21 things to do in metro Detroit this summer for $10 or less

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Jun 16, 2017 at 8:11 pm

<courtesy photo photo via planet Ant's facebook page photo via @papercutsstudio Instagram photo via the parade organization website photo via @jwhandsomedevils Instagram photo via @dollphases Instagram

Summer in metro Detroit doesn't have to drain your pockets! Here are 20 things that you can do in metro Detroit for $10 or less. Some of them are fun festivals, and some are just fun things to do during these warm summer months.

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Kid's Summer Cooking Classes :
@ Eastern Market Shed 5
For just $10 you can get an entire hour and a half away from your kids this summer and help them learn some kitchen basics. Classes are selling out fast, but the BBQ Sandwiches, Ice Cream Social, and Best Biscuits Ever classes are still open. If we’re being totally honest, those sound like the best classes anyways.
2934 Russel St., Detroit; 313-833-9300
Photo via IG @easternmarket

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Corktown Farmers Market
While you do have to pay for any delicious vegetables you see, admission into the market is free! With a wide variety of vendors and locally produced, healthy foods, walking around this market is a great way to spend a Thursday evening without breaking the bank.
Thursdays 4 p.m.-7 p.m.; 1236 Michigan Ave., Detroit; (313) 444-9342; free admission
(Photo via IG use @corktownmkt)
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Planet Ant Comedy Show
Unwind on a Monday night and enjoy one of the funniest improv shows, like, ever. Shows are only $5 in exchange for a night full of laughs. What’s one less Starbucks drink if it means laughing your butt off all night long.
2357 Caniff St, Hamtramck, Every Monday, 8 pm, $5, planetant.com/#improv-mondays-1
(Photo via Planet Ant's Facebook page)
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Detroit City Football Club Games
@ Keyworth Stadium
There aren’t a lot of opportunities in life to get drunk and yell outside without being a huge asshole, but at the March to the Match before DCFC games, chanting, smoke bombs, sirens and drums are encouraged. The team’s new home at Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck seats 7,000 and serves food from Hamtramck staples and adult beverages from Michigan-based companies.
Games schedules through August 2, check the DCFC website for a full schedule; 3201 Roosevelt St., Hamtramck; $10+
Photo via IG @detroitdrivenumber5
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Detroit Kite Festival
@ Belle Isle
Let’s go fly a kite! The Detroit Kite Festival is a free event on the beautiful Belle Isle. Parking is $11 or $31 for non-Michigan residents, so consider parking in downtown Detroit and biking in. This festival offers fun activities for kids, including making their own kite. Even if you aren’t interested in flying one, bring a picnic lunch and a blanket to sit on and watch the them fly.
Sunday, 7/16; 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Belle Isle cricket fields, Detroit; free admission (does not include parking)
(Photo via Kite Festival Facebook page)
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Fluffy Gal Clothing Swap
@ Build Institute Clothing swaps are an easy way to trade out old pieces for free new threads, but finding clothes that fit in a sea of size 4-12 can be difficult. Luckily there’s a solution: the Fluffy Gal free clothing swap features only plus-sized clothing, shoes, and accessories for summer. Proceeds from the $8 ticketed brunch and $2 mimosas go to Covenant House to help teen mothers.
6/4; 10a.m.- 2p.m.; 2701 Bagley Ave., Detroit; free or $8 for brunch
Photo via IG @fluffygalswap
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Ford Fireworks
@ Detroit Riverfront
Fireworks season is upon us, so let’s celebrate in the heart of downtown, alongside the gorgeous riverwalk. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair, friends and beverage of choice as you come enjoy the show.
June 26, show starts approximately at 9:48 pm, free admission, michiganfireworks.com
(photo via the parade organization website)
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Summer Entertainment Series
@ New Center Park
This event is so much better than spending every dollar in your wallet at your local movie theatre. Movies at New Center Park are free and open to the public. This event is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. Spread out a blanket on the lawn, sit back, relax and watch some of your favorite movies on the big screen without the big price.
Wednesday and Friday nights; doors open at 8 p.m. with screenings at sunset; 2998 W. Grand Boulevard, Detroit; free admission (does not include parking)
(Photo via New Center Park Facebook page)
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Midnight Madness
@ The Main Art Theatre
Yes, you can see movies at regular showtimes at the Main Art Theatre, but where’s the fun in that? Seats are only $7 at the Midnight Madness movie showings throughout the summer. Check out these classics with some of your friends because the night is just getting started.
Fridays and Saturdays; shows start at midnight; 118 N. Main St.; Royal Oak, MI; (248) 542-5198; tickets are $7
(Photo via Main Art Facebook page)
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Great Lakes Food Art and Music Festival
@ Campus Martius
Detroit gets retribution by stealing something back from the suburbs– a three day family-friendly festival that will take over Campus Martius in July. There will be plenty to keep the kids busy, like face painting, balloon animals, and bounce houses, and activities for adults, like the Moscow Mule tent, "BBQ Row" and giant Connect 4. Take the Q-Line or People Mover to avoid a traffic nightmare. July 28, 5p.m.-11p.m., July 29, 11a.m.-12a.m., July 30, 12p.m.-8p.m.
Campus Martius, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 248-202-4662; foodartmusicfest.com
Photo via IG @greatlakesfoodartmusic
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Dance Parties at Temple Bar
@ Temple Bar
When you’re already sweating outside on a Friday or Saturday night, take on Detroit’s hottest (literally) dance floor for the best local house, soul, funk, disco, and dance DJs. If you get there early, the dog and cat are usually still hanging around the bar and the owner might make you one of his custom killer cocktails.
Music starts at 9p.m.; 2906 Cass Ave., Detroit; 313-832- 2822; $2 before midnight, $3 after
Photo via IG @mar.manzanares
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Detroit Q-Line Tours
@ Campus Matrius Q-Line stop
Ok, we know what you’re going to say, but the new rail cars have air conditioning and the tour guide for this free Detroit Experience Factory tour will probably teach you about the history and architecture of the city so you can impress people with your knowledge. Plus, you might find a new lunch spot to try instead of eating a bowl from FalaFill every. single. day.
Tours start at 5p.m. on select dates through Sept. 28; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-4590; Free; eventbrite.com
Photo via IG @puredetroit313
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United Shore baseball game
@ Jimmy Johns Field
What is better than spending a night at the ballpark? While it may not be a major league baseball game, I guarantee you will have just as much fun, but without having to overspend on tickets. Bring a blanket to sit on the lawn, grab a beer and watch the game for only $6 a ticket.
Game time and dates vary; 7171 Auburn Rd., Utica, MI; lawn tickets are $6
(Photo via IG user @slaunchaman)
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Riverdays
@ parking lot next to Rec Cen
The perfect outdoor festival for all ages. Adults can enjoy plenty of live performances and the youngsters can enjoy plenty of activities that are sure to keep them busy. Plus, there’s food, so It’s a win-win for the whole family.
June 23- 25, Friday- Sunday 11 am- 10 pm, Detroit Riverfront, $3 before 3pm and $5 after 3pm, free on Friday before 5 pm, riverdays.com
(photo via @dollphases Instagram)
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Garden Party at the Whitney
Summer parties are happening every Thursday at the Whitney, and they're perfect for anyone on a budget. Just $10 can cover your admission and dinner of a delicious burger, who can beat that?
Thursdays through September 7th, 6:30- 9 p.m., $5
(Photo via @jwhandsomedevils Instagram)
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Free Fishing Weekend
Sat. 6/10- Sun 6/11
Invite your friends and family over on Sunday because you’re catching your own dinner with Michigan’s free fishing weekend. Outdoor Afro is even hosting a fishing day to teach people how to fish. You know a little kid will end up pulling a 20 pound fish out of the water with their kiddie fishing pole, so make sure you add this event to the calendar because it is something you do not want to miss.
locations vary; events listed by county; fishing license fees waived for two days
(Photo via IG user @redrum_303)
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African World Festival
@The Wright Museum
Fri 8/18- Sun 8/20
This event in Detroit is definitely something you do not want to miss. The three-day festival features live performances, African drumming, vendors, ethnic foods, art and poetry. See the diversity of Detroit and experience something new at this one of a kind festival.
11 a.m.- 11 p.m. daily; 315 E. Warren Ave., Detroit; tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors, members and children under 3 are free
(Photo via IG @saintpaul137)
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D.I.Y. Street Fair
@ Downtown Ferndale D.I.Y. simply means “do it yourself” and this festival celebrates all of the Detroit “doers” in the art and music world. Come out and enjoy the huge variety of artists, food vendors and music artists. It’s a September weekend filled with fun, that you don’t want to miss!
Downtown Ferndale, September 22nd- 24th, Friday (6 pm- midnight), Saturday (11 am- midnight), Sunday (11 am- 11 pm), free admission, ferndalediy.com
(photo via diystreetfair Facebook)
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