Community Corner

Weekend Planner: What's Going On This Labor Day?

Happening this weekend: Besides Arts, Beats & Eats and the Great Lakes State Fair, check out the Stephen Gottlieb Festival of the Arts in West Bloomfield or the Michigan Psychic Fair in Troy.

It’s Thursday, and you’ve got no idea what you’ll do this Labor Day weekend. Birmingham Patch is coming to the rescue. We’ve got the best bets for your done-work-outta-here time.

Arts: Stephen Gottlieb Festival of the Arts

  • When: Now through Sunday
  • Where: Berman Center for the Performing Arts (6600 W. Maple Rd.)
  • Cost: Events require tickets
  • Why Go: The Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit will host the Stephen Gottlieb Festival of the Arts, featuring concerts, lectures, hands-on art projects, family events, exhibits and films, and featuring Broadway and former “Cheers” star Bebe Neuwirth. The weekend culminates in a presentation of Stephen Sondheim's film Company, featuring Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone and Stephen Colbert. For a line-up of events and ticket information, visit www.artsfest.jccdet.org.

  • When: 8 a.m.-midnight, Friday-Monday
  • Where: The Surburban Collection Showplace (46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi)
  • Cost: $5-$30
  • Why Go: The Michigan State Fair is back after a three-year hiatus with the Great Lakes State Fair happening this Labor Day weekend in Novi. Fair-goers can look forward to local livestock and agricultural displays, live entertainment, a beer garden featuring Michigan breweries, a midway with dozens of rides and various food vendors. For more information, visit .

  • When: 12:30 p.m. Monday
  • Where: Skyline Camp and Retreat Center (Almont, MI)
  • Cost: Free (donations accepted)
  • Why Go: Are you a member of the ? Then, make sure you've signed up to attend the All Church BBQ, happening this Labor Day weekend at the Skyline Camp and Retreat Center. There will be picnic food for attendees, as well as swimming, archery and other lawn games. An outdoor vespers service is tentatively scheduled for 4 p.m.

Festival: Arts, Beats & Eats

  • When: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Sunday; 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday
  • Where: Downtown Royal Oak
  • Cost: $3-$5
  • Why Go: From the more than 150 performing artists — including REO Speedwagon and The Guess Who — to a juried fine arts show to food from more than 50 Royal Oak and area restaurants, there's something for everyone at the 2012 Arts, Beats & Eats. In addition, the Priority Health in Motion 5K happens Saturday, with proceeds benefiting the Michigan Arts Youth while there will be a special Kidz Zone for those families with little ones.

  • When: 5-10 p.m. Friday
  • Where: Quality Inn Hotel (2537 Rochester Ct.in Troy)
  • Cost: $5
  • Why Go: Looking to kick off your Labor Day weekend with something a little — different? Check out the Michigan Psychic Fair, happening in Troy on Friday night. Choose from a variety of readers in a comfortable environment and network with psychics from around Michigan.


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