Detroit summer commandments you must obey

By Metro Times editorial staff on Wed, Jun 12, 2024 at 10:27 am

Summer in Detroit isn’t just a season — it’s practically a religion, complete with its own set of commandments. You’ve got your classic coney dog and Tigers game, sure, but there’s many other traditions you simply must partake in to have a true Detroit summer.

Here are all of the things you absolutely have to do as a Detroiter this summer if you don’t want to head into fall with regrets.

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Kahn Santori Davison

Thou shalt attend a summer concert or festival.

A summer is not a good one without art and music, and Detroit isn’t Detroit without its creative energy either. And there are tons of options for summer concerts and festivals, whether big or small. We’ve got Pride festivals and small art fairs happening all over metro Detroit throughout the summer, plus the global Black music festival Afro Nation happening in August, and the Detroit Jazz Festival to cap it all off during Labor Day weekend. Do not miss out on experiencing at least some of these magical events.

Drew Tarvin, Flickr Creative Commons

Thou shalt ride the Belle Isle slide (it’s coming back).

Belle Isle’s nostalgic giant slide returned in the summer of 2022 after several years being closed down. The slide made national headlines after videos of riders flying down it and landing hard went viral. Well, this summer, the notorious slide will be reopening with a softer landing, and this wild ride is a must. Your ass may burn, but the fun experience will not disappoint.

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Dani Machlis / Alamy Stock Photo

Thou shalt host or attend a cookout.

In Detroit, cookouts are a part of culture. Whether it’s a barbecue on the side of the road or a backyard family party, hosting or attending at least once food-filled event is a must during the summer.

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Thou shalt take a stroll on the Riverwalk.

Detroit’s revitalized riverfront has been named the best in the nation by USA Today for three consecutive years, but visiting it has been a tradition for Detroiters for much longer. Whether you just want a walk with a view or to splash in the fountains, strolling the Riverwalk makes for a great summer activity. In recent years, the riverfront has gotten many new parks that host regular events and free activities for all. And now, you can bike it all the way to Belle Isle.

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Thou shalt get lit on at least one rooftop bar.

When it comes to drinking in the summer, nothing beats a rooftop lounge. Detroit has a handful of them too, some long-standing favorites and some brand new. There’s something about drinking with a view that makes us all feel lavish.

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Hannah Ervin, Detroit Stock City

Thou shalt swim at Belle Isle.

As soon as the weather heats up, Belle Isle’s beaches are packed, whether people are actually swimming, having a barbecue on the beach, or just soaking up the sun. Many people do swim in the Detroit River at Belle Isle, but many others think it’s gross and never do. Either way, Belle Isle is a big part of summer in Detroit.

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Thou shalt visit Eastern Market.

Summer means it’s farmers market season, and Detroit’s top farmers Market is Eastern Market, filled with produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. On Saturdays, vendors sell everything from tacos to produce to flowers. On Sundays, the space is packed with local jewelers and artists. Surrounding walls and warehouses are adorned with murals and live music is played at nearby venues. This is one great place to take visitors who want to be immersed in Detroit’s culture.

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Thou shalt complain about the heat.

In the winter, Michiganders complain about the cold and snowy weather, so you’d think we’d be grateful when the temperature rises. Not so much. Summers in Detroit are often characterized by at least some people whining about the heat and humidity. As a Midwesterner, it’s your birthright.

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Alejandro Ugalde from Featherstone

Thou shalt eat good food on a local restaurant patio.

Much like drinking on a rooftop, al fresco dining in the summer is also a must. You can enjoy good food and soak in the sunlight at many eateries in the Detroit area.

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Facebook, Common Pub

Thou shalt search all summer for a pool.

For those who are too bougie for the beach, looking for a pool in the area is a constant summer task, and actually going to one sometimes never even happens. If you don’t have a hook-up, you can always just jump in the river.

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Lee DeVito

Thou shalt indulge in a Coney dog.

A delicacy of Detroit is the coney dog, and on a late night (especially after drinking), the humble staple becomes the most delicious thing ever. Hot dogs are a big part of outdoor summer events, and Detroit does them the best.

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Thou shalt attend a Tigers game at Comerica Park.

Whether Detroit’s baseball team is having a good season or a bad one, many locals support them by going to at least one game a summer. It’s America’s pastime.

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Thou shalt explore the Detroit Institute of Arts.

The DIA, which houses one of the largest collections of art in the nation, is great to visit during any season. In summer though, you can get cute in a summer dress and have a whole day in Midtown seeing art, eating great food, and feeling good. (Plus, it has air conditioning.)

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Facebook, Dequindre Cut

Thou shalt bike or hike a local trail.

Detroit is lucky to have plenty of nature in the city and the surrounding areas. We’ve got the fun Dequindre Cut, which is just one public trail of the Joe Louis Greenway, an upcoming 27.5 miles of biking and walking trails throughout the city and connecting suburbs. These greenways also connect to the Detroit Riverfront, which just recently got connected to Belle Isle, where there’s all the greenspace you need. Plus, there are many great trails just outside of Detroit that can be a great new experience with just a short drive.

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Thou shalt walk around downtown for some fun nightlife.

While most night clubs are open year-round, there’s just something about the warm weather that makes us feel hotter than ever and ready to party. Going out and looking good is a must in the summer, and sometimes this means just walking around downtown and seeing where the night takes us. Detroit’s nightclub culture is underrated and hot venues continue to sprout, so take your pick and dance the night away with friends until the morning.

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Josh Kesner/Flickr Creative Commons

Thou shalt see an outdoor movie screening.

For a classic date that has been a metro Detroit tradition since 1950, bring your boo to the Ford-Wyoming drive-in and cuddle up for a movie. Or, be on the lookout for free movie screenings at Campus Martius and other local parks.

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Brew Detroit, Facebook

Thou shalt enjoy a beer at a local brewery.

The city of Detroit and its surrounding suburbs are well-stocked with breweries and bars that serve up great drinks and food, some no-frills and unpretentious, and others more high-end. Some even have extra fun activities for you to have a good time. Whatever you have in mind for summer fun, sipping brews is a necessity. (Besides, it’s Oberon season.)

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Thou shalt see some fireworks.

For Detroiters, the main reason that the Fourth of July is celebrated is so that we have an excuse to party, eat good, and light some fireworks. Whether it’s just some sparklers in your backyard or viewing a big annual fireworks show over the Detroit River, seeing fireworks at some point during the summer is a must.

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Screengrab, YouTube

Thou shalt listen to “Good Ass Day” at least once.

You’re not a real Detroiter if rap group DoughBoyz Cashout isn’t on your playlist, and hit track “Good Ass Day” is a summer classic perfect for getting lit. If you don’t play it, you simply won’t have a good ass day.

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Lexi Krupp / Interlochen Public Radio

Thou shalt take a road trip to one of the Great Lakes.

Michigan is one of the best states because it is surrounded by the Great Lakes, which means the city of Detroit is too. Lake Huron isn’t very far and the others can be visited on a weekend trip. There’s always water nearby if you want to swim, boat, or fish.

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