FEBRUARY 2008
January 25 - February 2, 2008: Ferndale Metro Blues Festival in Ferndale (just north of Detroit).
official website: www.ferndalebluesfestival.org
Annual event, Live Blues for 9 days at 20 Venues. Festival donates 100% of proceeds to two charities.
February 1: International 500 Snowmobile Race (I-500) in Sault Ste. Marie (U.P./Upper Peninsula).
40th annual. official website: www.i-500.com
"Known throughout North America as the Oldest and Fastest snowmobile race around."
February 8-10, 2008: Perchville USA - 58th Annual in Tawas (Lower Peninsula East Shoreline, More Than Halfway Up).
official information: www.tawas.com/getpage.php?name=perchville
Kick-Off Party, Parade, Fishing Contest, "Chilly" Cook-off, Polar Bear Swim, family tent with lots of stuff for kids, hospitality tent with beer/wine and live entertainment for adults, softball games on ice, IWPA Dog Pull features dogs from all over the USA, horse-drawn carriage rides, more.
February 8-10, 2008: Motown Winter Blast in Downtown Detroit.
official website: www.motownwinterblast.net
Held in and around Campus Martius. Large Snow Slide, ice skating, dog sledding, snowshoeing, food, entertainment, more.
February 16-24, 2008: Detroit Boat Show in Detroit. [info page].
50th Annual. The "Premier" boating event in the State of Michigan. "The Detroit Boat Show is actually known as one of the best boat shows in the country in regards to size, sales, and attendance."
February 23, 2008: Trenary Outhouse Classic - The Outhouse Races in Trenary (U.P./Upper Peninsula).
info when available. future website still under construction: www.outhouseclassic.com
14th Annual in 2007. It's true - people really build and race outhouses on skis! age categories, plus awards for adults peoples choice, most humorous, furthest travelled, best workmanship, others. (always held on the last Saturday in Feb). 2005 pictures & info - more pictures
MARCH 2008
March 1-2, 2008 (sat-sun): Detroit Kennel Club Benched Dog Shows in Detroit.
official website: www.detroitkennelclub.com
March 5-8, 2008 (wed-sat): Metro Times Blowout 2008 in Hamtramck (North of Downtown Detroit).
official website: www.metrotimes.com/blowout
11th annual music fest showcasing over 200 Michigan Music Artists at 20 venues over 4 nights.
March 7-9, 2008 (fri-sun): The Michigan Golf Show in Novi (northwest of Detroit).
official information
The Nation's Largest Golf Show. Over 500 local, national and world-wide resorts, retailers and specialty exhibitors occupy over 7 acres.
March 7-9, 2008 (fri-sun): Detroit AutoRama in Detroit.
official website: www.autorama.com/casi/detroit.htm
56th Annual. "America's Greatest Hot Rod Show", held at Cobo Center.
March 25-30, 2008 (tue-sun): Ann Arbor Film Festival in Ann Arbor.
official website: www.aafilmfest.org
46th annual. independent & experimental film.
March 31, 2008 (mon): Detroit Tigers Home Opener
Tigers detroit.tigers.mlb.com are in Major League Baseball MLB
APRIL 2008
April 10, 2008: Detroit Red Wings NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs Start in Detroit.
Wings vs Predators. Wings redwings.nhl.com are in the National Hockey League NHL. home games are at Joe Louis Arena (JLA, The Joe) in Downtown Detroit.
April 20, 2008 (sun): Detroit Pistons NBA Playoffs Start in Aurburn Hills.
Pistons www.nba.com/pistons are in the National Basketball Association NBA. home games played at The Palace of Aurburn Hills located north of Detroit.
April 25, 2008 (fri): Detroit Music Awards 2008 - DMA Ceremony & Show in Detroit at the Fillmore Detroit.
official website: www.detroitmusicawards.com
Public is invited with general admission only $20, details and scheduled performers on website. RSVP's up to $1,000 for a VIP table. It's a Big Time Annual Awards Ceremony put on by the Motor City Music Foundation. This night is all about meeting and congratulating our incredibly talented local musicians in grand style! It's a glorious night of award presentations and live performances. For information regarding eligibility, submissions, registering, voting, tickets, List of Winners (Congrats!), click official website link. The Fillmore Detroit was formerly known as the State Theatre.
MAY 2008
April 27 - May 3, 2008 (sun-sat): Blossomtime Festival Week in Southwestern MI.
official website: www.blossomtimefestival.org
"The oldest and largest multi-community festival in the state of Michigan. Hosts 250,000 spectators and visitors annually." parades, pageants, tour, fashion show, banquet, vintage baseball, more.
May 3, 2008 (sat): Victorian Day in Grand Ledge (Just West of Lansing).
official website: www.victoriandays.org
10am to 5pm. Annual event features a non-motorized parade, carriage rides, period craft demonstrations, arts & crafts displays, a Civil War Encampment, mock Victorian Funeral, a Victorian High Tea, street music, drama and food, miniature horses, Teddybear Tea and Maypole dance for the kiddies, other displays and events.
May 9-11, 2008 (fri-sun): Downtown Hoedown Detroit - in downtown Detroit.
official website: www.wycdhoedown.com
26th Annual 99.5 WYCD Downtown Hoedown country music fest includes established & new artists "and is widely recognized as the largest Country Music show of its kind in the world." held at Hart Plaza. List of performers and schedule are posted on website.
May 3-10, 2008 (sat-sat): Tulip Time Festival - 77th Annual in Holland, MI (West Michigan).
Holland Tulip Festival official website: www.tuliptime.com
Parades, Klompen Dancers (nearly 1,700 total dancers), music and variety shows from headline entertainers to the remarkably talented local folk, a Dutch market, an art and craft fair, fireworks, an outdoor carnival, trolley tours, more.
May 15-28, 2008: 48th Annual National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City (Northwest Lower Peninsula).
official website: www.morelfest.com
Carnival, crafts show, mushroom hunts, cooking demonstrations, morel seminar, annual mushroom pole, farmer's market, two concerts, disc golf tournament, more.
May 16, 2008: Winner Announced - Detroit News Battle of the Bands - Teens in Detroit.
official website: www.detnews.com/battleofthebands
Music. competition for 13 to 18 year olds who are in bands of all genres, finals competition, 10 - 12 bands.
May 16-18, 2008 (fri-sun): Motor City Comic Con in Novi.
official website: www.motorcityconventions.com/motor_city_comic_con
Annual "multi-media event with over 1 million comics and collectables for sale and trade. "Comic books, writers, artists, anime, gaming, special guests, and more. Convention held at the Rock Financial Showplace.
May 24-26, 2008 (sat-sun): Movement 08 - Detroit's Electronic Music Festival 2008 - in Downtown Detroit.
official website: www.demf.com
Annual internationally recognized Memorial Day weekend event now produced by Paxahau. List of performers will be posted on schedule page of website. Event was formerly known as "FUSE-in: Detroit's Electronic Movement" and "Detroit Techno Fest".
May 31 - June 1, 2008 (sat-sun): Red Bull Air Race in Detroit.
official website: www.redbullairrace.com - tickets or hospitality
Red Bull Air Race World Series 2008 is in only ten cities worldwide. "Using the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing planes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial race track made up of air-filled pylons, reaching speeds of 400 km/h while withstanding forces of up to 10 Gs."
JUNE 2008
June 6-8, 2008 (fri-sun): Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids (West MI).
official website: www.festivalofthearts.org
annual event known as "Festival". A FREE community showcase of the arts: visual, performing & culinary. West Michigan artists. The area's bands, choirs, rock, folk, country, blues - the works. Food booths operated by area churches and nonprofit organizations. Touch art.
June 6-8, 2008 (fri-sun): Detroit Festival of the Arts - 21st Annual in Detroit.
official website: www.detroitfestival.com
Family friendly festival presents outstanding visual and performing artists from around the world, while showcasing the city's premier arts and cultural institutions clustered within its boundaries. Artwork for sale in the Avenues of Art, the rockin soul sound of King Solomon Burke, Latin rhythms, jazz trumpeter Roy Hargrove, Richard Thompson, spoken word, puppet procession, many children's activities.
June 12-15, 2008 (thu-sun): Bavarian Festival 2008 - 50th Annual in Frankenmuth (Mid-MI).
official information: Bavarian Fest
Authentically dressed German bands, rides, games, dance music, craft area, German foods and plenty of ice-cold beer - imported and domestic. Each year, over 100,000 people enjoy the annual Sunday Big Parade, which is being held on June 15th.
June 13-15, 2008 (fri-sun): Belleville National Strawberry Festival in Belleville (west of Detroit).
official website: www.nationalstrawberryfest.com
31st annual. parade, carnival, car show, music and other entertainment, arts & crafts, marathon race and more every Father's Day weekend.
June 14, 2008 (sat): Cruisin' Gratiot in Eastpointe (just north of Detroit).
official website: www.Cruisin-Gratiot.com
Annual car cruise. a week long celebration of automotive history, tradition, memorabilia, car shows, contests and family outings leading up to officially Cruisin' Gratiot. Includes the Rockin Blues Cruise two day blues music event and Cruisin' Gratiot Idol Contest.
June 14-29, 2008: Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival in Southeast Michigan.
official website: www.greatlakeschambermusic.com
annual event. 20 concerts, various locations.
June 18-21, 2008 (wed-sat): Miss Michigan Pageant & Finals in Muskegon (West MI).
official website: www.missmichigan.org
Finals June 21st. "Our mission is to provide educational opportunities to many young women across the State of Michigan." Tickets Preliminary Nights $30, Final Night $30.
June 19-21, 2008 (thu-sat): Benny's Bike Rally in Midland (Mid-MI).
official website: www.bennysbikerally.com
annual event, rain or shine. Miss Hawaiian Tropic Bikini Pageant, music from national and local acts, more. weekend pass $55, part of the proceeds go to charity.
June 20, 2008 (fri): JobbieNooner (Jobbie Nooner) on Gull Island on Lake St. Clair (northeast of Detroit).
current info: ToolieNooner a.k.a. JobbieNooner on myspace and ToolieNooner.com
annual Mardi Gras style boats and island party. Jobbienooners are adult, 18yrs and older events. Traditionally, JobbieNooner is held on the 1st Friday of Summer, usually on Gull Island.
June 20-21, 2008 (fri-sat): Island Festival in Downtown Kalamazoo (West MI).
official websites: www.islandfestkalamazoo.com and www.myspace.com/islandfestival
Annual. Reggae music includes "international, national, regional, and local talent and is the largest celebration of the Caribbean culture in Michigan."
June 20-22, 2008 (fri-sun): Arab American International Festival in Dearborn (west side of Detroit).
information website: www.americanarab.com/festival
13th Annual. 3-day event is a free, family-centered cultural celebration that will attract over 300,000 people from Michigan, the Midwest, and Canada. It boasts a great number of amusements, live musical acts-both local and international, 30 international food booths, coffee cup readings, henna, arts and crafts, a children's tent, artisans, Arab merchandise, a giant old-fashioned Ferris wheel, more.
June 20-23, 2008 (fri-mon): Detroit River Days in Downtown Detroit at the Riverfront.
official website: www.detroitriverdays.com
music, family fun, boats, and fireworks.
June 21, 2008: International Tug Boat Race on the Detroit River between Detroit & Windsor.
official website: www.tugrace.com
Annual. "As many as 30 tugs of all sizes race in a mad dash for the finish line. Tugs ranging in length from 45 to 140 feet compete at the same time, all muscling for the best position. Some of the larger tugs are actual working tugs with more than 2,000 horsepower, the Detroit River boils as the tugs create a huge wake."
June 21, 2008 (sat): Hot Blues and BBQ / Detroit Blues Challenge Kickoff 2008 in Oxford (north of Detroit).
official website: www.hotbluesandbbq.com
4th annual Competition and Show. "Part of the Motor City Breakdown, a series of competitions in which winning acts advance to the next round, with the ultimate goal of sending one band from Metro Detroit to the National Blues Competition in Memphis, Tenn.". tickets $8 advance (from official website) and $10 at the gate. Children under 12 are free. After early afternoon Blues Challenge comes The Big Show.
June 23, 2008 (mon): Detroit Fireworks (officially: Target Fireworks) in Detroit on the Riverfront.
official info: www.theparade.org/freedomfest/
50th annual. Michigan's largest fireworks display. Detroit River Days Fireworks (formerly the International Freedom Festival Fireworks).
June 27-29, 2008 (fri-sun): Michigan Challenge Balloonfest (Michigan Challenge XXIV) in Howell.
official website: www.michiganchallenge.com
24th Annual. One of the premier summer-time activities in Michigan with balloon launches and entertainment for the entire family.
June 27-29, 2008 (fri-sun): Stars and Stripes Festival 2008 in Mount Clemens (north of Detroit).
official website: www.starsandstripesfest.com
Festival is FREE to the public and features a full carnival, nationally known and local music acts, art displays, fireworks, food vendors, more.
June 28, 2008 (sat): Cruisin' Downriver in southeast Metro Detroit.
official website: www.cruisindownriver.com
8th annual in 2007. Cruise Fort Street through the cities of Lincoln Park, Riverview, Southgate, and Wyandotte. 500,000 car buffs and enthusiasts are expected.
To find most fireworks shows in Michigan, click: Fireworks Displays in Michigan for 2008
search by date or by city. a huge amount get listed in this annually updated database.
JULY 2008
July 2-6, 2008: Comerica CityFest 2008 [formerly called Comerica TasteFest] in Detroit.
official website: www.newcenter.com/cityfest/info.htm
Annual event has lots of food, with national and local music performers.
July 5-12, 2008: National Cherry Festival in Traverse City.
official website: www.cherryfestival.org
82nd year in 2007. over 150 events, including free air shows over the Bay, colorful parades, music shows, sporting events, marching bands, rides on the midway, pie-eating contests, loads of luscious cherries prepared every way you can imagine and a world record attempt to host the world's largest cherry pancake breakfast!"
July 7-13, 2008: Common Ground Music Festival in downtown Lansing.
official website: www.commongroundfest.com
"The featured component of Common Ground - top-shelf, national musical performers - will occupy two (2) main stages each night. Keeping with the design of the event, the headline shows will spotlight numerous contemporary musical formats including: Country, Classic Rock, New Rock and R&B. While the best available national talent will top-off each night of the festival, a variety of local, regional and other national performers will ignite other festival stages with non-stop music of all kinds throughout the Festival."
July 10-13, 2008: Meijer Taylor Summer Festival in Taylor.
two information pages: info page 1 and info page 2
annual event. Downriver's largest fireworks display, music concerts, carnival rides, Vegas room, more.
July 11-12, 2008: Michigan Elvisfest 2008 in Ypsilanti.
official website: www.mielvisfest.org
Annual event. "One of The Largest Elvisfest Concerts in North America! This not a contest but a true concert with spectacular performances, from the first act to the last act, by the best professional Elvis Tribute Artists in North America."
July 11-13 2008: Gold Cup (Unlimited Hydroplane Boat Race) on Detroit River between Detroit & Windsor.
official website: www.gold-cup.com
Big-Time Annual event, official title: Chyrsler Jeep Superstores Detroit APBA Gold Cup. Unlimited Hydroplane Boat Racing on the Detroit River includes other hydroplane classes.
July 11, 2008: Boat Night in Port Huron - Port Huron to Mackinac Island prerace bash.
July 12, 2008 (start date): Port Huron To Mackinac Island Sailing Race 2008 (Bayview Mackinac Race)
official website: www.byc.com - Mackinac Race info page - future dates
"One of the greatest freshwater long distance yacht races in the World." also known as the Bayview Mackinac Races, Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race.
July 15-19 2008: National Baby Food Festival in Fremont ("Baby Food Capital of the World").
official website: www.babyfoodfest.com
18th Annual. Features a Grand Parade, Children's Parade, Carnival, Baby Food Cook-Off with cash prizes, the Baby Crawl, a daily Kid's Zone with arts and crafts activity, contests, musicians, clowns, more. Grown-Ups: Karaoke Contest, Headliner Entertainment, Bed Race, 5 and 10K run, Arts and Crafts Show, Car Show, Adult Baby Food Eating Contest, more.
July 16-19, 2008: Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair in Ann Arbor.
official web page: www.michiganguild.org/art_fair_summer.html
"39th Annual. award-winning juried fair features ceramics, painting, jewelry, sculpture, photography, glass, wood, fiber and much more. Fairgoers can also enjoy lively street corner entertainment, artists' demonstrations, children's activities and the distinctive shops and restaurants of Ann Arbor." For information about additional art fairs sponsored by the Michigan Guild, click here
July 17-20, 2008: Annual Venetian Festival in St. Joseph (Southwest MI)
official website: www.venetian.org
Fireworks, canival rides, concerts & live entertainment, food: "Taste for Southwest Michigan", Lighted Boat Parade and judging, Classic Boat Display and judging, juried crafts show, classic car show, various competitions, kids area, more.
July 17-26, 2008: Ionia Free Fair 2008 (Ionia Fair) in Ionia.
official website: www.ioniafreefair.com
"the 49th Largest Fair in the Nation". Ionia Idol Competition, concerts from national and local acts, contests, carnival rides, national championship horsepulling, extreme bull riding, Demo scramble & derby, more.
July 18-20, 2008: Jackson Hot Air Jubilee (Balloon Festival) in Jackson.
official website: www.hotairjubilee.com
26th Annual. 65-70 Hot Air Balloons, morning launches, Balloon Night Glow at Dusk - Tethered balloons put on a spectacular light show. Plus Arts and Crafts show, car show, stunt kite demonstrations, Kids' Kingdom, kiddies carnival rides, radio controlled airplanes and cars, static aircraft displays, antique military displays, live entertainment.
July 18-20, 2008: Quake on the Lake in Waterford. (northwest of Detroit)
official website: www.quakeonthelake.org
9th Annual. Inboard hydroplane boat races.
July 25-26, 2008: Annual Summer Beer Festival in Ypsilanti.
official website: www.michiganbrewersguild.org/festinfo.asp
11th Annual. Drink Michigan Beer!
[TBA July 2009]: Selfridge Air Show in Mt. Clemens (north of Detroit).
not in 2008, next in 2009. "Southeast Michigan's largest FREE airshow." website: www.selfridgeairshow.org
July 25 to August 3, 2008: Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven.
official website: www.ghcgfest.org
Annual. Dedicated to the Men & Women of the United States Coast Gaurd.
July 26, 2008 (tentative): Telegraph Car Cruise (Telegraph Tomorrow Classic Car Cruise) in Taylor, Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Redford. Telegraph Cruise info: date - 2007 Info - 2005-06 info. This cruise was formerly called "Cruizin' Telegraph".
July 31 to Aug 2, 2008: Sterlingfest Art and Jazz Fair in Sterling Heights (just north of Detroit). Now in its 27th year, Sterlingfest mixes the tradition of an arts & crafts fair with a jazz and blues stage, Top 40, a Suds'n'Sounds stage, Kidzfest children's activities and entertainment stage, a family midway, annual Sterlingfest Balloon Launch, local restaurateurs and a main national headliner stage.
July 31 to August 3, 2008: Woodtick Music Festival in the U.P.
official website: www.woodtickfestival.com
annual "Woodtick Music Festival is a home-grown, Upper Peninsula style shindig featuring a variety of regional and not so regional bands who all have one thing in common .... they're damn good!"
Muskegon Air Fair no longer exists. details
AUGUST 2008
[cancelled]: Ann Arbor Blues and Jazz Festival 2008 in Ann Arbor.
official website: www.a2bluesjazz.org
2008 Festival cancelled due to lack of funding. Founded in 1969, held almost annually.
August 2, 2008: Riverfolk Music & Arts Festival in Manchester (a little southwest of Ann Arbor).
official website: riverfolkfestival.org
7th annual. "known for its peaceful atmosphere, it's a Kid-friendly festival of traditional music, bluegrass, folk, blues, Celtic and world music, along with a juried art exhibit and interactive workshops." This year includes their first annual Old-Time Fiddle Competiton.
August 4-10, 2008: PGA Championship in Bloomfield Township.
official website: www.pga.com/pgachampionship/2008/
Held at Oakland Hills Country Club, located about 7 miles north of Detroit. This is one of professional golf's four major tournaments.
August 8-10, 2008: Great Lakes Folk Festival in East Lansing.
official website: www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
Annual FREE festival "showcases the traditional cultural treasures of the nation's Upper Midwest and a sampling of the best of traditional artists from around the country and the world, encourages cross-cultural understanding of our diverse society through the presentation of musicians, dancers, cooks, storytellers and craftspeople. includes 100 musicians or dancers in groups, five performance stages."
August 8-10, 2008: St. Johns Mint Festival - 24th Annual in St. Johns City Park (Clinton County, Mid-MI).
official website: www.clintoncountychamber.org/mint
Approximately 150 arts & crafts booths, 5 sports tournaments, Free day & evening entertainment, Talent Show, Kids World (crafts & games all weekend), Exotic Animals, Senior Citizens Day, Quilt Show, Tractor Show, Classic Car Show, New Vehicle Show, Horse Show, Inflatables/Carnival Rides, more.
August 8-10, 2008: Milford Memories Summer Festival in Milford.
official website: www.milfordmemories.com
17th annual. Juried Art show with over 260 artists and crafters from across the United States and Canada displaying and selling their work. Beer Tent, Live Entertainment, Kid Central Activity Area, Cold Butt Euchre Tournament, Civil War Encampment, Center Street Gazebo Entertainment, Mill Pond Gazebo Entertainment, Milford Memories 5K Run, Remote Control Car Races, Blind Canoe Race, Teen Dance, Shuttle Bus Service, lots of Food.
August 16, 2008: WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE from Detroit's north border to Pontiac.
official website: www.woodwarddreamcruise.com
THE World's Biggest, Best and Most Famous Car Cruise. Held Annually every third saturday in August on Woodward Ave and goes through several cities in Metro Detroit. It's actually about a week long, has many associated events, annually draws over one million people.
Dream Cruise events and related links ...
Ferndale Dream Cruise Retrofest
August 16 - September 28, 2008: Michigan Renaissance Festival 2008 in Holly.
official website: www.michrenfest.com
29th Annual. Festival is held on weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. "visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for it's awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing!"
August 22 to September 1, 2008: Michigan State Fair 2008 in Detroit.
official website: www.michigan.gov/mistatefair
Annual Celebration, 102 years. Circus, daily parades, 60+ rides, livestock pavilion & shows, farm exhibit and live farm animal births, petting zoo, pony rides, free concerts featuring national acts & local, lumberjacks timber show, all kinds of contests and competitions including karaoke finals and a talent showcase, plus food, art & crafts, more.
Aug. 29-31, 2008: Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix in Detroit on Belle Isle (Detroit River).
official website: www.detroitgp.com
It's Back! Auto racing event features American LeMans Series and culminating with the world class IndyCar® Series Detroit Grand Prix.
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2008: Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats in Pontiac.
official website: www.artsbeatseats.com
11th annual, Oakland County's Summer Festival. "approximately 1.3 million visitors, 200 musical acts on 8 stages, over 150 artists, more than 50 restaurants." held every Labor Day Weekend.
Aug. 29 - Sept. 1, 2008: Detroit International Jazz Festival in Detroit on the Riverfront.
official website: www.detroitjazzfest.com
FREE. 29th annual Detroit Jazz Fest. Six stages, Jazz & Americam music.
[TBA 2008]: African World Festival in Detroit.
official website: www.maah-detroit.org/awf.html
25th Annual in 2007 held at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
[TBA 2008]: Detroit Shock WNBA Playoffs begin [Detroit Shock website] [WNBA website].
Womens National Basketball Association. The Shock were WNBA Champions in 2003 & 2006.
[TBA 2008]: Blues By The Bay in East Tawas.
official website: www.bluesbythebaytawas.com
6th annual three day blues festival.
[TBA 2008]: Michigan Peach Festival in Romeo (north of Detroit).
official website: www.mipeachfest.com
75th Annual in 2007. night parade, car show, Romeo Idol finals, bed race, run, more.
SEPTEMBER 2008
ongoing through Sept. 28, 2008: Michigan Renaissance Festival 2008 in Holly.
official website: www.michrenfest.com
29th Annual. Festival is held on weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. "visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for it's awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing!"
ongoing through Sept. 1, 2008: Michigan State Fair 2008 in Detroit.
official website: www.michigan.gov/mistatefair
Annual Celebration, 101 years. Circus, daily parades, 60+ rides, livestock pavilion & shows, farm exhibit and live farm animal births, petting zoo, pony rides, free concerts featuring national acts & local, lumberjacks timber show, all kinds of contests and competitions, plus food, art & crafts, more.
ongoing through Sept. 1, 2008: Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats in Pontiac (north Detroit).
official website: www.artsbeatseats.com
11th annual, Oakland County's Summer Festival. "Michigan's largest four-day festival. 50 restaurants, 160 music performances, 200 art exhibitors." held every Labor Day Weekend.
ongoing through Sept. 1, 2008: Detroit International Jazz Festival in Detroit on the Riverfront.
official website: www.detroitjazzfest.com
FREE. 29th annual Detroit Jazz Fest. Six stages, Jazz & Americam music.
[TBA 2008]: Dally in the Alley - 30th Annual in Detroit.
official website: www.dallyinthealley.com
"one of the only non-corporate sponsored community festivals in the United States". arts, music & food. rain date Sept 9th.
[TBA 2008]: Michigan Irish Music Festival in Muskegon (West Michigan).
official website: www.michiganirish.org
"Featuring all things Irish... a wide variety of music, the pub tent, market place merchandise, authentic Irish food and beverages"
[TBA 2008]: Annual Northville Victorian Festival in Northville (a little northwest of Detroit).
[official info] "streets will be closed to automobile traffic as townspeople, artists, and business owners turn back the clock and transform themselves into a Victorian Village complete with period costumes, parade, free trackless train and horse and carriage rides, storytellers, magicians, musical entertainment, demonstrations."
Halloween Season begins in September! Madman Mike creates an outstanding page of information called
Halloween in Michigan - The most current, extensive and up-to-date links to Haunted Houses and Attractions, plus more. Page also has links to Real Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Investigators in Michigan.
[TBA 2008]: Great Lakes Regional Chili Cookoff and Harley Davison Motorcycle Show in Plymouth (west of Detroit). [official info] Annual event has streets packed with people lining up to sample the various chili combinations from competitors. Chili and salsa competition, lots of entertainment, proceeds benefit a local charity.
[TBA 2008]: Fash Bash in Detroit. [info when available]
Annual fundraiser benefiting the Detroit Institute of Arts, tickets start around $125 each. strolling supper, live auction, fashion extravaganza, entertainment and afterglow parties.
OCTOBER 2008
October is the month of Halloween! Madman Mike created an outstanding page of information called ...
Halloween in Michigan - The most current, extensive and up-to-date links to Haunted Houses and Attractions. Page also has links to Real Ghost Hunters and Paranormal Investigators in Michigan, plus other interesting information.
[TBA 2008]: Detroit Free Press / Flagstar Bank Marathon - running festival in Detroit.
official website: www.detroitfreepressmarathon.com
30th Anniversary. Features a full marathon, a half marathon and other assorted runs. over 10,000 participants. Future plans have it on the 3rd Sunday in Oct through 2009.
[TBA 2008]: International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction and Awards in Detroit. 11th annual in 2007.
official website: www.igmhf.org
October 31, 2008: Halloween Day. Trick or Treat!
NOVEMBER 2008
[TBA 2008]: Deer Hunting (Regular Firearm Season) [official info].
[TBA 2008]: Annual Lighting of Detroit's Holiday Tree - Downtown at Campus Martius Park [info].
November 27, 2008: Detroit's Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Detroit.
official website: http://www.theparade.org/parade
82nd America's Thanksgiving Parade, a parade filled with award-winning floats, larger than life balloons, bands, celebrities and antique papier-mâché heads.
[TBA 2008]: Motor City Breakdown Finals 2008
Finals competition to determine musicians to represent Detroit at the International Blues Competition in Memphis early next year.
Looking for Real Live Reindeer? Enjoy Sleigh Rides? Want to see Santa and Elves?
Madman Mike hooks you up! Get in touch with: Carousel Acres in South Lyon.
DECEMBER 2008
New to Michigan? Just Visiting? Here is a timely "Heads Up" from Madman Mike.
Annually This Time of Year, the Outstanding and Amazing People of Michigan are known to ...
Do Good Deeds, Be Extra Nice, Spread Goodwill To All, Visit Family and Friends, Do A LOT of Shopping, Impressively Decorate Their Homes, Attend Many Christmas Parties and Wildly Celebrate on New Year's Eve!
[TBA 2008]: Annual Noel Night in Midtown Detroit
official information: www.detroitmidtown.com
34th annual in 2006. Over 20 institutions, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the New Detroit Science Center, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday "open house." Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 70 area music and dance groups. The evening's festivities culminate with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band.
Looking for Real Live Reindeer? Enjoy Sleigh Rides? Want to see Santa and Elves?
Madman Mike hooks you up! Get in touch with: Carousel Acres in South Lyon.
December 25, 2007 (tuesday): Christmas day - Merry Christmas!
December 31, 2007 (monday): New Year's Eve parties everywhere.
Mike does does not get paid for, nor charge for, listings on this page. However,
One of two things is required for Mike to post Big events, their updates or venues:
