Shelby Township, MI

Welcome to a summer filled with excitement and community spirit here in Shelby Township! This season, we present an array of events and programs that are sure to bring joy and entertainment to everyone.

Join us for the Shelby Township Library's enriching summer reading season, where both the young and young-at-heart can find their perfect summer read. Experience the great outdoors with the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department's engaging summer day camps and free concerts. Discover the wonders of nature with educational programs and nature academies offered by the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center.

And don’t miss our large annual events, including the Down Home Days Festival, the return of Shelby Township Summerfest and the 42nd annual Shelby Township Art Fair. There’s something for everyone in Shelby Township this summer—come and celebrate with us!

Browse our summer programming below for events and everything you need to know to have fun out and about this summer in Shelby Township.

We are thrilled to announce the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Summer Concert Series at River Bends Park, located at 5700 22 Mile Road! Each concert features a unique theme and amazing performances from various bands.

Concert Schedule and Themes:

July 16 - Movie Night

• Band: American Ages
• Time: 7-8:30 PM
• Movie: Mufasa
• Enjoy a night of classic and new rock hits followed by a family-friendly movie in the park.
• Sponsored by: Park It Family Fun Nights

July 23

• Band: Magic Bus
• Time: 7-8:30 PM
• Sponsored by: Genisys Credit Union

July 30

• Band: Four Stories
• Time: 7-8:30 PM
• Sponsored by: Shelby Township Senior Center Steering Committee

August 20

• Band: Bandwagon
• Time: 7-8:30 PM

Additional Information:

• Admission: Free
• All Ages Welcome

Join us for the 15th Annual Shelby Township Flea Market 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, July 26 p.m. at Whispering Woods Kiwanis Park, located off 21 Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Ave. Whether you’re looking to declutter your home, showcase your handmade crafts, or sell collectibles and resale items, this is a great opportunity to set up shop and enjoy a fun day of buying, selling, and browsing in the park.

Vendor spaces are just $20 each (approximately 15’ x 15’) if purchased before July 22. Sellers must bring their own tables, chairs, displays, and sun/rain protection. Admission is free for shoppers, so invite your friends and family for a day of great deals and unique finds! Registered sellers will receive additional details 1–2 days prior to the event. To reserve your space, call the Parks, Recreation & Maintenance Department at 586-731-0300, register in person, by mail, or at register.shelbytwp.org.

The Art Fair Committee is excited to announce the return of the fair at the beautiful River Bends Park. Entry and parking is free at this location which provides a large area for exhibitors and entertainment, lots of free parking in the lot at the park, and additional free parking nearby with convenient free shuttle buses. This lovely park with plenty of mature trees, flat grassy areas, and three pavilions has been a favorite place to hold special events for years.

Information 

Parking and Shuttle Bus

There will be plenty of free parking at River Bends Park, plus you can catch a free shuttle bus from from Woodall Neighborhood Park near the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center (4101 River Bends Drive) east of Ryan Road, and south of 22 Mile Road, or you can take a scenic walk to the bridge that will bring you to the fair.

Sponsor opportunities available

Local, regional and national businesses and organizations are invited to support the art fair. A variety of sponsor options and marketing opportunities fit almost any budget. Sponsor support allows the committee and the PRM Department to continue hosting this family-friendly event. Options include event partner, entertainment sponsor, shuttle bus sponsor, promotional sponsor and more. Call 586-731-0300 to discuss sponsor options.

Entertainment Lineup

TBD

Part of the 42nd annual Shelby Township Art Fair, the 2025 Better Pie Baking Contest on Aug. 9 invites baking enthusiasts to showcase their skills. Judges will crown the "Better Pie" baker, with prizes awarded to the top three pies and a special package for the best junior baker under 13. Even if you're not competing, being a spectator promises a treat.

To participate, submit your pie in a disposable container for smooth judging. Pies are tasted in the order they’re received, so timely submissions are appreciated. Each pie must have a bottom crust, an optional top crust and a creative filling. While pre-made crusts are allowed, the filling must be your own creation. Given the outdoor setting in August, keep your pie cool and intact as refrigeration won’t be available. Submit your pie by 12:45 p.m. at the Better Pie Contest tent. Judging starts at 1 p.m. sharp, followed by the announcement of winners. Be present to claim your prize and share in the excitement.

2025 Shelby Township Art Fair Better Pie Baking Contest flyer

2025 Shelby Township Art Fair Better Pie Baking Contest entry form and rules

The 20th Annual Kid-to-Kid Sale, sponsored by Christian Financial Credit Union, takes place 12-2 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 2 at the Shelby Township Activities Center, located at 14975 21 Mile Road. This fun and interactive event gives kids ages 4 to 16 the chance to buy, sell, or trade gently used toys, video games, books, sports equipment, trading cards, and more—no clothing, please.

All items must be in good working condition, clearly marked with prices, and sellers should remember to bring change. Spaces are just $5 each and include one 6-foot table. Sellers may reserve multiple tables if needed but must pre-register. Set-up begins at 11:15 a.m. on the day of the event.

The Kid-to-Kid Sale will be advertised in the Macomb Daily and at shelbytwp.org/parks. For more information, call the Parks, Recreation & Maintenance Department at 586-731-0300.

Soggy Doggy Day is back and better than ever on Saturday, Sept. 6, at the Gene Shepherd Splash Pad, located at 2452 23 Mile Road. Bring your furry friend for a pup-tacular time filled with water play, fetch, and social fun just for dogs. Enjoy free pup cups and giveaways while supplies last!

This special event is divided into two time slots: 10-11 a.m. for dogs over 30 pounds (Code: BOWWOW.01); 11 a.m.-12 p.m. for dogs 30 pounds and under (Code: BOWWOW.02). Pre-registration is required, and all participants must email proof of current vaccinations and a valid dog license to shelbyprm@shelbytwp.org prior to the event. The cost is $5 per dog for residents and $10 per dog for nonresidents.

Please note: Aggressive dogs will not be allowed to participate and may be asked to leave without a refund at the discretion of the event attendants For more information or to register, visit register.shelbytwp.org or call 586-731-0300.

As the Shelby Township Parks, Recreation and Maintenance Department offers more recreation programs and opportunities this summer.

Visit shelbytwp.org/parks to make sure you have the most up-to-date information before visiting our facilities, parks and events. Our indoor programs and facilities have attendance restrictions and require an appointment. Go to shelbtwp.org/parks to make an appointment for the Shelby Township Activities Center, the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center or to enjoy Shelby Township Senior Center programs. Thank you.

Starting June 1, the Chief Gene Shepherd Park splash pad is open daily until Aug. 31, weather permitting. It is open to Shelby Township and Utica residents only. There is  special Toddler Time session for ages five and younger Tuesday and Thursday 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Entry requires proof of residency, such as a valid driver's license. A daily pass is $2 per child, and annual family passes are $25. Nonresidents may attend as guests of attending residents.

The splash pas is located in Chief Gene Shepherd Park at 2452 23 Mile Road, East of Dequindre Road. 

For more information, email shelbyprm@shelbytwp.org or call 586-731-0300.

**To sign up for splash pad updates, text @splash2452 to 81010**

Operating Hours

June 1-Aug. 31, weather permitting

 
Holiday Hours

Weather permitting

 
Entry Fees

• Daily Wristband: $2 per child
• Annual Family Pass: $25

Children 12 and younger must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Visitors must adhere to capacity limits and rules posted at the splash pad.

Inclement Weather

The Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Department may delay opening or close the splash pad under the following circumstances:

• Close due to rain, lightning, thunder, tornado warning/watch and temperatures under 70 degrees. Remain closed for 30 minutes after last lightning or thunder.
• Maintenance.

One traditional sign of summer in Shelby Township is the emergence of garage, yard and estate sales.

New this year, Shelby Township’s Community Relations Department provides a free community service for any Shelby Township resident wishing to post a sale notice on the township’s calendar at shelbytwp.org/sale. Sales accepted include garage, yard, estate sales and more.

The Shelby Township Summer Fest June 20-21 at the Civic Center Campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. promises two days of family fun and entertainment.

Kicking off on June 20, attendees can enjoy activities such as Touch-a-Truck, strolling princesses and superheroes, face painting, magicians, a petting zoo, a Swiftie Dance Party, a live taping of Shelby TV's award-winning “The Treehouse,” and a performance. The day wraps up with a free concert from Parallel Fifth, and a craft beer tent and food truck rally courtesy of Connect Macomb.

On June 21, families can enjoy the Kids Zone, presented by the Friends of the Shelby Township Library, with a rock-climbing wall, toddler bounce house, a 60-foot obstacle course, a 24-foot inflatable slide, backyard games, and more. There will also be face painting, a petting zoo, and DJ entertainment from 6:30-10 p.m. The Connect Macomb Craft Beer Tent and Food Truck Rally will also be open throughout the day. At 8 p.m. on June 21, the celebration of America begins with the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps presenting the colors before the Macomb Symphony Orchestra takes the stage. The night concludes with a breathtaking drone show during the symphony’s finale.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20
4-11:30PM

• Petting zoo
• Touch-a-Truck
• Balloon Artists
• Swiftie Dance Party
• “The Treehouse Live”
• Face painting & airbrush
• Princesses & superheroes
• OUCARES Sensory Space
• Free outdoor concert by Parallel Fifth

SATURDAY, JUNE 21
6:30-10 PM

• Petting zoo
• Balloon Artists
• Backyard games
• Face painting & airbrush
• OUCARES Sensory Space
• Kids Zone fun including a toddler bounce house, 24ft inflatable slide, 60 ft obstacle course and rock-climbing wall
• 1st Michigan Colonial Fife & Drum Corps
• Macomb Symphony Orchestra Patriotic Live Performance
• Independence Day Grand Finale drone show from Firefly Drone Shows

Handicap Parking and Transport:

• Thanks to the Kiwanis Club of Shelby Golden K and the Kiwanis Club of Utica-Shelby Township, handicap transports will be available on campus.
• Handicap parking will be located at the 41A District Court parking lot. From there, golf cart transports will take you safely to and from the event viewing area.

Traffic and Access:

• Traffic will be allowed to access the campus and leave the event only from the southern Van Dyke Ave. entrance by the Police Department and 41A District Court.
• Please avoid the area of 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Ave. after the event on Saturday, June 21, as traffic will not be allowed to go westbound on 24 Mile Road.

Shuttle Services:

• Visitors are encouraged to park at one of the three shuttle locations and take a bus to the event for speedy and convenient arrival and departure.

Shuttle Locations:

• Parking at the Zebra Holdings at 50074 Mound Road.
• Parking at Shelby Junior High at 51700 Van Dyke Ave.
• Parking at Beacon Tree Elementary School at 55885 Schoenherr Road.

On-Site Parking:

• Parking at the Shelby Township Civic Center Campus is extremely limited to accommodate security and accessibility.
• Limited on-site parking will be available at Mae Stecker Park and the Shelby Township Early Voting Center.
• Handicap parking will be located at the 41 A District Court parking lot. From there, golf cart transports will take you safely to and from the event viewing area.

Biking to the Event:

• If you prefer to walk or bike to Summer Fest, please check our map of sidewalks in the township to find the safest route.

Download the 2025 Shelby Township Summer Fest Event Guide

Kick off summer with a splash at the Summer Splash Bash, 12-2 p.m., Friday, June 13 at Chief Gene Shepherd Park, located at 2452 23 Mile Road, just east of Dequindre.

Weather permitting, Shelby Township Parks and Recreation invites Shelby and Utica residents to celebrate the season at the park’s Splash Pad. Enjoy an afternoon filled with crafts, music, games, and more.

Each child will receive a fun gift while supplies last. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase at the splash pad concession stand. Tickets are $2 per child for residents and $10 per child for nonresidents.

Shelby Township’s 37th Annual Youth Fishing Derby takes place 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Saturday, June 14 at Heritage Lake, located on the Shelby Township Civic Center Campus at 52700 Van Dyke Ave., just south of 24 Mile Road. Sponsored by Badalamenti-Ferlito Orthodontics and the Detroit Area Steelheaders, this free event is open to children ages 15 and under who live in Shelby Township or Utica.

Pre-registration is required and limited to the first 125 participants. No registrations will be accepted at the event. To register, visit register.shelbytwp.org or call 586-731-0300. Participants will compete for prizes awarded to the top three largest fish in each of the three age groups: 3–6, 7–10, and 11–15. A drawing for fishing equipment, tackle, and other prizes will be held at noon—attendees must be present to win. Kids must bring their own fishing gear, though a limited supply of free bait will be available. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Get ready for a day of fun and friendly competition at the Kid’s Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 12, at Whispering Woods Kiwanis Park, located on the south side of 21 Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Ave. Sponsored by Faygo and the Shelby-Utica Kiwanis, this exciting event is open to boys and girls ages 3–12 who can compete in any or all of the following events: 40-yard dash, 40-yard hurdles, disc toss, broad jump, long jump, and baseball toss. Awards will be given to the top male and female winners in each age group for every event, and all participants will receive ribbons for competing.

Participants will be divided into age groups with check-in and competition times as follows: ages 3–5 check in at 9:45 a.m. and compete at 10 a.m.; ages 6–8 check in at 10:45 a.m. and compete at 11 a.m.; ages 9–12 check in at 11:45 a.m. and compete at noon. Be sure to stop by the registration area upon arrival to check in. For more information, call 586-731-0300 or visit the Shelby Township Parks and Recreation Facebook page.

A beloved local tradition is making a big move in 2025, and organizers promise this year’s Shelby Township Down Home Days Festival will be “better than ever” in its new home at the northwest corner of 23 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue.

Running May 23–26, the four-day celebration of community spirit and small-town fun features a packed schedule of live music, carnival rides, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.

“We enjoyed bringing Down Home Days back at Knights Pavilion Park, but moving the event back to the center of the township just feels right,” said Township Trustee Lisa Casali, who works with the Shelby Township Lions Club to organize the event.

“While we enjoyed the park setting off of 21 Mile Road, moving Down Home Days to 23 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue, in the parking lot of the old K-Mart building, brings the festival back to where it started.”

Festivalgoers can enjoy free live music all weekend long, starting Friday, May 23, with a performance from Bernadette Kathryn and the Lonely Days Band at 7 p.m. On Saturday, the music continues with Issac Harper at 1 p.m., Cooper Johnson at 3 p.m., and Planet of Fun Band at 7 p.m. Sunday’s schedule includes Set in Stone at 1 p.m. and Keegan Jacko at 7 p.m., while Monday will spotlight local musical acts still to be announced.

In addition to live entertainment, the festival’s signature carnival will be in full swing with hours from 4–11 p.m. on May 23, 12–11 p.m. on May 24 and 25, and 12–6 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 26. Wrist bands for carnival rides cost $32 on May 23, 24 and 25. The cost for a wrist band on Monday, May 26, is $27.

“For many years, Down Home Days was the headline event for summer in Shelby Township, and now that it’s back in the middle of everything, it’s going to be the best way for our community to get summer started all Memorial Day weekend,” said Joe Burke of the Shelby Township Lions Club.

“Whether it’s a family coming for the rides or music lovers enjoying the acts on stage, this year will be better than ever. We have something for all 80,000 Shelby Township residents.”

In addition to the carnival and live music, the Lions Club will be hosting the event’s beer tent, and concessions will be available throughout the carnival midway. No coolers or outside food and beverages will be allowed on the grounds. All activities will take place at 7601 23 Mile Road, with free on-site parking.

With a new location, more room to roam, and a full slate of entertainment, the 2025 Shelby Township Down Home Days Festival is set to deliver a memorable kickoff to summer.