Sterling Heights’ annual Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair has long been one of the best free concert festivals in metro Detroit — and the 2026 edition, running July 23–25 at Dodge Park, is bringing a lineup that punches well above what you’d expect from a free community festival.
Three nights, three headliners, a drone show replacing the traditional fireworks, and dozens of artists and carnival rides filling the park across three days. Here’s everything you need to know.
The Main Stage Lineup
All main stage concerts are free admission and begin at 7 p.m. each evening:
Thursday, July 23 — Pop Hits Live presents 24K Magic Kingdom A tribute act fusing the music of Bruno Mars and Gwen Stefani — two of the biggest pop catalogs of the past two decades, back to back. If you’ve got younger kids or just a weakness for “Uptown Funk” and “Don’t Speak,” this is your night.
Friday, July 24 — Gretchen Wilson The country star behind “Redneck Woman” headlines Friday night at 8 p.m. Wilson has remained a force in country music for over two decades, and seeing her on a summer evening in an outdoor park setting is about as fitting as it gets.
Saturday, July 25 — Great White with Slaughter Two arena rock legends sharing the same stage — this is the night for anyone who spent the late ’80s and early ’90s with a Walkman and a tape collection. Great White and Slaughter together is a genuine nostalgia package, and both bands still bring the energy live.
The Drone Show
For 2026, Sterlingfest is replacing the traditional fireworks show with a drone light show on Thursday, July 23 at 9 p.m. Drone shows have been gaining traction across the country as a more precise, weather-flexible alternative to fireworks — and they’ve earned a reputation for being genuinely spectacular when done well. If you haven’t seen one yet, this is a good opportunity.
Beyond the Main Stage
The music doesn’t stop at the main stage. Sterlingfest runs a full festival footprint across Dodge Park, including:
- Suds ‘n’ Sounds Stage — a second stage with live music in a more intimate, bar-friendly setting
- Jazz & Blues Stage — afternoon and evening performances for those who want something a little smoother
- Kidz Stage — programming specifically for younger attendees throughout the day
- Arts and Crafts: Local and regional artists and vendors fill the park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily
- Carnival Midway: Rides and games from 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. each day
- Food Trucks: A full lineup of options spanning the usual festival fare and beyond
Festival Hours and Location
Dates: Thursday–Saturday, July 23–25, 2026 Hours: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. daily Location: Dodge Park, 14200 Utica Rd, Sterling Heights, MI 48313 Main Stage Concerts: 7 p.m. nightly, free admission
Arts and crafts vendors close at 8 p.m., and the carnival midway runs until 10:30 p.m. The main stages keep going until 11 p.m.
Parking is available on-site and in surrounding areas near the park. Given that this is a free event with a genuinely strong lineup, expect healthy crowds — especially on Friday and Saturday nights.
Why Sterlingfest Consistently Delivers
The formula Sterling Heights has built over the years isn’t complicated, but it works: a free festival with professional headliners, a full arts market, kids’ programming, and food and drink options that keep the whole family fed and occupied from midday through late evening. The 2026 lineup — country, pop tribute, and classic rock all on different nights — gives the event broad appeal across ages and tastes.
For three days in late July, Dodge Park becomes one of the better places to be in metro Detroit.
Full event details: sterlingheights.gov/2138/Sterlingfest
