Programs and Events

Recreation Programs and Events

The City of Monroe Parks and Recreation Department offers a wide range of recreational activities for people of all ages, abilities and interests.

The City of Monroe also co-sponsors many recreational programs and leagues at its city parks. Currently, Youth and Adult Ball, Adult Soccer, Adult Sand Volleyball and Exercise in the Park are organized by the Monroe Family YMCA. The Monroe County Opportunity Program organizes Tot Lots at many of our city’s parks. More information on these youth and adult programs found on each of their websites and Facebook pages.

Below is a list of program information and registration information.

Department Quick Links

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Concerts and Events

Cabin Fever Beach Party

We are bringing some fun and sun to the cold month of February so pick out some summer or beachy attire and join the party for music and dancing with DJ Big Mike of Totally Focused Entertainment Company, along with kids games and activities by local organizations!

Light concessions will be available. Some tables and chairs will be set up for seating, but feel free to bring a lawn chair or beach blanket if you prefer.

Friday, February 27th
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

National Battlefield Park Visitor Center

Questions: please call 734.384.9156 or email [email protected]..

Fantastic Family Movie Nights

Fantastic Family Movie Nights in partnership with the Great Start Collaborative offers children's activities, FREE movies, light concessions, and more family fun inside the River Raisin National Battlefield Park Visitor Center!

From 5:00PM to 6:00PM local children's organizations set up tables with activities, and the movie begins promptly at 6:15PM. Pre-registration at the link below is required as seats are limited!

• January 23rd, 2026 - Encanto

Dress cozy and feel free to bring a blanket!

Daddy Daughter Dance

UPDATE: Tickets go on sale March 11, 2026!

Dads, Grandpas, Brothers, Uncles (or other adult male family members) can escort their little sweethearts to a wonderful evening to celebrate in a very special and memorable way!

Festivities will include music, dancing, and refreshments. Professional picture packages will be available for purchase (these photos may be delivered to the local schools), or bring your own camera; a photo station with a volunteer will take pictures using your camera, phone, etc.

Saturday, April 11, 2026
Monroe High School

Minimum age: 4 years of old.

PLEASE NOTE: online registration ONLY. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 11!

Follow our City of Monroe Parks & Recreation Facebook page for event updates!

The official flyer for the 36th annual Daddy Daughter Dance on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Monroe High School.

Mom Son Bowling

Moms, grandmas, and aunts are invited to accompany their special guy (ages 4 years and older) for a fun and exciting evening of bowling. This special event will consist of 3 games of scotch doubles, including one game of “crazy bowling”. Shoes, prizes, pizza, pop, and cookies provided.

Pre-registration is required. Bumper bowling is available for this event. Lane assignments will be made prior to arriving at the event. The female bowling partner must be an adult, age 18 or older. Sons will receive a small gift at the end. Please do not bring other spectators as this event is for mom and registered sons only.

Saturday, February 21, 2026
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM

Online registration ONLY via the link below:

Mom & Son Bowling Registration

Park Scavenger Hunts

Get to know your City of Monroe parks by completing a fun, self-guided scavenger hunt by yourself, or with others!

Information regarding rules, and drawings for prizes is below. Choose from online forms, or pdfs to print and bring on your adventure!

Links to online scavenger hunt forms below, or you can print off our pdfs and bring them on your adventure!

>>> Scavenger Hunt Rules <<<

Online Forms for Scavenger Hunts
• Scavenger Hunt #1
• Scavenger Hunt #2
• Scavenger Hunt #3

Printable PDFs to Take With You!
• Scavenger Hunt #1
• Scavenger Hunt #2
• Scavenger Hunt #3

We would love to see pictures of you having fun getting to know your city parks, so email them to [email protected]!

Questions? Please call 734-384-9156 or email us at [email protected].

Line Dancing Nights

Join us in 2025 on the tennis courts in St. Mary's Park for line dancing fun!

Beginners and experienced welcome.

Refer to the city calendar or the City of Monroe Parks & Recreation Department Facebook page for more information on other exciting things happening in your city!

Finally Friday

Enjoy the new Social District with some live music in Downtown Monroe on fourth Fridays!

Located at Altrusa Park, bring a blanket for a chair and unwind for spell while you listen to live music at the end of a long week!

June 27, 2025 - Rick & Josh
July 25 - Anna & Rob Hilliard
August 22 - On the Rocks
September 26 - Blockhouse Valley Quartet

Howl-o-ween Bark in the Park

Howl-o-ween Bark in the Park

It's going to be a 'howling' good time at the upcoming 𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒍-𝒐-𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝑩𝒂𝒓𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒌!

Join us Saturday, October 11th from Noon to 1:30PM at the Riverfront Parking Lot Gazebo located behind 116 W. Front Street and bring your pup in their finest spooky attire!

Event to feature a Doggy AND Owner Costume Contest, non-profits, and more! Prize awarded for best costume duo.

Join in on the fun or just come to witness all the cuteness.

In partnership with Scally Wagg's Doggy Bakery & Pet Supplies.

Questions? Please contact us 734-384-9156 or [email protected].

Harvest in the Park

Harvest in the Park

Experience a fun-filled, family-friendly evening with fall-themed activity stations hosted by the City of Monroe Parks and Recreation Department and MCISD Early Childhood Programs.

October 3, 2025
6:00 to 7:30 PM
Father Cairns Park
802 W Eight St.

As you stroll along the luminary-lit path around our large picnic shelter, enjoy a variety of engaging activities for all ages.

We look forward to seeing you at Father Cairns Park for this exciting community event!

Follow our City of Monroe Parks and Recreation Facebook page for event updates pertaining to the above.

Questions? Please contact us at 734.384.9156 or [email protected].

Summer Concert Series

Our Summer Concert Series is B A C K for 2025!

We are so excited for a full summer of live music at St. Mary's Park! There is so much talent coming to the park this year, you won’t want to miss even one!

🎵 5/22 - Monroe High School Jazz Band
🎵 5/29 - Monroe High School Choirs
🎵 6/05 - Polish American Band
🎵 6/12 - M125
🎵 6/26 - Power Play Detroit
🎵 7/10 - Katmandu
🎵 7/11 - Jim Gill (Children's Concert)
🎵 7/12 - Sound Proof Motown Tribute
🎵 7/17 - Marty and the Docs (80s)
🎵 7/24 - Madison Avenue
🎵 8/07 - Fred Tutle
🎵 8/14 - Collision Six
🎵 8/21 - Category 5

Concert Series presented by Monroe Community Credit Union.

Also supported by: La-Z-Boy, DTE Foundation, UAW Local 723, ITC Holdings Corp., General RV Center, Laborer's Local 499, Tailor Welded Blanks (TWB), Monroe County Library System, KC Logistics and Comcast.

Many concerts will have food trucks present. Details posted in the Facebook event for each concert.
The Social District will be in effect at St. Mary's Park during the concerts.
Our Family Friendly events are smoke free. Thank you for your cooperation.
Concerts are weather dependent - no rain dates will be scheduled.
Follow our City of Monroe Parks and Recreation page for event updates pertaining to the above.

Questions? Please contact us at 734.384.9156 or [email protected].

Children's Concert

Join us on the evening of Friday, July 11th, 2025, at 7:00 PM for a family-friendly event featuring award-winning music by Jim Gill for young children and the people that care for them.

Jim Gill is a musician and author with unique credentials among children’s artists. Jim is a child development specialist with a special emphasis on the study of play.

Concert starts at 7PM at the St. Mary's Park band shell.

Free for All!

In partnership with the Monroe County Great Start Collaborative with the support of the Monroe County Library System.

Summer Dance Party

NOTE: Rescheduled to Tuesday, July 22nd, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join us on the tennis courts at St. Mary's Park for a fun, family-friendly dance party with DJ Big Mike from Totally Focused Entertainment. Dance along to popular songs, or bring a chair or blanket and come hang out!

Summer Dance Parties have been expanded from the Court Dances of the past to include family activities and music for all ages! Kids games and activities with the Great Start Collaboration and more local organizations! Imagination Station will also be at the park to bring some fun!

Event takes place Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, and runs from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the tennis courts.

In partnership with the Monroe County Great Start Collaborative.

Follow our City of Monroe Parks and Recreation Facebook page for event updates pertaining to the above.

Fun for all ages and featuring your favorite dance tunes, bring the whole family for a fun night in the park.

Questions? Please contact us at 734.384.9156 or [email protected].

Snowy Storytime & Paint

If you see the snow falling - keep your eyes on our Facebook page to see if we will be co-hosting this fun popup event!

Weather dependent.

Organized Sports

Youth Ball

Currently, Youth and Adult Ball, Adult Soccer, Adult Sand Volleyball and Exercise in the Park are organized by the Monroe Family YMCA.

Registration information available on the YMCA website, linked below.

MONROE FAMILY YMCA

Adult Softball

Currently, Youth and Adult Ball, Adult Soccer, Adult Sand Volleyball and Exercise in the Park are organized by the Monroe Family YMCA.

Registration information be found via the link below:

ADULT SOFTBALL REGISTRATION

Adult Soccer

For registration information, please call 734.384.9156.

Pickleball

This sport combining tennis, badminton and ping-pong is fun for all ages! Eight pickleball courts are located at the recently updated Father Cairns Park.

Please call our office at 734.384.9156 for general information on pickleball.

Adult Sand Volleyball

Currently, Youth and Adult Ball, Adult Soccer, Adult Sand Volleyball and Exercise in the Park are organized by the Monroe Family YMCA.

Please visit their website for more information.

Miscellaneous

Community Garden Plots

If you don't have space for a garden, but love growing your own fruits and vegetables, consider renting a garden plot at Munson Park!

Community Garden Plot Rental Flyer
Community Garden Plot Rental Registration Form

Tot Lot

Join us at our city parks throughout the summer for Tot Lot!

Program is FREE! Activities include painting, arts and crafts, games, music and more. Come join us for some summer fun!

Children ages 5-12 are welcome. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tot Lots are offered in partnership with the Monroe County Opportunity Program.

For more information, please call The Opportunity Center at the ALCC at 734.241.4313.