Ann Arbor Art Fair and beyond: A list of 2024's remaining metro Detroit art festivals
Each summer brings the return of beloved art fairs around metro Detroit, and this weekend will see one of the biggest. The Ann Arbor Art Fair returns Thursday through Sunday, July 18-20, and is expected to draw roughly half a million visitors.
But that’s not the only game in the region; the remaining summer, as well as fall, hold even more art fairs to be enjoyed.
Ann Arbor Art Fairs
July 18 – 20, downtown Ann Arbor
This event is actually made up of three different, independent art fairs, all occurring at the same time: The original Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, the Ann Arbor State Street Art Fair, and the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair. Held across a 30-block span in downtown A2 and featuring about 1,000 artists, it’s the nation’s largest juried art fair.
Belle Isle Art Fair
Saturday and Sunday, Belle Isle, Detroit
Over 100 artists are expected to present their works on the popular island destination on the Detroit River for a weekend of creative celebration. Held next to Scott Fountain, it will also feature a wide selection of food trucks, as well as a beer tent benefiting Detroit Repertory Theatre.
Midtown Art Fair
Sunday, 111 E. Kirby St., Detroit
The third annual Midtown Art Fair is Michigan’s only fully accessible event dedicated to the diversity, equity and inclusion of all of Michigan’s artists, performers and citizens. This year, the fair will host the national Caravan for Disability Freedom and Justice, and will feature over 40 visual artists, crafters and vendors. The event runs from noon-6 p.m.
Milford Memories
Aug. 9-11, downtown Milford
Some 300 artists are expected for this annual summer festival that includes food options from almost 30 different vendors, plus sand volleyball, a cornhole tournament, a Sunday 5K race, fitness demonstrations, a rock climbing wall and multiple live bands in the beer tent.
Brighton Street Art Fair
Aug. 23-25, downtown Brighton
About 150 artists will be featured on the streets of downtown Brighton, along with live entertainment, children’s activities and more.
Arts, Beats & Eats
Aug. 30-Sept. 2, downtown Royal Oak
This massive Labor Day bash boasts 200 musical acts on nine stages and draws 300,000 attendees annually to jam to the music, peruse fine art and munch on food from a wide number of the region’s most popular restaurants and mobile kitchens.
More: Arts, Beats & Eats announces 2024 music lineup with Cheap Trick, Tesla, Keith Sweat, more
Art in the Village
Sept. 2, Franklin Road between 13 and 14 Mile, Franklin
Art in the Village, Franklin’s fine art fair, will celebrate its 43rd year on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featured are exceptional works in glass, pottery, fiber, furniture, jewelry, photography, painting, watercolor, wood, sculpture, metal and more. Live music performances will occur through the day, as well.
Art & Apples Festival
Sept. 6-8, Rochester Municipal Park, Rochester
Now in its 59th year, the Art and Apples Festival brings together more than 200 artists plus live entertainment, food trucks, a kids zone and opportunities to create your own art.
Funky Ferndale Art Fair
Sept. 20-22, downtown Ferndale
More than 140 juried artists and authors will set up on Nine Mile west of Woodward Avenue for a celebration that spans downtown Ferndale.
Ferndale DIY Street Fair
Sept. 20-22, east side of Woodward between E. Nine Mile Road and E. Troy Street
An annual three-day event where bands, artists, crafters, Michigan breweries, wineries, distilleries, restaurants, food trucks, businesses, non-profits, organizations and others who live and work with a Do-It-Yourself ethic and spirit converge for one big celebration.
Birmingham Street Art Fair
Sept. 28-29, Shain Park, Birmingham
Marking its 50th anniversary this year, the Birmingham Street Art Fair will be held in downtown Birmingham’s Shain Park.
theguild.org/fair/common-ground-art-fair
A2 Artoberfest
Oct. 28-29, downtown Ann Arbor
Stretching across Ann Street and N. Fourth Avenue from Huron into the Kerrytown area, this intimate arts celebration will feature 100 jury-selected artists, live entertainment, food vendors, art activities and several adult beverage offerings.
theguild.org/fair/a2artoberfest
Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
Nov. 21-22, Royal Oak Farmers Market, Royal Oak
This fall event will feature 60 artists, live entertainment, food vendors and adult beverage offerings including cider from Bl?m Meadworks, wine from Riboli Family Wines featuring Stella Rosa + Highlands 41 Wines and beer from River’s Edge Brewing Co., Drafting Table Brewing Co. and Ascensions Brewing Co.
theguild.org/fair/royal-oak-market-art-fair
Notice something missing? Contact [email protected] to update this listing.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Ann Arbor Art Fair and the rest of 2024's metro Detroit art festivals
