Arts, aerialists and a Polish parade: 5 things to do in metro Detroit this weekend

Brendel Hightower, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read

The last weekend in August offers several outdoor festivals, fairs and celebrations of cultural heritage. Art displays, fireworks, a carnival and and a parade are among the attractions across metro Detroit this weekend as summer winds down.

Here are 5 things to do the weekend of Aug. 26:

Novi Taco Fest & Novi Fine Art Fair

Taco trucks, live music, entertainment, and award-winning artists will be at this gathering offering two events in one.

The Taco Fest will feature strolling Mariachi bands, three stages of entertainment, food, margaritas, tequilas, lucha libre wrestling, Mexican dancing, games, contests and more.

The Fine Art Fair will be a juried art fair with more than 40 artists from the Midwest selling one-of-a-kind, handmade items.

4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 8 p.m. Sunday, Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk (near Emagine Theatre), 44425 W. 12 Mile in Novi. $5 per person, per day or $10 for a 3-day pass in advance at novitacofest or $10 at the door. Free parking.

Copa Motor City Tournament & Summer Arts Freedom Fest

The seventh annual COPA Motor City Soccer Tournament hosted by the Clark Park Coalition will also include a Summer Arts & Freedom Fest in a partnership with the Detroit’s Department of Parks & Recreation and the Detroit Parks Coalition.

Activities will include sports, food, local artists, kid's activities, entertainment and a mercado.

9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Clark Park, 1130 Clark in Detroit. Free. Music and entertainment from noon to 2 p.m., featuring a DJ, Hispanic dancers, salsa dancing, arts and crafts and outdoor games and activities.

SW Fest 2022

This Southwest Detroit music and art festival will take place inside and outside the Senate Theater with 40 performances on three stages. There will be bands, DJs, food, drinks, vendors and community organizations offering resources for guests.

The inaugural SW Fest took place Sept. 4, 2021, at Senate Theater.
The inaugural SW Fest took place Sept. 4, 2021, at Senate Theater.

2-11 p.m. Saturday at the Senate Theater, 6424 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Free.

Warren Birthday Bash

Carnival rides are among attractions at Warren's Birthday Bash.
Carnival rides are among attractions at Warren's Birthday Bash.

This annual Warren celebration has a new addition this year: the Polish Day Parade, moving from its traditional location of Hamtramck.

Activities will include live music, a carnival, food trucks, beer tent, family entertainment, petting zoo, and fireworks.

Thursday – Saturday. Visit cityofwarren.org for a schedule of activities.

Warren City Square, 1 City Square in Warren.

Hazel Park Art Fair

Nearly 100 artists, crafters and food vendors will be at this annual art fair that will also feature aerialists, live music, a beer tent and more.

11 a.m.-7 p.m.  Saturday and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday at Green Acres Park, 620 W. Woodward Heights in Hazel Park. Free.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Taco fest, fireworks, aerialists: 5 things to do in Metro Detroit