Getting your date in the mood doesn’t have to be rocket science if you keep your eye on the Michigan Theatre’s summer movie schedule. The historic theatre will offer an escape from the heat while patrons enjoy the diverse programming of the Classic Film Series. The series includes everything from the Gene Kelly landmark Singin’ in the Rain to the Akira Kurosawa classic Seven Samurai. All summer long the series features "must-see" classics on the big screen. The Michigan Theatre is at 603 E. Liberty in Ann Arbor. Call 734-668-8480 for more information.
July 2–August 27 Wild Summer Nights The Detroit Zoological Institute
Nothing can give rise to your animal instincts like a trip to the Detroit Zoo. Year after year, the zoo offers top-notch programs for kids and adults, along with breathtaking wildlife exhibits. For an ideal date, check out the Wild Summer Nights concert series, which brings the best local musicians to the zoo for open-air concerts that are free with admission. Take a stroll through the zoo in the afternoon (true romantics should wander through the magically lush Butterfly Garden), and when things start to cool off, put down a blanket and enjoy jazz, classical, rock, blues and reggae concerts in the fading light of a summer evening. That’s amore. For information, look to www.detroitzoo.org or call 248-398-0900. The zoo is at 8450 W. 10 Mile Road (at Woodward) in Royal Oak.
Ongoing — Rochester Grangers Baseball Rochester Hill Museum at Van Hoosen Farm
What sound better brings summer to mind than the crack of a bat? Sports enthusiasts might want to take themselves out to the ball game and cheer on the Grangers, the area’s only historical baseball team. Though historical baseball has a similar set of principles to what the Tigers play, the details of the game are all different. Players can’t steal, don’t have strikes and balls called while at bat and after crossing home plate have to approach the scorer’s table and politely request that the scorekeeper "tally your ace." With historical uniforms and gear, a Grangers game can be quite a spectacle to behold. For a schedule of games, locations and information about the team call 248-656-4600.
Ongoing — Ford-Wyoming Drive-In 10400 Ford Road
When summer in the city gets a little sticky, many people head for the air-conditioned confines of their local multiplex to take in a flick. But for adventuresome souls who want a little more character in their date, the Ford-Wyoming Drive-In offers a scintillating alternative. Near dusk take I-94 a little west of town, exit at Ford Road and continue west. There, radiating in the humidity of a hot summer night, you will find one of the area’s few remaining drive-ins. The place offers everything you’d hope for in a classic drive-in experience: double features, movies that run almost all night, a delightfully kitschy concession stand where you can get hot dogs and sodas — and areas private enough to steam up the windows. Wednesday and Thursday are bargain nights; if you decide to take the kid along, tykes under 11 get in free. The Ford-Wyoming Drive-In is doubtlessly one of the city’s summer hot spots and a must for summer lovers. It’s at 10400 Ford Road in Dearborn. Call 313-846-6910 for show times, prices and details.
