Things To Do in Detroit in July

There is no better time to visit Detroit and the metro area than in July! There is so much to explore and tons of exciting events happening. Mark your calendar with a few of these events as you plan your next visit.

Mo Pop Festival at Hart Plaza – July 30-31

Catch this two-day music festival in downtown Detroit and enjoy Glass Animals, Big Sean, Girl in Red, Beach Bunny, and more!

Salute to America at Greenfield Village – June 30-July 3

In partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, The Henry Ford proudly presents Salute to America in Greenfield Village. An exuberant collection of songs, food, and fanfare connects families, friends, and neighbors to honor the great American experiment.

Michigan Rib Fest at Canterbury Village – July 1-4

The 5th Annual Michigan Rib Fest is BACK! In celebration of Independence Day, Rib Fest will showcase an unparalleled selection of unique BBQ cuisines offering up a mouthwatering fare that’s sure to please, along with a wide selection of adult beverages. Live entertainment all weekend long, Michigan Rib Fest presents a carefully crafted entertainment lineup that’s fit for all ages.

Hotter Than July – July 15-17

Hotter Than July started in 1996 to celebrate Detroit’s Black LGBTQ+ community. It holds the title of the world’s second-oldest Black LGBTQ+ Pride with over 9,000 in attendance in person in 2019. Hosted by LGBT Detroit, this weekend-long series of events partners with community leaders and supporters by offering various safe spaces for educating and showcasing the culture.

Hot Sam’s Presents Detroit’s Black Wall Street at Hot Sam’s Detroit – July 23

This is one day of culture and commemoration in the heart of Downtown Detroit for what Black Wall Street was in Tulsa Oklahoma and for what the renaissance is for black businesses in Detroit and all throughout the nation. This is our contribution to the continuation of black history.

You can also check out 4th of July activities, the Greektown Heritage Festival, 39th Annual African World Festival, the Water Circus at Fairlane Mall, and more! For a list of events happening this weekend, click here.

Celebrate a Tigers win at Comerica Park, catch a concert at The Fox, and enjoy endless entertainment options on your visit to Detroit.

July is a great time to catch a concert, with tons of live music in Detroit and the metro area! Catch names like Jack Johnson, ZZ Top, Machine Gun Kelly, The Doobie Brothers, Barenaked Ladies, Carlos Santana, Boyz II Men, Def Leppard, Dionne Warwick, Norah Jones, Elton John, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Anita Baker, just to name a few!

For more summer fun head to metro Detroit area shopping malls and downtowns for fun finds, free live music, and more! You can find nearly a dozen malls with a variety of stores in the area, each featuring its own exciting calendar of events.

Get your play on at the Monroe Street Midway, where you can enjoy art installations from Sheefy McFly, Tony Whlgn, Olivia Guterson, India Solomon, and David Rubello. Rent skates for the roller rink, play basketball, try your hand at the putt-putt course, and soak up the sunshine in downtown Detroit! Plus, new this year, the Monroe Street Midway has officially launched its first-ever Pop-Up Shop! The shop features local artwork and goods facilitated by Playground Detroit gallery artists, as well as an array of rotating vendors throughout the summer.

Catch some rays and get outside at the Huron Clinton Metroparks. There are 13 parks throughout metro Detroit with 25,000 acres of woods, water, and recreational facilities. Each park offers a variety of hiking trails, biking trails, playgrounds, and more, but some of the parks feature more unique activities like beaches, golfing, waterparks, boating, and a farm. You can also cool off on the water by renting a kayak, paddle board, or jetski!

With all of the non-stop fun, you’ll surely work up an appetite. Stop by one of our favorite patios in the city and make the most of the long summer days. If you need a reprieve from the heat, try a trip to the Detroit Institute of Arts, Henry Ford Museum, or the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.