Oh, those summer nights!
With the last month of summer on the horizon, now’s the perfect time to check off the remainder of your summer bucket list before fall sets in. Read on for a selection of the best summer activities you won’t want to miss in Detroit this August.
1-2. Check out the shows at the Museum of Contemporary Art
Two exhibitions at the Detroit Museum of Contemporary Art close on August 8!
- The first is Dual Vision, a forty-person group exhibition that brings together artists living in or otherwise rooted in Detroit! Each project is created by a pair of artists, exemplifying the pair’s dual artistic visions.
- The second is Brood, which examines the intersection of art, science, and community organizing, particularly the ways in which this work is characteristic of Detroit. Drawing on science fiction and technology, the exhibition examines how these mediums can be harnessed for humanism. Shown in the Mobile Homestead, the exhibition will spill out into the lawn to house workshops and performances.
3. Head to a candlelit concert
There are eight beautiful candlelit concerts taking place in venues across Detroit this August, offering an intimate musical experience and highlighting local musicians. Below are a few standouts to check out.
- On Friday, August 13, Candlelight Open-Air: Anime Favorites will light up El Club Detroit. The string quartet will perform popular anime scores including selections from Naruto, Tokyo Ghoul, and Sailor Moon.
- On Tuesday, August 24, the Masonic will host Candlelight: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.
- On Thursday, August 26, Candlelight: Magical Movie Soundtracks comes to the beautiful St. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church. The program includes Disney favorites like Pinnochio’s When You Wish Upon a Star and Frozen’s Let It Go performed by the Listeso String Quartet.
- To put on your September calendar: On Friday, September 24, Candlelight Jazz: Tribute to Aretha, Nina and More comes to St. Peter and Paul.
4. Check out the Jim Henson exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
This exhibition will be on show all August, until September 6. It traces the history of Muppets creator Jim Henson and includes some must-see artifacts, including 25 Henson-created puppets. Check out the Henry Ford’s other exhibits and buy tickets here.
5. Pick up your tickets to see The Roots live!
The Grammy-award winning group The Roots is coming to the Russell Industrial Center on Wednesday, September 1st! The Rolling Stone magazine once named The Roots one of the world’s greatest live bands, and you’ll get a chance to catch them at an intimate venue.
6. Amplify your tastebuds at Dining in the Dark
Ever heard that you eat with your eyes? This unique dining experience takes visuals out of the equation, heightening your sense of smell and taste and surprising your tastebuds. After being blindfolded and escorted to your table, sit down to an extravagant four-course meal you and your friends will likely never forget, and indulge in a foodie experience unlike any other. Find more information and buy tickets here.
7. Take a trip down to Hamtramck Disneyland
This colorful folk art world can be found in Hamtramck, Detroit and is open 24 hours a day. Check out our article on the story of Hamtramck Disneyland and its creator, Dmytro Szylak, here.
8. Have a photoshoot by the new Bounce installation at Beacon Park
“Bounce” is made from parachute cord and piano wire, creating interesting shadows and colorful lighted shapes at night. For ideal photo-taking conditions, plan your visit at night. Check it out through September 13.
Find it at Beacon Park, 1903 Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI, 48226.
9. Check out the Motor City Car Crawl in downtown Detroit
The event runs from Thursday, August 5 to Sunday, August 8 and will showcase a variety of vehicles from metro Detroit car dealers. Alongside, there’ll be live entertainment and food options.
10. … and afterward, delve into Motor City’s car design tradition at the Detroit Institute of Arts!
This exhibition, which has been at the DIA since November 2020, will be on show until January of 2022. However, a warm August day is the perfect time to take advantage of that sweet. sweet AC and wander through this innovative exhibit that highlights the artistry and history of Detroit car designers. The exhibit covers 1950 to the present day, and is free to residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties. Reserve a space online here.
11. Check out the District Detroit Art Walk
On Friday, August 6 and Friday, August 27 from 5pm to 9pm, Detroit’s Columbia Street will host a free art walk. Guests are invited to stroll down Columbia Street between the Fox Theatre and Little Caesars Global Resource Center and enjoy the work of local artists. Live music, dance, caricature drawings, and drink samples will also be offered. Check out the details here.
12. Spend a sunny day at the Monroe Street Midway
[Image credit: Bedrock Facebook]
The Monroe Street Midway is a family-oriented public space. In it, you’ll find the Rollout Detroit Roller Rink, which hosts themed days each week, and pickup games at the Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone. This outdoor center for local culture, food, and art is a perfect spot to spend lazy summer days. Find more information here.
13. Shop and take a free fitness class at Eastern Market’s Tuesday Markets
Every Tuesday in August (10, 17, 24, and 31), Eastern Market will host a Tuesday market. These wellness-focused markets offer local produce, food, and flowers. Guests can also take a free fitness class: yoga classes are from 11am-noon, while Zumba is offered from 1pm-2pm.
Find it at Eastern Market, 2934 Russel St, Detroit, MI 48207.
14-23. Get your caffeine fix at one of Detroit’s 10 best craft coffee shops
From the staple Astro Coffee to the multitasking Germack roastery, our list covers just about every spot you’ll want to grab an iced latte from this summer. Fuel up after a long day of summer activities with an expertly-crafted cup.
24-28. Grab food from the Detroit Shipping Company’s five local spots
The unique Detroit Shipping Company food hall, which contains five local Detroit eateries alongside a beer, wine, and cocktail bar. From Bangkok 96 Street Food to -320° Coffee and Creamery, you’re sure to find the perfect tasty summer bite. Check out our rundown here.
29. Discover a new restaurant with Find the Dinner
This premiere culinary experience involves a chauffeur ride to a surprise restaurant in Detroit. There are three tiers of tickets:
- Find the Gourmet includes an appetizer, a main course, a side, a dessert, and a drink.
- Find the Premium includes a welcome cocktail, an appetizer, a main dish, a side, a dessert, and two drinks.
- Find the Deluxe includes a welcome cocktail, an appetizer, a main dish, a side, a dessert, and a wine pairing.
30. Indulge in comfort with Find the Room
Similar to Find the Dinner, Find the Room is a premier culinary experience with an included surprise meal — but it takes place at a surprise hotel in Detroit! There are four tiers of tickets:
- The Find the Night Experience Pack includes a dinner menu and a one-night stay for two people in a double room on a room-only basis. The dinner menu consists of an appetizer, main dish, side, dessert, and one drink.
- The Find the Comfort Experience Pack includes a dinner menu and a one-night stay for two in a superior double bedroom with breakfast the next day! The dinner menu includes an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and two drinks.
- The Find the Suite Experience Pack includes a dinner menu and a one-night stay for two people in a double room: either a superior deluxe room or a junior suite. Breakfast for two is included. The dinner menu includes a welcome cocktail, appetizer, main dish, side, dessert, and two drinks.
- The Find the Prime Experience includes a dinner menu and a one-night stay for two in a superior room or a private suite, including breakfast for two and bottle of champagne. The dinner menu includes a welcome cocktail, appetizer, main dish, dessert, and wine pairing.
31-32. Get sleuthing with Murder Mystery: The Abandoned Mansion and Murder Mystery parties
Murder Mystery: The Abandoned Mansion is an immersive crime-solving game set in an abandoned mansion in Detroit. Throughout the two hour duration you’ll search the site, find clues, interrogate suspects, and crack the case.
The Murder Mystery parties can be hosted in a location of your choice or at a given secret restaurant. You can choose to investigate the murders of the psychiatrist Doctor Dhivago, the millionaire Mr. Williams, and the popstar Miles Johnson.
33. Bar crawl like never before with the Detroit Bar Hunt
This modern spin on the classic bar crawl takes place on the Let’s Roam scavenger app. Complete fun photo and video challenges at bars around the city and compete virtually to be crowned the Bar Hunt Champion!