Hey, hey, hey! Happy Labor Day Weekend.
It’s the unofficial end of summertime, so you better get outside to soak up all the Vitamin D you can before Autumn rolls around.
If you decided to stay close to home this weekend, you’re in for a real treat. There are all types of events happening in and around Detroit this long weekend.
I know that technically the City 5 is for events that are happening inside the city but I wanted to give a shout out to the Michigan State Fair in Novi and Arts, Beats, and Eats in Royal Oak. Both events are happening this weekend, and let’s face it they are pretty popular.
I digress. Let’s get on with this weeks City 5.
Detroit Jazz Fest
The Detroit Jazz Fest has been a Labor Day Weekend tradition for 39 years now. There is no question this free family friendly event would make it on the City 5.
There will be four days of great jazz being performed all weekend. There will also be a series of talks with performers.
This years Artist-in-Residence is jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea. He will have multiple performances over the weekend.
You can find the schedule of performances here.
The festival is free to attend, but you can buy VIP tickets if you’re feeling fancy.
Hours: Friday 6:30 p.m.- 1:30 a.m., Saturday 12 p.m. — 1:30 a.m., Sunday 12 p.m. — 1:30 a.m., and Monday 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
The Detroit Jazz Festival takes place in Campus Martius all the way down to Hart Plaza.
Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
I’m not sure why I’m so excited this year for the 39th annual Hamtown Fest. Maybe it’s because I think my toddler is finally at the right age to bring him down there for some food and fun. Or maybe it’s because I have such a soft spot for Hamtramck.
Whatever the case, this weekend is going to be awesome!
There are so many fun things happening during the festival, like the annual Hamtramck Yacht Club Race, a carnival, and great food.
Don’t forget all of the bands that will perform over the three days. The Polish Muslims will perform, because they are awesome.
This year the headliner is Martha Reeves and the Vandellas! I’m so freaking excited I could spit. They perform on Monday at 9 p.m. Don’t miss your chance to see them perform live.
You can find the whole schedule of performances here.
The Polish Day Parade will take place on Monday at 1:30 p.m. This year they will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Poland’s regained independence. The parade starts at Holbrook and Joseph Campau and will go north on Joseph Campau to Commor.
When: September 1-3 from 12 p.m.-10 p.m.
The festival will take place on Joseph Campau
P.S. If you don’t want to stop the party, be sure to check out the many after parties that the bars around Hamtramck will be hosting. I know for a fact that the Ghost Light will have after parties on Saturday and Sunday night.
Tiny Homes Tour
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the Tiny Homes that Cass Community Social Services have been building on the westside of Detroit, this is your chance.
This weekend Cass Community Social Service will be giving tours of the six newest Tiny Homes.
This project is one that is near and dear to my heart. So, if you have a chance to go one of the tours do it.
Tickets for the Tiny Home tour are $75 for an individual or $100 for two people. You can purchase tickets here.
I know that seems steep, but tickets include a progressive meal from Cass Catering chef Matt Prentice, a copy of “Tiny Homes in a Big City” by Rev. Faith Fowler, and a donation to the Tiny Homes project.
When: Friday, August 31-Sunday, September 2 multiple times.
Where: The homes are located just off Woodrow Wilson south of Glendale on Monterey, near the Highland Park/Detroit border.
The Villages Bier & Weingarten
If you’re looking for something that is a bit more chill for this weekend, then I have the perfect thing.
The Villages Bier & Weingarten is that perfect mix of getting out of the house for a few hours but also being low key.
Grab a bite to eat at the Yum Village food truck, grab a glass of beer or wine and enjoy.
It’s family friendly, chill, and relaxing.
On Friday and Saturday they have a Sangria Happy Hour from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.
When: Friday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., Saturday 4 p.m.-12 a.m., and Sunday 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
The Villages Bier & Weingarten is located at 1420 Van Dyke Detroit, Michigan 48214
The Whiskey Charmers at the Detroit Shipping Company
Here is another low-key kind of event for you.
On Saturday night the Whiskey Charmers will be performing at the Detroit Shipping Company.
They are a local band, and I really dig their music.
It also gives you a chance to check out the Detroit Shipping Company if you haven’t made it over there yet.
There is no cover.
When: Saturday, September 1 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Where: The Detroit Shipping Company is located at 474 Peterboro Detroit, Michigan 48201