The last 14 months have been historic for all the wrong reasons. But withCOVID-19vaccinations on the rise, summertime can be a chance to return to somepast pleasures.
There are plenty of safe and open activities to enjoy this summer.From music festivalsto natural wonderments,Michigan’s got something for everyone.
Detroit
Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit
Vincent Van Gogh's paintings come to life in a grand 300,000-square-foot space at a secret venue in the heart of Detroit. Visitors willembark on afull-sensory experience with moving images of Van Gogh's well-known paintings, from Starry Night to Sunflower. The exhibitopens on Oct. 21, and it'll be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.Tickets are on sale now.
Motor City Car Crawl
An automotive showcase, food trucksand entertainment await Detroiters this August, at the first-ever Motor City Car Crawl. New cars will be showcased in six downtown parks: Beacon Park, Cadillac Square, Campus Martius, Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park and Spirit Plaza, with entertainment within walking distance. The event will raise money for southeast Michigan charities with a ticketed fundraiser on Aug. 7. Tickets have not gone on sale yet.The show will run Aug. 5-8.
More:Motor City Car Crawl and charity fundraiser promises new vehicles, food, entertainment
Detroit Grand Prix
After a cancellation in 2020, Detroit Grand Prix is making its comeback, now in a one-weekend format. Car races will be held June 12-13 on Detroit's Belle Isle, and tickets will be on sale soon.
Eastern Market Flower Season
Detroit's beloved farmer's market is upping their game this year, as what was previously Flower Day has been extended into a Flower Season with dates through May and June, to accommodate crowds: May 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Saturdays now through June from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Updates are posted on itsFacebook page.
Redford Theatre
From "Strangers on a Train" to "Thelma and Louise," classic movie lovers can now return to Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser, for a $5 show and a bucket of popcorn. Visitits websiteto get your ticket.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Currently hosting only virtual symphonies, the Detroit Symphony Orchestraannounced a plan to return for in-person concerts this fall. Tickets can be purchased online.
More:Detroit Symphony announces 2021-22 season, plans for return of live audiences in the fall
Detroit Jazz Fest
Dee Dee Bridgewater andHerbie Hanco*ck are in this year's top lineup. Festival organizers have not yet announced if the event will be held in-person or livestreamed like last year. In either form, the fest will be held Sept. 3-6, with tickets available on itswebsite.
2021 Fest:Dee Dee Bridgewater, Herbie Hanco*ck top lineup; decision on live audience awaits
Michigan Opera Theatre
For the first time, Michigan Opera Theatre is presenting an outdoor performance. "Cavalleria rusticana," a tale of lust, betrayal and murder set in rural Sicily. It stars Christine Goerke. Goerke got international praise for her role in"Twilight: Gods" asBrünnhilde last fall. The show will be held at 7 p.m. on June 12 at the Meadow Brook Amphitheatre, and tickets can be bought atticketmaster.com or by calling 313-471-7443.
More:Michigan Opera Theatre moves outdoor 'Cavalleria rusticana' from May to June
Upper Peninsula
Mackinac Island
From the yearly Lilac Festival to the St. Ignace Car Show, Mackinac Island is bringing back some of its biggest showstoppers this summer. The city has a page of events posted on its website.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Known for its vibrantly colored sandstone cliffs and crisp waters, Pictured Rocks is known as a natural treasure to Michiganders. The lakeshore is located near Mackinac Island, making for a perfect weekend getaway.
Kitch-Iti-kipi
As Michigan's largest natural freshwater spring, this attraction remains a natural phenomenon and state attraction. Despite the U.P.'s notoriously cold winters, the Big Spring pushes more than 10,000 gallons of water a minute year-round, with a rare exception this year. Manistique has more information on how to reach the spring on itswebsite.
More:Manistique's Kitch-iti-kipi, also known as The Big Spring, freezes over in rare phenomenon
West Michigan
Dune Top Zip Line
Muskegon State Park will now be home to Michigan's longest, all-accessible zip line with full wheelchair access. This summer, the quarter-mile of magic is back in business, though the state park hasn't posted specifics yet. Check back to their website for updates.
Camp Snoopy
Michigan's Adventure, a 250-acre amusem*nt park, is bringing the beloved comic strip, Peanuts, to the state this year. Camp Snoopy will feature five new familyrides, including a family-friendly rollercoaster. Updates on the debut rides will be posted on the park's website.
Up North
National Cherry Festival
Held July 3-10, Traverse City's renowned cherry festival will feature Ultimate Air Dogs, the Old Town Car Show and more, while some of their usual festivities will take on a virtual presence.Updates and tickets for the extravaganza are on itswebsite.
More:National Cherry Festival makes a comeback this July
Harbor Springs Festival of the Book
Authors of fiction, food and more come together and discuss their works at this yearly weekend celebration, which is complete with signings, panels and readings. While 2020's in-person festivities were canceled, organizers are tentatively planning to return this September. Check back to their website for updates.
For Subscribers:Need a vacation? Here are some must-see spots inspired by Hemingway's time in Michigan
Mid-Michigan
Dow Gardens
This 110-acre botanical garden in Midland is home to glass gardens, wildflowers and Whiting Forest. It's currently open by appointment only, and you can book your slot on the garden's website.
Frankenmuth
Known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, this town offers a glimpse into German food and fun. Some of Frankenmuth's upcoming events, according to the town's website,are weekend Pretzel Rolling classes May 5-Dec. 18, a gift, food and craft show, Shipshewanaon the RoadMay 7-8 andFuntown Chowdown Food Truck Festival on May 13.
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy a free fishing weekend in early June or grab a camera to capture some of the most photogenic wildlife at this Shiawassee site in Saginaw. The refuge also has trails, yearly Canada goose hunts, and wildlife observation decks. Visit thewebsite for more information.
More:Detroit pizzeria owner paints street to help customers avoid parking tickets
More:Long-separated Cuban brothers to reunite for concert in Pontiac
COVID-19:You know the drill: mask up, stay 6 feet apart and sanitize. Activitiesmentioned above, especially when indoors,will have reduced capacity, and many requireadvanced booking. Check the place's website or call for the most up-to-date information before going, as restrictions and capacities may change.
Contact Minnah Arshad:MArshad@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @minnaharshad.
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