Plan Ahead for Labor Day Weekend Fun

The long Labor Day Weekend typically marks the unofficial end of summer and it will soon be upon us. Start planning now to make the most of the dwindling summer before snapping back into the autumn routine. Here are a few suggestions to consider when deciding how to spend the long weekend.

The Detroit Jazz Festival returns for another holiday weekend and will kick off with an Opening Night Party at the Carhart Amphitheater Stage in Hart Plaza at 6 p.m. The event is free and the music will flow all weekend through Monday on four stages at two locations in Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. For more information and a schedule of performers go to http://www.detroitjazzfest.org.

The Annual Michigan State Fair returns to the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi from Thursday, September 1 through Monday, September 5. Attractions include midway rides and games, the Shrine Circus, live music, agricultural and livestock exhibits, performing dogs and pigs, and Cool Zoo wildlife exhibit. Hours of operation will be Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m .; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Monday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Basic $10 fair admission includes admission to the fair only-no carnival rides or circus performances. Admission upgrades can be purchased to include selected attractions up to $42 for the ultimate admission which includes unlimited carnival rides. The Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Avenue between Novi and Beck Roads. Find more information and purchase tickets at http://www.michiganstatefairllc.com.

In Downtown Royal Oak, the annual Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival celebrates art, music, food, and community. The event takes place Friday, September 2 through Monday, September 5. Hours will be 11 a.m. to 11 p .m. Friday through Sunday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday. Admission is free before 5 p.m. on Friday and $10 after 5 p.m. Saturday through Monday admission will be $5 before 3 p.m. and $10 after 3 p.m. Credit cards will be accepted. For more information or to purchase VIP tickets go to http://www.artsbeatseats.com.

In Romeo the Michigan Peach Festival takes place Thursday, September 1 through Labor Day. The fun kicks off Thursday morning at 8 a.m. when Westview Orchards hosts a market tent featuring peach pies, cobblers, donuts, fudge, cider, jams and more. The market will run all weekend through Monday. Also part of the fun will be carnival rides, food trucks, adult beverages, live music, a Kidsfest, and fireworks. The Knights of Columbus will hold a Pasta Dinner on Friday, a classic car show will be held on Saturday and the Peach Festival Hometown Parade featuring the Peach Queen will be held on Monday. Most events are free, some require admission or a donation

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Farther north along the St. Clair River the 50th Annual Algonac Art Fair takes place Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4 along the Algonac Waterfront Park. The event will feature art vendors, live music, refreshments, face painting, a martial arts demo, and Rosco the Clown. Hours for the fair will be Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. To get to Algonac, take I-94 east to M-29 (23 Mile Road) and drive east.

In Franklin Village the Round Up Family Fair and Art in the Village will take place on Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free family-friendly events will feature midway games, food, bake sale, pony rides, petting zoo, clowns, magicians, all types of art including photography and jewelry, and a parade at noon. The events will be held on Franklin Road between 13 and 14 Mile Roads. For more information call Jane Polan at 248-514-9097.

For some unusual fun and an educational outing, visit Lamafest 2022 being held on Saturday and Sunday at the MSU Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education in Lansing. Lamafest is a free exhibition presented by the Michigan Llama Association featuring llamas, the furry South American pack animal. Spectators are welcome to see the animals featured in the pavilion's main arena. Also on hand will be vendors, a silent auction, and a llama costume show. MSU is located at 4301 Farm Lane in East Lansing. For more information go to http://www.michiganllama.org.