Labor Day weekend is often thought of as the last hurrah of summer– *tear*– so let’s be sure to enjoy our three day weekend to its absolute fullest! Of course, you all know how much I LOVE to travel to exciting new exotic destinations for another stamp on my passport, but I think we all take for granted how many amazing things are going on right in our own backyards. I’m always on the hunt for the next big thing not only in fashion, but in travel as well. New York and LA have held the crown as the glittering American cities we all long to visit and live in, but after spending several years living in metro Detroit, I wish to put forth a motion to declare Motown as the new hot destination city. So whether you are a full-time Detroiter or looking for somewhere new to travel, here are a few awesome ways to play tourist in this amazing original American city of industry…
1. The Detroit Jazz Festival – Hart Plaza

2019 marks the 40th anniversary of the famous Detroit Jazz Festival, and what better way to spend a three-day weekend boogying to an outdoor music festival? Located in the heart of downtown Detroit at Hart Plaza, this free event is a Detroit tradition with so many types of jazz, there is something for everyone to enjoy! You can see the full band lineup here.
2. Aloha Tiki Tours – Detroit and St. Claire Shores
If embracing a full-on tropical paradise vibe to close out the summer is what you’re looking for this weekend, put on your lei and say “Aloha!” because this one is totally for you. For $300 during weekends, you can charter your very own tiki boat with up to 6 guests per boat and bring along your own food and beverages for a two hour tour. I did this recently and had a blast! Check out my Instagram video and then hula over to their website to book your tour.
3. Axe Throwing – Ferndale

I feel like nothing could possibly go wrong when you combine alcoholic beverages with people throwing heavy, sharp objects, right? Rest assured, it is definitely very safe to try at Detroit Axe in Ferndale. Grab a group of your favorite lumberjack wannabe friends this Labor Day weekend and try your hand at this super fun sport in addition to trying out their excellent food menu. It costs $40 a head to play a game, and who knows, maybe you’ll be inclined to join the axe throwing league once you’ve caught the bug! They do accept walkins, but just to be on the safe side, you should book ahead on their website here.
4. Arts, Beats, and Eats – Royal Oak

As the name suggests, this street festival is packed with so many art vendors, music, and so much food you could burst. Bring along the whole family because there will also be kid-friendly entertainment and carnival rides too! Now in its 22nd year, Arts, Beats, and Eats has grown into a Labor Day weekend staple for Metro Detroiters. It will cost you $3 until 3pm, $5 after 3pm, or $7 after 5pm to get access to all of the cool stuff this festival has to offer. Read more about it here.
4. Michigan Renaissance Festival – Holly
While its a little bit of a trek from the city, this historical outdoor fantasy festival is fun for anyone who has a bit of a magical spirit. On weekends and Labor day from August 17 through September 29, the magical woods of “Holly Grove” transform into a 16th century medieval town. Enjoy a giant turkey leg while watching a jousting tournament, buy an authentic steel broadsword, and say hello to the Queen of England herself as you dance a merry jig to an Irish folk band. Bring the whole family or come with your girlfriends, because there is so much to do! To see the themed weekends and ticket pricing, visit ye ole website here.
5. Detroit Institute of Arts – Detroit
As much as we cross our fingers and do the dance, sometimes the weather just doesn’t hold out for us to spend Labor Day weekend outdoors. Bummer. So what kinds of indoor activities are there available? Although it is not open on Labor Day proper, the Detroit Institute of Arts will be open Saturday and Sunday for guests to come and peruse the vast collections of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts in addition to the museums signature Diego Rivera mural painted on location by Rivera himself. It’s free for anyone who lives in Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb counties, but for other ticket prices in info, check out their website here.
6. Sunflower Festival – White Lake

Like any good social media fiend, I’m always on the hunt for a fabulous photo op and you are certain to find your new favorite back drop amongst this gorgeous field of sunflowers! for On August 31, Lewis Farms and Petting Zoo is hosting its Sunflower Festival from 9AM to 6PM featuring my all time favorite happy, smiling, yellow flowers as far as the eye can see. Truly a great way to spend the last weekend of summer. There’s more info on the White Lake website here.
7. Wine Tasting Tour – Auburn Hills

Step aside, California! Michigan is coming at you with Napa Valley 2.0! We in Michigan know how to bottle an excellent wine, that’s for sure. Checking out the Shady Lane Cellars Winemaker’s Dinner at Michigan By The Bottle Tasting Room in Auburn Hills on Friday the 30th will be an excellent way to kick off the weekend. The $65 ticket will get you into the wine tasting in addition to a multi-course gourmet dinner. Yum! This would make for a great date or a night out with the ladies. Of course, this is a 21+ event so you might want to leave the kiddos at home for the evening. You can purchase your tickets here.
8. Pool/Boat Party – Your House!

I LOVE throwing a good pool party at my house! I wish I could invite all of my lovely readers over to enjoy it with me, but I’m not sure there would be room for everyone… lol! Sometimes the best events are the ones you throw yourself. If you don’t have your own pool or lakeside home, you can always set up your backyard with a water-free luau theme and bust out the grill or bonfire.
9. Hit Up Those Labor Day Weekend Sales

Anyone who knows me at all knows that I am a such a sucker for a good sale. Labor Day weekend is known for having some of the best sales of the year which is why you should definitely make time to hit a few of them up! A few of my favorites I’ll be checking out is the 50% off on sale items at Anthropology and up to 65% off at Neiman Marcus!
There are so many great ways to spend this upcoming holiday weekend, but the best way to do it is by spending time with family and friends and making sure you take a break from the hustle and bustle of every day life to say farewell to another awesome summer. Do you have any more awesome ideas to add to the list or want to share your Labor Day Weekend traditions?
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31 Comments
Shelbee on the Edge
So many fun things to do in your area this weekend! I would love the Jazz Festival! Have a wonderful holiday weekend, Grace!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Grace Liang
Thank you for stopping by, Shelbee! I hope you have a great holiday weekend also! 🙂
Ellibelle
I’ve never been to Detroit but looks like a lot of fun things to do! The sunflower field looks gorgeous and I’m sure I’d enjoy the Institute of Art, and Renaissance fairs are always such a fun event to visit!
Have a great weekend!!
https://www.simplyellibelle.com/
Grace Liang
Thank you Ellibelle – It is such a fun city! I hope you have a great holiday weekend! 🙂
Uzo O
I have always wanted to attend a wine tasting event , I haven’t been to Detroit before but I have noted all these place in my diary when I do . Thanks for sharing the info and lovely pictures too.
http://www.stylenbeautylounge.uk
Grace Liang
I’m sure you will love Detroit when you visit! 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend!
Morgan
So many fun things to do in Detroit! That sunflower field looks amazing!!
Grace Liang
There definitely is a lot of fun stuff to do in Detroit! Thank you for stopping by, Morgan! 🙂
mireille
Great things to do in your area! We are hosting some friends for a couple days and plan to hit the pool and go down the river, then it is birthday time on labor day and we will have all of the family over!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Grace Liang
I hope you had a great time, Mireille! 🙂 It’s always fun to spend time with friends and family on holiday weekends!
Beauty Unearthly
Lovely post dear! Have a great weekend! xx
Grace Liang
Thank you so much! I hope you had a wonderful weekend as well! 🙂
Mica
So many fun things to do! I’ve never been there before so thanks for sharing!
Hope that you are having a great weekend! We went to a birthday party in the park which was a lot of fun 🙂
Grace Liang
Thank you so much for your support, Mica! Birthday parties are always so much fun! Sounds like you had a great weekend. 🙂
Jill
Going to the art museum sounds like such a fun idea! Diego Rivera is one of my favorite artists ever, I wish I could see his mural. Enjoy your labor day weekend! 🙂
Jill
https://jilliancecilia.com/
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Jill! I hope you had a great weekend! 🙂
Francesca Romana Capizzi
I have never been to detroit, maybe I will make it my next destination!
Grace Liang
You definitely should! 🙂 It is a wonderful place to visit!
Nancy
Oooh! I love that there are so many different things to do in Michigan! I know I would love the Tiki Tours! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
Grace Liang
Thank you for your support, Nancy! I hope you had a great weekend!
Anna
It seems that you are not going to feel bored on Labour Day weekend, Grace with so many interesting places to go and see. Love you shaggy coat, super cute
https://colorandgrace.com
Grace Liang
I definitely was not bored at all lol! Thank you for your kind words, Anna! I really appreciate it! 🙂
Katrina
What a great way to spend the weekend. Thanks for all the suggestions! Hope you had a great weekend!
Grace Liang
Thank you so much, Katrina! I hope you enjoyed your holiday weekend as well!
Maria Marisa Gomes Cavaleiro
Nice ideas to spend the weekend!!
Arts and sales yes!!
xoxo
marisasclosetblog.com
Grace Liang
I’m so happy you liked these ideas, Maria! I hope you had a wonderful weekend! 🙂
Nina
Looks like so much fun! I will have to visit one day.
xx- Nina
http://www.stylingwithnina.com/2019/09/how-to-style-satin-skirt-last-weeks.html
Grace Liang
You should definitely visit sometime! I’m sure you would love it!
Jessica
Wine tasting and shopping – can’t go wrong with that! ha!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Grace Liang
I couldn’t agree with you more, Jessica! 🙂
Le Mag de Justine
Very cool post!
XX
Justine
http://lemagdejustine.com