An epic weekend is upon us, with Friday being Juneteenth and Sunday marking not only Father’s Day but the first official day of summer.
There’s a lot planned in Metro Detroit for both holidays across the tri-county area.
Beyond the entertainment options below, the Detroit Tigers are at Comerica Park for a series against the White Socks. Friday’s kick-off concludes with a post-game concert from rap star Nelly.
There are also USPBL games all weekend at UWM Field in Utica with special programming on Father’s Day. The FIFA World Cup also has some big matches to watch on television this weekend, including the U.S.A. versus Australia at 3 p.m. Friday.
Wherever the weekend may take you, save some energy if you plan to head downtown on Monday night for the 2026 Ford Fireworks in Detroit.
Here are some more ideas for getting out and about this holiday weekend, either on a solo adventure, with the kids, or just the grown-ups.
Liberty Fest at Heritage Park
Part of the festivities at the 33rd annual Liberty Fest is the Car Show coordinated by the Rotary Club of Canton. There will be trophies for best in show and best in class. The car show is 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. The rest of Liberty Fest, which includes a midway, carnival rides and live entertainment is 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thurs.-Sat. 1150 S. Canton Center Road, Canton Township. (734) 394-5360. Cantonlibertyfest.org.
This weekend at Detroit Institute of Arts
It’s a great weekend to visit the DIA as the exhibit “Reimagine African American Art” is ongoing and the 5th annual Wayne County High School art exhibition just opened Thursday and runs through July 19. Also this weekend, a songwriting workshop with Audra Kubat 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and a Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival concert at 2 p.m. Sunday. Open 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat.-Sun. Free admission for tri-county residents. 5200 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 833-7900. Dia.org.
Juneteenth at Wilson: the Stories of Us at Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park
Presented by Huron-Clinton Metroparks, the free event at the new 22-acre park is themed around storytelling and a celebration of the freedom Juneteenth represents. “The Stories of Us” is a public art exhibit with 25 large-scale sculptures shaped like West African talking drums. There will be free activities for kids and also food trucks. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fri. Free admission and free parking at Assembly Garage, 1701 W. Lafayette. The park is at 1801 W. Jefferson, Detroit.
Riverboat Cruises on Detroit Princess
Take a riverboat cruise down the Detroit River and enjoy a Motown tribute band, buffet dinner and cash bar. The Detroit Princess has several events this weekend with both live bands and DJs, including several events on Father’s Day. Tickets start around $75 per adult. The boat is docked at 1 Civic Center Drive, Detroit. detroitprincess.com for full schedule or call (517) 627-2154.
Hart of Detroit Festival at Hart Plaza
Billed as a Juneteenth celebration of music, culture community and economic opportunity, Hart of Detroit is anchored by performances by some of the area’s top musicians. Hear Fetty Wap, Kash Doll, Babytron, Bold James, Damedot, Bruiser Wolf, Tay B, OMB Peezy, Tone Tone, K Deezy and Babyfxce E. The event starts at noon with concerts 5 p.m.-midnight. Fri. Tickets start at $65.87. 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit. 313summer.com.
T. Barb at Punchline Comedy Lounge
One of Detroit’s top stand-ups, T. Barb is headlining all weekend at this Southfield comedy lounge. 7:30 and 10 p.m. Fri.-Sat. And 6 p.m. Sun. $25 and up. 29555 Northwestern Hwy., #312, Southfield. (248) 955-3016. Comedypunchline.com.
Sammy Hagar at Pine Knob Music Theatre
If the Red Rocker touched it, you’ll probably hear it on Friday night. Sammy Hagar will perform with Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani and Kenny Aronoff (an accomplished drummer who has performed with John Mellencamp and John Fogerty). The set list is expected to be “a deep dive into the Van Halen years” as well as songs from Hagar’s solo albums and years with Montrose and Chickenfoot. Rick Springfield opens the show. 6:30 p.m. Fri. $53.60 and up. 33 Bob Seger Blvd., Clarkston. (313) 471-7000. 313presents.com.
Strawberry Festival at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill
Pick fresh strawberries right off the bush to bring home and make a treat, or buy one of the many strawberry-theme goodies at the festival — or both. There’s also live music, line dancing, an artisan market and fireworks at dusk. 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sat. And 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. Free admission. 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada. Blakefarms.com/strawberry-festival.
Fortune Feimster at Fisher Theatre
A unique and beloved voice in comedy, North Carolina native Fortune Feimster rolls through town with her “Takin’ Care of Biscuits” tour. 7 p.m. Sat. $45 and up. 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit. broadwayindetroit.com.
R&B Lovers Tour at Fox Theatre
Hear the powerhouse vocals of rhythm and blues chart toppers Keith Sweat, Joe, Dru Hill, Genuwine and Kut Klose. 8 p.m. Sat. $109.25 and up. 2211 Woodward, Detroit. (313) 741-7000. 313Presents.com.
Paul Simon at Meadow Brook Amphitheatre
Living American music legend Paul Simon performs his 2023 album “Seven Psalms” in its entirety, followed by a second set of songs from throughout his long career. No cameras or video recording is allowed. 8 p.m. Sat. Remaining tickets start at $205.65. 3554 Walton, Rochester Hills. (313) 471-7000. 313presents.com.
Godsmack at Pine Knob Music Theatre
Relive the 1990s and 2000s active rock heyday with Godsmack’s “The Rise of Rock World Tour” with Stone Temple Pilots, which is now fronted by Michigan native Jeff Gutt. Dorothy opens the show. 7 p.m. Sun. $35 and up. 33 Bob Seger Blvd., Clarkston. (313) 471-7000. 313presents.com.
Damon Fletcher at the Magic Bag
Detroit pop and R&B singer Damon Fletcher brings his “The Great Experience” show to the stage of Ferndale’s Magic Bag. His high-energy, dance-driven show is a celebration of many things, including his hometown of Detroit, Pride Month and his success as an independent artist. 7 p.m. Sun. $20. 22920 Woodward, Ferndale. Damonfletcher.com.
mbaetens@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Things to do Juneteenth and Father’s Day weekend in Metro Detroit
Reporting by Melody Baetens, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Melody Baetens, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
