More than 200 performances on a record 11 stages will hit Royal Oak this Labor Day weekend for the latest installment of the Arts, Beats & Eats festival.
Third Eye Blind, Kool & the Gang, Chris Young and Jason Bonham will headline the 2026 festival, officially known as Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats Presented by Flagstar Bank. Fest information, including details on 50-plus participating food vendors and 125-plus juried artists, were announced during a media event Wednesday, July 29, at the new Rock & Brews restaurant in Royal Oak.
Arts, Beats & Eats will run Sept. 4-7. Discounted early bird tickets are available for $8 through Aug. 12.
The Motown Museum’s Hitsville Next cast will help kick off the main-stage action on opening day, with Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening capping things off that night. Third Eye Blind will top the Sept. 5 bill, a rock-heavy lineup that also features Taking Back Sunday and several tribute bands.
Country and classic rock will dominate the Sept. 6 main stage, including Young’s headlining performance, while Kool & the Gang will close out the festival Sept. 7 on an R&B day also featuring Ginuwine.
This year’s lineup marks the biggest music spend in AB&E history, director Jon Witz said, topping the 2021 investment as the fest emerged from pandemic downtime.
As always, Detroit-area bands and musicians make up the bulk of the lineup, including several who have been booked on a new pride-themed stage at Hotel Royal Oak. That gives AB&E a total of 11 performance spaces, the most in the festival’s 28-year history. This year’s roster includes about 100 fest first-timers.
Entertainment will also include a kids stage sponsored by the Detroit Institute of Arts.
The first phase of construction on a pedestrian plaza along Royal Oak’s Fifth Street is expected to be complete just ahead of the AB&E kickoff.
As in past years, a portion of fest proceeds will be distributed to area nonprofits. Last year’s AB&E, which drew about 345,000 people, led to a donation of $400,000-plus. The event has generated more than $8.2 million for community groups since AB&E’s founding.
Food happenings
New to the festival’s food front are live cooking demonstrations taking place on the Flagstar International Stage.
The Kroger Chef Showcase will bring local chefs to the stage for demonstrations featuring curated menus. Chefs set to appear include Johnny Prepolec from Alchemi and Anderson Hardy from Blue Goat, both in Royal Oak. During the demos, the chefs will share cooking tips and techniques with the audience as well as advice on how to use specific ingredients.
“One of the best parts of Arts, Beats & Eats is discovering your next favorite restaurant, “Jon Witz, AB&E producer, said in a news release. “This year’s culinary lineup showcases the incredible diversity of metro Detroit’s dining scene, while the new Kroger Chef Showcase gives festivalgoers an opportunity to interact with talented chefs, sample new dishes and experience cooking as entertainment.”
As in years past, the ABE&E food lineup will includes everything from barbecue to ethnic fare to seafood and decadent sweets.
New to the festival is Bar Gabi, the Hazel Park Romanian-fare restaurant from husband-wife team Gabriel and Gabriela Botezan.
The Blue Goat, known for its Mediterranean fare and cocktails, also will be making its AB&E debut. Both Bar Gabi and the Blue Goat, were named to the Detroit Free Press/Chevy Detroit Top 10 Best New Restaurants & Dining Experiences List. Royal Oak’s the Great Dane and Royal Oak Taphouse are also festival newcomers.
A collection of more than 50 restaurants, food trucks, caterers and food vendors are on tap this year. Expect creative creations from Princess Mediterranean Grill, Xav’s Jammin Caribbean Fusion and Egg Roll Diva. Other returning favorites include Cousins Maine Lobster lobster rolls and lobster tacos, Galindo’s Mexican street tacos and Famous Dave’s BBQ.
2026 Arts, Beats & Eats entertainment schedule
(Artist descriptions as provided by festival organizers.)
Jim Beam National Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
4 p.m.: Amp’d -n- Acoustic
5 p.m.: Hitsville NEXT Revue
6:30 p.m.: Lit
8 p.m.: Fuel
9:30 p.m.: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
Saturday, Sept. 5
3:30 p.m.: Twisted Lemon Blues Band
4:30 p.m.: Crawling Tribute to Linkin Park
6 p.m.: Nirvanna
7:45 p.m.: Taking Back Sunday
9:30 p.m.: Third Eye Blind
Sunday, Sept. 6
4:15 p.m.: Rumours
6 p.m.: Epic Eagles
7:30 p.m.: Audrey Ray
7:45 p.m.: Brett Young
9:30 p.m.: Chris Young
Monday, Sept. 7
3 p.m.: Laith Al-Saadi
4:15 p.m.: MJ The Illusion
6 p.m.: Ginuwine
7:45 p.m.: Kool & The Gang
Soaring Eagle Rock Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
Noon–4 p.m.: The Detroit School of Rock and Pop Music (Pop/Rock)
4:45 p.m.–5:45 p.m.: Marshall Luna Blu (Rock)
6:30– 7:30 p.m. : The Cherry Bombs (Dance Rock Cover Band)
8:15–9:15 p.m. : Stone Clover (Rock/Paddy Swag)
10–11 p.m.: The Persuasion Band (Cover Band – Top 40)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:45–1:45 p.m.: Tito Villarreal (Blues/Alt. Blues and Roots)
2:30–3:30 p.m. : Cami Rose (Country Soul Blues Americana)
4:15–5:15 p.m. : The Ruiners (Rock/Punk/Party Music)
6–7 p.m. : Rock & Brews “Battle of the Bands” Champs (Rock)
7:45–9 p.m.: CHIT! (Classic Rock)
9:45–11 p.m.: Sunset BLVD. (Tribute Band)
Sunday, Sept. 6
12:45–1:45 p.m.: Tyler Chernoff (Rock/Blues/Variety)
2:30–3:30 p.m.: Misty Blues Party Band (Cover Band)
4:15–5:15 p.m.: The Love Junkies (Rock n’ Roll Party Jams)
6–7 p.m.: Faded (Rock)
7–9 p.m.: The Crampton Brothers (Covers/Top 40)
9:45–11 p.m.: Tino G’s Dumpster Machine (Detroit Boogie/Rock)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:15–1:15 p.m.: Mark Reitenga – Pete Peltier Duo (Acoustic/Folk Rock)
2–3 p.m.: The Reason You Came (Live Band Karaoke)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Lisa Hurt and The Consequences (Alternative Rock)
5:30–6:45 p.m.: Kayfabe: thepplsband (Cover Band)
7:30–9 p.m.: The Reefermen (Rock/Classic Rock)
Mike Morse R&B And Jazz Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Maggie’s Farm (Blues)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Martyna Quartet (Jazz/Pop/Acoustic)
4–5 p.m.: Laura Rain Duo – Sheen (Soul)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: Mondo Kane (Motown/R&B)
7:30–8:30 p.m.: Big B and the Actual Proof (Blues Rock)
9:30–11 p.m.: Larry Lee and Back In The Day (R&B/Funk)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Shaunboy (Alternative introspective Hiphop/Rnb)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Bleau Otis (Blues/Neo-Soul)
4–5 p.m.: Matty P. (R&B/Pop/Dance)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: South North Southwest (Modern Blues/Trapp Jazz)
7:30–8:30 p.m.: Chase Alan (R&B/Soul/Pop)
9:30–11 p.m.: Alise King (Neo-Soul/R&B)
Sunday, Sept. 6
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Randall Brian Mickens (Soul/R&B)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Kenny Rocket (Smooth Jazz/R&B)
4–5 p.m.: Kristian DeLayne (Soul/R&B)
5–6:45 p.m.: Brendon Linsley Band (Blues/Funk/Classic Rock)
7:30–8:30 p.m.: Carly Lusk (Pop/R&B)
9:30–11 p.m.: Smoke Jones (Jazz/R&B/Soul)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Olivia Van Goor & Mike Harrison (Jazz)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: The Core Band (R&B Jazz Soul Old and New)
4–5 p.m.: New World Soul (R&B)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: Joe Stanley Trio (Blues/Rock/Funk/Soul)
7:45–8:45 p.m.: Thornetta Davis (Blues/Rock)
Culver’s Country Americana Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
12:15–1:15 p.m.: Leonardo (Acoustic/Americana)
2–3 p.m.: Ground Crew Detroit (Americana/Country)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Lisa Mary (Country/Classic Rock)
5:30–6:45 p.m.: Ghost Town Marshalls (Country Rock)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: Bernadette Kathryn & The Lonely Days Band (Hot Rock’n Country Music)
9:30–11 p.m.: Jennifer Westwood & The Handsome Devils (Alt-Country/Soul)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:15–1:30 p.m.: Tom Katz Square Dance Club (Square Dance)
2–3:15 p.m.: McKayla Mae Prew (Country Pop)
4–5 p.m.: Dave Fio & Co. (Country Soul/Southern Rock)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: The Randos (Country/Americana)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: Julian Joel (Country/Soul)
9–11 p.m.: Ryan Jay (Country)
Sunday, Sept. 6
10–11 a.m. Royal Oak First United Methodist Church Service
12:15–1:15 p.m.: Smoke & Fire (Americana/Southern Rock)
2–3 p.m. : Midnight Crisis (Americana/Country/Classic Rock/Folk)
3:45–4:45 p.m. : RJ Redline Band (Rock/Country/Americana)
5:30– 6:45 p.m. : GlenBrooke (American Roots/Country)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: Last Stand Band (Country/Blues/Rock)
9:30–11 p.m.: Joe Jaber & The Last Divide (Americana/Country)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:15–1:15 p.m.: Ryan Racine (Americana)
2–3 p.m. : Kira Blue (Country Pop)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Y’All Band (Country Pop)
5:30–6:45 p.m.: Kay Harper & Company (Country/Rock/Soul)
7:30–9 p.m.: Audrey Ray (Country)
Bud Light Alternative Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Mindful Dynasty (Psychedelic Rock)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Sky Watchers (Alternative Psychedelic Rock)
4–5 p.m.: The Broken Strings (Indie Rock/Alt Rock)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: The Capstone Volunteers (Indie Rock)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: Dirty White & The High Life Social Club (Alternative Hip Hop)
9:30–11 p.m.: Killer Flamingos (Cover Band)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Tears of a Martian (Indie/pop/rock/soul/alternative)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Custodians (Power pop)
4–5 p.m.: Building a Death Ray (Indie/Alt rock)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: CHAPTER IV (Blues Rock)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: SHU (Rock)
9:30–11 p.m.: With Arms Wide Open (Creed Tribute)
Sunday, Sept. 6
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Matt Dalton (Upbeat Live Looping versions of popular songs)
2:15–3:15 p.m.: Follow The Protocol (Alternative Rock/ Pop-Punk)
4–5 p.m.: The Melrose Project (Indie Pop)
5:45–6:45 p.m.: Mild Pulp (Indie Rock)
7:30–8:45 p.m.: Ethan Marc Band (Alternative Rock)
9:30–11 p.m.: Your Girlfriend’s Favorite Cover Band (Cover Band)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:30–1:30 p.m.: Morbidly Obese Seal (Indie Pop/Alternative)
2:15–3:15 p.m. : CHECKER (Alternative Rock/Punk)
4–5 p.m. : Shade Zero (Alternative Rock)
5:45–6:45 p.m. : Angie Hartley & The Boys (Power Pop – Retro Pop/Rock)
7:30–9 p.m.: The Warped Tourists (Covers/Pop/Punk)
Flagstar Bank International Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
12:45– 1:45 p.m.: Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic (Folk/Bluegrass)
2:15–2:45 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
3:15–4:15 p.m.: Mariachi Jalisco de Detroit (Regional Mexican Music)
4:45–5:15 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
5:45–7 p.m.: Canja De Boa (Brazilian/World Music)
7:45–9 p.m.: Universal Xpression (Reggae)
9:45–11 p.m.: The Polish Muslims (Polka Rock)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:45–1:45 p.m.: Elaine Marrero Troy Dance Studio (Salsa Dance Lesson/Demo)
2:15–2:45 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
3:15–4:15 p.m.: Celtic Isles (Celtic Folk)
4:45–5:15 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
5:45–7 p.m.: Ernesto Villarreal & Friends (Acoustic Variety)
7:45–9 p.m.: Grupo Illusion (Conjunto/Tejano)
9:45–11 p.m.: Roots Vibrations (Reggae/Soca)
Sunday, Sept. 6
12:45–1:45 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico Moyocoyani Izel (Traditional Mexican Cultural Dance)
2:15–2:45 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
3:15–4:15 p.m.: Luna (Rock/Ska/Cumbia/Pop)
4:45–5:15 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
5:45–7 p.m.: The Luddites (World Folk & Jazz)
7:45–9 p.m.: Os Clavelitos (Brazilian/World Music)
9:45–11 p.m.: Mr. Bill & His Zcats (Zydeco)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:45–1:45 p.m.: McSpillin (Irish Band)
2:15–2:45 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
3:15–4:15 p.m.: Detroit Celtic Ramblers (Celtic Rock)
4:45–5:15 p.m.: Kroger Chef Showcase
5:45–7 p.m.: Detroit Drum & Dance (World Percussion)
7:45–9 p.m.: Sean Blackman’s In Transit (World Music)
House Of Dank ‘Dank Gallery Stage’
Friday, Sept. 4
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.: Motown Roller Club (Rollerskating)
1:30–4 p.m.: Motor City Street Dance Academy (Breakdancing)
4–4:45 p.m.: Cyra Wheel (Buskers)
4:45–5:15 p.m.: MATT SWIFTNEY
5:15–6:20 p.m.: Jugglers (Buskers)
6:20–6:50 p.m.: JUNBUGG
6:50–7:55 p.m. : Stilt Walkers (Buskers)
7:55–8:25 p.m.: DJ TWIZT
8:25–9:30 p.m.: LED Dancers (Buskers)
9:30–10 p.m.: DJ CHROME
10:00–11:30 p.m.: Fire Dancers (Buskers)
Saturday, Sept. 5
11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Motown Roller Club (Rollerskating)
1–3:45 p.m.: Motor City Street Dance Academy (Breakdancing)
3:45–4:15 p.m.: Flow Artists (Buskers)
4:15–4:45 p.m.: MATT SWIFTNEY
4:45–6 p.m.: CYRA Wheel (Buskers)
6–6:15 p.m.: JUNBUGG
6:15–7:45 p.m.: Stilt Walkers (Buskers)
7:45–8:15 p.m.: DJ SPRANGER
8:15–9:30 p.m.: LED Dancers (Buskers)
9:30–10 p.m.: DJ TWIZT
10–11:30 p.m.: Fire Dancers (Buskers)
Sunday, Sept. 6
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.: Motown Roller Club (Rollerskating)
1:30–4:30 p.m.: Motor City Street Dance Academy
4:30–5:45 p.m.: Hula Hoopers (Buskers)
5:45–6:15 p.m.: DJ TWIZT
6:15–7:30 p.m.: Stilt Walkers (Buskers)
7:30–8 p.m.: MATT SWIFTNEY
8–8:10 p.m.: Flow Artist (Buskers)
8:15–9:30 p.m.: LED Dancers (Buskers)
9:30–10 p.m.: DJ CHROME
10 p.m.–11:30 p.m.: Fire Dancers (Buskers)
Monday, Sept. 7
11 a.m.–1 p.m.: Motown Roller Club (Rollerskating)
1–3:15 p.m.: Motor City Street Dance Academy (Breakdancing)
3:15–4 p.m.: CYRA Wheel (Buskers)
4–4:30 p.m.: D-TIZ
4:30–6 p.m.: Stilt Walkers (Buskers)
6–6:30 p.m.: DJ TWIZT
6:30–7:30 p.m.: LED Dancers (Buskers)
7:30–8:15 p.m.: MATT SWIFTNEY
8:15–9:45 p.m.: Fire Dancers (Buskers)
Oakland Community College Acoustic Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
12:15–1:15 p.m.: ABE Visual Art – Artist Demo
2–4:45 p.m.: Mayflower Music MI (Acoustic/Pop)
5:30–6:30 p.m.: AKA (Acoustic Variety)
7–8 p.m.: BS Duo (Acoustic Variety)
Saturday, Sept. 5
12:15–1:15 p.m.: ABE Visual Art – Artist Demo
2–3 p.m.: Carmel Liburdi (Indie)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Front Porch Famous (Acoustic Variety)
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Dary (90’s and 00’s Dad Rock)
7–8 p.m.: Don’t Miss (Acoustic – Classic Rock/Country/80s-00s modern)
Sunday, Sept. 6
12:15–1:15 p.m.: ABE Visual Art – Artist Demo
2–3 p.m.: Tali Snowden (Indie/Rock/Folk)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: The Two Yoots! (Rock Pop)
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Frankly Good Music (Popular/Top 40 Covers)
7–8 p.m.: Ironwood (Acoustic Folk)
Monday, Sept. 7
12:15–1:15 p.m.: ABE Visual Art – Artist Demo
1:40–2 p.m.: Stagecrafters Presents “Come From Away” (Musical)
2:30–3 p.m.: AJ Sol (Pop Soul)
3:45–4:45 p.m.: Root Cause Analysis (Americana/Singer-Songwriter)
Detroit Institute Of Arts Kids Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
11:15-11:45 a.m.: Amazing Clark Magic Show
Noon-12:45 pm: Reg Pettibone – Authentic Native American Dance & Story Telling from the Ho Chunk Nation
1-1:30 p.m. : Cranbrook Presents “Matter & Energy Live”
1:45-2:15 p.m.: Mosaic Youth Theatre
2:30–3 p.m.: Joe Reilly
3:15-3:45 p.m.: Amazing Clark Magic Show
4-4:30 p.m.: Cranbrook Presents “Dino-MITE! The Dinosaur Science Show”
4:45-5:15 p.m.: Joe Reilly
5:30-6:30 p.m.: Thowra Dabke
6:30-7 p.m.: Amazing Clark Magic Show
7:30-8:30 p.m.: DJ Yours Treuly
8:30-9:30 p.m.: DJ Hemlok
9:30-11 p.m.: RAEDY LEX
Saturday, Sept. 5
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m.: Ballet Folklorico de Detroit
12:15-12:25 p.m.: Revolution Chinese Yoyo
12:45-1:15 p.m.: Michigan Science Center Presents: Frostology
1:30-1:40 p.m.: Revolution Chinese Yoyo
1:45-2:15 p.m.: Zippity: 2 Guys & A Guitar
2:30-2:40 p.m.: Revolution Chinese Yoyo
4-4:30 p.m.: Michigan Science Center Presents: Frostology
4:45-5:15 p.m.: Zippity: 2 Guys & A Guitar
5:30-6 p.m.: Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
6:15-7 p.m.: ArtLab J K-Pop Dance Team
7:30-9 p.m.: Dru Ruiz
9-11 p.m.: Metawav.
Sunday, Sept. 6
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 a.m.: Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
12:30-1 p.m.: NatSpinz Hula Hoops
1:15-1:45 p.m.: Cranbrook Presents “Matter & Energy Live”
2:15-3:15 p.m.: Arabiqa with Karim Nagi
3:30-4 p.m.: Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
4:15-4:45 p.m.: Cranbrook Presents “Dino-MITE! The Dinosaur Science
5:15-6 p.m.: DSA Sankofa Children of the Drum
6:30-7 p.m.: Great Lakes Raion Taiko
7:30-8:30 p.m.: DJ Head
8:30-9:30 p.m.: DJ SCRWNY
9:30-11 p.m.: DJ TWIZT
Monday, Sept. 7
11:15 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.: Ventriloquist Vikki
12-1 p.m.: Audra Kubat
1:15-1:45 p.m.: Michigan Science Center Presents: Frostology
2-2:30 p.m.: Ventriloquist Vikki
3-4 p.m.: Caribbean Culture and Carnival Organization
4:15-4:45 p.m.: Michigan Science Center Presents: Frostology
5:15-6:15 p.m.: School of World Music & Dance
6:30-7 p.m.: Cool Tricks and Funny Stuff
Hotel Royal Oak Pride Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
6:45-7:30 p.m.: DUANE
8:30-9:35 p.m.: Ben Sharkey Quartet
Saturday, Sept. 5
5-5:45 p.m.: Audrey Indigo & Friends
6:45-7:35 p.m.: deadbeatdad
8:30-9:35 p.m.: S.L.A.Y. – The Spotlight on the LGBTQAI+ Artists and You
Sunday, Sept. 6
5-5:45 p.m.: Baddie Brooks
6:45-7:35 p.m.: Bell & Bastien
8:30-9:35 p.m.: Five15 Drag Spectacular
Monday, Sept. 7
5-5:45 p.m.: Divine Disruption
6:45-7:50 p.m. : Voices of Pride: Singer Showcase
526 Main Piano Bar Stage
Friday, Sept. 4
3:30-4 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Contest Check-In
4-7 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Performances
7:30–11:30 p.m.: Dueling Piano Showcase
Saturday, Sept. 5
3:30–4 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Contest Check-In
4-7 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Performances
7:30–11:30 p.m.: Dueling Piano Showcase
Sunday, Sept. 6
3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Contest Check-In
4-7 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Performances
7:30–11:30 p.m.: Dueling Piano Showcase
Monday, Sept. 7
11 a.m.–noon: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Finals Competition Check-In
Noon-6 p.m.: Arts, Beats & Eats’ Star Maker Showdown Final Performances
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Arts, Beats & Eats 2026 music: Third Eye Blind, Kool & the Gang, more
Reporting by Brian McCollum and Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brian McCollum and Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press | USA TODAY Network
