12 Things you Must Experience in Wayne County this Summer
Story by Max White
In Michigan, summer is a time to be outdoors, having fun with friends and family, and soaking up every bit of sun possible before the winter arrives.
From festivals to parks, sporting events and live music, here are 12 essential things to do in Wayne County this summer.
Salute to America - June 30-July 3 in Dearborn
The first is Salute to America, a four-day event taking place at Greenfield Village, part of The Henry Ford in Dearborn. During the evening event, you can take a walk through historic Greenfield Village while listening to musical ensembles.
When the sun goes down, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will take over for music, finishing the night off with an “1812” Overture performance, shooting off cannons and fireworks.
Uncle Sam Jam - July 6-9 in Woodhaven
Taking place right off of I-75 about 25 minutes south of Detroit, the Uncle Sam Jam at Woodhaven Civic Center Park has everything you need for an outdoor festival.
There’s a full carnival midway, monster truck rides, a petting zoo, cornhole tournament, car show, fireworks and more. Plus, there is live music every night, including by Buckcherry and Jackyl, a Garth Brooks cover band and more.
Plymouth Art in the Park - July 7-9 in Plymouth
Celebrating its 43rd year, Art in the Park brings together hundreds of artists from around the U.S. with a variety of art to show off.
On top of art, there will be a comedy juggling show, live music, a living mural, a live theater performance, several food options and plenty of things for kids to do.
Wyandotte Street Art Fair - July 12-15 in Wyandotte
One of the largest art fairs in Michigan, the Wyandotte Street Art Fair takes over the streets of Downtown Wyandotte over the course of four days in the summer.
Hundreds of artists show off their works at the festival, on top of other merchants, a craft show near the clock tower, restaurants, bars and more.
Michigan Jazz Festival - July 16 in Livonia
Listen to the smooth sounds of jazz at the Michigan Jazz Festival at Schoolcraft College. There is live music throughout the day spread across six stages, and it’s free for everyone.
The Schoolcraft College culinary program will also be serving lunch and dinner, with beer and wine available for purchase.
Buy Michigan Now Festival - Aug. 4-6 in Northville
The Buy Michigan Now Festival is in Downtown Northville and celebrates all things of the Great Lakes State. You’ll see the products of local entrepreneurs up close, try a variety of Michigan-made foods and drinks and more.
Downtown Northville also has its social district where you can walk around and shop with a drink, and the kids zone has a variety of different games and activities, plus STEAM projects.
Be sure to check out our guide of other things to do in Northville while you’re there!
Detroit Highland Games - Aug. 4-5 in Livonia
Be transported to Scotland during the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit Highland Games. Taking place at Greenmead Historical Park, the Scottish festival is fun to attend.
There will be Scottish heavy athletics, plus highland dancing, a Scottish concert, pipes and drums and more.
Dearborn Homecoming Festival - Aug. 4-6 in Dearborn
The 42nd annual Homecoming Festival takes place at Ford Field Park with fun for people of all ages.
On top of a huge carnival, games, plus a ton of food and drinks, there’s a classic car show and a 5K.
Detroit City FC games - All summer in Hamtramck
Detroit’s professional soccer team plays at historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck, and is a must-attend summer event for any sports fan. Thousands pack the stadium with things to do for everyone in the family.
There are plenty of food trucks at the game, plus cheap drinks and an incredible atmosphere.
Check out our guide to attending at DCFC match.
Here are the DCFC home games this summer for the men’s and women’s teams:
- Saturday, June 24 - vs. Orange County SC (M)
- Wednesday, June 28 - vs. Cleveland Force SC (W)
- Wednesday, July 12 - vs. Loudoun United (M)
- Wednesday, July 19 - vs. Louisville City FC (M)
- Saturday, July 22 - vs. Monterey Bay FC (M)
- Saturday, Aug. 12 - vs. Charleston Battery (M)
- Saturday, Aug. 19 - vs. Las Vegas Lights (M)
Car cruises
The Motor City is all about cars, and whether it’s a car show or a car cruise, people can see hot rods, fancy cars, unique cars and others at different car cruises in Wayne County.
The Fort Street Cruise happens on June 24 and goes down Fort St. between Southfield Rd. and Sibley Rd., passing through several cities. There’s also the Telegraph Cruise on July 22 which is on Telegraph between Eureka and Puritan roads.
Visit a garden or arboretum in Wayne County
The summer climate in Michigan is perfect for flowers and plants in metro Detroit. That’s evident in Wayne County, where you can visit a variety of gardens and botanical gardens.
Some of them surround historical homes, while others are part of a massive campus for one of the world’s leading automakers.
Some of the ones you can check out are below.
- Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
- Arjay Miller Arboretum at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn
- Bennett Arboretum
- Ford House
- Fair Lane
- Westcroft Gardens & Farm
Check out a park
If you’re more for having fun outdoors, there are plenty of parks with huge playgrounds, hiking and walking paths, sports fields and much more for people of all ages.
Hines Park goes through several cities in Wayne County with so many things to do. Elizabeth Park sits along the Detroit River south of the city with a walking path, fitness stations, playgrounds and more.
Heritage Park in Taylor has a fishing pond, petting zoo, playgrounds, historic buildings and so much more.
Finally, there are several Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Wayne County that offer hiking, kayaking, fishing, biking, golfing and more. Learn more at our guide to Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
