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.
Right by the Renaissance Center, the GM Plaza and Promenade along the Riverfront has plenty for lovers, young and old. With a spectacular water feature known as the Fountains and a breathtaking view of the city’s impressive architecture, this area is perfect for a romantic rendezvous, lazily strolling along after a long day. Stop by any of the many restaurants and shops that line the promenade for an enjoyable rest.
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!
Learn about an unforgettably tragic time in history at the Holocaust Memorial Center, America’s first museum devoted to the memory of the Holocaust. Opened in 1984, this museum displays maps, posters, photographs and artifacts outlining the culture and history of Jews in Europe before, during and after the Holocaust. The HMC is also dedicated to honoring those who, both in the past and today, have risked their own lives to help their fellow human beings.