Celebrate Summer in Metro-Detroit’s Backyard!
For many Metro-Detroit families, summertime means family fun on the lake — and at The War Memorial, that means SummerFest! Our annual summer fun series returns this year with family-friendly concerts on our lakefront lawn.
All SummerFest events are free and open to everyone from everywhere! Bring your lawn chair, blanket, or enjoy the festival from your boat. Concerts are rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, outdoor concerts will take place in the War Memorial Ballroom. While tickets are free, we do ask that you register with us at the link below.
Dave Bennett doesn’t fit the mold.
On July 10th our concert series opens with a War Memorial favorite, the Dave Bennett Band! With his special blend of rockabilly and jazz it’s sure to be a night to remember. Bennett is a multi-instrumentalist and singer who performs everything from jazz and swing to rock and roll. As a jazz and pop clarinet player Bennett has performed all over North American at historic venues and festivals, including Carnegie Hall. His 2018 Mack Avenue Records release "Blood Moon" reached No. 24 on the Billboard jazz charts.
Bennett is a clarinet virtuoso who plays electric guitar, piano, drums, and vocalizes. Saluting swing to rock, he covers music from the Swing Era to early Rockabilly and Country, to Elvis Presley and more. You won’t want to miss this!
Free and open to all — registration is requested
7:30pm on the lakefront lawn
Grounds open at 6:30pm
VIP Tickets Now Available
New this year! While SummerFest concerts are completely free to the public, you can support The War Memorial’s commitment to providing low-cost family-friendly programming by purchasing a VIP ticket! VIP tickets are only $40 each and include reserved seating areas on both our balcony and near the front of the stage, so you can leave your chairs at home. VIP area also includes a private cash bar and a ticket for a complimentary beverage. We appreciate your support!
Inclement Weather Policy
In the event of inclement weather, this event will be held in The Alger Center Ballroom.
Watch this space or follow us on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.
The War Memorial’s talented culinary team will serve up a taste of Americana, including juicy burgers, veggie burgers, hot dogs, and other traditional summertime fare. A full bar, including water, a variety of sodas, beer, wine, and liquor, will be available to enhance your experience! You’re welcome to bring your own picnic, but by Michigan law, no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought to SummerFest.