The first formal day of summer may be June 21, but as far as we're concerned, the season of sandals and sunglasses kicks off at that first festival when you round up your folk for a day of sticky skin and stickier treats. As spring prepares to take a bow, this is all the guide you'll need – because what else is summertime if not hot days and cool nights peppered with booze, music, food and friends?
Burgers & Brews • June 8
At this all-ages event, sample metro Detroit's best burgers and brews from 20-plus restaurants and 40-plus breweries.
$25/general admission, $35/VIP
Royal Oak Farmers Market
316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Motor City Pride • June 9-10
This annual festival and parade brings tens of thousands to downtown Detroit in a celebration of love, freedom and LGBTQ rights.
$5
Hart Plaza • 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
GM River Days • June 22-24
The family-friendly fun is back bringing with it Jet Ski demos, live music, delicious eats and more, presented by Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.
Free-$5
Detroit International Riverfront
Art in the Park • July 13-15
Back for its 39th year, Michigan's second-largest art fair invites you to peruse works from 400-plus painters, sculptors, jewelry makers and more.
Free
Downtown Plymouth
Ribs and R&B Music Festival • Aug. 10-12
Encapsulate yourself in a whirlwind of smooth R&B and fall-off-the-bone tender barbecue and ribs.
Free-$5/general admission, $45-$90/VIP
Hart Plaza • 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
African World Festival • Aug. 17-19
Explore the Wright, inside and out, while celebrating African culture through poetry, art, traditional drumming and dance and more.
Free
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit
Ford Art, Beats & Eats • Aug. 31-Sept. 3
This 21st festival delivers over 200 performances on nine stages, the best cuisine from in and around Detroit and a fine arts show featuring digital, photography and fashion exhibits.
Free-$7
Downtown Royal Oak
Detroit Jazz Festival • Aug. 31-Sept. 3
This Labor Day weekend tradition is back for its 39th year featuring Cecile McLorin Salvant, the Julian Lage Trio, Marcus Miller, Chick Corea and more.
Free/general admission, $100-$999/VIP
Hart Plaza • 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit
