Last summer was a crazy time for me. I moved to Michigan on June 1st and started my job at United Shore the following day. I was temporarily staying with a friend in Royal Oak, but had no idea where to find permanent housing in the city. Once work began, I was busy studying mortgage terms and equations each night during my month-long training.

Needless to say, my summer in Metro Detroit was PACKED and I didn’t take advantage of the summertime fun in Detroit. This year, things will be different!

Below is a list of the events in the city that I hope to take full advantage of (and you should too!).

  1. Detroit Grand Prix (May 29-31): This upcoming Sunday, I will enjoy my first Detroit Grand Prix event, thanks to fellow Kristina Wilson and the Penske Corporation. Who knew that IndyCars ventured out of the Hoosier State?

Detroit GP

 

  1. Craft Cocktails and Hand Crafted Cuisine at Eastern Market (June 19th): This $30 event in Shed 3 offers a generous assortment of food and unique cocktails. What’s more, it raises money to help families learn about healthy eating and the relationship between food and disease prevention!

CRAFT-Logo

 

  1. Michigan Challenge Baloonfest (June 26-28): Even though this event is in Howell (not in beloved Detroit), I couldn’t resist adding it to the list. There’s the hot air balloon competition, arts festival and open-air marketplace all in one location!

balloon-field

 

  1. The Ragtime Street Fair at Greenfield Village (July 11-12): Having been to the Henry Ford several times, but never Greenfield Village, what better time to go? The Ragtime Street Fair will feature ragtime music, dancing, and good ole’ fashioned fun!

Ragtime

 

  1. Shakespeare in the Park (July 16-19): Shakespeare’s classic Macbeth will be performed for FREE by a professional theater company at the New Center park.

macbeth

 

  1. Mo Pop Fest (July 25 & 26): This 2-day music festival, featuring Modest Mouse, Passion Pit, Iron and Wine and many others brings a taste of Electric Forest and Bonnaroo to the West Riverfront Park in Detroit.

mopop

 

  1. Detroit Jazz Festival (September 4-7): Detroit has such a rich jazz history and offers the largest free jazz festival in Campus Martius and Hart Plaza. I can’t wait!

jazz festival

 

Given that winter is ~8 months of the year in Detroit, let’s take summer to a whole new level!