Summer is finally here, and yeah it’s a little hot, but now’s the time to have a good time!
Jump in a pool, go camping, enjoy the great outdoors, and of course take advantage of those long summer days!
Here are a few of our favorite things to do this July in Detroit that you may not want to miss out on!
1. Enjoy 4th of July fireworks on Independence Day
On the 4th of July this year you can see fireworks at the annual ‘Red, White, & Boom’ show at Clawson Park in Clawson, just about 20 minutes from downtown Detroit.
The event is a full morning of festivities and fun followed by a firework display in the later evening around 10 pm once dusk sets in.
2. Detroit Festival of Books
The 7th annual Detroit Festival of Books is coming back on Sunday, July 21st, at Easter Market’s Shed 5.
The incredible event will feature multiple vendors, a special STEM pop-up by the Michigan Science Center, and an incredible atmosphere for any avid reader or aspiring writer to enjoy!
3. Salute to America with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
In Greenfield Village, you can see a fireworks display amongst other entertaining spectacles in Dearborn right outside of Detroit!
There are multiple shows taking place on July 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th every day between 5 pm and 10 pm.
4. Celebrate Black PRIDE at the Hotter Than July Festival
The Hotter Than July Festival is returning for its 29th year, making it one of the longest-running Black Pride celebrations in the nation!
The three-day community fathers will take place from Friday, July 26th to Sunday, July 28th.
5. Attend the African World Festival
The 41st annual African World Festival is being hosted by The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History at Hart Plaza for an incredible 3-day celebration that highlights the spirit, strength, and story of the African Diaspora.
The festival has crowds of nearly 20,000 featuring vendors, live performances, and lots of fun – this event is truly a can’t-miss this month, taking place between July 12th and 14th!
6. Check out the Summer Music Series in The Village of Rochester
In Rochester Hills, you can visit this incredible outdoor dining and shopping area to enjoy some live concerts taking place throughout July!
The shows begin July 5th and continue until July 28th with multiple shows happening each week, making it the perfect evening plan.
7. Go to the Light Up Livernois Design Festival
This incredible event on July 6th celebrates the story of Livernois Avenue’s legacy with its lasting impact on fashion, creativity, design, and social influence.
The street festival is connecting Detroiters with local artists and designers to promote awareness and access to local art studios and will highlight a lengthy list of local businesses, eateries, and artists!
8. Swing by the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show in West Bloomfield
From July 27th until the 28th, one of the top-ranked art shows in the country is taking place just 30 minutes outside of Detroit.
The art show will feature over 150 nationally recognized artists, live music, quality food, and even a unique youth art competition aimed at inspiring the next generation of artists.
9. Join in the fun at the Chandler Park Community Arts and Music Festival
On Saturday, July 13th, from 1 to 4 pm, an incredible celebration is being held by the community surrounding Chandler Park.
The festival will offer hands-on experience for the next generation with lessons about art, music-making, and more!
Not to mention there will also be food, live entertainment, and good vibes.
10. Broaden your horizons at the Arab and Chaldean Festival at Hart Plaza
July 27th and 28th, the Arab and Chaldean festival will be back in Detroit for its 51st annual event.
This is the largest event of its nature in all of North America, drawing thousands of attendees every year with incredible events, vendors, entertainment, and more!
11. Attend the Clark Park Culture and Arts Festival
This incredible free event taking place on July 20th from 1 to 4 pm, features live music, an incredible selection of local food, and plenty of opportunities to dance!
Complete with interactive workshops, vendors, and more, this festival is also a way to support local students in the Southwest Detroit area as they are a core component of making this festival as incredible as it is.
12. Head to the Czech & Slovak Festival in Dearborn Heights
The 45th annual Czech & Slovak Festival is taking place this July 20th and 21st in Dearborn Heights!
Entry tickets are only $14 for anyone 15+ years of age while children under 14 and under are free.
You can enjoy authentic ethnic cuisine, live music, and beat the heat by enjoying imported beverages in the air-conditioned hall.
13. Check out a live show around Detroit
Pine Knob Music Theatre
- Janet Jackson (July 2)
- Third Eye Blind (July 7th)
- Niall Horan (July 10th)
- Alanis Morissette (July 16th)
- Earth, Wind, & Fire and Chicago (July 17th)
- Train & REO Speedwagon (July 21st)
- Limp Bizkit (July 23rd)
- Creed and 3 Doors Down (July 31)
Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
- The Beach Boys (July 5th)
- Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (July 16th)
Comerica Park
- Def Leppard, Journey, and the Steve Miller Band (July 18th)
The Fillmore
- Chief Keef (July 22)
14. Catch a Tigers game at Comerica Park
The Detroit Tigers may be a few games back in the ALC this season, but that doesn’t mean a day out in the park isn’t a good time!
Their season is far from over so be sure you make your way to the ballpark this Summer to cheer on Detroit.
15. Beat the heat by heading to an airconditioned mall around Detroit
Several incredible shopping centers around Detroit have a ton of things to do aside from simply walking from store to store!
You can cool off for free this Summer by hanging out at one of the shopping centers that have some refreshing air-conditioning.
16. Take someone to a Candlelight Convert for a special occasion
- Candlelight: The Best of Hans Zimmer – July 13
- Candlelight: Classic Rock on Strings – July 13
- Candlelight Open Air: A Tribute to Beyoncé – July 17
- Candlelight Open Air: Coldplay & Imagine Dragons – July 17
- Candlelight Open-Air: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and More – July 18
- Candlelight Open Air: A Tribute to Adele – July 18
17. Book an all-inclusive mystery picnic for a self-guided foodie adventure
Follow a fun all-inclusive picnic plan centered in Birmingham, which has you follow an adventure plan and pick up high-quality treats before discovering a few hidden, picturesque picnic places to take a moment and enjoy your meal!
The adventure includes clues and riddles on your smartphone which will guide you along the way and put you in control of your experience.
18. Venture over to Chicago to see the streets turned into NASCAR track
On Saturday, July 6th, during the extended weekend, the streets of Chicago are going to be converted into a racetrack for NASCAR’s ‘The Loop 110’ race for the second time ever!
The iconic new race is one of the most unique and exciting new ways that NASCAR is drawing new audiences to the auto-racing sport, and based on the success and positive reception of last year’s race, we think this might be a can’t-miss event.
19. Attend the Concert of Colors free festival
Peace, Love, and Understanding – that’s what this iconic free-to-attend festival in Detroit is all about!
There is an incredibly long list of artists already confirmed who represent a wide range of cultures from all over the world.
The Concert of Colors festival is taking place across multiple locations throughout Detroit and will occur between July 16th to July 21st.
20. Sterlingfest 2024 Carnival and Fireworks
This incredible festival is taking place in Sterling Heights between July 25th and July 27th with unlimited ride access armbands currently available for only $28.50 – at the event the same armband will cost $35.
The festival features an incredible amount of family-friendly activities including amusement rides, entertainment, food vendors, and even a firework display!