Best Fourth Of July Events In Detroit

The 4th of July in Detroit means concerts, parades, barbecues and fireworks. It's a chance to get together with friends and family while commemorating another year of independence from Great Britain. The Detroit area features a variety of patriotic celebrations that are sure to be exciting and memorable, and many include the chance to see the traditional fireworks display often used to mark the event.

Salute To America
Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
www.thehenryford.org

Date: July 1 through July 4, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Settle in for an evening under the stars at Greenfield Village's wildly popular "Salute to America" celebration. This beloved annual tradition includes a patriotic explosion of fireworks and the musical stylings of the highly-regarded Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Set up a blanket in the Walnut Grove field and enjoy a picnic lunch and lawn games from the 1800s. What better place to celebrate America's birthday than at historical institution that honors America's past?

Related: 4th of July Party Essentials

Cruisin' Downriver
Sibley Road at Fort St.
Riverview, MI 48193
(734) 284-6000
www.cruisindownriver.com

Date: June 27, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Kick the 4th of July festivities into high gear by attending a Detroit-area tradition, Cruisin' Downriver. Celebrate with over 300,000 automobile enthusiasts as a continuous stream of classic cars cruise down Fort Street. The parade of antique, retro and modified cars will meander through town after town, as fans gather along the route to catch a glimpse of unique, and often rare, automobiles as they drive past. The route begins in Riverview, makes its way to Wyandotte, then passes through Southgate before coming to an end in Lincoln Park. Some attendees come equipped with barbecue grills and act as the chef, serving up hot dogs and burgers to friends and family who have gathered alongside them. Others blast music from car stereos, inviting neighboring car fanatics to dance to the beat while the cars speed by. The festivities are free for onlookers and an awesome way to celebrate Independence Day. Click here to view a map of the route.

The Rolling Stones
Comerica Park
2100 Woodward Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201
(313) 962-4000
www.olympiaentertainment.com

Date: July 8, 2015

Celebrate America with The Rolling Stones. The legendary rock & roll band is kicking off a tour across North America, including some U.S. dates in select cities. The "Zip Code" tour is slated to be the concert of a lifetime, with a scheduled stop at Comerica Park in Detroit Rock City. Don't miss the chance to see Mick strut his stuff surrounded by his bandmates during this limited engagement tour. This performance is destined to go down in the history books, as the Stones hit the stage singing their all-time classics. This may be the last time they are in Detroit for a while, so don't miss the opportunity to get your ya-yas out with the Stones in Detroit.

Ann Arbor Summer Festival
700 N. University Ave. (between Fletcher St. & Thayer St.)
Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 994-5999
www.a2sf.org/desktop

Date: June 12 to July 5, 2015

Get ready to rock the 4th of July at the Ann Arbor Summer Festival. This cultural event is one of the most anticipated events of the summer. The music, arts and performance festival features over 140 different events and performances aimed at entertaining the entire community. Take in the sights and sounds of this unique and engaging experience while munching on cuisine that will delight the crowds. Watch as acrobats sail into the sky, or take in an acoustic show by a seasoned artist. If a marching band is more your style, you're in luck, or take it down a notch and enjoy an indy film or retro flick under the stars. Soak in the scene around the event grounds by visiting one of the many art exhibits, or unwind with friends on the festival grounds as the words of a songstress and an orchestra fills the air. Kids (and their parents) will love the Kid Zone, where families can create a craft together while making cherished memories at the same time. Many of the events are free, while some are ticketed performances. The festival comes to a close around the July 4th weekend, and is a great way to celebrate the holiday.

Stars & Stripes Festival
Freedom Hill County Park
14900 Metropolitan Parkway
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
(586) 268-9700
www.starsandstripesfest.com

Date: June 27 through June 28, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Just a half hour North is a festival that features everything imaginable to celebrate the Fourth - the Stars & Stripes Festival. This popular event features music, a monster truck rally, carnival rides, an art fair, petting zoo and craft beer from various breweries. The lineup features performances by renowned acts such as Scott Weiland, Warrant, Buckcherry and Hoobastank. Indie bands making their way up in the scene will also take to the stage. The concerts are free of charge for attendees, but there is a charge for VIP passes. On Sunday, stay all day and into the night, as a spectacular display of fireworks gets underway at 10:00.

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After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.