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Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in July, 2009
Events, Festivals, Attractions, Shows, Walks and Marathons

By Laura Sternberg, About.com

July brings the warm, humid days and long, balmy nights to the Metro-Detroit area. The month also brings fireworks, music festivals and art fairs. And don't forget the ultimate celebration of the season, Comerica CityFest. To help you schedule your activities, here is a list of Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in July.

If you are looking ahead to August and beyond, check out the Yearly Calendar of Events for Metro Detroit.

Summer Fireworks 2009

2007 Target FireworksPhoto © Bob Oren / www.detroit-photos.com
When: Throughout June and July
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area

Nothing celebrates summer like a symphony of explosive lights, colored flames, stars, crackles and pops as orchestrated by a professional. The most heralded fireworks display in the Metro-Detroit area is the Target Fireworks scheduled for Wednesday, June 24th, but there are plenty of others.

2009 Comerica CityFest (FKA Detroit TasteFest)

Detroit TasteFest 2006Photo © Fantasmic
When: 7/1/09 through 7/5/09
Where: Detroit's New Center area

CityFest is a festival that offers the best in Detroit music, food and fun. Over 40 restaurants from across the Metro-Detroit area and beyond are on hand to provide "tastes" of their menu dishes. There are also four stages presenting nonstop music from over 60 local and national performers. Detroit products and merchandise are also showcased, and the CityFest has a special area just for kids, including a stage for bands made up of kids.

The Michigan ElvisFest

Elvis Festival 2007Photo © Wigwam Jones
When: 7/10/09 through 7/11/09
Where: Historic Depot Town, Ypsilanti

A loving tribute to The King, the Michigan ElvisFest showcases artists in live musical performances and impersonations. It also is a venue for the average Joe, both big and small, to dress up and be The King for a day. The festival also includes food, drink and classic cars.

Art in the Park

Plymouth's Art in the Park 2007Photo © Kathy Petlewski / Plymouth District Library
When: 7/10/09 through 7/12/09
Where: Plymouth

In its 30th year, Plymouth's Art in the Park has grown to rival Ann Arbor's. In fact, it is the second largest art festival in the state. In addition to the art and crafts showcased, Art in the Park features musical artists and kids activities.

Detroit APBA Gold Cup

When: 7/10/09 through 7/12/09
Where: Detroit Riverfront

Detroit's 100th annual APBA Gold Cup is a hydroplane event. It includes races among offshore pros and superlights. Vintage boats will be displayed and the U.S. Navy will demonstrate maneuvers.

Ann Arbor Art Fair

Ann Arbor Art Fair 2007Photo © Joe Ross
When: 7/15/09 through 7/18/09
Where: Throughout Downtown Ann Arbor

The fair is actually made up of four different fairs, all of which combine seamlessly. In addition to arts and crafts, there will also be live music, dancing and magic. Art workshops are also available.

Quake on the Lake

When: 7/17/09 through 7/19/09
Where: Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area, Waterford

In its 10th year, the Quake on the Lake features hydroplane races and has become a Michigan favorite. It will also have fireworks on July 18th, as well as a stage with nine music acts scheduled to perform.

Highland Games

Highland Games PosterPhoto courtesy St. Andrew's Society of Detroit
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.

Vans Warped Tour '09

Warped Tour 2007Photo © Amanda Zee, 2007
When: 7/31/09
Where: Comerica Park

The Warped Tour is sponsored by the BMX/Skateboarding manufacturer Vans, as well as a host of other companies. It features extreme sports merchandise and contests, as well as over 70 punk bands. This year the bands include Bad Religion, Hit the Lights, NeverShoutNever, Sing It Loud and These Green Eyes.

Beaches and Parks

Metro Park BeachPhoto © Ri Pizza
When: Throughout the summer
Where: Parks throughout the Metro Detroit area

As might be expected, the Great "Lakes" State has plenty of swimming and beach opportunity. From small swimming holes to Great Lake beaches, the Metro Detroit area has it all. Your guide to Metro Detroit beaches and parks includes crowd information, boat rental availability, general descriptions and other amenity information.

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