The annual Hamtramck Labor Day Festival is coming up!
Conceived in 1980 after the closing of the Dodge Main factory created an economic and emotional crisis for Hamtramck, the festival was created by the mayor and local residents wanted an event to lift the community’s spirits and demonstrate the city’s resilience.
Two stages of live music featuring 50+ performances.
The famous Hamtramck Yacht Races on Monday. Teams representing local bars push wheeled carts decorated like canoes down Joseph Campau while spectators soak them with buckets, squirt guns and water balloons. The winning team receives a wooden captain’s wheel inscribed with the bar’s name.
The Parade is on Monday.
Visitors can watch a bizarre street “yacht race,” see professional wrestling, attend a parade and catch major local and national performers without paying admission. Come check it out.
What: Hamtramck Labor Day Festival
When: September 5-7, 2026
Where: 11300 Joseph Campau Ave, Hamtramck, MI (takes place on JC between Caniff & Casmere)
Time: Noon – 11:00 p.m. daily
Cost: Free entry
Highlights: Saturday Shadow Show on South Stage @ 10pm/ Sunday Esham on South Stage @ 930pm/ Yacht races Monday @ Noon followed up Parade
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