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Road Trip: Labor Day Weekend Around Southeast Michigan

Get the biggest bang for your Labor Day buck by heading to Southeast Michigan and attending one of the many festivals or fairs. All are within an affordable driving distance from one another and each offers a very unique experience.

world's largest stove by detroit am
world’s largest stove by detroit am

August 22 – September 1
Michigan State Fair Detroit
The Nation’s Oldest State Fair was officially first held in 1849, only twelve years after Michigan attained statehood. At the onset it was customary, in fact, for the fair to be held one year in one city, the next year in another, and there was always a hot contest to be the city selected. The Michigan State Fair settled down at the present fairgrounds in 1905.

Popular attractions include the FREE Concerts under the stars in the Band Shell, daily parades, competitions, horse shows, agricultural displays, arts & crafts, racing pigs, rabbits & poultry, dairy exhibits, carnival midway rides & games and the world’s largest stove.

Ring around the Milk Jug by kudzuplanet
Ring around the Milk Jug by kudzuplanet

August 28 – September 1
Michigan Peach Festival Romeo
The five-day festival includes an art exhibit, crafts shows, children’s day in the park, numerous family activities, nightly entertainment, amusement rides, delicious food, Harley-Davidson raffle, multiple parades, 5k run, antique car show, bike night, semi-pro wrestling, baby photo contest, Texas Hold’Em tournament, beers around the world tent, annual used book sale, peach pie stations, fly-in breakfast and end of summer sales at many local merchants.

Throughout the entire weekend visitors can enjoy many varieties of food such as BBQ specialties, pulled pork dinners and sandwiches, spaghetti dinners, ice cream stands, steak dinners, farmers breakfast and of course peach pie, peach cobbler, peach ice-cream, peach tea and many more peachy treats. The variety of food that will be available from the local restaurants, food vendors and charitable organizations is sure to delight the senses.

Mr. Brubeck by Maia C
Mr. Brubeck by Maia C

August 29 – September 1
Detroit International Jazz Fest Detroit
For more than a quarter century, the Detroit Jazz Fest has entertained millions of fans with jazz legends ranging from Herbie Hancock to Yusef Lateef and Ron Carter. Today, it ROARS on six stages over four days, with blues, gospel, R&B, and one of the finest jazz lineups on the planet. The festival also offers educational events, daily second-line parades, fire works, and rare opportunities to meet the artists. And it’s all FREE!

~~ Little Mermaid ~~ by suesue2
~~ Little Mermaid ~~ by suesue2

August 29 – September 1
Arts, Beats & Eats Pontiac
Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats plays host to a hot line-up of national and local musical acts on Labor Day weekend, August 29 through September 1, 2008. In its eleventh year, Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats promises the ‘beats’ will reflect the true heart of the metro Detroit area with sounds from nearly every musical genre. With more than 150 local bands and entertainers performing for crowds free of charge on six stages, and well-known acts taking to the Million Dollar Madness Stage, the 2008 musical line-up caters to festival attendees of all ages and musical tastes.

The Million Dollar Madness features high-profile, up-and-coming national acts as well as established international stars. Located again this year on Pontiac ¹s Phoenix Plaza, the official list of confirmed national acts includes headliners Blues Traveler, Rusted Root and Hard Lessons on Friday; Hunter Brucks, Marcel, Stephen Cochran, Billy Currington, Tim Bowman, and Boney James on Saturday; Leighton with special guest Steve Kostan, Beatlemania Live, Loverboy, Back in the Day Band and Chaka Khan on Sunday; and Critical Bill, Rev Theory and Puddle of Mudd on Monday.

Kowality neon! by loungelistener
Kowality neon! by loungelistener

August 29 – September 1
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival 2008 Hamtramck
Throughout the years, visiting historic Hamtramck, Michigan has become a tradition for many during Labor Day weekend. The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival has welcomed more than 500,000 guests yearly as it continually provides the attractions many have come to anticipate during the holiday weekend, including live music, samplings of ethnic food, cultural dancers, carnival rides, and children’s activities. While keeping the traditions alive, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival anticipates incorporating new features this year.

Held in the heart of the Hamtramck business district – on Jos Campau between Caniff and Carpenter– this year’s festival will be open:

  • Friday, August 29: 6-10 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 30: noon-10 p.m.
  • Sunday, August 31: noon-10 p.m.
  • Monday, September 1: noon-10 p.m.

Proud Handler by Dean S
Proud Handler by Dean S

August 16 – September 28
Michigan Renaissance Festival Holly
Festival is held on weekends and Labor Day, rain or shine. “visitors may also partake in games of skill or enjoy non-stop entertainment where belly dancers, sword swallowers, musicians, comedians and sword fighters provide merriment for all ages. The Festival is best known for it’s awe-inspiring full-contact armored jousting tournaments where gallant knights defend their honor until the last man is standing!”

Labor Day weekend enjoy the Buccaneer Beer Fest and BBQ Competition!


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