Labor Day Weekend in Michigan: The Best Events Around the State
| 3 min read
Who says you need to leave the state to have the perfect Labor Day weekend? With fairs, parades and festivals going on all around Michigan, there are lots of fun, family-friendly options within driving distance. If you haven’t made your Labor Day plans yet, consider some of these events happening this weekend:
This free annual event invites the community to walk across the Mackinac Bridge. The first walkers can start the crossing at 7 a.m. and it goes until noon. The walk across the five-mile “Mighty Mac” begins in St. Ignace in the Upper Peninsula and ends in Mackinac City in the Lower Peninsula. Though there is no pre-registration required, walkers should be aware of a $5 bus fee to transport them from St. Ignace back to Mackinac City. More details about the walk route, transportation and parking can be found here.
The Michigan State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi is a celebration of the best of Michigan. This event is perfect for the whole family and includes contests, live entertainment, carnival rides, animal and agriculture features, and, of course, plenty of food. There are a range of ticket prices, but for $30 you get fair admission, unlimited carnival rides and circus performances. For just fair admission, it costs $8 for adults and $6 for children (ages 2-11).
The annual Detroit Jazz Festival, the world’s largest free jazz festival is sure to make lasting memories during your Labor Day weekend. People from around the world gather together in Downtown Detroit to experience world-class live music performances as well as great food from local vendors. There is no shortage of things to see over the weekend with a lineup of more than 60 acts. Admission is free (though there are special packages for more dedicated jazz fans).
The Labor Day Truck Parade and Ice Cream Social in Zeeland is a family-friendly Labor Day tradition that celebrates the local workforce. The parade starts at Herman Miller in Zeeland at 9:15 a.m. and travels through Downtown Zeeland, ending at the Holland Civic Center. The festive parade culminates with free giveaways, tours of the trucks and a free ice cream social. Check out the parade route here to plan where you want to stop and watch.
Each year, thousands of visitors will gather in Downtown Royal Oak to enjoy more than 200 performances across nine stages, art shows and food from some of the Detroit area’s finest restaurants. The festival runs from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. Friday-Sunday and 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. on Monday. Admission is free until 5 p.m. on Friday only (admission is $7 after 5 p.m. on Friday). On Saturday, Sunday and Monday admission is $3 until 3 p.m., $5 after 3 p.m., and $7 after 5 p.m.
Photo Credit: Pexels.com
