Detroit, Michigan has a rich history, from the roots of the automotive industry to the sounds of Motown that have changed music around the world. But in the summer, cities are alive and lively in new ways, offering an exciting mix of cultural experiences, community building and neighborhood charm. Filling your bucket list without even trying is like a season of unforgettable experiences at once.
Whether you spend the season in a downtown apartment, settle in a rental house or look to city homes, Detroit summer encourages you to dive into everything it has to offer. Stroll along the riverwalk, discover local flavours at the market, catch live music and experience the creative energy pulsating through every corner of the city.
All courtesy of Birmingham
1. Discover the culture around every corner of the city
Discover one Detroit character at a time. As one of the top summer things to do in Detroit, exploring these neighborhoods offers a true sense of connection that photographer Hugh Anderson fully captures.
“Detroit’s summer energy is about the community, whether it’s outdoor concerts, food trucks at Campus Martius, and sunsets along the river. Whether you’re filming advanced sessions in town or hanging out with friends, it’s a season of connection.”
If you’re in the mood to shop and absorb local culture, Clement “Facial” Brown, founder of three 13 stores, shares several Ca na Can’t Miss recommendations. “Come visit the fashion path. Visitors can explore lively local businesses, including our own three stores. This is a great place to shop and experience Detroit’s unique culture. Plus, we recommend checking out the Detroit Sound Consavensy musical events to celebrate the city’s rich musical heritage and offering local summer entertainment.”
2. Travelling in Detroit
A tour that will bring you foot into Detroit’s layered past and bring its rich history back to life. Elizabeth Bourne-Nido, co-chair of Rendez-Vous Détroit, shares two outstanding ways to experience it this summer.
“The Detroit Food and City Tour offers tours of Guardianville, one of the best examples of the country’s Art Deco architecture. This is something you can’t miss out on the gems of our fair city. Another one is not to be missed.
3. Cool off with classic treats with ray ice cream
Like cold ice cream on a hot day, summer, when it comes to classic summer things to do in Detroit, you won’t be visiting Ray’s ice cream in Royal Oak, Michigan.
“Summer is the perfect time to beat the heat and visit a nearby ice cream shop. Ray’s has been offering scoops since 1958 in a family-run parlor that makes small batch ice cream of artisans at Royal Oak after performing artisans and couples at Royal Oak.
The photo is courtesy of Seven Seas Travel.
4. Hats to do in Detroit at Labor Day festival
Once summer is over, Detroit prepares its final celebration on Labor Day weekend. Jeffrey Rennert of Seven Seas in St. Clair Shores, Michigan offers cruise and land-based vacations, sharing his favourite Labor Day festivities in the Detroit area.
“Each worker weekend, our favourite local event is the Arts, Beat & Eat Festival in Downtown Royal Oak. The festival will feature an artist booth, a judge’s art show, and a children’s stage sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Arts. Stages that include both local musical artists and national acts spanning a variety of genres.”
Photo courtesy of Hugh Anderson
5. Embrace the suburban charm of the Detroit Metro area
Scattering outside the city centre, wandering into the Metro Detroit area, where each suburb offers its own take on summer fun. Photographer Hugh Anderson captures the beauty of these everyday escapes.
“From catching the Tigers game at Comerica Park to relaxing at Bell Isle to grab an ice cream cone in downtown Birmingham, there’s a bit of it all in Metro Detroit. My favorite summer thing to do in Detroit is exploring Eastern Market murals.
Summer Things to Do in Detroit: Final Thoughts
Every place comes with its advantages and disadvantages, but the Detroit summer is easy to see the reverse. Whether you’re tasting a scoop, diving into the city’s rich history or taking the sunset along the riverwalk, Detroit’s warm weather season is all connected. From the local area to the outside edge of the subway, there are always new things to explore and plenty of reasons to fall in love with the city.
