Detroit

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Detroit

Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in May, 2009

Events, Festivals, Attractions, Shows, Walks and Marathons

By Laura Sternberg, About.com

Finally! May finally gets us into the heart of the spring season. It also bring us music festivals and art fairs. And don't forget the ultimate celebration of the season, the Downtown Hoedown at Hart Plaza! To help you schedule your activities, here is a list of Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in May.

Looking ahead to June and beyond? Check out Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in the Summer.

Tigers Baseball

Tigers BaseballPhoto by Spike, © 2008 Radiospike Photography
When: Throughout the summer
Where: Comerica Park, Detroit

The Tigers have some great talent this year and a great ballpark.

Green Street Fair

Downtown Plymouth hosts its first annual Green Street FairPhoto © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com
When: 5/1/09 through 5/3/09
Where: Downtown Plymouth

Plymouth celebrates its second-annual Green Street Fair on the first weekend of May. Expanded to three days this year, the event hopes to mix good times with green living. In addition to speakers and companies showcasing their green-friendly products, there will be music, fitness demonstrations, green-inspired films and several interactive demonstrations aimed at teaching the art of re-cycling.

Special Election for Detroit Mayor

The City of DetroitPhoto © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com
When: 5/5/09
Where: Detroit

The Special Election on May 5th decides who permanently succeeds Kwame Kilpatrick as Mayor of Detroit. The regularly scheduled general election will be held in November.

Big Hats and High Tea

Edsel and Eleanor Ford HousePhoto © James Garrett
When: 5/9/09
Where: The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores

Big Hats and High Tea is a garden party being held by World Medical Relief. Tickets are $45 and participants should wear a big hat and be prepared to drink tea and Champaign. There will also be a fashion shoot, silent auction and boutique.

Art Birmingham 2009

Painting by Taurus Burns on exhibit at Birmingham Fine Arts FestivalPhoto © Taurus Burns
When: 5/9/09 through 5/10/09
Where: Shain Park, downtown Birmingham

In its 28th year, the festival has over 200 artists from across the nation and Canada. Their art work includes paintings, glass sculptures and jewelry.

Downtown Hoedown

Downtown Hoedown in Detroit, 2006Photo © Jason Yoder
When: 5/15/09 through 5/17/09
Where: Hart Plaza, downtown Detroit

Now in its 27th year, the annual country-music festival spans three days and attracts some big names, including live performances by Kevin Costner & Modern West (yep, that Kevin Costner), Willie Nelson and Phil Vassar -- just to name a few. It is also free, which means you have no excuse not to enjoy some music and dancing downtown.

Motor City Comic Con

Motor City Comic Con, 2007Photo © Jason
When: 5/15/09 through 5/17/09
Where: Rock Financial Showplace, Novi

If you're into all things comics, grab your storm trooper mask and head out to Novi. In addition to a host of comic-book artists and exhibitors, over 50 celebrities will be on hand to sign autographs. Here are just a few:
  • Princess Leia herself, Carrie Fisher
  • That kid (now grown up) who got his tongue stuck on the flag pole in the movie A Christmas Story
  • Julie Newmar
  • Several cast members from Three's Company

Ann Arbor Book Festival

Ann Arbor Book Festival, 2005Photo © Marcie Vargas
When: 5/15/09 through 5/17/09
Where: Downtown Ann Arbor

In its sixth year, the Ann Arbor Book Festival showcases the written word through poetry readings, author signings and publisher exhibitions. In addition to books, books, books, the festival has food and a children's pavilion. There are also several events scheduled in and around Ann Arbor in the week leading into the street festival.

Ann Arbor Antiques Market

Ann Arbor Antiques Market, 2006Photo © Denis Dolgachev / Photowithmonkey.com
When: One weekend each month, including 5/16/09 through 5/17/09
Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds, Saline Road, Ann Arbor

The antiques and collectibles available at the Ann Arbor Antiques Market range from Early American to Art Deco.

Eastern Market Flower Day

Eastern Market Flower Day, 2007Photo © Rhonda Marie
When: 5/17/09
Where: Detroit, Eastern Market

The annual flower show marks the beginning of spring in Detroit. "Flower Day" gives growers across the state a 15-acre venue at which to market their annuals, perennials, trees, flats and hanging baskets.

Explore Detroit

About.com Special Features

Best Moves in a Bad Economy

Stay on top in this tough economy with our smart, easy-to-follow financial tips. More >

Out of Dinner Ideas?

Try our Meal Planner for great recipe ideas that are guaranteed to make meal prep easier. More >

Detroit

  1. Home
  2. Cities & Towns
  3. Detroit
  4. Arts & Entertainment
  5. Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in May - List of Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in May 2009

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.