Sterlingfest

Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair is a yearly summer festival in the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan. It is held in the first week of August at Dodge Park and usually draws crowds of 120,000-125,000 people over a three-day period. Sterlingfest mixes the tradition of an arts and crafts fair with a jazz and blues stage, a Suds’n’Sounds stage, Kidzfest children’s activities and entertainment stage, a family midway, local restaurateurs and a main headliner stage.

History

The first Sterlingfest took place in 1983 and is now in its 29th year. Nine years ago, the festival expanded to add musical performances, rides, kid-friendly fare and dining options. Since Sterlingfest’s beginning, visitors to the art show browse and purchase exquisite sculptures, watercolor paintings, striking photographs and many other unique hand-crafted items offered by juried exhibitors. The Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair is set in a street fair-like setting at the heart of Sterling Heights, Michigan – the picturesque City Center campus. Artists show and sell their work with a backdrop of lively music from the jazz and blues stage. Visitors to the art fair stroll past the city’s historic Upton House, by a water fountain and along the Sterling Heights sculpture walk, featuring the city’s public art along with a “SterlingScapes” exhibit of large-scale outdoor sculptures on loan from cutting-edge Michigan artists.

Awards

Detroit News’ “Michigan’s BEST Summer Festival” title in 2008

Events

The 2010 Sterlingfest features a variety of music, including jazz, blues, and top 40 entertainment. There is a Suds’n’Sounds stage, Kidzfest children’s activities and entertainment stage, a family midway, local restaurateurs and a main headliner stage and is highlighted by the annual Sterlingfest balloon launch. Local restaurants Loon River Cafe, Dodge Park Coney Island, and Piciano's showcase their food.

The at&t Kidzfest offers hourly shows from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. each day, including shows by magician Tom Plunkard, Rosco The Clown, ventriloquist Richard Paul, father and son singers Zippity 2 Dads, juggler Joel Tacey, Birds of Prey, magician Eugene Clark, musician Randy Smith, magic from the Fabulous Foleys, musician Kevin Devine, Dan Briere and his Little Creatures show, variety performer Maureen Schiffman, and magician Gordon Russ.