America 250 celebrations
• America 250 celebration is 9-11 p.m. June 18, beginning with musical entertainment, at Multi-Sports Athletic Field, 1800 Valleyview Drive, Auburn Hills, drone show at 10-10:15 p.m. and 10:45 p.m. patriotic tribute to America and the armed services, (rain date July 9), presented by The City of Auburn Hills, auburnhills.org.
• “Telling Troy’s Stories” exhibit celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, is open during regular hours in June, July and August, at Troy Historic Village, 60 W Wattles Rd., Troy. (Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursdays). Exhibit is included with general admission, non-members-$7 per adult, $5 per senior, free for children under 18, pre-register at www.TroyHistoricVillage.org, 248-524-3570, walk-ins are also accepted.
• America 250th Celebration is June 25, Founders Sports Park, 35500 W. Eight Mile Road, Farmington Hills, www.fhgov.com.
Blood drives
• Space Jam and Red Cross team up for blood drive, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. June 10, Farmington Hills Activities Center, Farmington Hills to book a time, visit RedCrossBlood.org/SpaceJam, call 1-800-RED CROSS or download the Blood Donor App. Those who go to give will score a limited-edition Red Cross x Space Jam T-shirt, while supplies last.
• The American Red Cross has an urgent need for blood donors as scheduled donations have dropped sharply in recent weeks. The Red Cross urges donors to book an appointment in the coming weeks by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS. Those who go to give June 1-28 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a merchant of choice, plus be entered for a chance to win one of two $7,500 gift cards, RedCrossBlood.org/June.
Children’s activities
• OCC’s Community Education program is offering the Marvelous Manners Camp, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. June 26, at the Orchard Ridge Campus, 27055 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, for children ages 8-12, interactive class builds confidence, essential social skills and modern manners through games, role-playing and group activities. Register in advance at www.oaklandcc.edu/ce/family.
• Dreams & Wings program for children with a disability is July 11 at the Maven by Midfield hanger at the Oakland County International Airport in Waterford Twp. Flight times will be scheduled from 9 a.m.-noon. The event includes an airplane ride, and airplane-themed activities, for youth ages 6-17 with disabilities and up to two family members and/or friends. Registration is due by June 26 at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScL58arsiQPS2ZBXEY2P6wz-Ux1D36e4jpUvdTMk4za9LTHzQ/viewform. Applications are entered in a selection lottery with first-time participants receiving priority. There is no charge to attend.
Community activities
• Woofie’s of Farmington Hills invites the public to “Paws and Pampering in the Park” grand opening event is 3:30-6:00 p.m. June 9, at Shiawassee Park Pavilion, 32340 Shiawassee Road, Farmington, www.woofies.com/farmington-hills.
• Southfield to host two State of the City addresses in June presented by Mayor Kenson J. Siver. The first is for business leaders during a ticketed event on June 11, advance registration is required by June 5 at bit.ly/SOCsouthfield. The public address is 7-8:30 p.m. June 17, at Southfield City Hall, Council Chambers, 26000 Evergreen Road, Southfield, www.cityofsouthfield.com.
• The Oakland County Bar Association to co-sponsor three judicial candidate forums for the primary election, providing voters with the chance to hear from candidates. The forums: Oakland County Probate Court – Non-incumbent Race is 7-8:30 p.m. June 17, at Oakland County Board of Commissioners Auditorium, 1200 Court Tower Blvd., Pontiac; Oakland County Circuit Court – Non-incumbent Race is 7-8:30 p.m. June 24, at Oakland County Board of Commissioners Auditorium; and 47th District Court-Non-incumbent Race is 7-8:30 p.m. June 30, at Farmington Community Library -Farmington Branch, 23500 Liberty St., Farmington. Those interested in attending any of the forums must pre-register at ocba.org/judicial_candidates.
Father’s Day activities
• Better Made Snack Foods is celebrating Father’s Day with a Father of the Year contest, inviting the public to send stories about what makes their father special. The winning father will be announced on June 19, and will receive a $100 Visa gift card and a sampler box of Better Made Snack Food products. To enter the contest, tell why your father is the best by sending a story along with a photo by June 15, to info@bettermade.com or mail to Better Made Father’s Day Contest, 10148 Gratiot Avenue, Detroit, MI 48213. The winning submission will be posted on the Better Made website.
Festivals/Shows
• Seymour Celebration is June 4-7, Seymour Lake Township Park, 2795 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford, carnival opens at 1 p.m. Sunday, https://oxparkrec.org/seymour-celebration, carnival food and ticket prices vary.
• Peacefest is 9 a.m.-4 p.m. June 6-7, at L. A. Cafe, 5815 Dixie Highway, Waterford Twp., art, music, vendors, 248-330-9588, https://peace-fest.com.
• Medieval Faire is 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 6-7, at Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Ct. Orion Twp., featuring medieval combat, live music, blacksmith demonstrations, comedy skits, belly dancers and fire dancers, Michigan Viking Alliance (Viking Encampment), vendors, www.canterburyvillage.com, ticket prices vary.
• ART on the GRAND is June 6 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 7, downtown Farmington, more than 100 artists, www.fhgov.com, www.facebook.com/artonthegrand.
• Kickoff 2 Summer is 5-8 p.m. June 11, The Hawk, 29995 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills, bounce houses, fitness classes, free swimming in the aquatics center, crafts, cornhole, live music, followed by The Park It Movie Night, with “Zootopia 2” at 8:15 p.m. at the football field at The Hawk, www.fhgov.com.
• Downtown Rochester Makers’ Market is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 13, on W. Fourth St., downtown Rochester. Artisan vendors, makers, and handmade crafters, www.downtownrochestermi.com/makers-market.
Fundraisers
• “Sunset at the Zoo” fundraiser is 7-11 p.m. June 18, Detroit Zoo, zoo is open until sunset, dancing and live entertainment from the Jerry Ross Band, open bar, https://detroitzoo.org/events/sunset-at-the-zoo, ticket prices vary.
• The Butzel Long Charitable Trust and its nonprofit partners to host the inaugural Summer Soirée at 6 p.m. June 25, at the Birmingham Country Club, featuring keynote speaker Lighthouse CEO Ryan Hertz, MSW and live auction, https://events.butzel.com, tickets are $200+ each.
Garden walks
• Annual Rochester Garden Walk is 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18, advance purchase tickets at www.rochesterhills.org/musprograms and from Auburn Oaks Garden Center, Bordine’s Nursery (Rochester location only), Foglers Greenhouse, and Piechnik’s Garden Gate. The cost is $16 in advance or $20 on the day of the event. Ticket exchange (and purchase of) Garden Guides with the garden locations will be available at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills from 1-4 p.m., June 15-17. Garden Guides can be purchased on the day of the Garden Walk, RochesterGardenClub.org, 248-656-4663. The Rochester Garden Club will also host a Native Plant Sale, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at the museum.
Golf outings
• The Waterford Foundation for Public Education will hold its Annual Golf Outing on June 9, with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at Fountains Golf and Banquet Center in Clarkston. Register or donate at www.wsdmi.org/wfpe. The foundation honors an outstanding individual each year and this year will honor Dave Bennett, Waterford Kettering graduate and clarinet virtuoso.
• 30th Annual Tracy Williamson Memorial Golf Outing is June 26, at the Myth Golf Course, 850 Stoney Creek Road, Oakland Twp., https://axemenmcpontiac.com, www.facebook.com/tracywilliamsonmemorialgolf, $100+ registration per golfer.
Health activities
• Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, in partnership with Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., will host its 22nd Ann Community Healthfair, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 13, at the church, 512 Pearsall St., Pontiac. The event will include medical screenings, autism resources, blood drive, resources from Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Storks Nest for mothers and babies, mental health resources, refreshments, lunch, and a panel of healthcare experts.
• Mirza Shriners Temple #273, in partnership with Trinity Health, is hosting Men’s Health & Life Forum, 10 a.m.-noon June 20, at Trinity Health, Franco Auditorium 44405 Woodward Ave, Pontiac, for men of all ages in the Pontiac area. Registration is required by June 17 at http://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5r3m_DcarCQNU4aQFvCPPeH7Gr-bGjk8wcc9Asu0tcSXKtQ/viewform.
Juneteenth celebrations
• Annual Juneteenth Freedom Day, Celebration & Fireworks is 4-10:30 p.m. June 13, Saginaw Street Historic Downtown, Pontiac, vendors, food trucks, Kids’ Zone, www.facebook.com/pontiaccityhall.
• Oakland County Juneteenth Celebration “Journey to Juneteenth: Celebrating Freedom and Community” is 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. June 18 at 1200 North Telegraph, Circuit Court Courtyard, Pontiac, Speakers, food trucks, live entertainment including marching band, dance performances, local organizations and vendors, Inflatables, yard games, www.oakgov.com/community/diversity-equity-inclusion/programs-events/juneteenth.
• The City of Oak Park Juneteenth Celebration is 4-8 p.m. June 19, with program from 4 to 6 p.m. in the auditorium at Oak Park High School, 13701 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park. Community Block Party is 6-8 p.m. on Coolidge Blvd., between Coolidge and Parklawn. Freedom Walk is at 8 a.m. June 19 at the Oak Park High School track, bit.ly/OPJuneteenth.
• The 2026 Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration is noon-6 p.m. June 20, at Madison Heights Civic Center Park, 360 W 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, featuring live music, dance performances, food trucks, vendors, educational exhibits, family activities, madisonheightsjuneteenth.com, free admission and free parking at public lots 300 W. 13 Mile Road and Lamphere High School.
• Juneteenth Concert is 7 p.m. June 19, The Hawk Mainstage Theatre, 29995 W 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, featuring Da’Ja, TheHawkTheatre.com, $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
Library events
• Used Book Sale presented by Friends of the White Lake Township Library is June 10-13, at White Lake Township Library, 11005 Elizabeth Lake Road, White Lake Twp. Friends Members Only sale is 5-7 p.m. June 10, memberships available at the door. Home baked goods for sale also, whitelakelibrary.org.
• Salem-South Lyon District Library Summer Reading Program Kick-off Party is 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 16, outside the library, 9800 Pontiac Tr, South Lyon, featuring bounce houses and an inflatable climbing game, courtesy of Oakland County Parks, bubbles, crafts, sensory stations, free treats from Kona Ice, https://ssldl.info/summer-reading. For information or to request accessibility accommodations, contact Youth Services at 248-437-6431 or email youthdepartment@ssldl.info.
Museums
• Wheels of Time-Exploring Pontiac’s History Lecture, “Pontiac Metal Forming” is 7-8:30 p.m. June 11, at Pontiac Transportation Museum at 250 W. Pike St. Pontiac, 249-977-4410, pontiactransportationmuseum.org, free admission, donations appreciated.
Parks/Outdoor activities
• Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights is scheduled to open June 10, weather permitting. Purchase advance tickets at www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/parks-trails/red-oaks/red-oaks-waterpark, ticket prices vary. Waterford Oaks Wave Pool remains closed.
• Oakland County Parks is hosting Stewardship Days and asking residents to join staff to help pull invasive species in preparation for native spring flowers, 10 a.m.-noon June 16 at Oak Park Woods in Oak Park. Dress for the weather outdoors and bring a water bottle. Register by email to Patrick Canniff at canniffp@oakgov.com.
• Fishing Derby is 1-3 p.m. June 14, at Springfield Township Parks, Shiawassee Basin Preserve Ponds – behind the pavilion, 12000 Davisburg Road, Davisburg, 248-846-6558, ages 16 and under, adv. registration is $5 per child.
• Oakland County Parks and Recreation offers free admission. General park entry fees and vehicle permits have been eliminated for all parks operated by Oakland County Parks, www.oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks.
• Huron-Clinton Metroparks in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne, metroparks.com. Park entrance fees apply. Annual vehicle passes are $40 for residents or $45 for non-residents. Senior citizen pricing on annual passes are available in-person at toll booths or park offices with ID as proof of age.
• Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas, michigan.gov/dnr. Park entrance fees apply.
Support resources
• For access to local community services, dial 211 (844-875-9211) or text zip code to 898211, for information and referrals to physical and mental health resources; housing, utility, food, and employment assistance; and suicide and crisis interventions, United Way, https://unitedwaysem.org/get-help.
• The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 confidential support for people who are suicidal or in emotional distress, or who know someone who is. Calls and text messages to 988 route to a 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline call center, www.fcc.gov/988Lifeline.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline, 800-799-7233, available 24/7.
• Common Ground’s Resource & Crisis Helpline is available 24/7 – call or text 800-231-1127.
• Veterans Crisis Line, dial 988 and then press 1 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline. For texts, veterans should text the Veterans Crisis Lifeline short code: 838255.