Best Things To Do Labor Day Weekend In Detroit

It's almost September 1, and what is there to do? Plenty! Labor Day in Detroit means there's a ton of events and activities going down. So pick an event and hold onto that last piece of summer before it slips away.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
Between Caniff St. and Carpenter St.
Hamtramck, MI 48212
(313) 333-7523
www.hamtownfest.com

Dates: Aug. 31 to Sept. 1, 2014

Head over to Ham-town, that enclave of melded cultures, for a chance have some good old fashioned fun. For over 30 years, The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has been hosting great times for families in the community. Bring the kids because they'll love the carnival rides, parade and traditional canoe race. See the work of local and regional artists while strolling through Artists Alley. Then check out the live bands, dance the day away and chow down on some tasty culinary delights. All of this and more is going down in the streets of Hamtarmck from August 31 to September 1, 2014!

Arts, Beats & Eats
516 S. Lafayette St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-7550
www.artsbeatseats.com

Dates: Aug. 29 to Sept. 1, 2014

Everyone's favorite end-of-summer Arts, Beats & Eats is ready to rumble with another year of celebrating life in the Midwest. This festival is like an enormous block party filled with your friends, neighbors and family all eating, drinking and merrymaking. Let's get down to the nitty gritty – this event features something for everyone: art, which includes work from some of the best artists in the states; beats, with live music performed by over 200 acts across 10 stages; and eats, with mouth-watering food from 50 different local and regional restaurants and chefs. Some new additions will be available to visitors this year including NBA Nation, a basketball-themed interactive experience for fans of the sport; Hair City, the ultimate in hair styling competitions; and Healthy Festival Fun, inspiring fitness classes guaranteed to pump you up. Kids of all ages will love the carnival rides, featuring bumper cars, those crazy gigantic bumpy slides and a massive Ferris wheel.

Related: Best Shops To Buy Affordable Art In Detroit 

Detroit Jazz Festival
1 Hart Plaza
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 447-1248
www.detroitjazzfest.com

Date: Aug. 29 to September 1, 2014

The Detroit Jazz Festival is a music fest that covers an extensive area in downtown Detroit. Taking place over multiple stages, the fest spans from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius Park. An extensive selection of artists will perform in front of crowds reaching an estimated two million. Over 100 musicians perform during the three-day cultural event. This event is free to the public.

Related: Best Piano Bars In Detroit

Michigan Renaissance Festival
12600 Dixie Highway
Holly, MI 48442
(248) 634-5552
www.michrenfest.com

Dates: Weekends from Aug. 16 to Sept. 28, Labor Day Sept. 1, 2014

Come one, come all to the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Visitors will enjoy an experience like no other. Step back into medieval times as you witness an armored jousting match featuring knights and horses. And the fun doesn't stop there! Laugh at a comedy act or take a human-powered ride of a lifetime. Kids won't want to miss the playscape shaped like a castle or the bevy of fun activities created just for them. After you build up an appetite, don't miss the chance to unleash your inner barbarian — chomp on a giant turkey leg or steak on a stick, there's even shepherd's pie. Participate in the festivities at a deeper level by renting a costume representative of the Renaissance time period. There are also countless artists who will be showcasing their wares during the festival.

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.