Exploring Detroit’s Downriver Area: Communities and Events

Detroit’s Downriver area constitutes the southernmost part of Wayne County. Specifically, “Downriver” encompasses 18 communities and neighborhoods that extend south along the western shore of the Detroit River to the mouth of Lake Erie. This remarkable area is celebrated for its outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and bird watching, and is home to The Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. Additionally, the area hosts the Downriver Cruise, a renowned car show. Below is a detailed guide to the communities within Downriver Detroit along with significant annual events that attract both locals and visitors.

Allen Park

Newsletter

• Experience the Allen Park Street Art Fair every August.

Brownstown Township

Newsletter

• The Pointe Mouillee Waterfowl Festival in September showcases an art & craft show, duck calling, slingshot contests, dog demonstrations, and much more.

Ecorse

• Join the Ecorse Water Festival, typically held in July.

Flat Rock

Newsletter

• Attend the Flat Rock Summer Blast in June, featuring live music, Michigan beers, arts & crafts, rides, fireworks, and more.
• The Flat Rock Riverfest in September offers a comedy/juggling variety show, live music, rides, fireworks, and additional fun.

Gibraltar

Website (newsletter available on the main page)

• The Annual Classic Car Cruise in June draws car enthusiasts from all around.

Grosse Ile Township

Website

• Join the Grosse Ile IslandFest Festival in June, featuring a carnival, kids’ activities, Party at the Beach!, live music, a beer tent, car show, parade, fireworks, and much more.
• Participate in the Boar’s Head Festival in December, a Medieval Renaissance celebration of Christmas filled with music and pageantry.

Huron Township

Calendar

• The Apple Festival in October features a parade, an apple pie contest, and fiddlers contest.

Lincoln Park

Newsletter and Happenings Magazine (available on the last page)

Melvindale

Website (link available at the lower left corner of the main page)

• The Melvindale Days festival in June features a carnival, live music, fireworks, and many more activities.

River Rouge

• The River Rouge Days Festival in September includes a horseshoe contest, car show, parade, softball, archery contest, pancake breakfast, mariachi band, beer tent, and more.

Riverview

Website (link available on the main page)

• Don’t miss the Gabriel Richard Downriver Days Festival in June, featuring thrilling carnival rides.

Rockwood

City Calendar

Romulus

Chamber of Commerce Calendar

• The Pumpkin Festival in September features a night parade, live music, food, crafts, games, and a pumpkin-eating contest, along with a classic car show.
• The Parade of Lights kicks off the Pumpkin Festival every year with nighttime festivities.

Southgate

Calendar

• The Heritage Days festival in June includes a car show, arts & crafts, live music, inflatable playscapes, “Kid-o-lympics,” and more.

Taylor

Explore the Calendar of Events

• The Summertime Fun Festival in July offers live music, carnival rides, run/walk events, fishing derby, volleyball tournaments, and more.
• The Fall Festival of the Arts in October features arts & crafts, hayrides, inflatable attractions, pony rides, baking competition, talent competition, and magic shows.
• In August, the Junior League World Series offers exciting Junior Baseball tournaments.

Trenton

Calendar

• The Summer Festival in June features live music, wine & beer tasting, along with various entertainment options.
• The Scarecrow Festival in October includes prizes, contests, games, live music, and a carnival.

Woodhaven

Check out the Calendar

• The Uncle Sam Jam in July features live music, a petting zoo, carnival activities, monster truck rides, fireworks, and a white tiger exhibit.

Wyandotte

Calendar

• The Wyandotte Street Art Fair takes place in July, showcasing arts, crafts, and entertainment.
• Join the celebration of Cruisin’ Downriver in June, featuring over 300,000 car enthusiasts.