Summer in Detroit isn’t just a season — it’s practically a religion, complete with its own set of commandments. You’ve got your classic coney dog and Tigers game, sure, but there’s many other traditions you simply must partake in to have a true Detroit summer.

Here are all of the things you absolutely have to do as a Detroiter this summer if you don’t want to head into fall with regrets.

Belle Isle’s giant slide Riding down the giant slide on Belle Isle is a right of passage — if you survive. Historically, riders only had to worry about burning their legs on the sun-baked slide, but now that the yellow coating is gone, it’s more slippery than it used to be. Beware. Credit: Drew Tarvin, Flickr Creative Commons
Thou shalt host or attend a cookout. In Detroit, cookouts are a part of culture. Whether it’s a barbecue on the side of the road or a backyard family party, hosting or attending at least once food-filled event is a must during the summer. Credit: Dani Machlis / Alamy Stock Photo
Thou shalt take a stroll on the Riverwalk. Detroit’s revitalized riverfront has been named the best in the nation by USA Today for three consecutive years, but visiting it has been a tradition for Detroiters for much longer. Whether you just want a walk with a view or to splash in the fountains, strolling the Riverwalk makes for a great summer activity. In recent years, the riverfront has gotten many new parks that host regular events and free activities for all. And now, you can bike it all the way to Belle Isle. Credit: Shutterstock
Thou shalt get lit on at least one rooftop bar. When it comes to drinking in the summer, nothing beats a rooftop lounge. Detroit has a handful of them too, some long-standing favorites and some brand new. There’s something about drinking with a view that makes us all feel lavish. Credit: Level Two / Facebook
Swim at the Belle Isle beach No need to travel far or pay more for a beach when there’s one right in the heart of the city. With an annual pass that costs just $10 per car, Belle Isle offers many free activities including the oldest aquarium in the country, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a nature center, tons of parks, and more. While some local residents are wary about swimming in the city due to pollution, it’s usually safe due to how fast the Detroit River’s current flows. Credit: Hannah Ervin, Detroit Stock City
Thou shalt attend a summer concert or festival. A summer is not a good one without art and music, and Detroit isn’t Detroit without its creative energy either. And there are tons of options for summer concerts and festivals, whether big or small. We’ve got Pride festivals and small art fairs happening all over metro Detroit throughout the summer, plus the global Black music festival Afro Nation happening in August, and the Detroit Jazz Festival to cap it all off during Labor Day weekend. Do not miss out on experiencing at least some of these magical events. Credit: Kahn Santori Davison
Thou shalt visit Eastern Market. Summer means it’s farmers market season, and Detroit’s top farmers Market is Eastern Market, filled with produce, flowers, and various vendors weekly. On Saturdays, vendors sell everything from tacos to produce to flowers. On Sundays, the space is packed with local jewelers and artists. Surrounding walls and warehouses are adorned with murals and live music is played at nearby venues. This is one great place to take visitors who want to be immersed in Detroit’s culture. Credit: Shutterstock
Thou shalt complain about the heat. In the winter, Michiganders complain about the cold and snowy weather, so you’d think we’d be grateful when the temperature rises. Not so much. Summers in Detroit are often characterized by at least some people whining about the heat and humidity. As a Midwesterner, it’s your birthright. Credit: Shutterstock
Coriander Kitchen and Farm 14601 Riverside Blvd., Detroit; 313-338-9466; corianderkitchenandfarm.com Allison Heeres and Gwen Meyer synergized their talents to create a family-friendly farm-to-table restaurant nestled in the city’s far east side. Officially opened in 2021, the canal-side spot in the Jefferson-Chalmers neighborhood presents a springtime menu with salads and sandwiches. Additionally, it offers a new upstairs event space with live music and yoga sessions. Credit: Alejandro Ugalde from Featherstone
Thou shalt search all summer for a pool. For those who are too bougie for the beach, looking for a pool in the area is a constant summer task, and actually going to one sometimes never even happens. If you don’t have a hook-up, you can always just jump in the river. Credit: Facebook, Common Pub
Coney dogs If there is one quintessential Detroit food item, it’s the coney dog. There are tons of Coney Island restaurants in the city and its surrounding suburbs, and everyone has their favorite. As a slightly gross pile of chili and onions on top of a hot dog, the humble dish may be completely baffling to some, but it’s considered a Detroit delicacy for locals and visitors alike. Credit: Lee DeVito
Thou shalt attend a Tigers game at Comerica Park. Whether Detroit’s baseball team is having a good season or a bad one, many locals support them by going to at least one game a summer. It’s America’s pastime. Credit: Shutterstock
Best Visitor Experience: Detroit Institute of Arts 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-833-7900; dia.org Credit: Courtesy photo
Take a romantic walk Metro Detroit has a number of great hiking trails, and even when it’s a little chilly outside, taking a hike is a great way to connect with someone. Credit: Facebook, Dequindre Cut
Thou shalt walk around downtown for some fun nightlife. While most night clubs are open year-round, there’s just something about the warm weather that makes us feel hotter than ever and ready to party. Going out and looking good is a must in the summer, and sometimes this means just walking around downtown and seeing where the night takes us. Detroit’s nightclub culture is underrated and hot venues continue to sprout, so take your pick and dance the night away with friends until the morning. Credit: Instagram, @greektowncasino
Thou shalt see an outdoor movie screening. For a classic date that has been a metro Detroit tradition since 1950, bring your boo to the Ford-Wyoming drive-in and cuddle up for a movie. Or, be on the lookout for free movie screenings at Campus Martius and other local parks. Credit: Josh Kesner/Flickr Creative Commons
Thou shalt enjoy a beer at a local brewery. The city of Detroit and its surrounding suburbs are well-stocked with breweries and bars that serve up great drinks and food, some no-frills and unpretentious, and others more high-end. Some even have extra fun activities for you to have a good time. Whatever you have in mind for summer fun, sipping brews is a necessity. (Besides, it’s Oberon season.) Credit: Brew Detroit, Facebook
Thou shalt see some fireworks. For Detroiters, the main reason that the Fourth of July is celebrated is so that we have an excuse to party, eat good, and light some fireworks. Whether it’s just some sparklers in your backyard or viewing a big annual fireworks show over the Detroit River, seeing fireworks at some point during the summer is a must. Credit: Shutterstock
Thou shalt listen to “Good Ass Day” at least once. You’re not a real Detroiter if rap group DoughBoyz Cashout isn’t on your playlist, and hit track “Good Ass Day” is a summer classic perfect for getting lit. If you don’t play it, you simply won’t have a good ass day. Credit: Screengrab, YouTube
Thou shalt take a road trip to one of the Great Lakes. Michigan is one of the best states because it is surrounded by the Great Lakes, which means the city of Detroit is too. Lake Huron isn’t very far and the others can be visited on a weekend trip. There’s always water nearby if you want to swim, boat, or fish. Credit: Lexi Krupp / Interlochen Public Radio

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