The Best Michigan Meat Events for Summer & Fall

Detroit summer and people are bursting at the seams to get outdoors. What better way to soak in the season than by taking in a meat-centered festival or seven? In honor of The Five Days Of Meat, ere are the must attend events that span the map and the animal protein spectrum.

July 17th – Perhaps one of the longest-running meat making events is Manchester's 61st annual Chicken Broil from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Alumni Memorial Field. Serving 10,000 meals in four hours, it's considered one of the largest events of its kind, and all the proceeds benefit civic organizations. There was even a book written about it - Manchester Chicken Broils: Celebrating 50 Years. Picnic on a half chicken while listening to live music or perusing the classic car show. Manchester Chicken Broil. [Photo: Photo Source]

July 18th-20th: The fourth annual Pig & Whiskey event is taking place in Ferndale this month, with barbecue, booze, and live entertainment. Plenty of local favorites like Slows, Alley Taco, Rock City Eatery, Treat Dreams, and many more will have food available for purchase, and the drinks (featuring whiskey and also craft beer) will be flowing.

July 27th-28th- Baconfest Michigan will be hosting a breakfast themed bacon event in Ferndale that will be kid-friendly. Watch their Facebook page for more details, this should be very popular.

August 3rd – The Purple Rose Theatre Company in Chelsea is throwing a Backyard BBQ fundraiser at nearby Cornman Farms in Dexter, followed by a performance of 'The Last Romance' by Joe DiPietro. From 4:30 to 7:30p.m. enjoy live music, a silent auction and a farm-to-table meal presented by Zingerman's Roadhouse; then head over to the theater for the show and dessert. Tickets for the BBQ dinner and play or just the dinner alone are available for purchase online.

August 8th-10th – Hart Plaza downtown on the riverfront hosts the 19th Annual Ribs and R&B Music Festival Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Touted as "the largest rib festival in the Midwest," enjoy art, music and, you guessed it, lots and lots of ribs.

August 22nd & September 6th – Two different events being held at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, each from 8:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. On Friday, August 22nd, sample the best in beef and beer at The Big Grill, with local restaurants serving up all kinds of unique burgers. Then, on Saturday September 6th, come to the Bacon Bash and see how many cool ways bacon can be used in everything from appetizers to dessert and drinks. Tickets for both events can be found online.

September 12-13th – The 4th Annual Westland All American Blues, Brews & Barbeque features local Michigan craft beer, numerous restaurants serving up all types of BBQ, and music presented by the Detroit Blues Society. Not much current info on the Facebook page, but last year's event was held on the grounds of City Hall, and included one evening of "Bike Night" for the motorcycle set.

October 17th – A bit on the horizon at this point but certainly worth noting is Royal Oak's Baconfest Michigan 2014, also to be held in the Farmers Market from 7:00 p.m. to 11p.m. Thankfully held indoors, stroll around and snack on bacon-showcased treats and adult beverages, included in the entry ticket price. Michigan craft beer and wine will be served, along with bacon-infused vodka provided by Ugly Dog Distillery from Chelsea. Tickets for the 21 and up event are on sale now. -By Hannah Lowe
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