6 Things to Do July 4 in Metro Detroit

Looking for something to do this July 4 holiday? Check out these dining, entertainment, arts events and festivals in Metro Detroit.

By Arianna Smith

July 4

Stars and Stripes Festival

Noon to 10 p.m.

Suburban Collective Showplace

46100 Grand River Ave., Novi

July 4 marks the final day of the Stars and Stripes Festival in Novi. If you’ve missed the first six, join other Metro Detroit residents at the Suburban Collection Showplace for a 12th year of carnival games and rides, fair food, attractions and live entertainment, presented by the Saint Joseph Mercy Health System. Time schedules and admission prices for July 4 can be found at suburbancollectiveshowplace.com.

July 4

Michigan Rib Fest

Downtown Royal Oak

West 6th Street & South Center Street, Royal Oak

What’s more patriotic than a barbecue? The Michigan Rib Fest celebrates the tradition of grilling with a focus on food and family-friendly fun. Admission for adults is $3, and a portion of all proceeds will be donated to assist the Royal Oak Football Club and The Detroit Art Initiative. Don’t forget to bring the family dog! Scheduled times for bands and other events can be found at michiganribfest.com.

July 4

Salute to America

6-10 p.m.

Greenfield Village

20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is hosting a celebration of patriotism in Greenfield Village 6-10 p.m. July 4. The evening includes classic American food, decorations and a concert from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra — all topped off with a firework display. Tickets start at $17 and can be purchased at thehenryford.org.

July 4

Firecracker 5k

7:55 a.m. – 10 a.m.

603 East Liberty St., Ann Arbor

Get active and feel like a firework in front of hundreds of spectators this fourth of July at the Firecracker 5K in downtown Ann Arbor. Participants can sign up to race the 3.1-mile course as a member of the Old Glory division or the Frank’s Red Hot division — those who run after competing a hotdog eating contest. The Mile Fun Run offers a more relaxed, shorter experience, and kids can show off at the kid’s 100-meter dash. Registration, time schedules and event info can be found at epicraces.com. 

July 5

Absinthe 101

The Whitney

4421 Woodward Ave., Detroit

The Whitney restaurant is offering Absinthe 101, an information session and meal tasting event all in one. The features a three-course dinner dedicated to the infamous alcohol. Times vary by session. Tickets start at $70 and can be purchased at eventbrite.com

July 6

Art & Architecture – Downtown Walking Tour

Noon to 2:30 p.m.

Campus Martius Park

800 Woodward Ave., Detroit

Take an afternoon trip with the Detroit Experience Factory through the downtown area and explore some of the historic contributions of architects and local artists. On the two-hour tour, participants will get to traverse downtown Detroit on foot and get up close and personal with the art of the city. Reservations for tours can be made at eventbrite.com.

Looking for fireworks? Check out the 2018 Metro Detroit Fireworks Guide.