Shelby Township, MI
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Welcome to a summer filled with excitement and community spirit here in Shelby Township! This season, we present an array of events and programs that are sure to bring joy and entertainment to everyone.
Join us for the Shelby Township Library's enriching summer reading season, where both the young and young-at-heart can find their perfect summer read. Experience the great outdoors with the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department's engaging summer day camps and free concerts. Discover the wonders of nature with educational programs and nature academies offered by the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center.
And don’t miss our large annual events, including the Down Home Days Festival, the inaugural Shelby Township Summerfest and the 41st annual Shelby Township Art Fair. There’s something for everyone in Shelby Township this summer—come and celebrate with us!
Browse our summer programming below for events and everything you need to know to have fun out and about this summer in Shelby Township.
We are thrilled to announce the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series at River Bends Park, located at 5700 22 Mile Road! This exciting series kicks off on July 10 and continues every Wednesday through Aug. 7. Each concert features a unique theme and amazing performances from various bands.
Concert Schedule and Themes:
**POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE TBD**
July 10 - Senior Night
- Band: Sound Station (Classic Rock)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Celebrate Senior Night with the Shelby Township Senior Center's Senior Steering Committee. Enjoy a night of classic rock, pizza and learn about senior center offerings.
July 17 - Youth Sports/Movie Night
- Band: KatMandu (Bob Seger Tribute Band)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Movie: Zootopia at 8:30 PM
- Wear your jerseys and gather your teammates for an evening of great music and fun. Stay for a movie in the park after the concert.
July 24 - Volunteer Committees & Clubs Night
- Band: Magic Bus (Woodstock Tribute Band)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Meet our community all-star volunteer crews and enjoy a musical journey back to 1967 with Magic Bus.
July 31 - Movie Night
- Band: American Ages (Classic/New Rock)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Movie: The Super Mario Bros. Movie at 8:30 PM
- Enjoy a night of classic and new rock hits followed by a family-friendly movie in the park.
August 7 - Scout Night
- Band: The Oneders (One Hit Wonder Experience)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Local Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops are invited to a fun night out with The Oneders playing your favorite one-hit wonders.
**POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER - NEW DATE AUGUST 14**
August 14 - Senior Night
- Band: Sound Station (Classic Rock)
- Time: 7-8:30 PM
- Celebrate Senior Night with the Shelby Township Senior Center's Senior Steering Committee. Enjoy a night of classic rock, pizza and learn about senior center offerings.
Additional Information:
- Admission: Free
- All Ages Welcome
- Treats: Enjoy delicious treats from Kona Ice of Utica every Wednesday!
Starting May 27, the Chief Gene Shepherd Park splash pad is open daily until Labor Day. It is open to Shelby Township and Utica residents only. There is special Toddler Time session for ages five and younger Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
Nonresidents may attend as guests of attending residents. A daily pass is $2 per child, and annual family passes are $25. Entry requires proof of residency, such as a valid driver's license. For more information, email shelbyprm@shelbytwp.org or call 586-731-0300. Located in Chief Gene Shepherd Park at 2452 23 Mile Road, East of Dequindre Road.
When:
10 AM-5 PM Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024
10 AM-5 PM Sunday, Aug. 11, 2024
Where:
River Bends Park (22 Mile Road entrance)
The Shelby Township Art Fair will be celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2024. The fair, which is co-hosted by Shelby Township and the Art Fair Committee and the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Department and supported by generous sponsors, provides a great experience for over 15,000 visitors who come from near and far each year to enjoy the weekend’s festivities. This includes over 120 artist and marketplace vendors. There is also tasty food, musical entertainment, a kid’s craft and activity area, and more.
The Art Fair Committee is excited to announce the return of the fair at the beautiful River Bends Park. Entry and parking is free at this location which provides a large area for exhibitors and entertainment, lots of free parking in the lot at the park, and additional free parking nearby with convenient free shuttle buses. This lovely park with plenty of mature trees, flat grassy areas, and three pavilions has been a favorite place to hold special events for years.
River Bends Park is located at 5700 22 Mile Road, between Shelby and Ryan Roads and the fair hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Information
Parking and Shuttle Bus
There will be plenty of free parking at River Bends Park, plus you can catch a free shuttle bus from from Woodall Neighborhood Park near the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center (4101 River Bends Drive) east of Ryan Road, and south of 22 Mile Road, or you can take a scenic walk to the bridge that will bring you to the fair.
Sponsor opportunities available
Local, regional and national businesses and organizations are invited to support the art fair. A variety of sponsor options and marketing opportunities fit almost any budget. Sponsor support allows the committee and the PRM Department to continue hosting this family-friendly event. Options include event partner, entertainment sponsor, shuttle bus sponsor, promotional sponsor and more. Call 586-731-0300 to discuss sponsor options.
Entertainment Lineup
Saturday, August 10
11 AM MAINSTAGE SoundStation
1 PM HICKORY GROVE Steve & Trish
3 PM MAINSTAGE Wayback Machine
1-4 PM Balloon Artist
Sunday, August 11
11 AM MAINSTAGE Rick & Dayna with Marshall
1 PM HICKORY GROVE Bob & Carl
3 PM MAINSTAGE Captured Detroit
10 AM-1 PM Balloon Artist
Part of the 41st annual Shelby Township Art Fair, the 2024 Better Pie Baking Contest on Aug. 10 invites baking enthusiasts to showcase their skills. Judges will crown the "Better Pie" baker, with prizes awarded to the top three pies and a special package for the best junior baker under 13. Even if you're not competing, being a spectator promises a treat.
To participate, submit your pie in a disposable container for smooth judging. Pies are tasted in the order they’re received, so timely submissions are appreciated. Each pie must have a bottom crust, an optional top crust and a creative filling. While pre-made crusts are allowed, the filling must be your own creation. Given the outdoor setting in August, keep your pie cool and intact as refrigeration won’t be available. Submit your pie by 12:45 p.m. at the Better Pie Contest tent. Judging starts at 1 p.m. sharp, followed by the announcement of winners. Be present to claim your prize and share in the excitement.
2024 Shelby Township Art Fair Better Pie Baking Contest flyer
2024 Shelby Township Art Fair Better Pie Baking Contest entry form and rules
As the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department offers more recreation programs and opportunities this summer.
Visit shelbytwp.org/parks to make sure you have the most up-to-date information before visiting our facilities, parks and events. Our indoor programs and facilities have attendance restrictions and require an appointment. Go to shelbtwp.org/parks to make an appointment for the Shelby Township Activities Center, the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center or to enjoy Shelby Township Senior Center programs. Thank you.
One traditional sign of summer in Shelby Township is the emergence of garage, yard and estate sales.
New this year, Shelby Township’s Community Relations Department provides a free community service for any Shelby Township resident wishing to post a sale notice on the township’s calendar at shelbytwp.org/sale. Sales accepted include garage, yard, estate sales and more.
Summer starts with Down Home Days from May 24-27 at Knights Park and Pavilion at 11541 21 Mile Road. This festival will feature a vibrant mix of live bands and DJs, enhancing the carnival atmosphere and midway attractions. The Lions Club Party Pavilion will be a central spot for refreshments and community gatherings. The musical lineup for Down Home Days includes Sunset Boulevard 7-10:30 p.m. May 24, BS Duo 2-5 p.m. May 25, FiftyAmpFuse 7-10:30 p.m. May 25, Bernadette Kathryn and the Lonely Days Band 7-10 p.m. May 26, and Big B and The Actual Proof rounding out the event 7-10 p.m. May 27.
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Event Guide
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Event Map
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Event Schedule
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Parking Guide
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Food Truck Line-up
Shelby Township is gearing up for an unforgettable summer extravaganza June 28-29, 2024, at the municipal campus, 52700 Van Dyke Ave.
"We have a very patriotic community in Shelby Township with a lot of veterans and active-duty families here. It's one of the many reasons Shelby Township is the best place to celebrate Independence Day in metro Detroit, and this year's festivities will further cement that honor,” Township Trustee Lucia Di Cicco said.
This two-day event, presented by the Shelby Township Downtown Development Authority, combines the Shelby Township Summer Kick-off and the Shelby Township DDA Independence Day Celebration, promising excitement and entertainment for all.
June 28
Kids Zone Activities:
- Touch-a-Truck 4-8 PM
- Strolling Princesses, Princes & Superheroes 4-7 PM
- Face Painting & Airbrushing 4-8 PM
- Magicians & Balloon Artists 4-8 PM
- Petting Zoo 4-8 PM
Go Wild at the Library:
- Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center Animal Ambassadors 4-8 PM
- Reptarium Experience 4-8 PM
Treehouse Live:
- Live taping of Shelby TV's award-winning "The Treehouse" featuring science demonstrations from Mad Science of Michigan, animal encounters from the Reptarium and Princess/Prince Sing-a-long @ 6:30 PM
- Outdoor movie screening of "Migration" under the stars @ 7:30 PM
June 29
Kids Zone Activities:
- Toddler Bounce House 6-10 PM
- 60-Foot Obstacle Course 6-10 PM
- 24-Foot-Tall Inflatable Slide 6-10 PM
- Backyard Toys 6-10 PM
- Face Painting & Airbrushing 6-9 PM
- Balloon Artists 6-10 PM
- Petting Zoo 6-10 PM
Independence Day Celebration:
- 1st MI Colonial Fife & Drum Corp. @ 8 PM
- Live performance by the Macomb Symphony Orchestra @ 8:15 PM
- Drone Show Symphony Finale @ 9:45 PM
Food & Drink both nights:
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, please review the parking and transportation procedures for the event.
Handicap Parking and Transport:
- Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Shelby Golden K and the Kiwanis Club of Utica-Shelby Township, handicap transports will be available on campus.
- Handicap parking will be located at the 41A District Court parking lot. From there, golf cart transports will take you safely to and from the event viewing area.
Traffic and Access:
- Traffic will be allowed to access the campus and leave the event only from the southern Van Dyke Ave. entrance by the Police Department and 41A District Court.
- Please avoid the area of 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave. after the event on Saturday, June 29, as traffic will not be allowed to go westbound on 24 Mile Road.
Shuttle Services:
- Visitors are encouraged to park at one of the three shuttle locations and take a bus to the event for speedy and convenient arrival and departure.
- Shuttle buses will run from 3:30-10 p.m. on June 28 and from 5:30-11 p.m. on June 29.
Shuttle Locations:
- RED SHUTTLE: Parking at the old Kmart building at 7601 23 Mile Road.
- GREEN SHUTTLE: Parking at Shelby Junior High at 51700 Van Dyke Ave.
- BLUE SHUTTLE: Parking at Eisenhower High School at 6500 25 Mile Road.
On-Site Parking:
- Parking at the Shelby Township Municipal Campus will be extremely limited to accommodate security and accessibility.
- Limited on-site parking will be available at Mae Stecker Park, the Shelby Township Early Voting Center and the Shelby Township Library.
- Handicap parking will be located at the 41A District Court parking lot. From there, golf cart transports will take you safely to and from the event viewing area.
Biking to the Event:
- If you prefer to walk or bike to Summerfest, please check our map of sidewalks in the township to find the safest route.
2024 Shelby Township Summerfest Parking Guide
Shelby Township Summer Schedules
To ensure your events are occurring as scheduled, check back to our calendar regularly.
Bat Hike (Ages 5+)
- Date: 09/23/2023 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Location: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center
4101 River Bends Drive
Shelby Township, Michigan 48316
Enjoy a summer evening outdoors while learning about this amazing creature of the night! After an introduction to bat biology and playing an echolocation game, we will hit the trails and search for bats flying in the night sky. Using an electronic echolocation detecting device, we will be able to see a visual display of each bat call on an interactive, scientific-level spectrogram. Find out which bat species live in River Bends Park in this fun evening event! Pre-registration required; program starts promptly at 7 p.m. Ages 5+. $3 per resident / $5 per non-resident.
BATHIKE.04