Looking for fun entertainment over the summer months? Look no further than downtown Milford! From concerts to Farmer’s Markets, from civil war re-enactments to summer shopping, there is something for everyone in the family!
On Thursdays, the place to be is downtown for the Milford Farmers’ Market. The market offers live music, cooking demonstrations, special events and of course Michigan-based farmers, producers and artisans. It runs from 3-8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 20. Consider it a kick-off to your summer weekend.
If you’re seeking art and music, look no further than Center Street Park on the final Friday of each month. That’s when the Milford Downtown Development Authority and Huron Valley Council for the Arts present Friday Night Live. From 7-9 p.m. Friday Night Live offers free concerts and the chance to browse works by local artists. Nick Palise’ Sovereign Blue Band boogies along on June 24. Rick and John rock the stage July 22 and Alan Smith and New Tattoo bring the folk and blues to wrap up the series on Aug. 26.
Beginning June 2, music fans will surely gather downtown at Central Park for the opening of Milford’s Summer Concert Series. This summer, the series brings live music into the downtown corridor at 7 p.m. Thursdays and continues weekly through July 28.
This year’s acts will include: Plymouth Community Band on June 2; Serious Jack on June 9; Billy Mack & The Juke Joint Johnnies play oldies June 16; Toppermost play Beatles tunes June 23; Motor City Brass on June 30; Kimmie Horne on July 7; Steve King on July 14; Masters of Big Band on July 21; Alan Turner & The Steel Horse Band on July 28 and Gemini on Aug. 25.
History buffs should mark their calendars for June 25-26 when The Huron Valley Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration takes over Milford’s Central Park. Civil War re-enactors, the 5th Michigan Regimental Band, storytellers and more are all planned for this free, rain-or-shine affair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in observance of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.
Just as summer starts heating up, fashionistas and families may mark their calendars for July 8-10. Shop Rock and Stroll, downtown Milford’s most anticipated sidewalk sales event, will take over Main Street, between Commerce and Liberty from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Participating retailers offer deals of up to 75 percent off at clothing, jewelry and home furnishing boutiques. The event also includes face painting and inflatables for the children. The Gravity Bar will host entertainment and a beer tent Friday and Saturday night.
As August rolls around, Milford prepares for its annual summer bash, the Milford Memories Summer Festival. This year’s event, the 20th annual, is set to take over downtown from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday from Aug. 12-14.
Milford Memories features Art in the Village, including artists and crafters from across the U.S. and Canada, a Civil War encampment, euchre tournament, hot pepper eating contest, beer tent and live music by bands like The Icemen and bugs Beddow band. Watch teams canoe an obstacle course down the Huron River blind-folded. Join in the One-Mile Fun Run or a 5K or 10K.
To learn more about downtown Milford, visit www.meetmeinmilford.com.
