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. Attend the Michigan State Fair
Taking place Labor Day Weekend (August 29th until September 2nd) is the official Michigan State Fair – a fun-filled festival complete with everything you need to have the time of your life!
Tickets are already available for purchase:
- Basic Fair Admission : $11.
- Ultimate Admission (unlimited rides and circus entry): $43.
2. Take someone special to a Candlelight Concert around Detroit
- Candlelight: 90s Unplugged on Strings – Aug 16
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – Aug 16
- Candlelight Open Air: From Bach to the Beatles – Aug 28
- Candlelight Open Air: The Best of Hans Zimmer – Aug 28
- Candlelight Open-Air: The Soul of Detroit ft. Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and More – Aug 29
It’s worth noting that all Candlelight Open Air events are taking place on the lakeside lawn at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, a perfect venue to enjoy the dog days of Summer!
3. Check out the Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation goes to show how linked American history is with that of Detroit’s automotive industry. Not only is this fun and immersive experience the perfect trip for anyone who loves cars and engines, but it’s also the perfect family plan that has something for everyone!
Location: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI
4. Take your taste buds for an adventure 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Check out the best art museum in the country!
The best art museum in the nation is actually none other than the Detroit Institute of Arts!
It’s actually earned the top spot two years in a row, being ranked the best art museum in the country in both 2023 and 2024.
8. Head to the Woodward Dream Cruise
On August 17th from 9 am to 9 pm – the annual Woodward Dream Cruise is a can’t-miss event for those Motor City locals that love all things on wheels!
This is the world’s largest one-day automotive event and it takes place along Woodward Avenue through nine communiates in the Oakland Country area just outside of Detroit.
9. 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.
10. Shop and take a free fitness class at Eastern Market’s Tuesday Markets
Every Tuesday in August (6, 13, 20, and 27), 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 11 am – noon and Zumba is offered from 1 pm – 2 pm.
Find it at Eastern Market, 2934 Russel St, Detroit, MI 48207.
11. Don’t miss NASCAR races at Michigan International Speedway this month
On August 17th and 18th there are two separate races taking place at the Michigan International Speedway, which is less than 1.5 hours from Detroit!
On the 17th is the Cabo Wabo 250 race which’s part of the XFINITY Series, and on the 18th you have the FireKeepers Casino 400m which is part of NASCAR’s Cup Series.