With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
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.
Canterbury Village
2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
Canterbury Village adds flavor to the summer with events catering to food lovers and families alike. Don’t miss the Taco Fest (June 20-22) with eating contests and live wrestling, 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. Highlights include the new Big Berry BBQ (June 14-15) at Blake’s Big Apple, and at the Orchard & Cider Mill, the Strawberry Festival (June 21-22) and the Annual Lavender Festival (July 11-13 and 18-20). 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).
Lavender Lane
12040 Plank, Milan
Lavender Lane celebrates its 8th Annual Lavender Harvest Festival from July 12-13 with its fields of blooming lavender. This festival also features 50+ artisan vendors, food trucks, and family activities, including a full petting farm (with riding ponies!), face painting, and henna tattoos. Visitors can pick their own lavender and shop for unique lavender-infused products, making it a perfect summer retreat.
Ann Arbor Art Fair
North University, Ingalls Mall, and East Washington, Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Art Fair (July 17-19) continues its tradition of artistic excellence with nearly 1,000 juried artists showcasing their work each summer. Executive Director of the Ann Arbor Street Fair, the Original, Angela Kline emphasizes the fair’s commitment: “Each year we strive to enrich lives by connecting art, artists, and our communities through fun and engaging programming that makes art accessible to all!” With diverse artistic styles and vibrant street entertainment, this event is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
Royal Oak Taco Fest
Main Street between 11 Mile Road and 4th Street, Downtown Royal Oak
Royal Oak Taco Fest returns July 3-6, transforming downtown Royal Oak into a taco paradise with over 50 eateries in attendance, live music, and family activities. Event producer Jon Witz shares, “This summer’s Taco Fest is turning up the heat with a sizzling mix of tacos, ice-cold cerveza and top-shelf tequila, all wrapped in a street party vibe complete with incredible live music.” Returning attractions include wrestling, taco-eating contests, tequila sampling, vendors, and more. New attractions include mechanical bull rides and an enhanced Kids’ Zone with inflatables and games, promising fun for visitors of all ages.
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.”
With such an incredible array of events, Metro Detroit offers endless opportunities to savor the sunny season and create lasting summer memories.
