Arts, Beats & Eats raised $400,076 for charities this year, the most in its 28-year history.
Organizers also announced Tuesday, Oct. 14, that the Labor Day weekend festival in Royal Oak drew 345,000 visitors, an increase of 15% over 2024.
“With increased attendance, record-setting contributions to local nonprofits and the Michigan Lottery joining as our new title sponsor, 2025 marked a standout chapter in the festival’s history,” said Jon Witz, festival producer.
From left, Dominique Rokuski of Detroit talks with linocut print artist Mady Chen of Milan at her booth during Arts, Eats & Beats in Royal Oak, Mich. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Robin Buckson, The Detroit News/The Detroit News/TNS)
The festival has now donated a total of more than $8.2 million to charitable organizations since 1998.
This year, more than $150,000 will support Royal Oak–based charities, bringing total donations to over $1.8 million for that city.
Funds were generated through multiple sources, including gate admission fees, beverage proceeds, festival-sponsored community initiatives and more.
The donations were presented to charity representatives Tuesday afternoon at a media event held at Flagstar Bank’s regional headquarters in Troy. Flagstar was the official presenting sponsor for the 2025 festival.
People walk on Washington Avenue during Arts, BEats & Eats in Royal Oak, Mich. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. (Robin Buckson, The Detroit News/The Detroit News/TNS)
Core charities shared donation funds totaling $99,000:
Children’s Center of Wayne County
Children’s Miracle Network
Coalition on Temporary Shelter
Detroit Public Theatre
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Dutton Farm
Forgotten Harvest
Lighthouse Michigan
Metro Detroit Youth Clubs
Stagecrafters
The Rainbow Connection
Volunteers of America Michigan.
Proceeds from beverage sales of $172,702.87 went to 19 participating charitable and community groups:
Almost Home Animal Rescue
American Legion Post 253 Frank Wendland Post
Berkley Bears Football Boosters
BuildOn International Academy
Clawson Athletic Boosters
Clawson Chamber of Commerce
Daniziah T. Crawford Foundation
Detroit Roller Derby
Ferndale Schools Fine Arts Boosters
Griffins High School Hockey Boosters Inc.
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Ray & Phyllis Foundation
ReLeaf Michigan, Inc.
Royal Oak High School Model United Nations
Royal Oak Football Team Inc.
Royal Oak High School Cheer
Royal Oak High School PTSA-SANP
St. Paul Lutheran Church and School
Team Happy Feet.
A total of $11,560 was donated by the festival to First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, Royal Oak First United Methodist Church and St. Mary Catholic Church for parking lots.
Cultural entertainment organizations received $22,075. Recipients in this category included:
ArtLabJ
Detroit School of Rock & Pop /Live The Music Foundation
Michigan Science Center
Michigan Taiwanese American Organization
Mosaic Youth Theatre
Motor City Street Dance Academy
Motown Museum.
Donations to Open Hands Pantry in Royal Oak totaled $2,000, thanks to collaborations with Baker College and Kroger.
More than two dozen charitable organizations and community groups also received contributions totaling $92,739.00. These included:
ABE on 5th-Royal Oak Civic Foundation Event
American Cancer Society
American Legion Post 253 Frank Wendland Post
Autism Alliance
BHW Foundation
Detroit Riverfront Conservancy
Fern Care
Gilda’s Club
Judson Center
Lighthouse Michigan
Make A Wish
Metro Detroit Youth Clubs (Royal Oak Campus)
Metro Detroit Youth Clubs (holiday baskets)
Motown Historical Museum
Oakland Schools PTA
Outreach on 7th
Royal Oak Athletic Boosters
Royal Oak Civic Foundation
Royal Oak Fire Department Charities
Royal Oak First United Methodist Church
Royal Oak High School Titans Football
Royal Oak Historical Society
Royal Oak Local 431
Royal Oak Peer to Peer Programs
Royal Oak Schools
Royal Oak Schools Athletic Boosters
Royal Oak Symphony
Royal Oak Women’s Club
Royal Oak Youth Assistance
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Youth Council
South Oakland Citizens for the Homeless
Stagecrafters
Sunflowers Christian Preschool
Take One
Tiger Lily
Transportation Riders United
United Way for Southeastern Michigan.