News Summary
Detroit is gearing up for a vibrant Memorial Day weekend, showcasing a variety of festivals and activities across the metro area. Highlights include a BBQ cuisine festival in Novi, an annual art fair in Milford, and the renowned Movement techno festival. Concerts featuring The Weeknd and Crunkfest, as well as community celebrations, promise entertainment for all ages. City officials expect a significant turnout, ensuring a weekend filled with fun and excitement for both residents and visitors.
Detroit is preparing for an exciting Memorial Day weekend filled with a variety of festivals and events across the metro area. Residents and visitors can look forward to numerous attractions including BBQ festivals, art fairs, live concerts, and community celebrations, promising fun for all ages.
BBQ Cuisine Festival at the Novi Civic Center
The highlight of the weekend is the BBQ cuisine festival, featuring over 20 skilled pitmasters, bourbon tastings, food vendors, games, and live music spanning genres such as blues, classic rock, and soul. The festival opens on Friday at 5 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, it continues from noon until 10 p.m., and concludes on Monday from noon to 8 p.m. Tickets are priced at $7 in advance, $10 at the door, or $20 for a four-pack available online. For more details, visit novibbqfestival.com.
Annual Riverside Art Fair in Milford
In Milford Charter Township, the annual riverside art fair will showcase more than 100 artists and celebrate various art forms. Eventgoers can expect to see a 10-ton sand sculpture and enjoy kids’ activities, food trucks, and live music. The fair will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free with a Metropark pass. The fair takes place at 4570 Huron River Parkway. More information can be found at kensingtonartfair.com.
Movement Techno Festival Celebrates 25 Years
Detroit’s Movement techno festival commemorates its 25th anniversary, featuring headline performances by notable DJs such as Jeff Mills, Charlotte de Witte, and John Summit. The festival will run from Saturday through Monday, with single-day tickets priced at approximately $205.66. The festival is located at Jefferson at Woodward in Detroit. Visit movementfestival.com for more details.
The Weeknd Concert and Crunkfest Takeover
Additionally, The Weeknd will perform at Ford Field as part of his After Hours Til Dawn Tour, supported by opening act Playboi Carti. Shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with ticket prices starting at $47.70. For those interested in hip-hop, the Crunkfest Takeover at the Fox Theatre features popular artists including Lil Jon and E-40, with a showtime of 8 p.m. on Saturday, and tickets priced at $98.80.
Motown Museum’s 40th Anniversary Celebration
The Motown Museum celebrates its 40th anniversary, paying tribute to founder Esther Gordy Edwards. The event will feature performances and community vendors on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is located at 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. More information can be found at motownmuseum.org.
Detroit Diaspora Day Fest
The Detroit Diaspora Day fest will take place on Sunday, offering 12 hours of DJ performances and an art exhibit. Event hours are from noon to midnight, with ticket prices starting at $17.85, and the festival will be located at 6531 Woodward, Detroit.
Summer Concert and Memorial Services
A summer concert featuring classic hits including “Surfin'” and “California Girls” is scheduled for Sunday at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $43.65 at 3554 Walton Blvd., Rochester Hills. Additionally, the 94th annual WWI Polar Bear Memorial Service will honor Michigan’s Polar Bears, taking place on Monday at 11 a.m. at 621 W. Long Lake Road, Troy.
Parades and Attendance Expectations
Various Memorial Day parades will occur across metro Detroit, including Dearborn’s 99th-year parade at 9:30 a.m. on Monday and the St. Clair Shores parade at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Hazel Park is hosting a festival and carnival throughout the weekend, also with a parade on Monday.
City officials anticipate close to 300,000 visitors in downtown Detroit over the weekend, with an estimated economic impact of $100 million. To ease transportation for attendees, extended hours for the People Mover and Q Line will be available, along with Park and Ride programs for more accessible event attendance.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Michigan Suspends Road Construction for Memorial Day Weekend
Learning Care Group Supports Military Families with Discounts
Michigan Memorial Day Weekend Celebrations Ahead
Indian Americans Rally in Novi Against Kashmir Terrorism
Detroit Community Mourns the Loss of Ronald Barthlow
Three Sonesta Hotels Sold in Novi, Michigan
Remembering Doug Patton: A Legacy of Love and Engineering
Duolingo’s Duo: A Heartfelt Goodbye and a Joyful Return
Fort Deposit Bids Farewell to Pastor Arnold Dennis Carlson
Michigan Golf Show Returns to Novi with Record Attendance
Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Memorial Day
- Detroit Free Press
- Google Search: Memorial Day Detroit events
- Click On Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memorial Day
- Hour Detroit
- Google News: Detroit Memorial Day weekend festivals
- Little Guide Detroit