Calendar of Events

2026 Recreation Events Planner

Special Events

There is always something happening at Oakland County Parks! Mark your calendar for these upcoming events and be sure to register early (where applicable) as programs do tend to fill up quickly. Check out this year's lineup on the 2026 Recreation Events Planner.

Archery Class Series

The Archery Class Series is a great introduction to archery as a sport. For an hour every week, archers will spend time on the range learning about fundamentals, safety and basic equipment use. Equipment is provided at the range; personal equipment can be brought. Classes will be held at Independence Oaks County Park from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

• Session 2: June 23 & 30 and July 7, 14, 21 & 28
• Session 3: Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25 and Sept. 1 & 8

Taught by certified instructors, these hands-on sessions provide a supportive environment for new archers to build skills, improve aim and enjoy the sport - no experience required. Archers must wear closed-toed shoes

Cost is $75/person/session. Classes are suitable for ages 8 and older. The session is limited to 16 participants.

Register online or call 248-858-0916. For questions, email BrechN@oakgov.com.

Register for Archery Classes

• Printable Archery Class Flyer

Parks in Action Series 

Parks in Action is a fun, engaging community program that combines outdoor recreation, nature exploration and hands-on activities in our parks. Designed for all ages, this series offers a variety of interactive experiences such as archery, fishing, nature education, games, and more - encouraging participants to get active, try something new and connect with the outdoors.

The series includes these upcoming sessions:

• July 8, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Lyon Oaks County Park & Golf Course. Experiences include pickleball and golf activities like closest to the pin and chipping/putting
• Aug. 12, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Red Oaks Nature Center. Activities include a portable planetarium, Birds of Prey program, Agents of Discovery and a nature hike 
• Sept. 19, 3-8 p.m. at Independence Oaks County Park. Recreation opportunities include archery, kayaking, fishing, hiking and more  

This program is sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union. 

All guests who register at $5/person will receive a branded water bottle. Earn stickers for your Parks in Action water bottle (registered guests) or receive stickers to decorate your own water bottle (all guests). Register online or sign-up the same day.

Register for the Parks in Action Series

• Printable Parks in Action Series Flyer

Wheels & Squeals, Touch a Truck 

Pump the brakes and stop by the Waterford Oaks County Park BMX Track to explore the types of trucks and vehicles used by Oakland County and local companies from 4:30-8 p.m. June 25.

New this year is a "Give-it-a-Try" BMX Session. Experience the BMX track firsthand with bikes provided by Waterford Oaks BMX. To participate, guests must have long sleeves, long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Additional activities include food truck, music and more. There will be a quiet time from 4:30-5:30 p.m. and the Quiet Zone will be on site with sensory regulation tools, such as noise reducing headphones and fidget tools available. 

Wheels & Squeals is sponsored by Xfinity. The event is free and open to the public. The Huron-Clinton Metroparks will distribute more than 500 free life jackets to help promote safe recreation on the water. No registration is necessary. For more information, call 248-858-0916.

• Printable Wheels & Squeals Flyer - English
• Printable Wheels & Squeals Flyer - Spanish

Archery Adventure Camp

Encourage children to try something new this summer with Archery Adventure Camp. Participants ages 8-15 will receive a unique summer experience during this week-long archery camp where they learn archery fundamentals and safety tips at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park as well as enjoy other outdoor activities like fishing and hiking. Camps will be held from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on the following dates: July 13-17 or Aug. 3-7.

This camp is a great way to improve mental focus and physical fitness. It will build confidence, teamwork and a love for the outdoors in a safe, supportive environment.

All equipment is provided, but participants must bring their own snacks and lunches. Each camp session is limited to 16 participants and will be held weather permitting. Cost is $175/person/session. To register, call 248-858-0916 or register online.

Register for Archery Adventure Camp

• Printable Archery Adventure Camp Flyer

Archery 101

Learn all about the art of archery during an Archery 101 session. Archery instructors will be on site from 10 a.m.-noon July 11 and Sept. 12. Instructors will teach archery basics and participants will practice their skills at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park. All equipment is included. This program is open to ages 8 and older.

Each session is limited to 16 participants. Cost is $15/person/session. To register, call 248-858-0916 or register online.

Register for Archery 101

• Printable Archery 101 Flyer

Adults Only Archery Shoot

Adult participants can learn the basics of archery with qualified instructors at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park from 1-3 p.m. July 11 or Sept. 12.

Enjoy a fun, skill-building archery experience designed just for adults whether you’re sharpening your technique or trying something new. This relaxed shoot offers guidance, friendly competition and plenty of time on the range.

All equipment is provided - just bring your focus and enjoy the challenge! This program is open to ages 18 and older. Sessions will be held weather permitting.

Cost is $15/person/session. Class size is limited, so register online as soon as possible or call 248-858-0916. For more information, email BrechN@oakgov.com.

Register for Adults Only Archery Shoot

• Printable Adults Only Archery Shoot Flyer

Paws and Play

Make new pup and human friends during Paws and Play from 5-7 p.m. July 22 at Orion Oaks Dog Park and 5-7 p.m. Aug. 26 at Red Oaks Dog Park. Enjoy open playtime and activities designed for fun, bonding and socialization.

• Free fun for dogs and dog owners
• Vendors on site
• Activities, cooling stations and crafts for all
• Giveaways and info. tables

No registration is needed. Dogs must be licensed and on a 6-foot leash outside of the dog park.

For questions, call 248-858-0916 or email BrechN@oakgov.com.

• Printable Paws and Play Flyer

Oakie's Birthday Bash 

Celebrate Oakland County Parks’ 60^th anniversary at Oakie's Birthday Bash, a free outdoor party from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Friday, July 24 at Independence Oaks County Park’s Twin Chimneys Pavilion. Enjoy food trucks, a DJ, live entertainment, inflatables (socks required), air jumper (socks required), performers and classic birthday games. Receive a goodie bag while supplies last and meet OCP’s mascot Oakie the Squirrel, too!

This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held rain or shine. Some activities are weather permitting

For more information, call 248-858-0916 or email events@oakgov.com.

• Printable Oakie's Birthday Bash Flyer

Women’s Only Archery Shoot

Participants can learn the basics of archery with trained instructors in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment during Women’s Only Archery Shoot at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park from 10 a.m.-noon July 25.

Whether you’re brand new to the sport or looking to sharpen your skills, this session offers a fun way to build confidence, improve technique and enjoy time outdoors with fellow women archers. This program is open to ages 18 and older. Sessions will be held weather permitting.

All equipment is provided. Cost is $15/person. Class size is limited, so register online as soon as possible or call 248-858-0916. For more information, email BrechN@oakgov.com.

Register for Women's Only Archery Shoot

• Printable Women’s Only Archery Shoot Flyer

Tails & Trails 5K

Run or walk with your dog or cat beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 16 to raise funds for Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet. The Cat Walk 1K begins at 10 a.m. at Independence Oaks County Park followed by the Tails & Trails 5K at 10:30 a.m. The event includes vendors, activities and family fun zone.

Dogs and cats are optional to participate. Pets must be licensed and on a 6-foot leash. Tails & Trails is presented by McLaren Oakland.

Cost for the Cat Walk 1K is $15 and includes a goodie bag and medal. Cost for the Tails & Trails 5K is $25 and includes a T-shirt and medal. Online registration is encouraged.

For more information, email HayesR@oakgov.com.

Donations can also be made through the race website to Great Lakes Dog Rescue and Teacher’s Pet or bring pet products for donation on race day. Great Lakes Dog Rescue’s mission is to rescue well-tempered, adoptable dogs from animal control facilities and from owner-surrenders and provide them shelter and medical care until they are adopted.

Teacher’s Pet is a 501(c)3 that facilitates animal assisted interventions for the benefit of vulnerable populations, including but not limited to adjudicated and at-risk youth. Pairing together with harder-to-adopt, local area shelter dogs, they strive to provide therapeutic gains, vocational training and empowerment in order to build stronger communities and improve dog adoptability.

Register for Tails & Trails

• Printable Tails & Trails Flyer

Monster Mayhem

Shoot at themed targets, test your accuracy at mini challenges and enjoy a lighthearted, Halloween-inspired atmosphere during Monster Mayhem at the archery range in Independence Oaks County Park from 1-1:45 p.m. or 2-2:45 p.m. Sept. 19.

This program includes general archery instruction with 3D monster targets. Perfect for beginners and experienced archers alike, this fun event brings out your inner monster hunter. Come ready for mayhem!

This program is open to participants ages 8 and older. Parent/caregiver participants are encouraged. Sessions will be held weather permitting.

All equipment is provided. Cost is $10/person. Class size is limited, so register online as soon as possible or call 248-858-0916. For more information, email BrechN@oakgov.com.

Register for Monster Mayhem

• Printable Monster Mayhem Flyer

Upcoming Events

Wondering what's in the works for the rest of the year? Event information, registration details and links to additional information will be posted as they become available, but clear your calendar for these upcoming events now.

Movies in the Park

Food trucks and activities before each showing at Waterford Oaks County Park in the field by the BMX track of the following movies:

• Aug. 21, 7 p.m.: Happy Gilmore
• Sept. 18, 6:30 p.m.: Bridesmaids
• Oct. 16, 6 p.m.: IT

Dog Swim

Red Oaks Waterpark is going to the dogs after it closes for the season from noon-3 p.m. Sept. 12

Glow-Bye Summer

This glowing summer send-off with nighttime activities is the perfect way to say goodbye to summer and hello to autumn. This event will be held from 6:30-9 p.m. Sept. 25 at Friendship Park in Orion Township.

Lakeside Lights: Hike the Night

Enjoy food, fire and a lighted stroll from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 17 at at Independence Oaks County Park - Boat House.

Craft, Create, Consume

Create a winter porch pot from 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 or Nov. 19 at the Oakland County Farmers Market.

Self-Guided Virtual Learning

• Nature Education
• History in Our Parks
• Crafts

Join our team!