Downtown Farmington hosted the 2026 Founders Festival from Thursday, July 16, through Saturday, July 18, even as wildfire smoke from Canada and Minnesota settled over metro Detroit and irritated eyes and lungs across the region.
The three-day festival took over Farmington Road at Grand River Avenue with free admission, art vendors from across the country, live music, food trucks, and a beer tent.
Smoke didn't stop the show
The City of Farmington acknowledged the air quality in its official announcement, urging residents to "keep your well-being in mind" while confirming the festival would proceed. Organizer James Gietzen told WXYZ on Friday, July 17, that the event was going forward with family entertainment including face painting, stilt walking, and juggling.
Not everyone found the haze easy to ignore. Melissa Marback, a prospective attendee, told WXYZ that day: "My eyes are burning. My throat hurts. It's hard to breathe. It's terrible." Kimnona Manigault-Watson said she wanted to bring her grandchildren but would watch the air quality first
Despite the haze, organizers and vendors pressed ahead with the weekend's programming.
Vendors committed
Tyler Bourne, owner of handmade art shop Hook, Loop, & Blossoms, said on July 17 he was hoping the smoke would clear so crowds would turn out. Lorie Scialdone of Northville Candle Co. said she spent about eight months preparing her fragrances for the weekend. Steve Sumpter of SDS Media Design displayed custom-cut record designs he created himself.
Out-of-state vendors made the trip, too. John Allison of Simply Savory Gourmet told WXYZ his team came up from Florida because "Michigan likes to put on a party in the summer."
Festival promoted new Family Fun Zone
According to the festival website, Riley Park's Family Fun Zone was billed as a brand-new, expanded area for 2026, with small carnival rides for children under 100 pounds, an inflatable zone, Crazy Craig's Family Comedy and Juggling Show, Animal Magic, a LEGO Tent, and balloon creations.
Helen and Frank Andreae, glass artists behind Fired & Fused in Franklin, hosted a free glass craft activity Saturday at 2 p.m. where attendees could make a tile to use as a suncatcher or magnet.
The Dog Days of Farmington, presented by Tolonen Family Pet Shop and The Dog Lady, offered interactive games, training demonstrations, contests, and a donation drive collecting supplies for local rescue organizations.
Saturday on the schedule
Grand River Avenue closed at 8:50 a.m. Saturday for the LOC Credit Union 5K Color Run through Shiawassee Park and downtown. The annual Founders Festival Parade, sponsored by Corewell Health, began at 10 a.m. along Grand River. The Farmington Farmers & Artisan Market relocated to Farmington High School, 32000 Shiawassee St., for the weekend, keeping its 9 a.m.–2 p.m. hours.
