The 21st Annual Ford Arts, Beats & Eats is almost here! On Labor Day Weekend, the streets of downtown Royal Oak will be bustling with activity, from musical performances and art shows, to food from your favorite local eateries and fun events just for kids. Attendees will enjoy events that include the 2018 Juried Fine Art Show, over 200 performances across nine stages, a Silent Disco, and more. Arts, Beats & Eats is a celebration you won’t want to miss!
See what’s new at Arts, Beats & Eats for 2018 and check out our video for a glimpse of what you can expect.
The Arts
The 2018 Juried Fine Art Show features artists from across the nation displaying their unique artistic creations to show off and sell their masterpieces. Check out smoothly-crafted ceramics, a variety of digital art, drawings & pastels, handcrafted jewelry, and clothing and more! In addition to the fine art show, art is infused throughout the Arts, Beats, and Easts festival weekend.
Returning for the third year is the popular Meters Made Beautiful contest. Both amateur and professional artists were selected to artistically paint parking meters in the downtown festival footprint of Royal Oak for a chance to win $4,000 in prizes.
New this year, is the Oakland County Financial Literacy Program exhibit at the Flagstar Bank International Stage. Featuring art from 15 winners of the Oakland County Treasurer’s Financial Literacy Art Contest that provides scholarships to high school student artists from across Oakland County. Student works of art were judged on how well they use their artistic vision to interpret and portray different subjects of financial literacy.
The Eats
More than 40 local restaurants and caterers from across southeast Michigan will be ready to serve you at Arts, Beats & Eats! With a variety of delicious options, everyone will find a dish they love. Booths will feature classic American cuisine, special desserts, Polish dishes, and much more from local favorites like Bigalora Wood Fired Cucina, Cool Jacks, and Lockhart’s BBQ.
Looking for a cool adult beverage to go with those tasty treats? For the first time ever, Arts Beats & Eats will offer a Michigan Craft Beer Experience thanks to a five-year partnership with Michigan-based Imperial Beverage. A total of 19 beverage locations, including a new Beer Garden, will feature beer from Short’s Brewing Company, Lagunitas Brewing Company and Old Nation Brewing, among other craft beer selections.
The Beats
Over 200 acts are planned for the festival, meaning each and every attendee will be able to hear music they enjoy. Performers include Metro Detroit locals like Sami Mei to popular American singer and songwriter Eddie Money.
For an entirely new experience this year, Arts Beats & Eats will be hosting a Silent Disco! The silent disco is a giant dance party where people are literally dancing to the beat of their own drum, as they can choose from one of over 300 headsets featuring two different channels of music mixed by world renowned DJs. Guests of all ages are invited to take part in this three-night dance party beginning Friday, August 31st to Sunday, September 2nd.
Admission
The cost of admission is based on your time of entry. On Friday the festival is free to enter until 5pm, after 5pm the price is $7. On Saturday, Sunday and Monday, admission is $3 before 3pm, $5 after 3pm, and $7 after 5pm.
Children under three are free at all times.
Active duty military and veterans are invited to attend Arts, Beats & Eats for free, courtesy of Oakland County Parks. Present your military ID at any festival entrance ticket booth for a free ticket.
For details on where to park, transportation, and more, visit the Arts, Beats, & Eats Festival FAQ page.
See you at the festival, Oakland County!
Want to know more about Arts, Beats & Eats? Check out their website, like them on Facebook, or follow along with them on Twitter.
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