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Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in September, 2009

Events, Festivals, Attractions, Shows, Walks and Marathons

By , About.com Guide

The weather in Detroit can blow hot or cold in September, but one thing is true regardless of whether the city experiences an Indian summer: the kids go back to school! September is also rife with festivals and marks the beginning of cider mill season. To help you schedule your activities, here is a list of Metro-Detroit Events and Things to Do in September.

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

Last Chance: Star Trek The Exhibition

Model of the Starship EnterprisePhoto courtesy of the Detroit Science Center
When: Through 9/7/09
Where: The Detroit Science Center

From the bridge of the Starship Enterprise to the hairy little Tribble that wreaked havoc in the aptly named "Trouble with Tribbles" episode of the original series, Star Trek: The Exhibition is a geek's paradise of memorabilia, sets and costumes.

Photo Tour

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Renaissance Festival in Holly, 2007Photo © Wigwam Jones
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.

Michigan State Fair

Michigan State FairPhoto © Sam Sefton
When: 8/28/09 through 9/7/09
Where: Eight 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.

Festivals and Events Over Labor Day Weekend

Pontiac's Arts, Beats & Eats, 2007Photo © Martinpon
There are several events unique to Labor Day Weekend (9/4/09 through 9/7/09) in Detroit, including:
  • The Detroit International Jazz Festival
  • Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
  • Arts, Beats & Eats Festival of Hope

Cider Mills

Plymouth Orchards Cider MillPhoto © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com
When: September through Thanksgiving Weekend
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area and beyond

The Metro-Detroit area is rife with cider mills. In fact, fresh cider, apple pies and piping-hot donuts mark the beginning of fall in the area. Of course the hayrides, pumpkin picking and petting farms will help you work off the extra calories.

Plymouth's Fall Festival

Plymouth Fall Festival 2006Photo © Michael A. Krot
When: 9/11/09 through 9/13/09
Where: Downtown Plymouth

In its 54th year, Plymouth's Fall Festival just keeps getting bigger. In addition to carnival rides, which in some cases swing between two-story buildings, the festival has a car show, craft show, pancake breakfast, rotary BBQ, spaghetti dinner, a 5k run, pet show, Polish Centennial dancers, local acts, food and community booths. There is also a TasteFest ($15) in Old Village.

Art & Apples Festival in Rochester

When: 9/11/09 through 9/13/09
Where: Rochester Municipal Park

Sponsored by the Paint Creek Center for the Arts, the art part of the Art & Apples Festival includes over 250 artists and artwork in several different mediums, including 2-D mixed, 3-D mixed, clay, digital art, drawing, fibers, glass, jewelry, leather, metalsmithing, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, toys and wood. The festival also has two food courts, as well as the festival's signature apple pies. Three stages of entertainment include local bands, dancers and acts.

Smokin' Jazz Barbeque Festival in Brighton

When: 9/11/09 through 9/12/09
Where: Brighton

In its fourth year, the Smokin' Jazz Barbeque Festival is a celebration of Jazz, Blues and Zydeco and is catered by all things barbequed. Some of the acts scheduled to grace the stage (in the city's Municipal Parking Lot) include Eric Tessmer, Bill "The Sauce Boss" Wharton, and Brian and the Zydeco Travelers.

Dally in the Alley

Dally in the Alley, 2007Photo © W. Reed
When: 9/12/09
Where: Alley at Second and Forest, Cass Corridor, Detroit

In its 32nd year, Dally in the Alley was originally an art fair but evolved into a music festival. In addition to its four stages of entertainment, Dally in the Alley has art vendors, food, weird acts and beer. In 2009, the Detroit Flyhouse will perform aerial yoga. Kids are welcome and have their own mini fair with carnival games and arts and crafts.

Detroit Fashion Week

When: 9/13/09 through 9/19/09
Where: Locations Throughout Royal Oak

In 2009, the festivities will include the Project Muse Gallery Exhibition, DFW short film screenings, a Salon Showcase, DFW InStyle Fashion Showcase and Community Mixer, and a Couture & Student Showcase. There will also be an after party at D'Amatos Italian Restaurant and Goodnite Gracie Jazz & Martini Bar. Tickets are $25 per person.

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