As summer lingers according to the calendar and the heat index, its spiritual conclusion arrives with Labor Day Weekend. The tri-county area comes alive with a variety of annual festivals, ranging from the high-energy Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak to the complimentary Detroit Jazz Festival downtown. Numerous community festivals take place from Hamtramck to Romeo, while the Michigan State Fair also marks its annual celebration.

Here are our top 10 recommendations for things to do this Labor Day weekend in Metro Detroit:

**Detroit Jazz Festival in Downtown Detroit**

This year’s multi-stage, free jazz festival is packed with highlights. Notably, Artist-in-Residence Brian Blade will perform several times throughout the weekend. Make sure to catch him on Labor Day at 7:45 p.m. on the JP Morgan Chase Main Stage in Cadillac Square, where he will perform with the Fellowship Band alongside the Detroit Jazz Festival Jazz Orchestra. Jazz enthusiasts should also look forward to the Alice Coltrane tribute featuring Ravi Coltrane, Brandee Younger, Reggie Workman, and the Detroit Jazz Festival Chamber Orchestra on the Carhartt Amphitheatre Stage in Hart Plaza at 7 p.m. on Friday. The festival kicks off on Friday evening and runs continuously through Monday with free admission for all. For a full schedule and additional details, visit detroitjazzfest.org.

**Soaring Eagle Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak**

This annual community festival takes over much of downtown Royal Oak, offering an enticing mix of fine arts and delectable eats. However, it’s the “beats” that draw the largest crowds. This year’s main stage headliners include Cheap Trick and Tesla on Friday, Runaway June, the Cadillac Three, and Dustin Lynch on Saturday, and Gin Blossoms and Chevelle on Sunday. Labor Day features Detroit’s Queen of Blues Thornetta Davis, Pop 2000 Tour, and R&B singer Keith Sweat. The Detroit News sponsors the Kids Zone near Fourth and Main streets, offering free activities for families such as entertainment, arts and crafts, and a Michigan Science Center STEM skills showdown. The event runs from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. on Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday. Admission is free until 5 p.m. on Friday, then $10-$12 per person over the age of three. More details can be found at artsbeatseats.com.

**Michigan State Fair at Suburban Collection Showplace**

Take a leisurely stroll around the vendor area and marvel at agricultural and livestock displays, including the famous butter cow and other wholesome attractions. The Michigan State Fair also features a craft beer event, live music, and a carnival complete with games and rides. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian after 6 p.m. each evening. Hours of operation are from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. on Monday. Admission starts at $10. For more information, visit michiganstatefairllc.com.

**Romeo Peach Festival in Downtown Romeo**

The 93rd annual Romeo Peach Festival is about much more than just this juicy stone fruit. Attendees can enjoy doughnuts, peach pies, and other delicacies from Westview Orchards’ tent, alongside craft shows, live music, carnival rides, and a Friday night fireworks display. The festival runs all day from Thursday to Monday at various locations in downtown Romeo. Visit romeopeachfestival.com for more details.

**Return of the Legends at the Aretha**

For many years, it has been a Labor Day tradition in Detroit to see throwback artists at this riverfront venue. This weekend’s “Return of the Legends” lineup features Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, Rakim, Kid ‘N Play, Brand Nubian, X Clan, Yo-Yo, and Kwame on Friday night. Saturday night’s lineup includes T.I., 2 Chainz, P$C, Big Herk, Lola Damone, Drunken Master, and K Deezy. The shows start at 8 p.m., with tickets starting at $65 each night. More information can be found at thearetha.com.

**Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper at Pine Knob Music Theatre**

The “Freaks on Parade” tour returns to Pine Knob this weekend with Detroit native Alice Cooper and rocker-filmmaker Rob Zombie headlining. They are joined by opening bands Ministry and Filter. The concert starts at 6 p.m. on Friday with tickets starting at $35. More details are available at 313presents.com.

**Martin Lawrence at Little Caesars Arena**

Comedian and actor Martin Lawrence is back on tour with his first comedy show since 2016 titled “Y’all Know What It Is.” The tour features an entirely new stand-up performance by Lawrence, who gained fame in the 1990s through his iconic Fox sitcom “Martin” (set in Detroit) and the “Bad Boys” movie franchise. Lawrence will be joined by Deon Cole, Benji Brown, and Clayton Thomas for his LCA date. The show begins at 8 p.m. on Friday with tickets starting at $39.50. For more information, visit 313presents.com.

**Hamtramck Labor Day Festival in Hamtramck**

This grassroots street fair features a musical lineup blending local favorites like the Polish Muslims, Amino Acids, Danny D, and Duende with national headliners like Detroit rappers Sada Baby, Gmac Cash, and Esham, plus Mike Skill from the Romantics and Canadian indie rockers Sloan. One of the highlights is that Jack White will perform with his old band the Hentchmen during their headlining set Monday night. Also on Monday are the popular Hamtramck Yacht Races at noon. The festival includes carnival games and rides, vendors, beer and other beverages, and diverse culinary delights from Polish to African cuisine. The event runs from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday through Monday with free admission. More details can be found at hamtownfest.com.

**Black Women Rock at Fillmore Detroit**

For two decades, Detroit musician, artist, poet, and activist jessica Care moore has been producing concerts highlighting Black women who play rock music. This Saturday marks the 20th anniversary of Black Women Rock at Fillmore Detroit with performances by moore herself alongside Steffanie Christi’an and other talented artists like Tamar Kali, Divinity Roxx, Kimberly Nichole, Sate, Nik West, Joi, Grace Gibson, Amrya Leon among others. “Black Women Rock is a movement that showcases the music and stories of Black women who are building institutions around their creative talent,” said moore in a press release about the show. The concert starts at 7 p.m., with tickets ranging from $20 to $90. More information is available at thefillmoredetroit.com.

**Bikini Kill at Masonic Temple Theatre**

Pioneering punk group Bikini Kill returns to Metro Detroit as part of their reunion tour performing iconic riot grrrl anthems like “Rebel Girl.” Frontwoman Kathleen Hanna recently released her memoir “Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk,” detailing her tough childhood, experiences in the Seattle grunge scene, being punched by Courtney Love at Lollapalooza 1995, and falling in love with Ad Rock from the Beastie Boys. The concert features an opening act by Detroit psych-pop trio Shadow Show and starts at 7 p.m. on Saturday with tickets starting at $96. More details can be found at themasonic.com.

Enjoy this Labor Day weekend by immersing yourself in these vibrant events across Metro Detroit!