Farmington Set to Welcome Back Founders Festival this Weekend
The highly-anticipated 60th edition of the Farmington Founders Festival is making a triumphant return to downtown Farmington this weekend, from July 18-20.
Last year, the event attracted a crowd of over 43,000 to the city, and with the simultaneous celebration of Farmington’s bicentennial, the attendance figures are forecasted to climb even higher this year.
Highlights of the Festival
The festival is expected to showcase a multitude of events that have become synonymous with past editions, including the iconic Farmington Founders Festival Parade, the Farmington Fido Fest, a 5K color run, a range of musical performances, a crafted kids’ area, and a market featuring local crafters.
Mayor Joe LaRussa described the festival as a truly multi-dimensional event, promising attractions for all ages and interests – “There’s evening-oriented things for adults. There’s family-driven things during the day. …There’s such a variety. There’s something for everybody.”
The Parade Through the Decades
The centerpiece of the Founders Festival is the Farmington Founders Festival Parade, scheduled to kick off on Grand River Avenue at 10 a.m. July 20.
This year, the parade takes on a historical twist, with each participating group tasked with representing a different decade, to showcase the city’s rich history and to mark the bicentennial celebrations.
Run, Music, and More
In addition to the parade, the festival offers a multitude of other activities. For fitness enthusiasts, the 5K Color Run is set to take place through Shiawassee Park and downtown at 9 a.m. on July 20.
The Farmington Fido Festival features astounding K-9 feats and runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 19 and 20 — a must-visit for any dog lover.
A Festival for the Kids
Kids are in for a treat as a dedicated area featuring bounce houses, foam parties, stage shows, and a special Lego sculpture will be set up from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m on July 19 and 20.
Local Crafters Market and Food
The Local Crafters Market, where you can find vintage decor, handmade consumables and furniture, will operate from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on July 19 and 20. Food trucks with a diverse culinary offering will be stationed nearby to fulfill all your festival food cravings.
Community Come Together
In essence, the Farmington Founders Festival serves not only as a source of enjoyment for the city’s residents but also acts as a major attraction for visitors. LaRussa notes, “The Founders Festival is a great adhesive for community fabric. We really have a chance for people to come together and reminisce in downtown Farmington. Visitors get a chance to see a small city center that they maybe didn’t know was there or hadn’t been to in a while.”
For more information about the festival, make sure to visit foundersfestival.com.
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
