Looking for something fun to do this week? Metro Detroit is packed with free festivals, family activities, and cultural events — from art fairs and workshops to live music and delicious food. 

Drop-In Workshop: Doodle Art

Detroit Institute of Arts

Wednesday 8/20 – Sunday 8/24

Free with general admission

*General museum admission is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.

Many people doodle as a fun, spontaneous way to express ideas. Grab some drawing materials and see where your creativity takes you! Event time varies; check the website for details. 

Novi Taco Fest

44275 W 12 Mile Rd d134, Novi, MI 48377

Friday 8/22, Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Tickets start at $7 online. Military free with proper ID.

Get ready for a weekend of flavor and fun at the Novi Taco Fest! Enjoy authentic Mexican-American dishes, sip refreshing margaritas, and celebrate Hispanic culture with live music and entertainment all around.

Back-to-School JAM!

Motown Museum on Rocket Plaza

Saturday 8/23

Free

The Motown Museum and Enjoy Detroit are hosting a Back to School Jam with free school supplies, live performances by local artists and Lyric Project singer-songwriters, giveaways, and family fun. Supplies are limited, so come early to enjoy the music, treats, and positive vibes to kick off the school year.

SIP and Beyond: 2025 Summer Alumni Performance

Detroit Public Theatre, 3960 3rd Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

Saturday 8/23 – Sunday 8/24

Free with RSVP.

This weekend, celebrate the powerful work of Shakespeare in Prison at the Alumni Performance at Detroit Public Theatre. Experience stories of resilience, creativity, and community as former ensemble members share their voices on stage.

Hazel Park Art Fair

Green Acres Park – Hazel Park, MI

Saturday 8/23 and Sunday 8/24

Free

The Hazel Park Art Fair is back! Free and family-friendly in Green Acres Park with local art, live performances, tasty eats, and a craft beer tent. Don’t miss this celebration of creativity in Hazel Park!

ACCESS hosting 10th annual Back to School Fair

ACCESS will host its 10th Back to School Fair on Aug. 12 from noon to 3 p.m. The Arab American–based nonprofit focuses on community service, cultural and social entrepreneurship, healthy lifestyles, education, and philanthropy.

During the event, the organization will distribute free backpacks and school supplies. There will also be face painting, henna art, games, activities, and more.

The ACCESS Mobile Health Unit and Wayne State Mobile Health Unit will be on site to provide free health screenings, flu shots, and other health-related services.

More information and registration are available on the ACCESS website.

Additional headlines

Detroit poet laureate jessica Care moore named Academy of American Poets fellow

Detroit’s poet laureate jessica Care moore is among 24 poet laureates nationwide who have been named fellows by the Academy of American Poets. The fellowship includes a shared $1.1 million award to support community projects.

It recognizes literary excellence and supports poets in creating initiatives that engage communities through poetry. Moore, in partnership with The LOVE Building, plans to launch a literacy initiative in several Detroit neighborhoods. The project will include intergenerational workshops to share the stories of longtime and new Detroit residents.

Learn more about Moore’s fellowship and projects.

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park to open Oct. 25 on the Detroit Riverwalk

Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park will open Oct. 25 along the Detroit Riverwalk. The annual Detroit Harvest Fest will be part of the debut of the 22-acre park, which will also feature live entertainment and food trucks.

The park honors the legacy of the late Ralph C. Wilson Jr., a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and veteran.

Details on the grand opening and celebrations are available from the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

Weekend events

Summer Bliss Music & Art Festival 2025

The Summer Bliss Music & Art Festival takes place this weekend at Tangent Gallery in Detroit. The event celebrates creativity, community, and connection, featuring DJs, local artists, and more.

More information is available here.

Sports

The Detroit Tigers face off against the Los Angeles Angels at Comerica Park as part of their three-game weekend series. The Tigers, who lead the American League Central Division, lost back-to-back games against the Minnesota Twins and look to bounce back. First pitch for tonight’s game is at 7:10 p.m.

Detroit City FC will play against Indy Eleven tomorrow at Keyworth Stadium. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

The Detroit Lions take on the Atlanta Falcons in a preseason game tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Game time is 7 p.m.

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.