The Dog Days of Summer in Detroit
Photo courtesy detroit.tigers.mlb.com/det/ballpark/
As we enter the month of August, the dog days of summer are truly upon us. The term “dog days” dates as far back as Ancient Greece, where it was said that Sirius, known as the “Dog Star” and the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, rose just before or at the same time as the sun. This usually occurred in the months of July and August, and the Ancient Greeks believed Sirius’s emanations affected dogs adversely during these hottest days of summer, placing them at risk of disease due to their excessive panting.
Today, it’s a term we use as these remaining summer days are still hot and humid and the nights are long and balmy. Most people want to get out and enjoy the hot weather while it still lasts, however, as winter will be here soon enough!
Detroit Summer Events and Activities Not to Miss
If you’re looking for things to do in Detroit these remaining summer days, you’ll find a wide variety of events and activities to enjoy!
- Woodward Dream Cruise: The Woodward Dream Cruise is the world’s largest one-day automotive event that draws over 1.5 million people and 40,000 classic cars each year from around the globe. It was originally created back in 1995 as a fundraiser to raise money for a soccer field in Ferndale by Nelson House, who wanted to relive the nostalgic heydays of the 50s and 60s. On Saturday, August 15th the Official Woodward Dream Cruise takes place on Woodward Avenue from Ferndale to Pontiac, and events are hosted by many communities along the 9 mile route.
- Tigers Baseball at Comerica Park: Baseball season is still in play, so if you haven’t caught a Tigers game at Comerica Park yet, there’s still time to get there! Comerica Park is one of the main highlights of downtown Detroit, and features not only the field, but also a ferris wheel and decade-by-decade pedestrian museum on the main concourse!
- Relax at one of the many beaches: Michigan is a Great Lakes state, so there’s no shortage of beaches where you can sink your toes into the sand and relax. Belle Isle, an island on the Detroit River by downtown Detroit, provides great summer activities for those of all ages.
- Head to the RiverFront: The Detroit RiverFront is the face of our city and is a beautiful, safe gathering place for everyone to enjoy. The RiverFront hosts a variety of summer activities all season long, or you can just take a stroll and enjoy the sights on a lovely, warm day.
- Shop at the Eastern Market: Detroit’s Eastern Market is the largest historic market in the country, with over 4.5 acres of fruits, vegetables and specialty foods. Most vendors and restaurants are open six days a week during the summer months, so get there and pick up some amazing local, seasonal foods!
- Tour the Detroit Institute of Arts: Too hot for you outside? No problem! Head to the Detroit Institute of Arts for some art and culture. The DIA’s collection is considered among the top six in the entire United States, with a huge, diverse collection of American, European, Modern and Contemporary art, as well as a vast collection of global works of African, Asian, Native American and Ancient art- and much, much more.
- Music & Art in the Gardens: Throughout the month of August, head to the Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens for the 4th season of Music & Art in the Gardens held every Wednesday until August 26th. All ages are welcome, and you’ll enjoy a variety of musical genres and artistic styles in a relaxed, unique atmosphere.
With so many Detroit summer events and activities to enjoy, the hardest decision will be deciding how to spend this last full month of summer! What will you do first?