Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in August, 2012

When: 8/3/12 through 8/4/12
Where: Historic Greenmead Park, Livonia

Sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit, the festival celebrates Scottish history and runs for two days. 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 Caber Toss, Tug-o-War, and Border Collies with Ducks and Sheep. There will also be highland dancing and, of course, strong men wearing kilts and throwing things.

The air display with over 40 invited planes, as well as the following performances: Mustang Mania, Sea Harrier F/A2, a World War II Battle Reenactment, and F-86 Sabre "Smokey." Events also include tank rides and battle re-enactments.

When: 8/10/12 through 8/12/12
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 and activities, including an art fair, beer tent, 5K/10K runs, three stages of entertainment, a Civil War Encampment, beer tent, Euchre tournament, blind canoe race, fishing tournament, basketball tournament, and  ice cream eating contest.

When: 8/18/12
Where: Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac

The Woodward Dream Cruise celebrates its 18th 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 other auto-related events in August: Events Calendar

When: Weekends from 8/18/12 through 9/30/12
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. Permanent buildings help create 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, theme weekends might reflect a slightly different era or culture, such as the Highland Fling, Royal Pet & Ale Festival, Shamrocks & Shenanigans!, and High Seas Adventure!. Admission is $20.95 an adult / $11.95 a child.

When: 8/31/12 through 9/3/12 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area

Labor Day Weekend falls relatively early in the year in 2012. Most of the events listed here are crafted to cover the entire weekend and include a long list of artists set to perform across the Metro-Detroit area.