Things are heating up this summer in Detroit. Events like the Ford Fireworks, Woodward Dream Cruise and Detroit Jazz Fest draw visitors from across the country. Need inspiration for your next travel story? You’ve come to the right place. Summer Sports
Gentleman, start your engines! The Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix presented by Lear races into the Motor City for its 30th year May 31-June 2. New this year–paddock access for all ticketholder, so you can get close to teams and drivers in the garage area and experience the excitement of the winner’s circle.
There are few better ways to spend a summer afternoon than at the ballpark. Root for the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park, with games April through October. At Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, Mich., the United Shore Professional Baseball League delivers a fun family entertainment experience and great value.
The PGA comes to Detroit for the first time this June 24-30 for the PGA Tour Rocket Mortgage Classic at the Detroit Golf Club. Related attractions and festivities are planned throughout the city.
The third annual Detroit Cycling Championship rolls into town July 13. Top cyclists from across the country race through a downtown course to compete for top prize.
The Xenith Prep Kickoff Classic, hosted August 29-31 at Wayne State University in Detroit, is Michigan’s season-opening high school football event. This event showcases some of the Midwest’s top student-athletes, with multiple games happening on a single day.
Summer Music
Detroit Music Weekend happens June 7-9 in the city’s entertainment district and nearby cultural organizations, restaurants and retail establishments. Free music, dance and theater performances showcase up-and-coming artists.
Detroit’s own Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band bring their farewell tour to DTE Energy Music Theater June 6, 8 and 12. The hits keep on coming all summer long, with tour stops by Thomas Rhett, June 20; Rascal Flats, Sept. 19 and Jason Aldean, Sept. 28. Rob Thomas plays Meadow Brook Amphitheater June 1. Stadium concerts at the new Little Caesar’s Arena this summer include Jennifer Lopez, July 5; Queen & Adam Lambert, July 27 and Shawn Mendes, Aug. 5.
Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) is heavy on the beats, with performances by local and national acts from a variety of music genres. Stroll through rows of paintings, sculptures and photography by talented artisans and grab some grub in a food tent or one of several local restaurants.
The Detroit Jazz Festival on Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sept. 2) is the perfect way to close out the summer. Hundreds of international and local jazz acts perform on multiple stages throughout several city blocks in downtown Detroit. Best of all, it’s FREE.
Summer Events
The Ovation Yacht’s 8-date Summer Cruise Series returns, starting with A Night in Havannah-themed cruise of the Detroit River June 4.
The Motor City Pride Festival draws 40,000 participants to Hart Plaza to celebrate LGBTQ pride June 8-9, with a parade through downtown on Sunday.
GM River Days—an annual celebration of Detroit’s Riverwalk taking place June 21-23, with activities on both land and water offers fun for all ages.
The Ford Fireworks light up the night sky over the Detroit River June 24. This awesome international display dazzles thousands of families in both Detroit and Windsor.
Hydroplane racing has been a summer tradition on the Detroit River for more than 100 years. This year’s Spirit of Detroit Hydrofest, Aug. 23-25, will feature H1 Unlimited hydroplanes reaching 200 mph along with automotive powered HRL Grand Prix hydroplanes topping speeds of 150 mph. This new format has not been seen in the modern era of the sport, bringing an additional level of excitement to this year’s event. Free Friday testing and qualifying, with race days Saturday and Sunday.
The Michigan State Fair mixes rides, games, agriculture and farm animals for a whole lot of family fun Aug. 29 – Sept. 2 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
No visit to the Motor City would be complete without a taste of The D’s automotive heritage. Events like Eyes on Design Automotive Design Exhibition, June 16 at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores; Concours d’ Elegance of America, at Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, July 26-28 or the nostalgic Woodward Dream Cruise, Aug. 17 in Oakland County are some of the most popular ways to immerse yourself in the local car culture.
Summer Fun
The Detroit Zoo is one of Detroit’s most visited attractions. Major exhibits include the Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Reptile Conservation Center, Polk Penguin Conservation Center and Butterfly Garden.
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation inspires year-round with stories of America’s greatest inventors. See the Star Trek: Exploring New Worlds exhibit May 11 – Sept. 2. The Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village, 80-acres of immersive American history, opens for the season April 14. While exploring seven historic districts, visitors can ride in a Model T or a real steam-powered locomotive, watch 1867 baseball or enjoy a meal from an 1830s lunch menu. Catch the Motor Muster, June 15-16.
Time travel to a 16th century English village, where you’ll meet knights, fire jugglers and sword swallowers at the Michigan Renaissance Fest, weekends mid-August through September.
