Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in August, 2009

When: 7/30/09 through 8/1/09
Where: Historic Greenmead Park, Livonia

Sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, the festival celebrates Scottish history and runs for three days. Thursday evening is Movie Night in the park. The Ceilidh (pronounced Kay-Lee) is the kickoff party/concert on Friday and the family-oriented games are on Saturday. The schedule includes several types of competitions, including bagpipe, Highland dance and Tug O'War. There will also be a display of animals native to Scotland and, of course, strong men wearing kilts and throwing things.

When: 7/30/09 through 8/1/09
Where: Dodge Park and City Center, Sterling Heights

Music is the centerpiece of SterlingFest. There are two stages of entertainment: Suds 'n' Sounds Tent and Jazz & Blues Stage, as well as the Kidzfest Tent and the Dodge Park Concert Series. Other events include a balloon launch, a tastefest featuring local restaurants, and plenty of arts and crafts.

When: 8/4/09
Where: Detroit

Here we go again. This time around, the election process will decide Detroit's mayor for the next four years. The primary will determine the mayoral candidates for the regularly scheduled general election in November, as well as the Charter Commission and Board of Education.

General Voting Information for the City of Detroit

When: 8/7/09 through 8/8/09
Where: Downtown Rochester

Downtown Rochester's two-day event features live music, dance performances, a tastefest, Pet Pageant, kids entertainment and, of course, dancing in the street! This year's theme is Dancin' in the Decades!

When: 8/7/09 through 8/9/09
Where: Milford

Milford Memories was originally a musical produced in Milford's Central Park back in 1991. It grew into a festival over the years and now has a host of eclectic events, including an art fair, three stages of entertainment, a Civil War Encampment, beer tent, running events, a canoe race, Euchre tournament, fishing tournament and two eating contests (ice cream and hot pepper).

When: 8/14/09 through 8/16/09
Where: Philip Hart Plaza, Detroit Riverfront

Sponsored by Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the African World Festival is in its 27th year. The event includes an African Family Village, the Diaspora Marketplace, a Taste of Africa Pavilion and a long list of entertainment, as well as the International Caribbean Festival & Parade.

When: 8/15/09
Where: Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac

The Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates its 15th year of classic cars, including every conceivable type and style. Cars and more cars cruise along a nine-mile stretch of Woodward Avenue. In addition to the many events hosted by communities along the cruise's route, Autopalooza and several other auto-related events expand the celebration throughout the Metro Detroit area.

Woodward Dream Cruise, Autopalooza and August auto-related Events Calendar

When: 8/21/09 through 8/23/09

Where: Selfridge Air National Guard Base east of Mt. Clemens

Festivities start off with the Air Show Launch Party on Friday night. The Air Show itself is free and runs over Saturday and Sunday. It features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and all types of military aircraft, including tankers, fighters and helicopters. The AFA Wings of Blue Parachute Team also make an appearance.

When: Weekends and Labor Day Weekend from 8/22/09 through 10/4/09
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 the Bagpipe Blowout, Knights on Bikes or the Middle Eastern dance competition.