Detroit, MI has a rich history, from its roots in the auto industry to the Motown sound that changed music around the world. But in the summer, the city comes alive in new ways, offering an exciting mix of cultural experiences, community building, and neighborhood charm. It’s the kind of season that fills your bucket list without even trying, one unforgettable experience at a time.
Whether you’re spending the season in a downtown apartment, settling into a rental house, or have your eyes on a home in the city, summer in Detroit invites you to dive into everything it has to offer. Stroll the Riverwalk, discover local flavors at markets, catch live music, and experience the creative energy that pulses through every corner of the city.
Courtesy of All in Birmingham1. Discover culture around every corner of the city
Discover Detroit’s character one neighborhood at a time. As one of the top summer things to do in Detroit, exploring these neighborhoods offers a genuine sense of connection, something photographer Hugh Anderson captures perfectly.
“Detroit’s summer energy is all about community—outdoor concerts, food trucks at Campus Martius, and sunsets over the river. Whether I’m photographing a senior session in the city or just hanging out with friends, it’s a season full of connection.”
If you’re in the mood to shop and soak up local culture, Clement “Fame” Brown, founder of Three Thirteen Store shares a few can’t-miss recommendations. “Visit the Avenue of Fashion, where visitors can explore a vibrant array of local businesses, including our very own Three Thirteen Store. It’s a fantastic spot for shopping and experiencing the unique culture of Detroit. Additionally, I suggest checking out the Detroit Sound Conservancy’s musical events, which celebrate our city’s rich musical heritage and provide great summer entertainment for locals and tourists alike.”
2. Travel through time in Detroit
Step into Detroit’s layered past with tours that bring its rich history to life. Elizabeth Bourne-Nido, co-chair of Rendez-vous Détroit, shares two standout ways to experience it this summer.
“Detroit Food and City Tours offers tours of the Guardian Building, one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the country, a can’t miss gem of our fair city. Another can’t miss is Rendez-vous Detroit’s annual Detroit French History Cruise on the Detroit River. Hop aboard the Diamond Belle and discover Detroit’s French history and heritage.”
3. Cool off with a classic treat at Ray’s Ice Cream
Nothing says summer quite like a cold ice cream on a hot day and when it comes to classic summer things to do in Detroit, a visit to Ray’s Ice Cream in Royal Oak, MI tops the list.
Chief Scooper, Jason Eddleston of Ray’s Ice Cream says, “Summer is a great time to beat the heat and visit your neighborhood Ice Cream shop. Ray’s has been serving scoops since 1958 in our family owned and operated parlor that makes artisanal small batch ice cream in Royal Oak. It’s a great stop for families or couples after playing Mini Golf at the Royal Oak Golf Center or bowling at Bowerlo Lanes.”
Photo courtesy of Seven Seas Travel4. Cap of summer things to do in Detroit with Labor Day festivities
As summer winds down, Detroit gears up for one last celebration during Labor Day weekend. Geoffrey Lenart of Seven Seas Travel in St. Clair Shores, MI, offering cruise vacations and land based getaways, shares his favorite Labor Day festivities in the Detroit area.
“Each Labor Day weekend, our favorite local event is the Arts, Beats & Eats festival in downtown Royal Oak. The festival features artist booths, a juried fine art show, and a kids’ stage sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Arts. With 200 musical performances spread over four days and more than 60 food options—ranging from Middle Eastern and Nigerian to Caribbean cuisines—there’s something for everyone. Each day brings a different lineup of performers across multiple stages, including both local musical artists and national acts spanning a wide variety of genres.”
Photo courtesy of Hugh Anderson5. Embrace suburban charm in the Detroit metro area
Wander outside the heart of the city and into the metro Detroit area, where each suburb offers its own take on summer fun. Photographer Hugh Anderson captures the beauty in these everyday escapes.
“From catching a Tigers game at Comerica Park to relaxing at Belle Isle or grabbing an ice cream cone in downtown Birmingham, metro Detroit has a little of everything. My favorite summer thing to do in Detroit? Exploring the murals in Eastern Market—where the art changes as often as the light.”
Summer Things to Do in Detroit: Final Thoughts
While every place comes with its pros and cons, summer in Detroit makes it easy to see the upside. Whether you’re savoring scoops, diving into the city’s rich history, or catching a sunset along the Riverwalk, Detroit’s warm-weather season is all about connection. From local neighborhoods to the metro’s outer edges, there’s always something new to explore and plenty of reasons to fall in love with the city.
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