The annual Greater Farmington Founders Festival presented by Meijer returns this year for its 55th celebration of summer with many new attractions including a major expansion into the city’s Shiawassee Park. A soft opening for the Beer Tent starts at 5 p.m. Thursday July 18, while the full festival runs from July 19 through 21. The festival will be bringing back some traditional events like the parade up Grand River Avenue, the Bingo Tent, Beer Tent, and live music. Several new features including fireworks Saturday night, a children’s carnival, and a pig roast.
Along with the transition to Shiawassee Park come all-new parking locations. Plenty of parking will be available at Farmington High School, next to Our Lady of Sorrows church, behind the Maxfield Training Center, and other lots around town. A courtesy shuttle provided by American House Senior Living Communities and Omega Benefit Strategies will operate around the festival grounds for handicapped and elderly visitors.
A stretch of Shiawassee Road will be closed to through-traffic between Farmington Road and south-bound Power Road.
Here’s a brief look at what festival-goers can expect.
Farmington Fido Fest
One of last year’s most popular attractions, the Farmington Fido Fest will include performances from the Ultimate Air Dogs, Rock n’ Roll K9’s, Disc Dogs of Michigan, and Lucky Lure Coursing. Dogs and their owners can check out the newest doggy wear or participate in one of the many contests throughout the weekend. Make sure to visit Rescue Row where you might find the next addition to your family.
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 12 noon - 5p.m.
Family Fun Zone presented by Community Choice Credit Union
This year’s Family Fun Zone features a carnival with games, rides, and inflatables for children 12 year-old and younger. The Community Choice Credit Union Cash Tornado will be on-site Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Step in to win cash and prizes. Children can meet with princesses, super heroes, and characters from Frozen.
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday 12 noon – 5:00 p.m.
Beer Tent & Live Music Stage sponsored by Tito's Handmade Vodka, Jim Beam and Bud Light
The main stage, which is located next to the beer tent and food court will feature live music all weekend long. Headlining the stage, Thursday - Atomic Radio; Friday - Fifty Amp Fuse; Saturday - Killer Flamingos.
Hours: 5 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Pig Roast hosted by Ideal Bite Community Kitchen
A new twist on an old tradition, the Farmington Founders Festival Pig Roast will be easy to find. Just follow your nose.
Hours: Friday and Saturday during festival hours.
Bingo Tent hosted by Farmington Public Schools PTA Council
Among the relocated attractions at Shiawassee Park is the very popular Bingo Tent. With proceeds going to the PTA, this worthwhile, fund-raising activity has long been a visitor favorite. Hours: Friday and Saturday 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
LOC Federal Credit Union 5k Color Run
This 5k fun run will give participants the opportunity to run or walk through Shiawassee Park and Downtown Farmington along the parade route. Medals presented to age-group winners. Four color stations throughout the race add a special experience. The race will be chip-timed by the Michigan Running Foundation. Registration:https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Farmington/FarmingtonFoundersFestival4MileRun Race begins: Saturday 9:00 a.m. Volunteers to guide participants around the course can sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0945abaf2fa31-locfederal .
DTE Energy Foundation Fireworks!
Back by popular demand, the festival will host a fireworks display. Guests are invited to watch the fireworks from inside Shiawassee Park. Watch for short-term road closings during the show.
Hours: 9:30 p.m. Saturday weather permitting
Hot Air Balloon Glow presented by Bosch Foundation
Great for families. Balloon crews will inflate hot-air balloons, and pilots will talk to kids about how heated air molecules inflate the balloons and make them rise.
Hours: Friday at dusk. Weather permitting.
Food Court
A variety of food trucks will offer up everything from Elephant Ears to unique eats.
Hours: Thursday - Sunday during festival hours.
Touch a Truck
Kids can explore big trucks, street sweepers and emergency vehicles on Shiawassee Road next to the park.
Hours: Friday 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Vintage & Crafter Market Place
Creative and talented crafters will display shabby chic designs, vintage decor, up-cycled and rustic creations. Here, visitors will find that perfect one-of-a-kind piece of furniture, handcrafted jewelry, handmade consumables, or something whimsical for your garden.
Hours: Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 12 noon - 5p.m.
Farmington Founders Festival Parade presented by Beaumont Hospital - Farmington Hills
This year’s Animated Adventures Parade offers up a magical experience. Whether you love the classics like Pinocchio or Sleeping Beauty, or are more of a Monster’s Inc., or Pirates of the Caribbean fan, this one’s for everyone.
Hours: Saturday 10:00 a.m.
A Word About Our Sponsors
Farmington Founders Festival Presented by Meijer is produced by the Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce and 360 Event Productions. The festival could not be made possible without the support from our sponsors including Meijer, Beaumont Hospital Farmington Hills, Bosch, Community Choice Credit Union, DTE Energy Foundation, LOC Federal Credit Union, LaFontaine Subaru, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jim Beam, West Side Beer, Sellers GMC, Thornton & Grooms and Faygo.
