

Lafayette and Lake Street, Downtown South Lyon

The annual Buy Michigan Now Festival (August 1-3), set during Michigan’s Buy Michigan Week, offers tastings, book signings, live music, a car show, children’s activities, and plenty of local food and drinks, creating an ideal celebration of Michigan’s rich culture and showcasing only Michigan-based businesses. Founder Lisa Diggs highlights, “Guests have the opportunity to discover and buy Michigan-made products and services from a wide range of local companies.”

Buy Michigan Now Fest stage and crowd
Photo courtesy of the Buy Michigan Now Festival

With such an incredible array of events, Metro Detroit offers endless opportunities to savor the sunny season and create lasting summer memories.

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