Springtime Spectacular: Metro Detroit’s Most Exciting Events

By: Carolyn Hall | April 4, 2024
detroit zoo greenfest spring events

Photo courtesy of the Detroit Zoo

Metro Detroit is blossoming with events as the weather gets warmer. Wanting to enjoy the rejuvenating spirit of Spring, there are a plethora of activities throughout the area to cater to interests of all kinds. From food competitions and historic tours to vintage festivals and zoo trips, people of all ages can find some fun in the coming weeks. Don’t miss out on the nicer weather and opportunities to create lasting memories! Here are some Spring events to plan for… 

ALL ABOUT CHARCUTERIE

April 6

2644 West Jefferson, Trenton

Silverado by lighthouse

Discover new horizons with the confidence of the Chevy Silverado, from busy streets to scenic views.

All About Grace features 90+ handmade vendors, regularly offering workshops, pop-ups, and events, like All About Charcuterie. From 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. on April 6, complimentary wine is available, perfectly paired with build-your-own tulip bouquets, permanent jewelry, and guest vendors for more shopping options. Visitors can check out the new pantry area of the shop, featuring Bloody Mary mixes, jams, cheeses, and more. With options to customize your charcuterie boards and stock up for your next grazing plates, expect an afternoon of fun and shopping with friends. 

BEHIND THE SCENES TOURS

April 8 

The Detroit Historical Society is the place to be for history lovers. With their extra knowledge, this group hosts Behind the Scenes tours of iconic venues and historic spots throughout Metro Detroit. On April 8, the group will be touring Little Caesar’s Arena and The Fox Theatre. The tour begins at LCA at 10 a.m., followed by an optional lunch at UWM District Market at 11:30 a.m., and concludes with a tour of The Fox from 12:30 p.m. until 2 p.m. Members of the Detroit Historical Society get early access to tickets and discounts, so signing up for a membership may be advantageous for history buffs. 

GREENFEST AT DETROIT ZOO

April 20 – 21

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day around animals, GreenFest at the Detroit Zoo is the place to be. GreenFest, presented by Consumers Energy, takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 20-21. At this two-day festival, you can enjoy live entertainment, a variety of food trucks, a sustainable marketplace, hands-on activities, connection stations, animal engagements throughout the Zoo and so much more. “GreenFest shines a light on how sustainability protects our planet and the animals who call it home,” says Sarah Culton, communications manager. These spring events are free with admission on April 20th and 21st and free for zoo members. This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about sustainability, animals, and celebrating the Earth. 

detroit zoo greenfest spring events display table with fertilizer, animals, and more
Photo courtesy of the Detroit Zoo

DRAFT DAY IN THE D

April 25 – 27

For the ultimate football celebration, Draft Day in the D is a three-day party hosted by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Free to attend, this celebration lets visitors in on all of the draft action with 20-foot video walls throughout Downtown parks (Capitol Park, Beacon, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, and Grand Circus Park) along with live music, 35+ local food trucks, 45+ Detroit-based vendors, games, interactive art and more. “Draft Day in the D offers the perfect backdrop for a weekend of football fun,” said David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “This family-friendly festival spans several downtown parks, all within walking distance from the Draft event site, and has something for everyone. Draft Day in the D is sure to offer an unforgettable atmosphere celebrating football and community in the heart of Detroit.” Festivities will be from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on the 25th and 26th and from 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the 27th. 

crowd surround a lions sign in the downtown detroit area posting with cheerleeders
Photo courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership

ART IN THE TREES

April 27 

1121 Merrill Plaisance Street, Detroit 

Looking to spend some time outdoors? Event Director Mark Loeb shares, “Our newest project is Art in the Trees. Artists who work in large-scale sculpture are sometimes left out of art fairs because their work is just so large. Art in the Trees is an effort to give these artists the exposure that they deserve. One dozen visual artists are spread along a 1/2 mile path in the woods at Detroit’s Palmer Park. As people walk through the area’s largest old-growth forest they will be surprised by musicians and art installations. It’s part of People for Palmer Park’s annual Earth Day celebration.” You can commission a piece of art while there, or purchase a piece to take home from the event. Experience music, large-scale sculptures, paintings, and more in Palmer Park. 

tim burke art animal planter sculptures
Photo courtesy of Tim Burke Art

BLAKE’S SAUCE OFF

April 27

17985 Armada Center Road, Armada

Blake’s Hard Cider Co. is hosting its first annual chicken wing sauce competition, Sauce Off from 1 to 4 p.m. on April 27. For chefs, enter your sauces in categories like sweet creative, spicy creative, barbecue, and buffalo for a chance to have your sauce featured on Blake’s Tasting Room menu. For chicken wing fans, now is your time to shine. Tickets include 1 pound of bone-in wings, sauce samplings, a pint of hard cider/beer (for those 21+), and a commemorative logo pint glass. Enjoy your wings, vote on your favorite sauces, and experience live music and games before the winners are announced. 

DAVISBURG ANTIQUE FESTIVAL

May 4 – 5

12451 Andersonville Road, Davisburg

“The Michigan Antique Festival, the state’s premier event for antique collectors, vintage enthusiasts, and those passionate about upcycled treasures, is thrilled to announce its Spring Opener for the 2024 season,” shares show promoter Matthew Edens. “This much-anticipated event will take place on May 4-5 at the picturesque Springfield Oaks County Park in Davisburg, Michigan. Following last year’s record-breaking attendance, the festival is poised for another fantastic year, promising an even larger array of vendors, unique finds, and memorable experiences for all ages.” With over 400 vendors, find everything from vintage cars and motorcycles to antique finds and collectibles from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and again from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Local vendors and food trucks will be on the scene, along with live music and entertainment at this festival. Admission to the festival is $10 per person, but discounts are available on Groupon for weekend passes. 

michigan antique festival display case of brooches - spring events
Photo courtesy of the Michigan Antique Festival

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