Labor Day weekend celebrations in Michigan include a lineup of art fairs, live concerts and community celebrations that honor ethnic traditions. Michigan’s European roots lay the foundation for events that celebrate Polish culture, and also honor medieval traditions. While most of the carnivals in Michigan take place over the winter season, a few Labor Day events feature carnival rides and offer a street fair atmosphere with old-fashioned amusement rides.
The Arts, Beats and Eats festival features approximately 150 musical acts, plus 150 artist booths and 45 food booths from local restaurants. More than 225,000 visitors attended this Labor Day festival in 2009. The event celebrates local and regional artists and raise money for local charities. Past musical performers have included Brian McKnight, The B52’s, Rick Braun and Martina McBride. Arts, Beats and Eats 17 Water St. Pontiac, MI 48342 248-334-4600 artsbeatseats.com
The Detroit International Jazz Festival is a Labor Day weekend tradition held along the Detroit River. Since 1980, the festival has showcased world-class entertainment with a lineup of jazz, gospel, blues and R&B artists from around the world. Attendees can enjoy a weekend jam session, educational workshops and presentations in the Jazz Talk Tent, and watch a fireworks show over the river each night. The Detroit International Jazz Festival is free for all attendees. Detroit International Jazz Festival 660 Woodward Ave., Suite 13 Detroit, MI 48226 313-447-1248 detroitjazzfest.com
The Michigan Renaissance Festival starts in August and runs through October, and attracts approximately 250,000 people each year. Labor Day festivities include stage acts by dance ensembles and theater performers, with live music, an arts and crafts showcase, beer tastings and competition, and jousting matches. Attendees can explore a 17-acre village with reproductions of Renaissance-era buildings and see hundreds of juried art displays throughout the course of the event. Michigan Renaissance Festival 12600 Dixie Highway Holly, MI 48442-8416 248-634-5552 michrenfest.com
The Michigan Peach Festival starts on the Thursday before Labor Day and is held in the village of Romeo, approximately 20 miles northeast of Troy, Michigan. Festival highlights include a car show, floral parade, 5K run and the crowning of the Peach Queen. Attendees can enjoy carnival rides, visit food tents serving deep-fried peach pie and cake, sample beers from around the world, and enjoy live music and entertainment each day. Events take place on South Main Street and at various locales in downtown Romeo. The event is organized by the Romeo-Washington Chamber of Commerce and the Romeo Lions Club. Michigan Peach Festival Romeo, MI 48065 586-752-4436 peachfestromeo.com
The Hamtramck Labor Day Festival celebrates Polish traditions with ethnic-food samplings, a Polish Day Parade and carnival rides for the whole family. The four-day event starts on the Friday before Labor Day and includes live music, polka dancing, children’s activities and the annual Pierogi Eating Contest. Attendees can participate in a karaoke contest and purchase traditional Polish food from local restaurants that have a booth at the event. Hamtramck Labor Day Festival Downtown Hamtramck, MI hamtramckstar.com
SOURCE: USATODAY August 2015
