(WWJ) What's going on this weekend? Let us be your guide!
Each week, WWJ's Don't Miss List discovers all the top events happening all around Metro Detroit to help you make the most of your weekend. Here are some of our top picks.
Friday-Sunday, July 18-20
Hours vary (see the schedule)
Hart Plaza, Detroit
The African World Festival returns to Hart Plaza for a three-day celebration of culture, history, and community! More than 20,000 people from all walks of life will gather on historic Hart Plaza in Downtown Detroit to celebrate the beauty, strength, and spirit of the African Diaspora. With performances, vendors, food, clothing, health products, visual arts, live demonstrations, community resources, and more.
Thursday-Saturday, July 17-19
10AM-9PM Thurs. & Fri., 10AM-8PM Sat.
Downtown Ann Arbor.
Renowned as the largest juried art fair nationwide, the Ann Arbor Art Fair captivates nearly half a million visitors over a vibrant three-day extravaganza every summer. The event features three unique, independently juried, nonprofit art fairs, all operating concurrently, showcases the talents of nearly 1,000 artists, spanning an impressive 30-city-block footprint throughout downtown Ann Arbor.
3. Detroit Festival of Books
Sunday, July 20
10AM-5Pm
Eastern Market, Detroit
Eastern Market Shed 5 opens Sunday for the 8th Annual Detroit Festival of Books (aka "Bookfest"). The largest book festival in Michigan, this event features vendors from all over the U.S., Canada, and other countries. It's a goodwill effort to help generate a deeper love and appreciation of books. FREE admission. Held rain or shine!
Friday-Sunday, July 18-20
Opens at 6PM Friday
Freedom Hill County Park, Sterling Heights
This FREE all-ages event is a wonderful celebration of the Italian heritage in Macomb County.There will be plenty of delicious food — from pasta, pizza, sausage, and calamari, to fruits, cannoli, ice cream, coffee and wine! There will also be live musical entertainment, a Friday Night Fireworks Spectacular, and a Family Fun Zone featuring bounce houses, a zip line, bocce courts, rock-climbing wall, face painting, and more!
5. Farmington Founders Festival
Thursday-Saturday, July 17-19
Hours vary (see the schedule)
Downtown Farmington
The Farmington Founders Fest returns to celebrate 61 years. There's a 5K, the Founders Parade, crafters market, beer tent, farmers market, and a Kid's Area — with bounce houses, stage shows, MichLug Lego Exhibit and foam party! As part of it all, check out the popular dog-friendly Farmington FIDO Fest at Riley Park.