Swing by the largest jazz festival in North America! The Detroit Jazz Festival has changed names, and sponsors, over the years, but it continues to bring in huge crowds over Labor Day Weekend. Spend some time at this premier jazz event and you’ll see why–five stages, 100 acts, fireworks, artists meet-ups and, best of all, free admission.
Just north of the city limit, the Detroit Zoo offers guests an up-close animal adventure. Observe more than 270 different species in naturalistic habitats and learn fun and fascinating facts as you explore the attractions throughout seven major exhibits: Arctic Ring of Life, Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, National Amphibian Conservation Center, Holden Museum of Living Reptiles, Penguinarium and Butterfly Garden!
Surround yourself with the beauty and tranquility of nature when you visit the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The outdoor gardens are open for free to the public, although the conservatory itself requires an admission fee. Outside, you can wander around over a dozen different gardens, including a rock garden and a labyrinth, as well as walk along five different nature trails. And there’s even more on the inside!