Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in August 2008

When: 8/2/08
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts, downtown

Al Jarreau is the honoree at the Bal Africain, the fundraiser hosted by the Friends of African and African-American Art. In its 45th year, the fundraiser is directly responsible for the expansion and enhancement of the DIA’s African and African-American Art collection, as well as for the implementation of several lectures and programs for artists. The night consists of dining, dancing, gallery tours and a silent auction. An After-Dark Party, complete with jazz performances and jamming session, caps off the evening and can be attended separately.

When: 8/8/08 through 8/14/08
Where: Campus Martius Park, downtown Detroit

Part of a lead in to the Woodward Dream Cruise, Detroit’s Festival of Speed & Style brings a lot more of Woodward Avenue and downtown Detroit into the celebration. Events include Hot Latin Nites, a cool-car parade and a Junior Festival of Speed and Style. The Festival of Speed & Style is part of the larger Cruisin' MotorCities Summer Festival, an attempt to expand the celebration of cars beyond the nine-mile stretch of the Woodward into other areas of Metro Detroit.

Cruisin' MotorCities Summer Festival Calendar

When: 8/9/08 through 8/10/08
Where: Willow Run Airport

The air display with over 50 invited planes starts on Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and includes Boeing Flying Fortresses, Consolidated Liberators, North American Aviation Mustangs, Grumman Wildcats and Douglas Skyraiders. Events also include tank rides and battle re-enactments.

When: 8/16/08 through 9/28/08
Where: Holly

At Michigan's Renaissance Festival, you get to eat an enormous turkey leg, let loose a cat call to passing crowds, watch a joust and generally get saucy as you go back in time to the Elizabethan era -- more or less -- and experience life among the peasantry. The permanent buildings help aid the fair's directors in creating the illusion of 16th century England; and Jugglers, comedians and sword swallowers help set the mood by providing their own unique brand of entertainment. Of course, certain events on theme weekends might reflect a slightly different era or culture, such as a bagpipe contest, Highland games and a Middle Eastern dance competition.

When: 8/22/08 through 9/1/08
Where: Detroit, 8 Mile & Woodward

The State Fair is drawing some big names in live entertainment this year, including Raven-Symoné, Alice Cooper and Corbin Bleu. Of course, the fair is about more than live entertainment. It's even more than about carnival rides, cotton candy and that pumpkin the size of a small carriage. The Michigan State Fair is about the people of Michigan getting together to celebrate their achievements and have a good time. No matter how big the fair gets, the dance recitals, livestock competitions and farm exhibits keep it real and neighborly.

When: Labor Day Weekend, 8/29/08 through 9/1/08
Where: Pontiac

The 11th Annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival promises a celebration. With 155 artists, food from 50 Metro Detroit restaurants and over 200 music bands/artists, it's hard to miss. This year the festival adds a Guitar Hero Championship and a Bloggin' Cafe. The Block Party is back, too. Pontiac will literally be humming with jazz, rock, acoustic, pops, international and psychobilly music. The kids are taken care of, too; they even have their own stage!

When: Labor Day Weekend, 8/29/08 through 9/1/08
Where: Downtown Detroit

Part of a trio of festivals begun in the early 1980s to bring people downtown, the Detroit International Jazz Festival keeps delivering, both in terms of great music and big crowds. In its 29th year, the festival begins at Hart Plaza, the original location of the festival in the 1980s, and encompasses the three blocks of Woodward Avenue leading to Campus Martius Park. The festival hosts over 60 artists on six stages and features A Love Supreme: a Philly/Detroit Summit with Christian McBride. Other performing artists include Dianne Reeves, Jimmy Heath and Pat Martino.

When: Labor Day Weekend, 8/29/08 through 9/1/08
Where: Hamtramck

The name was changed a few years ago from Hamtramck Polish Festival to Hamtramck Labor Day Festival in an effort to better reflect the now culturally diverse area. In addition to carnival rides, food and live local bands, however, Polka Palooza remains.