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. The final session will be held at Independence Oaks County Park from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on 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:

• 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 the same day.

Register for the Parks in Action Series

• Printable Parks in Action Series 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 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. 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. 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

Meteors and More 

Join us for Meteors and More, a free, astronomy-focused special event from 6:30 p.m.-midnight Friday, Aug. 14 at Addison Oaks County Park. Attend a 30-minute presentation by Oakland Astronomy Club volunteers at 9 p.m. and gaze at the sky for a chance to view the Andromeda Galaxy and dazzling star clusters through telescopes and self-viewing of the Perseid meteors from 9:30 p.m.-midnight.

Come earlier to enjoy these additional activities during the daylight hours:

• 6:30-8:30 p.m. - Kids activities
  • Train rides
  • Inflatable bouncer (socks required)
  • Airbrush tattoos with glow-in-the-dark glitter
  • Glow bracelets
• 6:30-8:45 p.m. - Family-friendly festivities
  • Self-led Solar System Trail walks
  • Sound stage and live DJ
  • S'mores around a fire

All activities are free. Bring blankets, chairs and insect repellant for your comfort. Registration is not required, but the event is limited to the first 400 attendees and subject to cancellation in case of inclement weather (call if weather is questionable).

• Printable Meteors and More 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
• Printable Tails & Trails course map

Adults Only Movie Night - Happy Gilmore 

Comedy will be in full swing during Adults Only Movie Night, a free evening of laughs, friendly competition and classic comedy featuring the original Happy Gilmore (1996) on the big screen at Waterford Oaks County Park – BMX Track beginning at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 21.

Before the movie, warm up your short game with casual, come-and-go golf-themed activities. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just here for the vibes, it’s all about fun, laughs and a little friendly trash talk. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. For your comfort, please bring chairs or a blanket and insect repellent.

The movie is rated PG-13. This is an event for adults ages 18 and older and it will be held weather permitting. For more information, email Events@oakgov.com.

• Printable Adults Only Movie Night - Happy Gilmore Flyer

Find Your Fit 

Join Oak Park Recreation and Oakland County Parks for Find Your Fit, a free event featuring fitness activities, air jumper, inflatables (socks required), nature education table and more. Activities are designed for all ages and abilities. The event takes place from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 on the Oak Park Community Center Lawn.

The fitness activity schedule includes: 

• 1:15-1:45 p.m. – Power Playground Fitness
• 2:15-2:45 p.m. Pilates
• 3:15-3:45 p.m. Hustle

No registration is needed. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Learn more by calling 248-858-0916.

Printable Find Your Fit Flyer

Dog Swim 

Treat your canine to a doggone good time at Red Oaks Waterpark! After the pool closes to humans for the season, we’re giving our four-legged friends an opportunity to make a splash during the annual Dog Swim from noon-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12.

Dogs will enjoy nearly one hour of swimming, playing and socializing in a safe, fun environment designed with dogs and their humans in mind. Whether your dog enjoys paddling, fetching or simply lying down in the refreshing water, there’s an activity for them.

What to expect:

• Dog swim in weight groups:
• Noon-12:50 p.m. for dogs 70 pounds and larger
• 1-1:50 p.m. for dogs 31-69 pounds
• 2-2:50 p.m. for dogs 30 pounds and smaller
• Plenty of tail-wagging fun
• Photo opportunities
• Meet with fellow dog lovers and their furry friends

How to prepare:

• All dog owners must show current Michigan dog license along with proof of current vaccinations at time of the event
• Dogs must be accompanied by a human
• Bring a leash and towel for your furry friend

Preregistration is $10/dog and includes entry and the 50-minute swim session.

Register your pup online or call 248-858-0916. Don’t wait – spots fill quickly! On-site registration will be open based on availability and will cost $15/dog.

Register for Dog Swim

• Printable Dog Swim Flyer

Adults Only Movie Night - Bridesmaids 

Dig out that bridesmaid dress you swore you'd never wear again and join us for a free laugh-out-loud girls movie night featuring Bridesmaids (2011). This special Adults Only Movie Night will be held at Waterford Oaks County Park – BMX Track beginning at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 18.

Before the movie, strut your stuff in the Bridesmaid Dress Showcase. Contest categories include: Most Cringe, Best Vintage Dress, Best Group Collab, Worst Color Choice and Crowd Favorite.

Then, grab some snacks, sip something fun and settle in for the ultimate girls-night movie. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. For your comfort, please bring chairs or a blanket and insect repellent.

The movie is rated R. This is an event for adults ages 18 and older and it will be held weather permitting. For more information, email Events@oakgov.com.

• Printable Adults Only Movie Night - Bridesmaids 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

Glow-Bye Summer 

Wish summer a fond farewell during Glow-Bye Summer from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at Friendship Park in Lake Orion. This event includes activities that take advantage of the earlier sunsets, such as a Hot Air Balloon Glow from 7-9 p.m., putt-putt, glow games and a glow photo spot. There will also be live music from 7-8:30 p.m., food trucks, face painting, arts & crafts and inflatables (socks required). Wear your best neon outfit to add to the fun. Friendship Park is located at 3380 Clarkston Road in Lake Orion.

This is a free event and no registration is necessary. Event will be held weather permitting. For more information, call 248-858-0916.

Printable Glow-Bye Summer Flyer

Adults Only Movie Night - IT 

Step into a night of terror and nostalgia as we present the original movie IT (1990) during a special Adults Only Movie Night at Waterford Oaks County Park – BMX Track beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 16.

Before the movie, enjoy themed activities. Then, grab some snacks and get ready for an evening filled with chills, screams and unforgettable scares. Food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. For your comfort, please bring chairs or a blanket and insect repellent.

The movie is rated R. This is an event for adults ages 18 and older and it will be held weather permitting. For more information, email Events@oakgov.com.

• Printable Adults Only Movie Night - IT 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.

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!