FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS IN METRO DETROIT THIS MONTH
We know…kids are expensive, so we’ve put together the top FREE events to enjoy as a family this month!
Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Punch Bowl Social, Detroit
Kids 15 and younger (and accompanied by an adult) get one hour of free bowling and complimentary bowling shoes.
READING AND RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT
Thursday, August 2 + Friday, August 3 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront (R3) is the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s unique, interactive early literacy program that provides children from southeast Michigan an opportunity to see live children’s entertainment, hear a story read by a local community leader and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the lovely Cullen Family Carousel.
MOVIE IN THE PARK – PETER RABBIT
Friday, August 3 / 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
@ Sibley Square Park, Wixom
Bring your chairs or blankets for a fun filled night. Infatables and crafts start at 6:30pm and movie starts at dusk.
MOVIE IN THE PARK – GOOSEBUMPS
Friday, August 3 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ New Center Park, Detroit
Grab a park chair or spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy this mix of old and new films in the open-air. Doors at 8:00pm. Movies at 9:00pm or later.
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, August 3 – Sunday, August 5 / 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
@ Ford Field, Dearborn
Dearborn’s 39th Annual Homecoming Celebration will take place August 3-5 at Ford Field in west Dearborn. The three-day festival, sponsored by Beaumont Health and organized by the City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Community Fund, is the premier fundraising event for Dearborn’s non-profit organizations.
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, August 3 / 7:00 pm – Saturday, August 4 / 10:00 pm
@ 17336 Lahser Rd, Detroit
Over the course of 2 days, Sidewalk Festival invites artists to explore concepts related to the sources in our world that determine our reality, our identity, our future: how the two interact, flow and engage in an interplay of positives and negatives. As usual, we don’t use any traditional stages – all work will take place in alleys, storefronts, sidewalks, parking lots, the roofless warehouses of Artist Village and the street itself.
Saturday, August 4 / 9:00 am – 10:00 am
@ Palmer Park, Detroit
Andrea Barterian from The Zen Zone is hosting a yoga class for kids ages 5-12 years old. These classes will be held across the lawn from (but within view of) our regular yoga classes, at the same time. Each child should bring a yoga mat or towel and waivers will need to be signed by an adult on their behalf.
MOVIE IN THE MOONLIGHT – DESPICABLE ME 3
Saturday, August 4 / 8:30 pm – 10:30 pm
@ Downtown Rochester
Movies in the Moonlight takes place in the parking lot at E. Third & Water St, one block east of Main. Featured movies begin at dusk (approximately 9:15 pm) and pre-shows start at 8:30 pm.
Sunday, August 5 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Columbia Center, Troy
See over 200 classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, and specialty vehicles. Bring the family to enjoy children’s crafts, music, and plenty of great food that will be available for purchase.
Sunday, August 5 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Sundays equal Family Fun Days at Beacon Park! This wildly popular program offers four hours of free, themed activities for all ages. From putt putt golf and face painting, to inflatables and crafts, the options are endless.
Tuesday, August 7 / 10:30 am – 11:30 am
@ Downtown Northville
Join Eugene Clark for a morning of free live children’s music in downtown Northville!
Tuesday, August 7 / 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
@ Heritage Park, Canton
A FREE community-building special event features Canton Public Safety Interactive Vehicle Display -Community Booths featuring some hands-on fun! Children’s Activities, Delicious Eats, Giveaways & Prizes and much more!
Tuesday, August 7 / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Rotary Park, Livonia
Peter Madcat Ruth is a Grammy Award-winning virtuoso harmonica player based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. But Madcat doesn’t just play blues harp: he also sings and plays ukulele, guitar, high-hat, jaw-harp, penny-whistle, kalimba, banjo and other folk instruments from around the world.
Wednesday, August 8 / 10:30 am – 11:30 am
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
Join us in Festival Park for music and dancing with Music with Ms. Carissa! Today you can be what you want to be! A super hero. A princess. A chef. Get out last year’s Halloween costumer. It is all what you feel like being today. Last time, parents had the most fun – so dress up with your kids!
READING AND RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT
Thursday, August 9 + Friday, August 10 / 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Reading & Rhythm on the Riverfront (R3) is the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy’s unique, interactive early literacy program that provides children from southeast Michigan an opportunity to see live children’s entertainment, hear a story read by a local community leader and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the lovely Cullen Family Carousel.
Thursday, August 9 / 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
@ Dodge Park, Sterling Heights
The Nature Center is taking the animals to the Sterling Heights Farmers Market! Stroll through the market in Dodge Park and visit the “Kids Korner” where there will be fun activities and a craft for the kids. These crafts and activities are free!
FAMILY FUN WITH BICHINI CIA CONGO
Wednesday, August 8 / 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Water Sundquist Pavillion, Farmington Hills
The members of Bichini Bia Congo are trained in the technical and aesthetic elements of Congolese dancing, singing, and instrumentation and drumming; resulting in high-energy performances that provide a complete musical entertainment experience. Bring a blanket, come early and have a picnic.
Thursday, August 9 / 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Movies begin at 8:00 pm, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets and head down to Gabriel Richard Park for riverfront relaxin’.
Friday, August 10 / 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
@ West Village Commons Plaza
On select Friday’s during the summer, Downtown Dearborn from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be a kids’ zone, filled with family-friendly activities, including: family friendly music, an inflatable obstacle course and bounce house, balloon sculptures, face painting or airbrush tattoos, comedy, magicians, jugglers, clowns and more.
Friday, August 10 – Saturday, August 11 / 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Downtown Saline
On one fine summer weekend, on the streets of Downtown Saline, a wonderful assortment of activities, attractions, and amusements will bring together people of all ages and interests. It’s a super hometown celebration.
MOVIES IN THE PARK – A WRINKLE IN TIME
Friday, August 10 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ New Center Park, Detroit
Grab a park chair or spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy this mix of old and new films in the open-air. Doors at 8:00pm. Movies at 9:00pm or later.
Friday, August 10 / 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Adams Park, Tecumseh
Adams Park is the place to be on 2nd Friday June through September for FREE movies. Bring a blanket and come join the fun! Popcorn, candy and pop will be available for purchase.
Saturday, August 11 / 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
@ Berkley Public Library
Celebrate the end of a wonderful summer of reading with the Bowers Farm petting zoo!
SWEETEST HEART OF MARY PIEROGI FESTIVAL
Saturday, August 11 / 12:00 pm – Sunday, August 12 / 8:00 pm
@ Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, Detroit
One of the region’s most popular — and delicious — church festivals will be here soon. The Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival will be held on Saturday, August 11 and Sunday, August 12. Thousands of people come to Mother of Divine Mercy Parish in Detroit – specifically Sweetest Heart of Mary Church – to enjoy Polish cuisine & culture, music, dance, games, vendors, beverages, and especially Holy Mass (Saturday at 4 p.m. and Sunday at 10 a.m., which also is the Detroit Mass Mob XLII) in one of the most breathtakingly stunning churches in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Includes kids playland.
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE D – BLACK PANTHER
Saturday, August 11 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Campus Martius, Detroit
Enjoy award-winning films on the big screen at Campus Martius Park during our outdoor movie series. Come prepared with a chair or blanket and join us on the lawn for a relaxing summer evening set in the heart of the city. Don’t forget to pack some snacks and nonalcoholic beverages to enjoy during the movie.
Sunday, August 12 / 9:00 am – 2:00 pm
@ Birmingham Farmers Market
Come celebrate one of Michigan’s sweetest harvests with games, special kids crafts, corn eating contest, demonstrations, and old-fashioned corn shelling. Enjoy fresh prepared corn recipes including roasted corn, kettle popcorn, corn bread and other homemade recipes. And of course there will be plenty of fresh roasted Michigan sweet corn for sale!
Sunday, August 12 / 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ Yankee Air Museum, Belleville
Join the Yankee Air Museum as we host our 4th annual Willow Run Victory Car Show!! Registration for cars begins at 9am ($20/ on site only). All Proceeds benefit Yankee Air Museum.
Sunday, August 12 / 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
@ Kellogg Park, Plymouth
Robots in the Park is a free event for all ages to showcase Lightning Robotics and STEM to the community. Activities for all ages along with robot demonstrations.
Sunday, August 12 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Charles H Wright Museum, Detroit
Bring your family and friends to experience the wonder of The Wright Museum with free admission every second Sunday of the month courtesy of the DTE Energy Foundation! Enjoy the many exhibitions on display as well as engaging programming for the entire family.
Sunday, August 12 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Sundays equal Family Fun Days at Beacon Park! This wildly popular program offers four hours of free, themed activities for all ages. From putt putt golf and face painting, to inflatables and crafts, the options are endless.
Sunday, August 12 / 6:30 Pm – 8:00 pm
@ Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor
There’s nothing quite as relaxing as sitting around a campfire, roasting marshmallows and swapping stories. One Sunday a month, we’ll be stoking the fires here at LSNC. Bring your family, friends, camp chairs, outdoor games, and s’mores fixings. We’ll provide a blazing outdoor campfire and plenty of marshmallows. This event is rain or shine (except for thunder and lightening), so come dressed for the weather.
Tuesday, August 14 / 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Heritage Park, Farmington
Race to collect the marshmallows and turn them in for a bag of goodies! Cook hot dogs and s’mores over the fire or purchase already cooked hot dogs. Enjoy games, bouncers and more! Hot dogs and s’mores can be purchased at the event.
Tuesday, August 14 / 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Rotary Park, Livonia
Come and listen as Miss Paula and the Candy Bandits play popular children’s songs set to a rock n’ roll beat. Nursery rhymes will never be the same again!
MUSIC AND ME “TRAVELING AROUND THE WORLD”
Wednesday, August 15 / 10:30 am – 11:300 am
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
Join us in Festival Park for music and dancing with Ms Jenna! Today Ms Jenna will take us on a trip…we will fly, travel by train and maybe even climb a mountain.
Wednesday, August 15 / 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
@ Kellogg Park, Plymouth
Bring the kiddos to enjoy weekly concerts in Plymouth’s Kellogg Park during the summer months.
Wednesday, August 15 / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Join Pewabic Pottery’s new mobile museum and educational clay experience for hands-on clay activities on the Detroit RiverWalk. Held monthly, Pewabic will introduce visitors into the art of making pottery.
RIVERFRONT RELAXIN’ – THOR RAGNAROK
Thursday, August 16 / 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Detroit Riverfront
Movies begin at 8:00 pm, so bring your lawn chairs and blankets and head down to Gabriel Richard Park for riverfront relaxin’.
Friday, August 17 / 7:00 pm – 10:30 pm
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
There will be lots of fun activities for the kids (learn more in the conversation below), FREE popcorn, giveaways and even chances to win! We will have local musical talent entertaining and bringing their love of music to the event. And Pixar film, Coco will play on the big screen.
Friday, August 17 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ New Center Park, Detroit
Grab a park chair or spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy this mix of old and new films in the open-air. Doors at 8:00pm. Movies at 9:00pm or later.
36TH ANNUAL AFRICAN WORLD FESTIVAL
ALL WEEKEND
Friday, August 17 / 11:00 am – Sunday, August 19 /11:00 pm
@ Charles H Wright Museum, Detroit
The 36th annual African World Festival brings over 150,000 attendees to the grounds of The Wright Museum. This FREE 3-day festival is for the entire family, featuring performances, poetry, arts and crafts, African drumming and dance, hundreds of vendors, ethnic foods, and events for all ages!
Saturday, August 18 / 9:00 am – 10:00 am
@ Palmer Park, Detroit
Andrea Barterian from The Zen Zone is hosting a yoga class for kids ages 5-12 years old. These classes will be held across the lawn from (but within view of) our regular yoga classes, at the same time. Each child should bring a yoga mat or towel and waivers will need to be signed by an adult on their behalf.
Saturday, August 18 / 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
@ Woodward Avenue
The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day celebration of car culture, attracting more than 1 million visitors and over 50,000 muscle cars, street rods, custom, collector and special interest vehicles to Metro Detroit.
Saturday, August 18 / 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
@ Birmingham
It’s the time of year when 40,000+ classic cars and more than one million people line Woodward Avenue to attend the world’s largest one-day automotive event, the Woodward Dream Cruise. The Birmingham Cruise Event is located on South Old Woodward from Merrill to Lincoln. It features 300 classic cars of all makes and models, live entertainment, live broadcasts and more.
Saturday, August 18 / 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
@ Michigan Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti
Join the Ypsilanti community for this free outdoor exhibition of fire apparatus showcasing rigs dating from the early 1920s right up to today. Several trucks will be in operation drafting water from the Huron River.
Sunday, August 19 / 9:30 am – 5:00 pm
@ The Henry Ford, Dearborn
On Sunday, August 19, we invite you to celebrate National Aviation Day with us by enjoying the museum, parking and all activities free of charge thanks to the generosity of Delta Air Lines. Soar into the first 40 years of flight on this celebratory occasion. One of the most miraculous periods of discovery will thrill you with iconic and history-making aircraft from Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation’s collection.
Sunday, August 19 / 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
@ Greenmead Historic Village, Livonia
Pack a picnic lunch, enjoy an afternoon at the park and come see the cars of the American Motor Corporation.
Sunday, August 19 / 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Sundays equal Family Fun Days at Beacon Park! This wildly popular program offers four hours of free, themed activities for all ages. From putt putt golf and face painting, to inflatables and crafts, the options are endless.
Monday, August 20 / 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Heritage Park, Farmington
This all ages event is fun for the entire family! Heat up by bouncing in the bounce house, then cool down in the Splash Pad. The movie Coco will be played outside at 8:15 so bring your blankets to settle in for the show.
MOVIE ON THE SHORE – SHERLOCK GNOMES
Tuesday, August 21 / 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
@ Novi Civic Center
Join us for the final outdoor concert and movie of the season. The evening will be filled with lots of family fun activities including face painting, bounce house, giveaways and so much more. The band, Revivors, will start at 6:30 PM and Sherlock Gnomes will start playing at 8:20 PM. Make sure you get there early to get the best seat in the house.
Wednesday, August 22 / 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Walter Sundquist Pavillion, Farmington Hills
Free Family Fun Entertainment: Bring a blanket, come early and have a picnic. Join us for an evening of fun with magician and entertainer, Cameron Zvara! Cameron’s show is filled with magic, comedy, juggling, stunts, music and TONS of audience participation.
Wednesday, August 22 / 10:30 am – 11:30 am
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
Join us in Festival Park for music and dancing. We are having a Disney Style Jam with Ms Jenna! This is one of her favorites and again, feel free to sport your favorite Disney shirt or even costume if you so desire!
Wednesday, August 22 / 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
@ Kellogg Park, Plymouth
Bring the kiddos to enjoy weekly concerts in Plymouth’s Kellogg Park during the summer months. This family concert series will run June 20-August 29, rain or shine! Rain location is adjacent to Kellogg Park in The Gathering.
DETROIT’S HIP HOP BABY SOULJAM
Thursday, August 23 / 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
@ Detroit Parent Collective
Detroit Parent Collective is set to host Detroit’s first Hip Hop Baby Soul Jam- and, it’s going to be EPIC. This Party is FREE to the Community- with Children Under the Age of Six.
Friday, August 24 / 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
@ Lillie Park, Ann Arbor
Bring your blankets and chairs for a screening of Pixar’s Coco! Enjoy food trucks and pre-movie craft and game stations for the kids.
BIRMINGHAM MOVIE NIGHT – THE INCREDIBLES
Friday, August 24 / 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm
@ Booth Park, Birmingham
Join us for another season of family-friendly films under the stars! Pre-Show Entertainment at 7:30 p.m.; Movie at Dusk
Friday, August 24 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ New Center Park, Detroit
Grab a park chair or spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy this mix of old and new films in the open-air. Doors at 8:00pm. Movies at 9:00pm or later.
Friday, August 24 / 12:00 pm – Sunday, August 26 / 8:00 pm
@ Ypsilanti, MI
Ypsilanti’s premiere festival features live music, crafts and food. Children entertainment includes a “Light Parade”, movie night, touch-a-truck, a rubber ducky race and more. New addition this year – hot air balloons!
Sunday, August 26/ 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm
@ Arab American National Museum, Dearborn
Celebrate Eid Al-Adha with the Arab American National Museum! FREE and open to the public, there will be fun activities for the whole family: cookie decorating, special Eid crafts, henna, and much more! Please join AANM for this joyous and special holiday.
Sunday, August 26/ 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
@ Beacon Park, Detroit
Sundays equal Family Fun Days at Beacon Park! This wildly popular program offers four hours of free, themed activities for all ages. From putt putt golf and face painting, to inflatables and crafts, the options are endless.
Tuesday, August 28 / 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
@ Berkley Community Center
Join the Berkley Community Center for an Ice Cream Social and Fall Programming Open House. Enjoy a bowl of ice cream and a few toppings and see what they have to offer this Fall!
Wednesday, August 29 / 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
@ Kellogg Park, Plymouth
Bring the kiddos to enjoy weekly concerts in Plymouth’s Kellogg Park during the summer months. Rain location is adjacent to Kellogg Park in The Gathering.
Wednesday, August 29/ 10:30 am – 11:30 am
@ The Village of Rochester Hills
Join us in Festival Park for music and dancing. Today is our last party of the summer. So we want to do it up with a Luau. Feel free to wear bathing suits, grass skirts, colorful shirts and don’t be surprised if there is even some water play! Ms Jenna loves to party with her music family!
Thursday, August 30 / 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
@ Marshbank Park, West Bloomfield
Pack a blanket and gather the children to join us on the concert hill at Marshbank Park for this year’s offerings of free children’s entertainment. We will have bouncers available one hour prior to the entertainment. Make sure to bring socks. The event also features a free “Make & Take Instrument Station” for the first 250 kids. Our Naturalist will also have a fun-facts display for kids to visit.
Friday, August 31 @ 8:00 Pm – 11:00 PM
@ New Center Park, Detroit
Grab a park chair or spread your blanket on the lawn and enjoy this mix of old and new films in the open-air. Doors at 8:00pm. Movies at 9:00pm or later.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENTS THIS MONTH
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About Chrissy Hartig
Chrissy Hartig is a recent graduate of Wayne State University and contributing writer for Little Guide Detroit. Born in the Metro Detroit suburbs, she moved to Midtown to be closer to the excitement of the city. She loves spending her time outdoors and enjoying nature in places like Belle Isle and the Riverwalk.
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