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.
Detroit’s “Queen of the Blues” will put on a show not to be missed!
On August 7th join us for a special evening featuring Thornetta Davis! An international singer, songwriter, recording artist, Thornetta was awarded the Detroit Blues Society’s “Living Lifetime Achievement Award” as well as a star on the Canada South Blues Museum “Walk of Fame”. In 2015 Thornetta was crowned “DETROIT’S QUEEN OF THE BLUES” in a ceremony by the Detroit Blues Society, with proclamations from the City of Detroit, County of Wayne and the State of Michigan. Thornetta has opened for Blues Legends such as B.B. King, Ray Charles, Etta James, KoKo Taylor, Johnny Johnson, Bonnie Raitt and more. Thornetta is a 7 time Blues Foundation BLUES MUSIC AWARDS nominee, including two 2022 BMA nominations for Contemporary Blues artist female and Best instrumentalist Vocals and a winner of over 30 Detroit Music Awards.
Free and open to all — registration is requested
7:30pm on the lakefront lawn
Grounds open at 6:30pm
VIP Tickets Have Sold Out for the Thornetta Davis Concert
Additional VIP tickets may become available for purchase on the day of show. If you are still interested in purchasing one, visit the VIP Check-In area upon arrival at the concert for a possible upgrade. Free General Admission tickets are still available at this time.
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.