10 Things to Do in Metro Detroit in August

The OABI Beach Fest, a 7-mile paddle into international waters between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, is one of the top picks for August entertainment. (Photo via Facebook)

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Summer is slipping away, and before you know it, you’ll be putting away the kayak and stand-up paddleboard and strapping on the snowshoes.

But while there’s still some summer left, Thrillist has put together a list of 10 things you should do in the Detroit metro during August.

If you start today, you can work them all in.

Saturday, Aug. 1: The B. Nektar Summer Fest takes place from 2-8 p.m. in the B. Nektar Meadery Taproom, 1511 Jarvis, in Ferndale. And, wouldn’t you know it, the shindig coincides with the release of a “Star Wars”-inspired mead, Episode 13.

Thursday, Aug. 6: The Motor City Pizza Fest. Fan of Detroit-style square pizza, loosen your belts. This festival, which features a celebrity judges panel choosing the best 10 pizzas in the metro, takes place from 6-10 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road.

Friday, Aug. 7: The Meadow Brook Music Festival in Rochester Hills features several great acts, but if you’re looking for laughs, don’t miss Jim Gaffigan, who is expected to take Hot Pocket jokes to new levels.

Friday, Aug. 7 and continuing, Thrillist says “a bajillion nights in a row” through Aug. 22: Kid Rock comes home with his First Kiss: Cheap Date tour to the DTE Energy Music Theater 7774 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. It’s been a tough month for Kid, who probably won’t be performing in front of a Confederate battle flag. Harass him about his past use of the flag in his acts, though, and he might tell you to kiss his hiney, only not that nicely.

Saturday, Aug. 8: OABI Beach Fest – that’s Once Around Belle Island – is a 7-mile paddle around Belle Isle and into the international waters of Windsor, Ontario, and Detroit. This started as an underground race in 2012, but now it’s Detroit’s premier beach party and one of the top paddle destinations in the Midwest. It’s also a great excuse for live music and may be your last chance of the summer to be a beach bum. It takes place from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at the Belle Isle State Park beach, near East Jefferson and East Grand Boulevard.

Saturday, Aug. 8: Sarap Pop-Up Dinners are back. The Filipino-inspired restaurant will serve all of your favorites, including Filipino-style ceviche tacos, pork shoulder, pork belly, pork snout, and a shaved ice dessert with ube ice cream. You’ll find the pop-up at 2995 Yemans St., Hamtramck. Hours are always changing, according to the website.

Saturday, Aug. 15: The Woodward Dream Cruise takes place all along Woodward Avenue. Can you even say you’re from Detroit if you’ve never fired up your jalopy, cranked up 104.3 and cruised along admiring - or being jealous of – people with cooler cars than you?

Saturday, Aug. 15: Mad Decent Block Party, Russell Industrial Center,1600 Clay St. The lineup this year includes Cashmere Cat, Daktyl, Flosstradamus, and othere. If those names mean nothing to you, then you’re about to hear some – wait for it! – decent new tunes.

Thursday, Aug. 20: Summer Zoomance, 6-9 p.m., Detroit Zoo, 8450 10 Mile Road. Not only can you keep your eye on the tiger and other exotic animals, you can also drink cocktails and shake it to live music.

Saturday, Aug. 22 through Friday, Oct.2: Michigan Renaissance Festival, 10 am.-7 p.m., 2934 Russell St. This is fun for all ages, from your Gaffer (grandfather) to your lovely, lusty wench. Be sure to check out the website, beause themes change each weekend.