Farmington Celebrates with 49th Annual Founders Festival

Celebrate the Farmington-Farmington Hills community’s Quaker heritage during the 49th Annual Founders Festival, taking place July 19 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. both days. 

The weekend will kick off with a pre-glow on July 18, offering limited activities, such as Walker’s Tavern, Alley Regalley, and Bingo. Walker’s Tavern will be open from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Janet Bloom, the events planner for the Farmington Downtown Development Authority, said, “It has grown over the years to become a yearly gathering of the community. In fact, Walker’s Tavern is the ‘homecoming’ location for class reunions, friends, and neighbors. The festival celebrates where we have been, where we are, and where we are going.”

With plenty of attractions for all of those who attend, the festival has something fun for everyone. It is an event for all ages, Bloom said. 

“We have over 100 crafters, sidewalk shopping, a Kids Zone with lots of activities and rides, a food court for the tastiest of treats, two stages of entertainment, a new Wags-n-Whiskers Land for all things dog, historic tours, activities at the Governor Warner Mansion, and Walker’s Tavern with Fifty Amp Fuse and Killer Flamingos,” Bloom said.

Walker’s Tavern is a beer and wine tent run by the DDA. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., it offers family entertainment and is named the Bright House Networks Main Stage. Then, starting at 5 p.m., the tent serves beer and wine to those 21 years old and up, Bloom said.

A parade will also arrive downtown on Saturday at 10 a.m.

“There will be over 70 acts that represent this year’s theme of ‘Cartoons and Comic Books,’ and we will even have special appearances by some of our favorite superheroes,” said Bloom.

Some new events will take place at this year’s Founders Festival as well.

“We have expanded offerings in our Meijer GoPlayGround kids area and added a new Wags-n-Whiskers location in Memorial Park,” said Bloom.

In addition to this, there will be Rock-n-Roll K9 performances throughout the festival and new entertainers, such as Detroit Circus and Cinderella at the ‘Princess Party,’ she said.

“We thank our local community for the continued support of the Founders Festival. We always extend an invitation to all those in Southeast Michigan to come shop, eat, be entertained, and enjoy Downtown Farmington,” Bloom said.

For more details regarding the festival’s entertainment schedule, visit www.FoundersFestival.com.