Families looking for ways to fill summer weeks through August have three recurring options in Birmingham, all within a short drive of downtown.

Goldfish Swim School, at 2388 Cole St., is hosting drop-in swim sessions that require no membership. The cost is $5 per swimmer or $15 per family, according to the school's website. The school offers lessons for children ages 4 months to 12 years, but the open sessions welcome anyone. Session types and days vary week to week; upcoming dates listed on the Birmingham Patch calendar include July 28, at noon and August 7, at 6:30 p.m. Families should check goldfishswimschool.com/birmingham or call (248) 243-4897 for the full schedule.

A few blocks north, the Birmingham Farmers Market continues every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 660 N. Old Woodward Ave. through October 25. The market, operated by the Birmingham Shopping District, features more than 50 vendors selling fresh produce, artisan baked goods, prepared foods, and plants. Live music and kids' activities run each week. The market drew roughly 15,300 visitors in May 2025 alone, according to a Birmingham city manager report from that June.

Then there are the Wednesday night concerts. The In the Park Summer Concert Series returns to Shain Park, at Merrill and Bates streets, at 7 p.m. every Wednesday through August 26. Admission is free. Residents can bring blankets or lawn chairs. On August 5, Birmingham Parks & Recreation adds a Kids Zone from 4 to 6 p.m. with bounce houses, games, and interactive activities before the ZANG concert at 7 p.m., according to The Oakland Press community calendar.

Parking for the concerts is available at the Chester or Pierce Street structures, where the first two hours are free.

Upcoming community calendar

  • Wednesday, July 29 — In the Park Concert Series, Shain Park, 7 p.m.
  • Monday, August 3 — Birmingham Farmers Market, 660 N. Old Woodward Ave., 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 5 — Kids Zone, 4–6 p.m., followed by ZANG concert, 7 p.m., Shain Park
  • Friday, August 7 — Family Swim, Goldfish Swim School, 6:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, August 8 — MI Bon Summer Festival, Cranbrook Japanese Garden, 550 Lone Pine Rd., Bloomfield Hills, 2–8 p.m. Free. Co-hosted by the Great Lakes Taiko Center and Cranbrook Center for Collections and Research. Taiko drumming, Bon Odori dancing, garden tours, food vendors. Register at center.cranbrook.edu.
  • Sunday, August 9 — Farmers Market Corn Festival, 660 N. Old Woodward Ave., 9 a.m.–2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 12 — In the Park Concert Series, Shain Park, 7 p.m.