Spring Event Roundup: 12 Must-See Metro Detroit Events

DETROIT, MI — The weather is breaking and with the turn of the season comes a jammed-packed schedule of events around metro Detroit. There’s festivals and fairs, concerts and conventions, all bringing people together to celebrate spring and a shared love of things like BBQ ribs and pop culture.

We’ve rounded up 12 of the not-to-miss events happening around the area over the next few months. There’s something for everyone in this list, spotlighting the best parts of each of metro Detroit’s distinct communities, for couples and families of all budgets.

Take a look at what’s in store:

APRIL

Royal Oak Market Spring Art Fair
What: Spring Art Fair season is kicked off with Royal Oak’s event featuring 75 artists from across four states.
When: Noon to 10 p.m. April 5-6
Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. Eleven Mile Road
Tickets: Admission is free, so is parking
Details: https://www.theguild.org/fairs/royal-oak-market-spring-art-fair-2/

MI Earth Day Fest
What: Dozens of green and wellness vendors, and family-friendly activities.
When: 4-8 p.m. April 20; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 21; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 22
Where: Rochester Municipal Park/City Center
Tickets: Free and open to the public
Details: https://migreenteam.com/miEDF/

Vegfest
What: A showcase of organic and natural products with celebrity guest stars like Detroit Lions running back Theo Riddick.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 29
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi
Tickets: $12 in advance, $15 at the door
Details: http://vegmichigan.org/event/vegfest-5/

MAY

Motor City Comic Con
What: Michigan’s premiere pop culture event with celebrity guest stars and interesting costumes that make for great people watching.
When: 12:30-7 p.m. May 18, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 19, and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi
Tickets: Prices range from $25 a day to $75 for a weekend pass for adults. Kids 5 and under are free while those 5 and up pay $10 for a day pass or $20 for the weekend
Details: http://www.motorcitycomiccon.com/tickets-packages-2018/

Great Lakes Boating Festival
What: The 30th annual event features the best of yachts and marine products with food, music and a shared love of sailing.
When: 3-7 p.m. May 18, noon to 7 p.m. May 19 and noon to 5 p.m. May 20
Where: Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lakeshore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores
Tickets: Free and open to the public
Details: https://www.marinemax.com/stores/port-clinton/events/boat-show/great-lakes-boating-festival-2018-05-18

Greater Rochester Heritage Days
What: A two-day festival for history buffs and community lovers, celebrating all things historical and antique, including car shows, old fire trucks and Civil War reenactments.
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 19 and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20
Where: Rochester Municipal Park, 400 6th St. in Rochester
Tickets: This event is free and open to the public
Details: https://www.facebook.com/Great...

Flower Day at Eastern Market
What: Get your garden started at Eastern Market’s Flower Day with dozens of vendors selling greenery and floral arrangements.
When: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 20
Where: Eastern Market, 2934 Russell Street in Detroit
Tickets: This event is free to browse and to smell
Details: https://www.easternmarket.org/markets/events/flower-day-2018

JUNE

Ferndale Pride
What: Some 15,000 people flock to Ferndale during this week, leading up to its annual street fair celebrating diversity and inclusion, featuring DJ’s, dancing and all-around good times.
When: June 2; times TBA
Where: Nine Mile Road in Downtown Ferndale
Tickets: This event is free and open to everyone
Details: http://www.ferndalepride.com

5th Annual Made in Michigan Festival
What: Support local artisans and entrepreneurs by shopping one-of-a-kind items at this annual charity event featuring vendors, music and a food truck.
When: Noon June 16 to 2 a.m. June 17
Where: Birmingham/Troy American Legion Post 14, 1340 W. Maple Road in Troy
Tickets: This family-friendly event is free
Details: https://www.facebook.com/events/111453362986966/

Detroit River Days
What: A three-day festival celebrating land and water along the Detroit Riverwalk, featuring a carnival, fair food and live entertainment.
When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 22-24
Where: The Detroit Riverwalk in downtown Detroit
Tickets: Admission is $3 before 3 p.m. and $5 after; money supports the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. River Days is free 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday. Carnival rides cost 50 cents each or $20 for daily wristbands.
Details: http://www.riverdays.com

The Ford Fireworks Detroit
What: View Detroit’s most spectacular Fourth of July display with the Ford Fireworks show.
When: 9:55 p.m. June 25
Where: Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit. The fireworks are shot from barges on the Detroit River between Detroit and Windsor.
Tickets: Free
Details: https://michiganfireworks.com/...

Michigan Rib Fest in Royal Oak
What: The Rib Fest kicks off summer with BBQ eats, adult beverages, kids activities and family fun like monster truck rides and weiner dog races.
When: 4-11 p.m. July 6, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 7, and noon to 8 p.m. July 8
Where: West 6th Street and South Center Street in Royal Oak
Tickets: Admission costs $3 for adults and benefits local charities; kids 12 and under are free.
Details: http://michiganribfest.com

Have an event you want to see listed? Email jessica.strachan@patch.com with the details.

Image courtesy The Guild of Artists and Artisans