Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Some small towns simply outdo themselves when it comes to arts and entertainment. Mount Clemens, Michigan, located about 30 miles northeast of Detroit, consistently offers live music and theater as well as family events and art exhibits. The town is home to some long-running annual traditions and many venues that host a variety of activities and entertainment.
One weekend in February of each year, downtown Mount Clemens hosts its trademark event, the ice carving show. The event features impressive ice sculptures, carving demonstrations, and an ice sculpture miniature golf course. The weekend kicks off with the Fire & Ice Chili Cook-Off, with local restaurants competing to be chosen the best chili with benefits going to various charities.
Three times each summer, the streets of downtown host an Art & Craft Show with free admission. Booths include handmade jewelry, woodworking, reclaimed clothing and decorative pottery. Paintings and other fine art are also on display from local and regional artists. The show typically runs on Fridays and Saturdays on Macomb Place and surrounding streets. The first show occurs in the days before Mother's Day, with more shows in July and August.
Mount Clemens loves its place as a local art mecca, and the Anton Art Center hosts exhibits and events throughout the year. The annual ArtParty typically held in September is their shining moment, billed as "The Who's Who Event of Macomb County." The evening serves as the largest gallery exhibition for visual artists and a social event for artists, donors and the public. Local restaurants from pastry shops to steakhouses provide food and a silent auction takes place with things like rounds of golf and tickets to professional sports being sold to benefit the Anton and the local art community. The Anton also hosts a bustling Christmas Market through the month of December with various crafty gifts and decorating goods.
On most summer Fridays, the riverfront area overlooking the Clinton River hosts a concert series with famous musical acts. The shows are free and usually feature plenty of food and sometimes fireworks after the show. Each concert features family friendly music with a generally retro feel, such as tribute bands to Rod Stewart or Jimmy Buffett and throwback acts like Rare Earth.
Mount Clemens stages plays and musicals regularly at The Box Theatre on Walnut Street, which features a stunning, black box-style stage. The Emerald Theatre nearby features quite different entertainment, including rock concerts and DJ nights as well as colorful events like cagefighting matches.