Take advantage of your weekends and plan something fun for the whole family to enjoy! Explore somewhere different, take a class or enjoy a local festival. Here’s our top picks for what to do and where to go this weekend!

 

ALL WEEKEND

WICKED: THE MUSICAL – TICKET GIVEAWAY

Wednesday, August 8 – Sunday, September 2

@ Detroit Opera House

WICKED, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin- smart, fiery, misunderstood and possessing an extraordinary talent. See what happens when she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular!

 

KIDS DANCE CAMP – “A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM”

ALL WEEKEND

Friday, August 10 – Sunday, August 12

@ Detroit Institute of Arts

Detroit Dance City Festival’s interactive dance camp gives young children aged 3-13 in our Detroit community an opportunity to explore their creative instincts, expand their imaginations and develop life skills like teamwork and self-discipline.

 

SALINE SUMMERFEST

ALL WEEKEND

Friday, August 10 / 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.

 

SWEETEST HEART OF MARY PIEROGI FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 11 / 12:00 pm – Sunday, August 12 / 8:00 pm

@ Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, Detroit

Thousands of people come 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.

 

FRIDAY

FOUR FEET DOWN THE TRAIL

Friday, August 10 / 9:30 am – 11:00 am

@ Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, Rochester Hills

This popular program is designed to be a special time for preschoolers ages 2-4 and their parent, grandparent or caregiver to get out and explore the great outdoors.

 

KIDS DAY ON THE COMMONS

Friday, August 10 / 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

@ West VIllage Commons Plaza, Dearborn

Come enjoy Downtown Dearborn’s 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.

 

READING AND RHYTHM ON THE RIVERFRONT

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 where kids can enjoy live entertainment, hear a story read by a local community leader and receive a free book, as well as a ride on the Carousel.

 

NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

Friday, August 10 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

@ Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

Anyone who likes sitting by a campfire knows that s’mores are a critical part of any good outdoor Michigan evening. But did you know there are less traditional ways to have s’mores?

 

FAMILY FIELD DAY

Friday, August 10 / 7:00 pm – 11:50 pm

@ Heritage Park, Canton

Everyone can participate in the Canton Field Day events such as old favorites like potato sack races and shoe kicks. This is a great photo opportunity so please bring your camera. No pre-registration required.

 

MOVIE UNDER THE STARS

Friday, August 10 / 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm

@ Macomb Corners Park

This free community event is a great way for families to enjoy a summer night outside watching a newly released family favorite movie on the big screen. In addition to the movie, the kidzone play-area will be in full swing with inflatables, organized games, toys and other equipment.

 

MOVIE 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. In Disney’s “A Wrinkle In Time,” three mystical guides lead Meg on an epic journey, tessering through time and space to find her father, following his mysterious disappearance.

 

MOVIES IN THE PARK: JUMANJI

Friday, August 10 / 9:00 pm – 11:00 pm

@ Adams Park, Tecumseh

Bring a blanket and come join the fun! Popcorn, candy and pop will be available for purchase. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. Four high school kids discover an old video game console and are drawn into the game’s jungle setting, literally becoming the adult avatars they chose. What they discover is that you don’t just play Jumanji – you must survive it.

 

SATURDAY

HOBBY DAY

Saturday, August 11 / 9:00 am – 1:00 pm

@ Crosswinds Marsh Wetland Interpretive Preserve, New Boston

Have you ever wanted to try geocaching, birding, or horseback riding, but just didn’t know how to get started? Hobby Day is all about trying something new. Experts will be on hand to answer questions and help you get started in an exciting new hobby. Other activities include: hiking, juggling, photography, chess, astronomy, drawing/painting, fishing and more.

 

WORLD TOURNAMENT OF HISTORIC BASE BALL

Saturday, August 11 / 9:30 am – 5:00 pm

@ Greenfield Village, Dearborn

Experience the original passion of America’s national pastime! Catch the world’s greatest exhibition of historic base ball live in Greenfield Village.

 

CRITTERS UP CLOSE

Saturday, August 11 / 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

@ Ann Arbor Hands On Museum

Every month, our visitors get up close and personal with some of our favorite critters from the natural world, thanks to our friends at Leslie Science & Nature Center! Join us for hands-on activities and a meet and greet with these creepy crawly insects.

BOWERS FARM

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!

 

YOUNG EXPLORERS: INSECT INVESTIGATIONS

Saturday, August 11 / 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

@ Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit

Join us for our new program series geared towards kids ages 8–12 who want to explore and learn more about our local nature and wildlife.

 

FERNDALE GAME DAY

Saturday, August 11 / 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

@ Ferndale Public Library

2nd Saturday of each month 1:00 – 6:00 pm – Learn new games and play old favorites – Come alone or bring others – No experience required.

 

KIDS’ LAB: THE PHUN FACTOR

Saturday, August 11 / 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm

@ Michigan Science Center

Lemons and vinegar …. bananas and baking soda … what do these seemingly weird pairings have in common? Come explore the pH scale using two very different methods in our Centennial Lab. Do you have a nose for chemistry?

 

EXOTIC ZOO

Saturday, August 11 / 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

@ Auburn Hills Public Library

Exotic Zoo is a show for all ages! Kids learn about where the animals live, what they eat, which could be kept as pets and which ones can’t in this unique hands-on experience!

 

BACKYARD CAMPOUT

Saturday, August 11 / 3:00 pm – 11:30 pm

@ Leslie Science & Nature Center, Ann Arbor

Pitch your tent with our resident raptors and critters! Participate in nature-based programs, hikes, campfires, and much more at our seventh annual campout event. After you set up your tent, enjoy a bring-your-own picnic dinner (not included) at your leisure then enjoy and games and activities for the whole family. Don’t forget to make a s’more!

 

GREAT AMERICAN CAMP OUT

Saturday, August 11 / 4:00 pm – Sunday, August 12 / 4:00 pm

@ Hines Drive, Westland

Get ready to camp out and enjoy activities like nature hikes, scavenger hunt, storytelling, campfire and much more!

 

MOVIE IN THE PARK – BLACK PANTHER

Saturday, August 11 / 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm

@ Kensington Metropark, Milford

Grab your family and friends and join us for an evening of superheroes and a movie at Maple Beach. Costumes are encouraged and will sure to be a great photo opportunity when you meet Panther Hero, Bat Hero, Spider Hero, American Hero and Warrior Hero.

 

MOVIE NIGHT IN THE D – BLACK PANTHER

Saturday, August 11 / 8:00 pm – 11:00 pm
@ Campus Martius Park, Detroit

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.

 

THE SKY IS FALLING

Saturday, August 11 / 8:30 pm – 10:00 pm

@ Stony Creek Nature Center, Shelby Township

Chicken Little would be excited!  It’s time for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower.  Join us around the campfire for marshmallows, then relax as we watch for meteors streaking through the night sky.

 

SUNDAY

CORN FESTIVAL

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.

 

WILLOW RUN VICTORY CAR SHOW

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!!

 

ROBOTS IN THE PARK

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.

 

FREE SECOND SUNDAY

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.

 

FREE SUNDAY OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, August 12 / 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

@ Troy Historic Village

Try pioneer chores of late summer, make lemonade, “shop” in the 18th-century General Store, print a souvenir flyer in the Print Shop, and “chime in” at the Church or Town Hall. Play an old time parlor game. Build a scarecrow with volunteer help and supplies during our annual Scarecrow Workshop

 

FAMILY FUN DAY / BEACON PARK

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.

 

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

Sunday, August 12 / 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

@ Stage Nature Center, Troy

This year, visitors will enjoy ice cream sundaes with all the toppings, live music, entertainment, face painting, pond dipping and two inflatable bounce houses!

 

FIRESIDE FUN: CAMPFIRE CIRCLE

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. Bring your family, friends, camp chairs, outdoor games, and s’mores fixings. We’ll provide a blazing outdoor campfire and plenty of marshmallows.

 

For MORE EVENTS happening this weekend, please check out our full EVENT CALENDAR!

 

Summer is HERE! Check out these ideas for how to enjoy the long days and warm nights.

• FREE Family-Friendly Events in August
• 5 Unique Activities for Family Time
• Family Guide to Free Outdoor Movies in Metro Detroit
• Guide to Metro Detroit Farmers Markets, Splash Parks + Waterparks

 

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