Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend, 2009

When: 9/4/09 through 9/7/09 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Downtown Detroit

The Detroit International Jazz Festival is in its 30th year, and where better to celebrate the art form that is Jazz than in downtown Detroit? In 2009, the free event will have five stages of continuous entertainment, a kid bop area, artist collaborations and giant puppets. Featured artists include Detroit's Jones brothers, Hank Jones, The Heath Brothers, T.S. Monk, Wayne Shorter, Sheila Jordan and Stefon Harris -- just to name a few.

When: 9/4/09 through 9/7/09 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Hamtramck

Not to worry, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival still celebrates all things Polish with a Polish Day Parade, polka, a pierogi-eating contest and Polish dancers; but it also includes carnival rides and two stages of live entertainment. Music acts include Lightning Love, Derringer, Ra Ra Riot and Misty Blues.

When: Labor Day Weekend, 9/4/09 through 9/7/09
Where: Pontiac

The 12th Annual Chrysler Arts, Beats & Eats Festival promises a celebration with six stages of live entertainment. Artists include The Blue Effect, Urban Nomads, Silent Violet and The Pick-ups. There will also be over 30 restaurants cooking up great food. Other festival highlights include the HealthPlus Art Fair; a kids zone with its own stage, carnival rides and petting zoo; environmental displays; a summer arts project; and relaxation stations.

Note: There is now a $2 admission fee to the festival. Proceeds will be distributed among several key Metro-Detroit charities by the Arts, Beats & Eats Foundation.

When: 8/28/09 through 9/7/09
Where: 8 Mile Road & Woodward Avenue

It's not all about the livestock, pies, blue ribbons or the world's largest stove in 2009. In addition to carnival rides and horse shows, the Michigan State Fair has a long list of live entertainment, including The Temptations Review and concerts by Starship and Survivor.

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.

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.