Sterlingfest facts for kids
Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair is a super fun yearly festival that happens in Sterling Heights, Michigan. It takes place in the first week of August at Dodge Park. Lots of people come to visit, usually around 120,000 to 125,000 over three days! Sterlingfest brings together cool arts and crafts, live music like jazz and blues, a special stage for kids called Kidzfest, carnival rides, and yummy food from local restaurants. There's also a main stage with big-name performers.
How Sterlingfest Started
The Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair began way back in 1982. It was first called Sterling Heights Summerfest. It was a three-day event held in Dodge Park from July 15th to July 17th. The idea for this community event came from the staff of the City Parks and Recreation Department.
Over the years, the festival grew a lot. It became one of the most exciting summer events in southeast Michigan. It started with evening concerts and dance parties. Then it added kids' relay races, street performers, classic car shows, and even hot-air balloon take-offs! The festival got bigger and more people came to enjoy it. An Arts and Crafts Fair was also added, working with the City's Community Relations Department.
Later, the festival was renamed the Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair. Today, it offers tons of amazing activities, like a big street fair. There are many stages for performances, the Kidzfest area for kids, and big concerts on the main stage. You can also find carnival rides, an art show where judges pick the best art, and a "restaurant row" with lots of food. There's even a 5K run! The festival has grown beyond just Dodge Park. It now includes the Sterling Heights Civic Center, the historic Upton House, and a sculpture walk with public art. This walk also features a "SterlingScapes" exhibit with large outdoor sculptures from Michigan artists.
Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Sterlingfest did not happen in 2020. It returned in 2021.
Awards Sterlingfest Has Won
Sterlingfest has won some cool awards!
- In 2008, the Detroit News called it “Michigan’s BEST Summer Festival.”
- In 2019, viewers of WXYZ 7 Action News voted Sterlingfest the number one summer festival in metro Detroit.
What to Do at Sterlingfest
Sterlingfest has something for everyone!
- You can listen to all kinds of music, including jazz, blues, and popular top 40 songs.
- There's a "Suds’n’Sounds" stage with more music.
- Kids can have a blast at the Kidzfest stage, which has activities and entertainment just for them.
- The family midway has fun carnival rides.
- You can try delicious food from many local restaurants.
- Don't forget the main headliner stage, where big bands and artists perform!
