Looking for a fun-filled way to celebrate Labor Day weekend in 2025?

The Michigan Lottery Arts, Beats & Eats festival in downtown Royal Oak, Michigan, is a must-visit event! This festival takes place in Royal Oak and offers a mix of music, art, food, and family-friendly activities.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit, including dates, times, costs, attractions, and more.

Dates and Times

The Arts, Beats & Eats festival runs over Labor Day weekend, from Friday, August 29 to Monday, September 1, 2025. Here are the daily hours:

• Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
• Monday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

The art fair portion has slightly shorter hours:

• Friday to Sunday: 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
• Monday: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Address and Location

The festival takes place in downtown Royal Oak, Michigan, centered around Washington Avenue and nearby streets. The main address for reference is:

• 316 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067 (near the Farmer’s Market, a key parking area).

Royal Oak is about 30 minutes from Ann Arbor, making it an easy drive for those in the area.

Admission Costs

Entry to Arts, Beats & Eats is affordable, with options to save by arriving early or buying tickets in advance:

• Advance Tickets: $8 online at artsbeatseats.com.
• Friday: Free before 5:00 PM, $12 after 5:00 PM.
• Saturday to Monday: $10 before 3:00 PM, $12 after 3:00 PM.
• Free Admission: Children under 3, active military members, and veterans get in free.
• VIP Tickets: Available for a premium experience, though prices vary. Check artsbeatseats.com for details.

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate with cash or credit card.

Attractions for Adults

Arts, Beats & Eats is packed with activities for adults, blending music, art, and food:

• Live Music: Over 200 performances across 10 stages, covering rock, country, R&B, jazz, and more. Headliners include Sugar Ray, Neon Trees, Highly Suspect, Randy Houser, Joe Nichols, Hoobastank, and the I Love the 90’s Tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Young MC, and C+C Music Factory. Local favorites like Larry Lee & Back in the Day and Thornetta Davis also perform.
• Art Fair: The Corewell Health Juried Fine Art Show features artists from across the U.S., showcasing paintings, sculptures, and more along Washington Avenue. Perfect for browsing or buying unique pieces.
• Food and Drinks: Over 50 restaurants, food trucks, and eateries offer diverse flavors, from barbecue at Famous Dave’s to Indian dishes at Noorjahan Cuisine, Mexican fare from Galindo’s, and sweets like Ryba’s Fudge. New additions include Jinya Ramen Bar and The Dump Truck by local chef Jared Bobkin.
• Star Maker Showdown: A new singing competition with a $5,000 grand prize and a performance slot on the National Stage. Finals happen daily during the festival.

Attractions for Kids

The DIA Kids Stage ensures plenty of fun for families:

• Magic Shows: The Amazing Clark Magic Show performs multiple times on Friday.
• Cultural Performances: Enjoy Native American dance by the Ho Chunk Nation, Bollywood dance by the School of World Music & Dance, and Mexican folk dancing by Ballet Folklorico de Detroit.
• Science Fun: The Michigan Science Center presents “Frostology,” an interactive science show.
• Other Activities: Kids can enjoy Chinese yoyo demonstrations, K-Pop dance workshops, and Filipinx Tinikling folk dance performances.

While Arts, Beats & Eats focuses heavily on music, art, and food, carnival rides are not a featured attraction at this festival. If you’re looking for rides, you might consider the nearby Michigan State Fair in Novi, which runs the same weekend and includes carnival rides, livestock shows, and more.

Headliners and Big Names

The Jim Beam National Stage hosts top acts each evening:

• Friday, August 29: Sugar Ray (8:10 PM), Neon Trees (9:45 PM).
• Saturday, August 30: Starship featuring Mickey Thomas (6:00 PM), Rival Sons (7:45 PM), Highly Suspect (9:30 PM).
• Sunday, August 31: Joe Nichols (7:30 PM), Randy Houser (9:30 PM).
• Monday, September 1: Hoobastank (5:30 PM), I Love the 90’s Tour with Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, Young MC, and C+C Music Factory (7:30 PM).

Extra Costs to Plan For

While admission covers access to music, art, and most activities, some extras may add to your budget:

• Food and Drinks: Prices vary by vendor, but expect festival-style costs (e.g., a corn dog might cost around $10, and a small water $4–$5, based on similar events).
• Parking: Downtown parking structures and lots charge $15–$25. The shuttle lot at Royal Oak High School is $10 with free shuttle service. Free bike parking is available.
• VIP Tickets: Offer premium perks like exclusive seating or access, but prices aren’t listed publicly—check artsbeatseats.com.
• Art Purchases: Buying artwork from the juried show is optional but can be a significant expense.
• Lottery Truck: The Michigan Lottery truck offers games, which may have additional costs.

Major Attractions

The festival’s biggest draws include:

• Music Diversity: Ten stages feature everything from rock (Soaring Eagle Rock Stage) to country (Baker College Country Americana Stage) to world music (Flagstar Bank International Stage).
• Food Variety: A culinary highlight with over 50 vendors, offering everything from barbecue to ethnic dishes and desserts.
• Art Show: The juried fine art show is a major draw for art lovers, featuring top-tier artists.
• Community Vibe: The festival celebrates Oakland County’s community spirit, with local performers, artists, and eateries.

Important Information

• Parking Tips: Avoid parking at meters or in nearby neighborhoods to avoid fines. Use designated lots or the shuttle from Royal Oak High School (1500 Lexington Blvd). Shuttle hours are 10:30 AM to midnight (Friday–Sunday) and 10:30 AM to 10:30 PM (Monday).
• Bike and Bus Options: Free bike parking is available at Washington Street near Lincoln and Second. MoGo bikeshare stations and SMART buses offer alternative transport.
• Accessibility: The festival is held on public streets, with accommodations for accessibility, but check artsbeatseats.com for specific details.
• Crowds: Expect 300,000+ attendees over four days, so arrive early for easier parking and shorter lines.
• Charity Support: Some food vendors, in partnership with Baker College, donate $1 per select dish to Open Hands Pantry, a local nonprofit.

Why You Should Attend

Arts, Beats & Eats is Oakland County’s favorite summer festival, blending high-energy music, stunning art, and delicious food.

Whether you’re rocking out to Neon Trees, exploring the art fair, or enjoying family-friendly shows, there’s something for everyone.

With affordable admission and a community atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to close out summer near Ann Arbor.

For more details or to buy tickets, visit artsbeatseats.com. Plan your visit to this iconic Labor Day weekend event in Royal Oak, and make unforgettable memories with friends and family!