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Best Free Summer Music Events In Detroit

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There is nothing quite like a long and agonizing winter to make you fully appreciate the beauty and splendor of a summer in the Metro Detroit area. With the trees finally full and the sun shining down all around us, there is something in the air that just makes you want to listen to some good music. But if you don't have all of the financial resources to attend the big-name concerts, check out these great options for families and individuals alike. And best of all? They're free!

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Park It Family Fun Nights
13854 Lakeside Circle, Suite 245
Sterling Heights, MI 48313
(586) 419-0332
www.parkitforfun.com

Date: June 22 through Aug. 27, various dates listed here

The Park It Family Fun Nights are designed to entertain all of the members of your family - young and old. Taking place at various parks located throughout Metro Detroit during the summer months, local bands will be playing on evenings and music festivals of all kinds will also be held. Additional events, such as outdoor movies and food fests, are planned for certain events, as well. Please see the Park It Family Fun Nights' website for a schedule and additional details.

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2013 Music in the Plaza Series
Plaza behind Eastpointe City Hall
23200 Gratiot Ave.
Eastpointe, MI 48021
(586) 445-3661
www.cityofeastpointe.net

Date: June 12 through Sept. 4

The historic city of Eastpointe has maintained its tradition of hosting great, local musical acts from around the Detroit area right behind the city hall itself on its beautiful bandstand in the Eastpointe Plaza. This year's line-up will host a number of different musicians stemming from rock and roll, to country, to jazz and folk/blues. Each year, performers try to top their previous season's performance, and this year, things will likely prove to be the same. For more information and a list of musical acts gearing up to perform this summer, please visit the city's website.

Stars & Stripes Festival
Freedom Hill County Park
14900 Metropolitan Parkway
Sterling Heights, MI 48312
(586) 493-4344
www.starsandstripesfest.com

Date: June 28 through 30

Hailed as the largest free music concert in the state of Michigan, this annual music festival spans one weekend each year and brings some of the biggest names in music to the Metro Detroit area. Freedom Hill's ampitheater is well equipped for this event and attendees often remark as to the celebration's sheer size and ability to remain free of charge. Over 100 bands will be playing along five massive stages across the venue throughout the weekend and spectators will have a chance to see some of not only Motown's best peformers, but some of the country's biggest musical acts for free. For more information on this massive and incredibly fun event, please visit the festival's website.

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Riversight and Sound Concert Series
Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority
1 Crocker Blvd.
Mount Clemens, MI 48043
(586) 469-4168
www.downtownmountclemens.com

Date: Various dates May through Sept.

The Riversight and Sound Concert Series, held each and every summer season right on the banks of the Mt. Clemons Downtown Development Authority that borders the Mt. Clemons River, is a great way to enjoy some fun and free music. Come early, because if you want to dock your boat somewhere close to the waterfront bandstand, you'll want to beat the usual crow of hundreds who come each night this music fest is held. For an updated schedule of this year's performers, please visit the Mt. Clemons Downtown Development Authority's website.

Lake St. Clair (Credit, Michael Ferro)


Concerts In Memorial Park

Memorial Park
32400 Jefferson Ave.
St. Clair Shores, MI 48082
(586) 445-5350
www.scsmi.net

Date: June 12 through Aug. 14

Just north of Detroit along the beautiful shore of Lake St. Clair is Memorial Park, home to the Music on the Lake Concert Series in the wonderful city of St. Clair Shores. With a wide array of amenities to choose from, visitors can visit the park each Wednesday well before the planned, free-of-charge concert, and entertain the whole family for the day. Playing all genres of music, from the Motor City's own Motown, to the sweet, island sounds of Jimmy Buffett, you'll surely feel the summer mood as you watch the water and listen to the waves and sounds. This year's acts include the Jimmy Buffett Tribute band, Air Margaritaville, classic rock and blues from the Eastside Blues Crew and a performance from Detroit's favorite news anchor himself, Devin Scillian. For further information about lineups and updates, please check the City of St. Clair Shores' website.

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Michael Ferro is freelance writer and a graduate of Michigan State University where he majored in Creative Writing and received the Jim Cash Creative Writing Award. Born and bred in Detroit, he currently resides in Ypsilanti Township. Additional writing can be found at Examiner.com.

Head to CBS Detroit's Best Of page for more local tips on family fun, shopping, nightlife, food,culture and more!

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