The fire on the candle of summer in Detroit is still burning bright for Detroiters. End the summer on a sweet note and cool beat with. Detroit events in August will get you up and out to enjoy the sweetest memories left to make with loved ones.
Detroit is home to several enjoyable diverse cultural events in Detroit over the summer. Not to mention, Detroit is once again being recognized as a top global travel destination, which means more wide scale festivals are flocking to local Detroit venues for their annual performance showcases. Summer in the Motor City wouldn’t be as iconic without the annual August tradition of witnessing the Woodward Dream Cruise.
The multitudes of reasons to visit Detroit include fun, family-friendly seasonal festivities, which often revolve around highlighting artistic and musical influences that contribute to American culture, emphasizing Detroit’s prominent black culture. Detroitisit rounded up a list of Detroit events in August to help you and your family not run out of cool things to do in the city this summer.
EXPLORE BELLE ISLE ART FAIR
Date & Time: August 2-3
Saturday 10am – 7pm
Sunday 11am-5pm
Detroit events in Detroit support the local art scene and amplify the beauty of Detroit.
Held near the Scott Fountain at Belle Isle, the Belle Isle Art Fair was recently ranked No. 10: Best Art Festival for “10Best USA Today. Join in on the celebration of creativity among fine artists. Visitors are invited to explore the ceramics, artistic media, paintings, glasswork, and fiber art, and meet the makers! All ages will get their chance to craft as well with the numerous interactive art activities and demonstrations. Spend the day seeing all this festival has to offer, including electric music performances and great festive eats. Free admission (with State Park pass). Click HERE to view the website for more information.
Location: Fountain Drive, Detroit
GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS WITH DETROIT’S ANNUAL RIBS RNB MUSIC FESTIVAL WEEKEND
Dates & Times: Friday-Sunday-August 8th, 9th, 10th From 11:30AM–11:30PM
The best Detroit events in August give you a highlight of terrific music and entertainment. Enjoy early August events that bring all the flavor, including the one-of-a-kind Ribs and R&B Music Festival. Celebrate National BBQ Weekend as well as Detroit’s smoking culinary and musical specialties. This three-day weekend event features delicious, mouthwatering ribs made by local chefs along with another treat for the senses in the form of incredible live R&B performances. Expect a tasty variety of flavors, including vegetarian options. Free until a certain time period on each day. Click HERE to view the website for more information. Click HERE for VIP and reserved seating.
Location: Hart Plaza in Detroit
MUSIC FANS CAN ROCK OUT TO LINKIN PARK AND PVRIS AT LITTLE CAESARS ARENA
Date: Thursday, August 14
The hottest Detroit events in August are going out with a bang. A variety of popular music concerts and festivities are in-store. Get ready to dance and sing the night away at Little Caesars Arena on August 14, 2025 for the Linkin Park and PVRIS concert. Both bands are bringing their own blend of energetic sounds with wild performances you won’t want to miss. Fans of rock music won’t forget this event from a long-time modern American rock band as the headliner. Did you get your tickets?
Also performing this month at Little Caesars Arena:
On Friday, August 22, 2025 join Nine Inch Nails on their Peel It Back Tour for an unforgettable night for this American industrial rock band.
Location: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
EXPERIENCE 30 YEARS OF WOODWARD DREAM CRUISE
Date & Time: Saturday, August 16 From 9AM-9PM
Detroit events in August dream up the best of Detroit’s active city life. Locals have most likely already marked this event on their calendar as it represents Detroit’s legendary car evolution and impact on American cultural history. What better way to experience summer in Detroit than to merge with over a million automotive enthusiasts visiting the Detroit suburbs on Woodward Avenue for a one-day celebration of classic cars? Held annually on the third third Saturday in August, the Cruise runs along Woodward Avenue, from Ferndale to Pontiac. Vintage vehicles will add an extra shine to the streets! Click HERE to view the official website for more information.
Location: Northern suburbs of Detroit
PHOTO AFROFUTURE DETROIT MUSIC FESTIVAL
ENJOY GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT AT AFROFUTURE DETROIT
Dates: Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17
A collaboration between Bedrock and AfroFuture—a global entertainment platform dedicated to celebrating the diverse culture and work of the African diaspora—the festival chose to make Detroit its U.S. debut. One of the local artists helping bring the festival’s vision to life is 24-year-old Detroiter Rohna Battle-Woodger. Rohna was just named the winner of AfroFuture’s official T-shirt design contest. Her artwork can be found on the website. Click HERE to view the official website for more information and to buy 2-Day and single tickets.
Location: Bedrock’s Douglass Site
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