Guide to summer art fairs in southeast Michigan

When sunshine and warm weather make their way to metro Detroit, a diverse array of art fairs is just around the corner as well.

Whether you're an avid art collector or merely looking for a couple of new pieces to decorate your home, there are more than a dozen events to check out and browse, many of them award winners. Featuring a wide selection of media, including photography, paintings, woodwork, metalwork, glass, illustrations, ceramics and jewelry, they offer something for almost everyone. Even if art really isn't your thing, most of the events also host an assortment of live entertainment and culinary delights. And if you're still not sold, well, they also offer you a chance to get outside.

Throw on some sunglasses and gather your friends and family. It's time to enjoy the more vibrant, creative side of metro Detroit. Here are some of the best upcoming art fairs the region has to offer:

Art Birmingham: One of the official harbingers of spring is returning to Oakland County starting Saturday. Art Birmingham, a Mother's Day weekend tradition since the early '80s, is a juried event featuring more than 150 artists who work in a wide array of media. A caricaturist will be on hand Saturday and Sunday afternoons, and there'll be activities to entertain the kids, too, including a youth tent where they can create their own work of art free of charge. Moms (and dads) will enjoy the spring scenery in picturesque Shain Park and the abundant shopping and dining in downtown Birmingham. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Shain Park, downtown Birmingham. 734-662-3382.www.artbirmingham.org. Free.

Mt. Clemens Art Fair: The lovely Mt. Clemens Art Fair, which kicks off a couple of weeks before summer (but who's complaining?), returns for its 33rd year. The all-media fair features ceramics, fiber, painting, photography, jewelry, metalwork, illustration and more and includes entertainment and activities for kids. Be on the lookout for fine artists and crafters demonstrating their work. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. June 6, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 7. Macomb Street, downtown Mt. Clemens. www.theartcenter.org. Free.

Royal Oak Clay, Glass and Metal Show: The longstanding summer favorite returns for its 21st year and features more than 125 of the country's top artists in flame-worked media. With a roster handpicked and curated by a jury, the Clay, Glass and Metal Show prides itself on diversity and showcases a wide selection ranging from simple creations to intricate installations. There are also live demonstrations. If you've ever wondered exactly how those delicate glass pieces are made, this is the festival for you. You might even walk away with a new skill. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 13, noon-5 p.m. June 14. Fourth Street, downtown Royal Oak. 248-547-4000.www.ci.royal-oak.mi.us/events/clay-glass-and-metal-show. Free.

Arts & Acts (Northville): Every summer, quaint and charming downtown Northville plays host to Arts & Acts, a festival that shines a spotlight on the region's imagination. It includes the 27th annual Art in the Sun, a juried fine art show featuring more than 70 artists, and the Reel Michigan Film Festival at Northville's Marquis Theatre. To round things out, there is also a chalk festival, literary contest, play festival, food and children's activities. Basically, you'll never get bored. 3-8 p.m. June 19, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. June 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 21. Main and Center Streets, downtown Northville. 248-344-0497.http://northvillearthouse.org/special-events/. Arts & Acts is free; tickets for chalk, film and play festivals require a nominal fee.

Wyandotte Street Art Fair: The Wyandotte Street Art Fair has more than 250 jury-selected fine artists from 30 states and Canada showcasing jewelry, painting, wood, fiber, photography and drawing. The fair is held in a massive area spanning six blocks filled with art, music, food and activities for all ages. There's also a separate entertainment area. Sip on some Bayou Billy Soda while you check out this year's entertainers like Benny from Benny and the Jets and Hype. Art Fair: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 8-11. Entertainment: noon-11 p.m. July 8-11. Downtown Wyandotte.734-324-4502.www.wyandottestreetartfair.org. Free.

Art in the Park: Michigan's second-largest art fair is back for its 35th year and will welcome more than 400 artists from across the country. It features everything from paintings and sculpture to photography and folk art. But there is just as much fun to be had for kids, as Art in the Park features collaborative projects for the younger generation, including a large-scale mural that at least 1,000 children paint yearly. There are also designated booths for kids to sell their own artwork, so don't forget to support those emerging artists, too. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 10, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. July 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12. Kellogg Park, Plymouth. 734-454-1314. http://artinthepark.com. Free.

Outdoor Art Fair (Royal Oak): There's something for everyone at the Royal Oak Outdoor Art Fair, which features ceramics, painting and prints, fiber art, jewelry, photography, sculpture, wood, glass, leather and mixed media. The city's oldest fine art and craft show — now in its 45th year — hosts original works by more than 100 juried local, regional and national artists who are spread out across Memorial Park. The family-friendly fair comes with food and light entertainment. You can relax under a shaded tree and listen to music in between shopping. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 11, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 12. Memorial Park, Royal Oak. www.royaloakarts.com/artfair.html. Free.

Ann Arbor Art Fair: The Ann Arbor Street Art Fair is the original of what are now four award-winning art shows in Ann Arbor. The event also includes the State Street Area Art Fair, the Ann Arbor Summer Art Fair and Ann Arbor's South University Art Fair. Together, the fairs attract more than 500,000 attendees. Ann Arbor's lively downtown campus and retail areas are filled with hundreds of contemporary and traditional artists during the four-day event. Expect a mix of innovative and modern art forms as well as older crafts like ceramics and wood. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. July 15-17, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 18. Campus and retail areas, downtown Ann Arbor. 734-994-5260. http://theannarborartfair.com. Free.

Sidewalk Festival of Performing Arts (Detroit): Sidewalk Festival, an interactive daylong celebration of Detroit's rich dance, music, theater, sculpture and performance-art culture, takes place in the Old Redford and Brightmoor neighborhoods. The colorful and vivacious festival, now in its third year, takes place in the neighborhoods' alleys, storefronts, community gardens, parking lots, streets and, of course, sidewalks. It aims to inspire the hidden potential of both people and spaces. Aug. 1. Old Redford and Brightmoor neighborhoods, Detroit. www.sidewalkdetroit.com. Free.

Milford Memories: What started in 1992 as a musical production called "Milford Memories" has now doubled in size and become a full-fledged summer festival. Though the event has retained some of its original traditions, it now draws more than 200,000 people annually thanks to its juried art show (featuring more than 300 artists), entertainment, food and activities like the 1 Mile Fun Run, 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament and charity softball. Kids can enjoy a rock-climbing wall and fishing tournament. Even if you don't go home with a prize or some art, you're guaranteed to leave with great memories — after all, it's in the festival's name. 10 a.m.- 8 p.m. Aug. 7, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 9. 248-685-7129. www.milfordmemories.com. Free.

Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair: Dedicated to promoting art in the community and showcasing everything the historic downtown area has to offer, the Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair is a two-day creative extravaganza that includes sculpture, photographs, paintings, jewelry, pottery, glass, wood and fiber art. With a stage for jazz and a children's art tent, the fair has plenty of food and entertainment for all ages. Plus, it borders the charming River Raisin, the perfect spot to capture timeless family portraits. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Aug. 9. East First Street and Washington, downtown Monroe. www.downtownmonroefineartfair.com. Free.

Arts, Beats & Eats: With a small donation, you can catch performances from national music acts and local favorites on nine stages, all while eating metro Detroit's top food and shopping for one-of-a-kind art and clothing. Recent years have seen the likes of MC Hammer, Theory of a Deadman and Village People as entertainment, with food provided by Famous Dave's, Andiamo Pizza and Polish Village Café. The festival is family-friendly and includes a special Kids Zone complete with carnival rides and games, so while you shop, your kids can test their skills at basketball and water wars. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sept. 4-6, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sept. 7. Downtown Royal Oak.248-541-7550.www.artsbeatseats.com. Free until 5 p.m. Sept. 4, $3 until 3 p.m. and $5 after 3 p.m. Sept. 5-7.

Art & Apples: If you've never munched on delicious caramel apples while shopping for unique pieces of art to take home, then you should swing by downtown Rochester's Art & Apples festival. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the three-day event is Michigan's second-largest juried fine arts festival. It draws about 300 exhibitors and 200,000 attendees yearly. Art & Apples turns the lush, 30-acre Rochester Park into a creative zone filled with art across all media. There are art activities for kids and two stages offering regional music performances, choreographed dance and marching bands. 4-7:30 p.m. Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sept. 12, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 13. Rochester Park, Rochester.248-651-4110. www.pccart.org/art-apples-festival/. Free.

Common Ground Birmingham Street Art Fair: Take a stroll through downtown Birmingham as you peruse one of metro Detroit's most elegant art fairs and, at the same time, give back to those in need. Proceeds from the event go toward Common Ground, a nonprofit agency that works with runaway youths, victims of crime, people with mental illness and others in critical situations. The fair has been a city staple for more than 40 years, transforming South Old Woodward into a showcase of work from more than 130 juried artists. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 20. South Old Woodward, downtown Birmingham. 734-662-3382.www.theguild.org/fairs/common-ground-art-fair/. Free.

Funky Ferndale Art Fair and they DIY Street Fair: Thousands of people are drawn to downtown Ferndale for a yearly celebration of the city's do-it-yourself spirit and creative attitude. Held across the street from each other, the events are free and feature a number of musical performances, as well as more than 100 local vendors selling handmade items and art. On-site restaurants and food trucks provide a wide array of Ferndale's eclectic cuisine, making Funky Ferndale Art Fair and the DIY Street Fair local favorites for young creative people and families alike. Sept. 25-27. Nine Mile at Woodward, downtown Ferndale. http://funkyferndaleartfair.com/.www.ferndalediy.com. Free.