DIY Street Fair Returns to Ferndale for 9th Year

FERNDALE, MI — Featuring 140 artisans, a wide variety of food trucks and more than 40 bands on multiple stages, the DIY Street Fair returns to downtown Ferndale for its ninth year, Friday through Sunday.

Ferndale has become a prime location for festivals and events, but none more creative, delicious, interactive, and entertaining than DIY StreetFair.

A diverse array of original, handcrafted quality art and culinary products; delicious Detroit-centric cuisine and live music, activities for all ages, and ice-cold craft brews and cocktails are available at this unique festival.

Sponsored by Metro Detroit Chevy Dealers, the DIY Street Fair is located on the east side of Woodward Avenue between East Nine Mile Road and East TroyStreet. Local artists and crafters will showcase their best work, selling them at reasonable prices. Children can enjoy the DIA Kid Zone with make-and-take crafts; The Michigan Science Center, where they will "explore their creative sides with hands-on activities from Spark!Lab, the Michigan Science Center's invention and innovation space" face painting, a bounce house, and more, organizers say.

Creative works include paintings, handmade furniture, ceramics, photography, clothing, jewelry, and sculpture. Attendees can expect an exciting arrangement of beloved DIY favorites like paintings by Jason Gibner's bright and colorful paintings inspired by pop culture, handmade crochet accessories by Mitten Made, and exciting new additions like ChirpinTurpin — one-of-a-kind aprons from vintage fabric. The "Postergeist" tent is also back, featuring an eclectic mix of poster art from 10 talented artists.

Tasty eats will be offered up by Treat Dreams, Mac Shack, Delectabowl, Detroit BBQ, Rollin' Stone Wood Fire Pizza, El Guapo Grill and others. Adults looking for a cold one will enjoy brews by Lagunitas, Boulevard, Shorts, Sam Adams and WAB; and craft cocktails featuring Reyka Vodka, Hendrick’s Gin, Sailor Jerry and Monkey Shoulder.

Live music will include over 40 local, regional and national bands on multiple stages.

"Every year, when we look through all of those interested in performing, we are overwhelmed with talent that teems from this area," festival co-founder Chris Johnston said in a news release. "The music scene here is DIY with an Old English D. Selecting bands is always a difficult process: a combination of finding those that people know and others they should or soon will."

This year's lineup will include The Detroit Cobras, Goober & The Peas, Stone Clover, Jill Jack, Ryan Dillaha and The Miracle Men, FAWNN, Billy Brandt, David Bierman Overdrive, and others

Additional activities will include wine tastings by Valkyrie Selections on Saturdayand Sunday, Theatre Bizarre entertainment and ticket sales, and a cornhole tourney courtesy of Chevrolet, which will have its own custom made cornhole boards set up for playing. Bring those backyard BBQ gaming skills, and win an assortment of Chevy gear, WAB gift certificates, and other prizes. During the fair, stop and check out the latest vehicles from Chevy on Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.

DIY Street Fair will once again partner up with a fantastic collection of non-profit organizations such as Ferndale Public Schools, Friends of Ferndale Public Library, Dog Aide, Bark Nation, Detroit Together Men's Chorus, and other to operate the beverage/concessions locations.

DIY organizers anticipate that partnered non-profit organizations will raise over $15,000 in tips and donations from the community and festival-goers.

The DIY Street Fair is free to attend and welcomes all ages (food, drink, and some activities are at a charge.) Hours: Friday, Sept 16, 6 p.m.-midnight: Saturday, Sept 17, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, Sept 18, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

The DIY Street Fair will be on the East Side of Woodward Avenue between East Nine Mile Road and East Troy Street (behind Woodward Avenue Brewers and The Emory.)

For a complete list of bands, artisans, food vendors, and more information, click here.

Here's a sneak peek.

Image and video via DIY Street Fair