Aside from the warm summer air, July is bringing the heat with several incredible art fairs that are sure to fill your creative bucket. Check out the list below to discover a few upcoming events that you won’t want to miss!

1.Hot Sam’s 100th Anniversary (Black Wall Street Event)

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hot Sam’s, the oldest men’s clothing store in Downtown Detroit, with a special event featuring food, live music, and a Black vendors marketplace. The Black Wall Street themed festivities begin outside of the Hot Sam’s store on July 10th from 12pm-5pm, and continue in Campus Martius  from 5pm-7pm. Comedian Mike Bonner will host the evening which features a musical performance by Saxappeal + The Cru, and a Hot Sam’s Fashion Show co-created by The Detroit Fashion Community.

2. Summer of Soul Documentary

For date night this Friday, head over to Cinema Detroit to watch Summer of Soul, the new music documentary by Questlove that provides a first look at footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival where performers David Ruffin, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Gladys Knight and the Pips, B.B. King, and others put on a series of powerful concerts in what would come to be known as the “Black Woodstock.” Check out the trailer below for a glimpse into the film.

3. Bryce Detroit at MOCAD

This Saturday, join national award-winning music producer, performer, and cultural designer Bryce Detroit as he launches “Detour”, the newest art installation in his ongoing ‘Road Work‘ series. The event will take place at MOCAD starting at 6pm.

4. Downtown Detroit Art and Architecture Walking Tour

If you’ve been wanting to learn more about the unique architecture and blossoming artists here in Detroit, then this tour is for you. Lace up your best walking shoes and prepare to explore 1.5 miles of the city while discovering artwork from some of the nation’s most influential Black artists. Tickets for this event are $20 and can be purchased here.

(Photo: Detroit Experience Factory)

5. Piquette Summer Art Fair

The Piquette Art Fair kicks off this Sunday from 3p-8p and will feature art vendors, mini-tours of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, and a silent art auction fundraiser during the event. Guests can attend by making a donation of any size to the museum and registering for tickets here.

(Photo: Ford Piquette Avenue Plant)

6. The Art of Transformation

On Friday, July 16, residents and alumni of Mariners Inn will showcase their progression in recovery in the form of original artworks and prints at Beacon Park from 5pm-8pm. The exhibit is free to attend and proceeds will benefit the artists and programming of Mariners Inn. Register for your tickets here. 

(Photo: Mariners Inn)

7. Silicon Valley Music Production Summit

Are you a music producer looking to boost your skills? Tune into the Silicon Valley Music Production Summit on Saturday, July 17,  where Detroit’s favorite Nerdcore hip hop artist/producer Mark Cooper will host a special workshop titled “Success vs Failure as an Artist”. The event is free to attend and will also be streamed on Twitch. To see the full schedule and register to attend click here. 

(Photo: Silicon Valley Music Production Workshop)

8. BLKOUT Walls Mural Festival

Tell a friend and bring the family out to watch twenty of Detroit’s hottest street artists paint new works of art on commercial buildings located in the North End community and New Center area. Co-conceived by Detroit-based visual artist and muralist, Sydney G. James, the BLKOUT Walls Festival will also feature panel discussions, tours of the city, and more! Visit the festival’s official website here for more details.

(Photo: BLKOUT Walls)

9. Urban Arts and Eatery Expo

On Sunday, July 25, the Urban Arts and Eatery Expo will offer an afternoon filled with poetry, live music, art, and food from over 20 vendors. The event will run from 2pm-6pm and tickets are $15 for general admission. Visit the expo’s website here to learn more or purchase tickets.

(Photo: Urban Arts and Eatery Expo)

10. Backwoods & Bonfires Festival

Close out the month with a day packed full of music, art, and food. The Backwoods & Bonfires Festival kicks off July 31st and will feature three stages, a variety of DJ’s including local sounds from DJ Godfather, and a variety of national acts. If you would like to attend, tickets to the event can be purchased here. 

(Photo: Backwoods and Bonfires)

By the looks of it, there will be no shortage of things to do this summer and I can’t wait to soak up all the creative inspiration that these events will provide.  

What other events can I add to the list for July? Share them with me in the comments!