(WWJ) Looking for something fun to get up to this weekend? Let us be your guide!
Each week, WWJ discovers all the top events happening around Metro Detroit. Subscribe here to get the Don’t Miss List newsletter in your email inbox every Thursday afternoon, and be sure to check out this week's top picks below.
Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10
Detroit Port Authority
It'll be a spectacular sight when the tall ships return to Detroit! Sail Detroit 2025 is a three-day maritime festival along the Detroit River, featuring historic tall ships from the Great Lakes fleet. Visitors can tour the majestic vessels, enjoy live music, explore family-friendly exhibits, and even book a cruise aboard a schooner. The event is held at the Detroit Port Authority near Hart Plaza, with ticketed ship access, special VIP events, and free entertainment along the beautiful riverfront. It’s a rare chance to experience nautical history right in Downtown Detroit. (Buy tickets here).
Friday, Aug. 8
Riley Park, downtown Farmington
What says summertime more than music in the park? This Friday's show features Major Dudes, a Steely Dan tribute band, performing from 7 to 9 p.m. Come early to catch a set by opener Pam Corzine, creating a lively evening of jazz-rock grooves and summer vibes. Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket for a relaxed, family-friendly night of live music under the stars! (This is weekly event! Next up, on Aug. 15, it'll be The Paisley Fogg with opener Savile Row. Check the schedule).
3. Milford Memories Summer Festival
Friday-Sunday, Aug. 8-10
Downtown Milford
Head out to Milford for a vibrant mix of art, live music, craft beer, and corn hole — all part of this engaging community festival. For the kids, there will be crafts, an interactive Lego display, rock climbing wall, and more! (Get Art Show hours, entertainment and more detains here).
4. "Down on Main Street” Charity Classic Car Show
Saturday, Aug. 9
Downtown Clawson
The Clawson Lions Club will host its 27th "Down on Main Street" Charity Car Show, one week before the world-famous Woodward "Dream Cruise." Acres of chrome, blazing paint jobs and roaring exhausts will dazzle your eyes as organizers expect 400+ entries ranging from antiques to street rods, muscle cars, trucks, boats, choppers, antique campers and bicycles. The show will stretch for a half mile from 14 Mile south on Main Street to the City limits. Admission is FREE.
Friday, Aug. 8
Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Born on Aug. 8, 2024, Motema made history as the first gorilla ever born at the Zoo. Now, it’s time to mark her very first birthday in a big way. Visit the zoo from 9 am.-1 p.m. Friday for a celebration honoring this special little gorilla and the rest of her troop — including mom Bandia, dad Mshindi and “aunties” Tulivu and Nayembi. Enjoy educational activities, animal engagements and opportunities to support the great apes who call the Detroit Zoo home.
The best birthday present for Motema? Your old cell phones and small electronic devices! Bring them to donate and you’ll support the "Gorillas on the Line…Answer the Call" campaign -- helping to protect wild gorillas and their native habitats in Africa. As a bonus, for each device you donate at the Zoo on Aug. 8, you will be entered to win a family four pack of tickets to Zoo Boo. (Learn more)