Detroit Events and Things to Do Over Labor Day Weekend, 2012

When: 8/31/12 through 9/3/12 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Hart Plaza to Campus Martius Park, Downtown Detroit

The Detroit Jazz Festival is in its 33rd year, and where better to celebrate the art form that is Jazz than in downtown Detroit? In 2012, the free event will have four stages of continuous entertainment, including Sonny Rollins, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, Brian Lynch Unsung Heroes, Kevin Eubanks Trio, Pat Metheny Unity Band, and Chick Corea -- just to name a few.

When: 8/31/12 through 9/3/12 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Just west of Main Street (between Lincoln and 11 Mile), Downtown Royal Oak

The 15th Annual Arts, Beats & Eats Festival promises its usual celebration, humanitarian efforts, and nine stages filled with live entertainment. REO Speedwagon, Beatlemania Live, Travis Tritt, Killer Flamingos, The Guess Who, Saving Abel, Morris Day & The Time, and Steward Francke are just a few of the 250 performances scheduled. There will also be puppet shows and other acts especially for kids, a fine arts show, and 50 local restaurants and caterers cooking up great food.

The Michigan State Fair closed permanently in 2009.

The Michigan State Fair is the second oldest state fair in the nation. It began its long run in 1849 and closed permanently in 2009 after a 161-year run. In the beginning, the fair traveled around the state; but Lansing was chosen as its permanent host in 1889. In 1905, community leaders, including Joseph L. Hudson, moved it to the 135-acre site off of Eight Mile in Detroit, where it remained until 2009...Read more about the history of The Michigan State Fair.

When: 9/1/12 through 9/3/12
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. Over the Labor Day Weekend, the festival's theme is High Seas Adventure! and includes Wine & Beer Tasting, Knights on Bikes, and a Perfect Pirate Competition. Admission is $20.95 an adult / $11.95 a child.

When: 8/31/12 through 9/3/12 (Labor Day Weekend)
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit

The Detroit Tigers are in town over Labor Day Weekend in 2012. The Tigers play the Chicago White Sox on Friday, August 31st at 7:05 PM; Saturday, September 1st at 7:05 PM; and Sunday, September 2nd at 1:05 PM. The Tigers play the Cleveland Indians on Monday, September 3rd at 1:05 PM.

If natural ponds and lakes don't provide enough excitement for you this summer, check out the many Detroit-area water parks and slides.