The 17th Annual Ford Arts, Beats, & Eats in Royal Oak will showcase talent from local hair salons — including Alex Emilio Salon, Aqua Salon, and Black the Salon — in 16 hair shows scheduled on multiple stages and mannequin model exhibits, event organizers announced today.
“Going into our fifth year hosting Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, it has become a highlight event for Royal Oak spotlighting our great retail stores and entertainment offerings,” says Royal Oak Mayor Jim Ellison. “This year’s addition of Hair City will provide to the hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the region that Royal Oak is the area’s style and fashion epicenter.”
Last year, the festival drew around 400,000 visitors.
The annual event, to be held Aug. 29-Sep. 1, will include an interactive basketball experience hosted by Darryl Dawkins, a former Detroit Piston. Participants can create their own play-by-play videos or compete in the Slam Dunk Showdown for the chance to win $2,500.
Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Co. will also be on site to provide 45-minute fitness classes twice a day, as part of this year’s health initiatives.
Returning this year will be the Priority Health Zumbathon Celebration — an hour-and-a-half Zumba class that was attended by nearly 1,200 people last year — on Aug. 30. The Priority Health Arts in Motion 5K/10K Walk/Run will also take place on Aug. 30, with proceeds benefiting the Michigan Youth Arts and Rock CF, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing the quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis.
Also, in celebration of the Mustang’s 50th anniversary, Ford will have a 2015 Mustang and 2015 Ford F-150 on display, in addition to continuing their tradition of the “Ride and Drive” event, which allows festival-goers to test drive cars.
In addition, more than 65 restaurants will be represented, including newcomers Morton’s The Steakhouse, Andiamo’s Pizza Pie, and Famous Dave’s (barbecue). Among the returning eateries are Mitchell’s Seafood Market, Prime 29 Steakhouse, Peking House, Polish Village Café, and Hamlin Corner.
Event officials plan to announce the 200 musical acts in August.
For more information about the event, visit artsbeatseats.com.
