Children’s activities

• Kids Komotion Concert: 10 a.m.-12 p.m. August 20 at Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield Twp. Interactive children’s entertainment, free inflatables and special costumed characters. The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield will be on-site selling snacks and refreshments, with all proceeds supporting programs for children in our community. wbparks.org/series/kids-komotion-concerts

• Kids Zone: Ahead of the Birmingham In the Park Concert Series, Birmingham Parks & Recreation hosts Kids Zone from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday, August 5. Bounce houses, interactive activities, games and surprises. Concert in the Park featuring ZANG follows at  7 p.m., Shain Park, corner of Merrill and Bates, Birmingham. Free. Check for updates here, bhamgov.org/

• Back to School Movie Night – Zootopia 2 (The Movie): 7 p.m. Friday, August 21. The event begins with the classic silent short Felix in Hollywood with live accompaniment by pianist Lulu Chen. Free school supplies will be provided, Flagstar Strand Theatre for the Performing Arts, Pontiac. Tickets: ticketmaster.com/

 

Community activities

• Wet & Wild Wednesdays: 12 – 2 p.m. Wednesdays in July, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road. Musical entertainment, slip and slides, a Rochester Hills Fire Truck, foam machine for little kids, Rochester Public Library Book mobile on site. Purchase tickets at the door, $6 per person for adults, children under age 2 and Museum members free.

• OLHSA Head Start Back to School Bash: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, August 4, 196 Cesar E. Chavez Avenue, Pontiac (big gym). Free food, foam party, bounce house, backpacks. Families interested in enrolling in Head Start should bring enrollment documents. OLHSA: 248-209-2600.

• Oakland Uncorked: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 9, A Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce event with entertainment, unlimited samples of wine, beer, and gourmet bites from around Oakland County, M1 Concourse Event Center, 1 Motorsport Drive, Pontiac. $75/person. Registration, cca.waterfordchamber.org

• Waterford Area Chamber’s Annual Women Rock!: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Friday, November 13. A celebration luncheon of friendship, and professional growth. Connect with fellow business leaders, colleagues, and friends. Chamber and nonchamber members register at cca.waterfordchamber.org. $75/person or $550/table of 8.

• Meet the Fleet: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, August 1, Waterford Town Hall, 5200 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Touch-A-Truck includes hands-on and up-close exploring of the police, fire, construction and other work vehicles, food trucks will be onsite selling concessions along with activities and demonstrations. Families who prefer a quieter experience are encouraged to attend during our designated no-horn hour from 10-11 a.m. Free.

• Harmony in the Hills Concert Series: Island Melody Makers, 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 5, outside in the St. Paul’s United Methodist Church Garden of Hope, 620 Romeo Street, Rochester. Free admission. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. stpaulsrochester.org.

• Free Mall: 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, August 29. Free, gently used clothing for men, women and children. Upon arrival, each person will be given a large bag to hold their items. Calvary Chapel of Oakland County, 1975 East Long Lake Road, Troy.

• Family Appreciation Day: 12-4 p.m. Friday, August 21. Celebrating families while connecting them with available resources and services. Free activities, community resources, health screenings, entertainment, children’s activities and giveaways (while supplies last), 888 Enterprise Drive, Pontiac. Free admission. ecommunityoutreach.org

• Community Fun Day: 12-4 p.m. Saturday, August 1. Games and activities, live music and entertainment, face painting, light refreshments and snacks, local vendors and community resources, Starr Jaycee Park, 1321 West 13 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Free. Register at eventbrite.com

• National Night Out: 6-8 p.m. August 11. A community event to connect with the Auburn Hills Police and Fire Departments. Live music, rock climbing wall, dunk tank, Jaws of Life demonstration, hot dogs, treats and ice cream truck. Outside the Community Center, 1827 N. Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, free. auburnhills.org/events/nno/

• Document Shredding Days: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, August 21. Recycling trucks will be on-site for free document shredding. Limited to four boxes of paper and no sorting on site. Arrive early as there will be a line, but it moves quickly. Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Vibe Credit Union will be collecting non-perishable food items for local families during the event. oakgov.com/community

Festivals/Shows

• Armenia Fest: 5-10 p.m. Saturday, August 22, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak Farmers Market. Armenian bakers and chefs, music, dance, artisan vendors, cultural exhibits, children activities, silent auction and the Great Choreg Bake-Off. Admission is free and lawn chairs are encouraged. facebook.com/

• Rockin Under the Stars: 4-10 p.m. Saturday, August 1, Multi-Lakes Conservation Association, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Twp. Live music, food, family activities. $5/person, ages 12 & under free. No outside food or drinks. lakesareachamber.com/events

• Harry Potter’s Birthday Celebration:  July 25-26, Canterbury Village, 2420 Joslyn Road, Lake Orion. Themed vendors, tarot readers, costume contests (Adults 13+ and children 12 & under), scavenger hunts, magic shows, interactive characters from the Wizarding World. Early bird tickets on sale now through July 19 are $11.99. Week before event tickets are $14.99 and tickets at the gate are $20 (if available). canterburyvillage

• Northville Art House Art Market: 3-8 p.m. August 14, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. August 15 and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. August 16, center and main streets of downtown Northville. Interactive art activity tent, food vendors, family friendly activities and hands-on art experiences. northvillearthouse.org/artmarket/

• Pride in Pontiac 2026: Co-produced by Broken Arrow Entertainment and Unorthodox Dragat. Pontiac’s first full LGBTQ+ Pride celebration featuring Live drag performances, Live music and DJ sets throughout the day, Community organizations and resources on site, VIP lounge, complimentary drink ticket, and meet & greet access (presale only), Noon-9 p.m. free wristband entry, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. ticketed 21 and over only, Friday, August 14. The Crofoot, 1 South Saginaw Street, Pontiac. Purchase Early Bird tickets (ends July 20) and VIP tickets. Pontiac. eventbrite.com/e/pride-in-pontiac

• Orchard Lake Fine Art Show: July 25-26, on Powers and Daly Road, West Bloomfield Twp., free parking in the back half of the lot of Corewell Health. Art, live entertainment, food, and family activities. Admission is $5 with unlimited in-and-out privileges all weekend, ages 13 and under free. hotworks.org/events

 

Parks/Outdoor activities

• Waterford Hills Vintage Races: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. Families and racing fans can watch Professional driver Nolan Allaer as he attempts to break the track record, two sets of races planned each day, spectators are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. Admission is free, courtesy of Faygo. facebook.com/WaterfordHillsVintage

• Tuesdays in the Park: 5:30-7:30 p.m. August 18, Inflatables, climbing & sliding, Clara Miller Park, 2500 Benstein Road, Wolverine Lake.

• Free Transportation Program: Library cardholders who are at least 18 years of age and reside in Oakland, Macomb or Wayne County qualify for free round-trip transportation (with a plus one) to cultural destinations, parks and recreation areas through September 30. Venues include the DIA, any of the tri-county Metroparks, Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Anton Art Center, Turtle Cove Aquatic Center, Michigan Flight Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center, Legoland Discovery Center and more. Transportation must be booked at least seven days in advance. A partnership launched between the Michigan Activity Pass, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and The Library Network. Call 313-388-9799 and visit miactivitypass.org/transportation for more information.

• Red Oaks Waterpark in Madison Heights is now open, weather permitting. Purchase advance tickets at oakgov.com/community, ticket prices vary. Waterford Oaks Wave Pool remains closed.

• 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, oakgov.com/community

• 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.

• Fairytale Garden Workshop: 6-7:30 p.m. Friday, August 18, Waterford Oaks Event Center, 280 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford Twp. Hands-on gardening experience for both children (ages 6 and up recommended) and adults. Learn the basics of container gardening and minature gardening, including plant care, soil selection, and design. Registration closes August 14 or when full. events.anr.msu.edu/event

• Stream Science: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays through August 20. Hands-on activity kits available on a first come, first served basis and include nets, magnifying glasses, bug boxes and more. Staff will be onsite near the creek with available supplies. Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills. No registration required. Rochesterhills.org/museum

 

Fundraisers

• OLHSA Golf Fore Change 2026: 8 a.m. Friday, August 28. Westwynd Golf Course, 4161 Adams Road, Oakland Twp. Hosted by OLHSA to raise funds for OLHSA’s essential emergency support programs helping local families in times of crisis. The event includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, 18 holes with golf cart, and contests and raffles at the event. The cost of the event is $600 per foursome or $150 per person. To register or sign up as sponsor,  olhsa.org/fore. Sponsorship pledges must be turned in by August 7.

• Kiwanis Club of Pontiac Lace Up for Literacy: 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22. 5K walk or run to support reading and education. Oakland Schools Conference Center, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Tickets, adults $33.85, children $17 or register a team of 5 or more, $108.55. eventbrite.com

• Tails and Trails 5K: 10 a.m. Sunday, August 16. Run or walk with your dog or cat to raise funds for Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet. (Pets are optional, must have a current licence and be kept on a 6-foot leash). The race begins with the Cat Walk 1K at 10 a.m. (includes a goodie bag and medal), the 5K race will begin a half hour later (includes a T-shirt and medal). Cost is $15/1K and $25/5K, Independence Oaks, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Register online  runsignup.com/Race

 

America 250 celebrations

• “Telling Troy’s Stories”: An exhibit celebrating America’s 250th anniversary is open during regular hours in 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 TroyHistoricVillage.org, 248-524-3570, walk-ins are also accepted.

• Oakland County’s America 250 Celebration: 12-4 p.m. July 25-26. Oakland History Center, 405 E Chavez, Pontiac. This year’s Summer Social includes exhibits, talks and re-enactors from historians and free antique appraisals, flea market, food trucks, music, kids activities, free tours of the Governor Moses Wisner mansion. Free ice cream and free admission. office@ocphs.org.

• Outdoor Summer Concert: 7 p.m. August 4, east lawn of St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R. Road, Rochester Hills. The Rochester Community Concert Band presents “Celebrate America 250” with an evening of music honoring the nation’s history. Food trucks on-site and admission is free. Donations accepted. The rain date is August 5. Rochestercommunityconcertband.org.

 

Blood drives

• The Village of Wolverine Lake Parks & Recreation Board is partnering with Versiti Blood Center of Michigan to host a blood drive at Village Hall. The drive takes place from 1:30-6 p.m. Monday, August 3. 425 Glengary Road #2, Walled Lake. Call for appointment (preferred) 866-642-5663. Walk-ins as schedule allows.

• 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.

• Community Day Blood Drive: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. August 20, 3838 Livernois, Troy. The Troy Chamber of Commerce and Versiti Blood Center of Michigan blood drive. Registration cca.troychamber.com

Library events

• Afternoon Book Club: 12:30-2 p.m. second Tuesday of each month. The Tuesday, August 11 club meeting will feature “And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley. berkleymi.gov./library. 248-658-3440.

• Free Transportation Program: Library cardholders who are at least 18 years of age and reside in Oakland, Macomb or Wayne County qualify for free round-trip transportation (with a plus one) to cultural destinations, parks and recreation areas through September 30. Venues include the DIA, any of the tri-county Metroparks, Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Anton Art Center, Turtle Cove Aquatic Center, Michigan Flight Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Center, Legoland Discovery Center and more. Transportation must be booked at least seven days in advance. A partnership launched between the Michigan Activity Pass, Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency and The Library Network. Call 313-388-9799 and visit miactivitypass.org/transportation for more information.

• Origami Club: 5:30 p.m. Monday, August 3,  Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley. berkleymi.gov./library. 248-658-3440.

• Concert and Art Exhibit: 2-4 p.m. Sunday, July 26. Summer Group Show opening reception brings together a variety of works by local artists. Meet them in person and see their work with live music and complimentary refreshments. Ferndale Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. fadl.org/

• Summer Concert Series – Queens of the Song Age: 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 19. Free for all ages, live music and poetry dedicated to women in music. Ferndale Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale. fadl.org/

 

Health activities

• Kids Healthy Hikes: 10 a.m. August 12. Health talks followed by a short hike through the trails at Innovation Hills, 2800 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills. The event is free, registration required, eventbrite.com/e/kids-healthy-hikes-tickets. Parking is free with Rochester Hills Park Pass. Free parking is also available across Hamlin Road for those without a park pass.

• Forest Therapy Series: Dusk to Dark Forest is 6:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28. Forest therapy is a slow restorative walk in a natural setting that follows a standard sequence of elements. Nurture your well-being as you experience the physical and mental health benefits of forest bathing, Oak Park Woods. To register, visit OaklandCountyParks.com.

• Yoga in The Park and Sound Healing: Yoga is 9:30 a.m. Wednesdays through August 26 (No class July 29)  Sound Healing is 10:45 a.m. following Yoga on Aug. 12, Brandon Twp. Community Park, 1414 N. Hadley Road, Ortonville. Held in the Tree Library along the paved walking path near the gazebo. Yoga is $12 per class and Sound Healing is $20 per class. Must preregister online prior to class start time. No on-site registration: brandonrec.recdesk.com

• Caring for someone with dementia: 6:30 p.m, Monday, August 18. Learn about the various types and gain practical tips for approaching the challenges of caring for someone with dementia. Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Hwy., Berkley. Register at berkleymi.gov./library. 248-658-3440.

 

Senior activities

• Aging 360 Workshop: 10:30-11:30 a.m. July 30. Hands-on workshop for 60+, low-cost or no-cost ideas to a safer and more confident way to live in your own home. Jewish Family Service, 6555 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Register at, ngerman@jfsdetroit.org or 248-970-7310.

 

Farmers markets

• Moonlight Market: 4:30-9 p.m. July 31 and October 9. Vendors, food options, inflatables and yard games. Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Free. oakgov.com/community

• The Birmingham Farmers Market: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 25 at Public Parking Lot 6 at 660 North Old Woodward Avenue in downtown Birmingham. Parking is free on Sundays in public garages and at metered spaces, downtownbirmingham.com/visit/farmermarket.

• Howell’s Sunday Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, through October in downtown Howell. Produce, baked goods, plants, crafts. facebook.com/howellsundayfarmersmarket

• Clarkston Area Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 10 in the front parking lot at the Clarkston Community Education Center, 6558 Waldon Road, Clarkston, clarkstonareafarmersmarket@gmail.com, clarkstonareafarmersmarket.com.

• Clawson Farmers Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 11 and Aug. 15, at the intersection of 14 Mile & Main Street, downtown Clawson. Also 3-8 p.m. July 25, during Cinema in the Street, cityofclawson.com.

• Farmington Farmers and Artisans Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Nov. 7, at Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion, 33113 Grand River Ave., at Grove St., farmingtonfarmersmarket.com.

• Fenton Farmers Market: 5-8 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 17, in front of the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, 150 S. Leroy St., Fenton, facebook.com/fentonmarket, slpr.net, pets are not allowed in market space.

• Spicer Orchards: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, at 10411 Clyde, Fenton, 810-632-7692, spicerorchards.com.

• Highland Farmers Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 3, at Highland Township Complex, 205 N. John St., Highland, facebook.com, highlandfarmmarket.com.

• Holly Farmers Market: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 25, at Crapo Park, downtown Holly, hollyfarmersmarket.weebly.com, facebook.com

• Fogler’s Greenhouse & Farm Market: Open daily, seasonally from spring to late fall, 559 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion, and 3979 Rochester Road, Rochester, foglersgreenhouse.com, 248-652-3614. Rochester market opened March 30 and Lake Orion market opened May 1.

• Milford Farmers’ Market: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 8, at East Liberty Street between S. Main St. and Union St., in downtown Milford, fresh produce in season, live music, family activities, milfordfarmersmarket.org.

• Northville Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays, through Oct. 29 at 550 W Seven Mile Road, Northville, 248-349-7640, northville.org/farmersmarket

• Oakland County Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, through December (summer market hours began May 2. The market is open year-round on Saturdays), at 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford Twp., email OCmarket@oakgov.com, 248-858-5495, facebook.com/OaklandCounty

• Oak Park Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays, through Nov. 19, next to Oak Park City Hall. 248-691-7555, oakparkmi.gov, facebook.com/opfarmersmarket.

• Ortonville Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 26, downtown Ortonville, Market Info Booth, 476 Mill St., facebook.com/ortonvillefarmersmarket.

• Davis Family Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 10, at Seymour Lake Township Park, 2795 Seymour Lake Road, Oxford, oxparkrec.org.

• Downtown Oxford Open Air Summer Market: 4-7 p.m. Aug. 13, at Washington Square, Oxford. (Also, Summer Concert series is 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays through Aug. 13, downtownoxford.info/events.

• Harvest Time Farm Market: Open daily, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, at 1125 S Lapeer Road, Oxford, facebook.com/harvesttimefarmmarket, harvesttimeoxford.com. Retailer offering fresh produce and locally sourced goods.

• Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays,  through Oct. 31, (closed July 4). The market will be moving back to its original location at the corner of E. Third and Water St., just one block east of Main Street, downtown Rochester. downtownrochestermi.com

• Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, year-round, and limited market is open 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays, through November, 316 E. 11 Mile, Royal Oak, 248-246-3276, romi.gov/farmersmarket. Antiques and Collectibles show is 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays.

• South Lyon Farmers and Artisans Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through October, at the parking lots at Liberty and Lafayette, downtown South Lyon, 248-388-7404, facebook.com/SouthLyonFarmersandArtisansMarket.

• Midweek Markets & Music: Troy Farmers Market to be held, 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays through Sept. 30, and Summer Concerts are 7–8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Aug. 26, at Jeanne M. Stine Community Park, 241 Town Center Drive, Troy, troymi.gov/farmersmarket, facebook.com/TroyFarmMkt, visit the farmers market, then set up lawn chairs and blankets for free concerts from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Troy Community Foundation Performing Arts Stage.

• Walled Lake Market Place: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays, through October, at 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, 248-624-4847, walledlake.us, facebook.com/WalledLakeMarketPlace.

• Wolverine Lake Farmers Market: 4-8 p.m. Tuesdays, through October 13, Clara Miller Park, 2500 Benstein Road. Wolverine Lake. Vendor spot available. facebook.com

 

Note: Events are subject to change; check with venue websites for updates. To submit an event, visit www.theoaklandpress.com/events and allow two weeks’ notice for scheduled events.

 

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, 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, 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.