It’s a great time to be in the Detroit area, as things heat up with tons of festivals and events to pick from this weekend.  They cover the full spectrum from music to art and everything in between.  Here is a sampling of some of the many events you can take part in this weekend.

Ford Arts, Beats & Eats: September 3-6, 2010: This year’s Arts, Beats & Eats festival has moved from Pontiac to the heart of Royal Oak.  ABE will include more then 200 performers on 10 stages, a Kids Zone, lots of food and a juried art show.

Some of the musical acts this year will include:

• Macy Gray (R&B)
• Clint Black (country)
• Kenny Wayne Shepherd (blues/rock)
• Detroit’s own La Chispa & Company (flamenco)
• Tumbao Bravo (Latin music)
• Zap Toro featuring Sean Blackman (world music)

No need to worry about parking, as there will be several parking structures and lots offering shuttle service to and from the festival.  For more information on parking, admission fees and a schedule of events, visit: http://www.artsbeatseats.com.

Detroit International Jazz Festival September 3-6, 2010: If jazz is your thing, you will not want to miss one of the world’s premiere jazz festivals this weekend.  The festival takes place in downtown Detroit and stretches from Campus Martius to Hart Plaza.

There will be 5 stages featuring 100 acts. Some of this years acts include:

• Tower of Power
• Mambo Legends Orchestra
• Branford Marsalis

This is an excellent way to experience some of the most talented jazz artists of our time at no charge. That’s right: the festival is free!

For a full line-up of events, visit: http://www.detroitjazzfest.com/index.html.

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival September 4-6, 2010: Do you like pierogis? Check out the pierogi eating contest this weekend at the Labor Day Festival in Hamtramck.  This year’s festival will feature live music, a carnival midway, pub crawl, cooking demonstrations and a parade that is not to be missed.

For more information visit: http://hamtownfest.com/default.html.

With all of these events going on, there is no excuse to stay home.  Get out there and support these great local events. Maybe you could even take a chance and attend one that you’ve never been to before.

Author: Gabriella Muñoz