Free events in Monroe County, MI

As part of Adrian's First Fridays, the Croswell hosts a community homecoming that brings together performers, volunteers, audiences, supporters, and families from across generations. Music, laughter, and reminiscing spill into the streets as the people who have always been the heart of the Croswell are honored, celebrating 160 years together. No ticket is needed, and attendees are encouraged to bring photo albums, memories, and stories.

Glide by the river during an outdoor roller skating session that blends movement with nature. This River Glow roller skating edition features Sarovyn and Rollerskate Detroit for a 2.5-hour experience with a professional skate performance, a DJ set with sound, trained staff led by a designated safety lead, and rental skates. The event is free and open to the public, and no registration is required. Some supplies may be limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each installment offers a new spin that celebrates community, stewardship, and joy, and the Visitor Center will remain open late.

Step up to the mic at The Conservatory for a relaxed karaoke evening set in a lush, tropical vibe. Whether you dream of pop stardom or just want to have fun, take the spotlight and serenade the greenery. Everyone is welcome, no tickets required. Light refreshments and snacks will be available.

A new addition to Broadway Park West, Core Collective offers uplifting mat pilates sessions by the river each Saturday throughout the summer. Surrounded by the natural scenery of Ann Arbor’s newest riverfront, experienced instructors guide participants to move with intention, feel connected, and build strength in a supportive environment. Classes are free and open to all experience levels. Participants are encouraged to bring a yoga mat and a water bottle, and they may also want sunscreen and sunglasses.

This annual community cleanup focuses on caring for the River Raisin. Supported by the River Raisin Legacy Project, which since 2012 has invested more than $23 million to enhance environmental and recreational opportunities along the river and at nearby Sterling State Park, the effort is organized by the City of Monroe Commission on the Environment and Water Quality, whose volunteer cleanups have been hosted for more than two decades. Tasks range from light to heavy duty and are open to individuals, families, teams, organizations, and businesses working together to remove debris from the waterway. Supplies such as gloves, boots, and trash pickers will be provided while they last. A free lunch and T-shirts are available for volunteers while supplies last. Meetup is in the Riverfront parking lot in Downtown Monroe.

This edition adds live music after the show, featuring Mondo Kane, a band that has performed at the Autorama. Pre-registration is encouraged, and admission is free thanks to sponsor support.

This Toledo Jeep Fest weekend event offers free music, food, drinks, and more. Performances include Wave Magnetik, Motor City Catz, Mojo Thunder, and Light Up the Moon. Admission is free and open to the public.

The Frauds perform live at The Clamdiggers on the outdoor stage. There will be plenty of patio seating, and food and drinks will be available. There is no cover charge.

Stop by for the Meet Up & Eat Up snack program from Sodexo, offering free healthy snacks for kids and teens. Please note that food allergens are not guaranteed to be free of tree nuts, soy, or other allergens, so the library can’t be held liable for any reactions.

The Whiteford Farmers Market takes place at Stone Co Park.

Explore the Glass City Riverwalk project at Glass City Metropark on a guided tour that highlights completed work, active construction, and what is planned next. The experience begins at the Glass City Enrichment Center and travels by open-air golf cart for a close look at the site. Open to ages 16 and up, this program is offered at various times. It is free to attend, but reservations are required and space is limited.

HopCat Ann Arbor hosts Sporcle Live Trivia featuring two games, with top-scoring teams earning prizes. Participation is free, and there are plenty of food and drink options to keep teams energized. The event welcomes both first-time players and seasoned trivia fans.

At Kerrytown Market & Shops of Ann Arbor, a 107-year-old, producer-only market offers a wide selection of fresh foods and handmade goods throughout the year. Shoppers can find seasonal fruits and vegetables, mushrooms, herbs, and microgreens, along with fresh eggs, pastured meats and poultry, and lake fish. The selection also includes flowers, plants, and seedlings, as well as pantry staples like honey, maple syrup, cheese, bread, jams, pickles, and hot sauces. Treats range from pastries to baked goods with gluten-free and allergen-free options. Beverages include apple cider, coffee, tea, juice, and mead. Prepared foods are available, and there are many artisan items such as candles, body care products, jewelry, art, clothing, textiles, ceramics, cutting boards, gifts, and more.

Rollin’ Free Wednesdays at The Ribbon invites visitors to enjoy no-cost roller skate and roller blade rentals during open hours at the roller concession in Glass City Metropark, thanks to support from S&G Stores. Equipment is available on a first come, first served basis, and the final rentals are issued up to one hour before closing. Scooters and skate aids are not part of the complimentary offer and remain at standard rental rates.

An intermediate line dancing class for adults ages 55 and older takes place at the Margaret Hunt Senior Center and is intended for dancers who already know the names of basic steps, so it is not designed for beginners. Each class introduces a new line dance and also reviews routines from previous sessions, then wraps up with open dance time for extra practice. Instruction is led by Melanie Kempton of LinedUP Line Dancing. There is no fee to participate and registration is not required. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that turn easily on the dance floor. Line dancing offers a fun way to stay active, keep the mind sharp, and make new friends. An Absolute Beginner option is available for those with little to no dance experience. For questions, text Melanie at 419-419-9785.

Family Pride Night returns during Toledo Pride week, welcoming friends and family of all ages to the front lawn of Sanger Branch Library for engaging activities and creative crafts from TLCPL and a range of community partners. Free activities for all ages will be offered by Equality Toledo, Imagination Station, The Toledo Museum of Art, Metroparks Toledo, the Lucas County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the Center for Greater Healing, Collingwood Arts Center, and Scrap4Art Toledo. LGBTQIA+ owned and ally vendors will have crafts and personalized items available for purchase, including Unforgettable Bakes, The Bamboo Rack, IBeAirbrushin and Caricature Entertainment, Lovely Co. Creatives, Titania's Diadems, House of Dow, BREW Coffee Bar, Stardust Treats and Creations, Casey’s Beauty Studio, LLC, and 419Fiber. Admission is free and no registration is required.

This free Michigan Public event brings together University of Michigan English professor Anne Curzan and Michigan Public’s Rebecca Hector, co-hosts of the weekly That’s What They Say segment, for an evening at The Ark in downtown Ann Arbor focused on the quirks and shifts of English. Conversation touches on starting sentences with “so”, what has happened to words like “shall” and “fewer”, and newer slang such as “6-7”, along with favorite language peeves. Attend in person or watch from home. Tickets are free, and in-person capacity is limited.

Bank of Ann Arbor’s Sonic Lunch presents a free summer outdoor concert in downtown Ann Arbor featuring Lost Mary and Racing Mount Pleasant. Lost Mary is the songwriting project of Luke Martin and David Johnson III, rooted in folk storytelling and shaped by both traditional and modern Folk and Americana influences to craft songs that feel personal yet widely relatable. Their sound evokes front porches, late nights, and smoky basements. Racing Mount Pleasant appears with Sam, Sam, Casey, Kaysen, Callum, Connor, and Tyler. Food trucks on site offer lunch for purchase, and the series is a collaboration led by Bank of Ann Arbor and ann arbor’s 107one.

This market features local produce and foods, artisan-made goods, live music, and food trucks. Families can enjoy free kids crafts and activities, along with rotating giveaways and special events. Many vendors accept EBT, DUFB, and PFH, though acceptance varies by booth. The market information booth is available for questions and for exchanging EBT for tokens that can be used at the market.

A free concert during happy hour features singer and songwriter Lila Fetter. She has been creating music since childhood and is now working to make it more than a passion. After releasing her second album, “Ray of Sunshine,” last summer, she looks forward to sharing those songs and stories with a live audience. Raised in Ann Arbor, she is excited to perform in her hometown before returning to the East Coast to begin her junior year at Boston University.

Bingo Nights return to the library auditorium this summer. The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Registration opens the day after the most recent Bingo Night. Sign up in person at the library or by calling (517) 486-2858.

Category 5 returns to the park with a high energy classic rock show that channels the sights, sounds, and style of an arena performance. Based in the Downriver communities of southeast Michigan, the band spans hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, drawing from artists such as Eddie Money, The Tubes, Prince, Morris Day and The Time, Metallica, Van Halen, Queen, and The Guess Who. The set is designed to keep the crowd engaged and guessing what song will come next, offering something for both dedicated music lovers and those ready to dance. Beverages from participating Downtown Monroe Social District bars and restaurants may be brought into the concert. Presented by Monroe Community Credit Union.

Ladies Night at Georgjz419 features performances from Justin Case, Cherri The Khimera, and Romeo. The event welcomes anyone who protects and supports women. There is no cover charge, and parking is free.