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

Concerts and Events

Harvest in the Park

Join us for our first-ever Harvest in the Park celebration - Friday, October 4th, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Father Cairns 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.

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

Arrive early and grab a delicious bite from Real Life Sandwich Co., serving up their tasty creations to fuel the fun!

We look forward to seeing you at the newly updated 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].

Howl-o-ween Bark in the Park

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

Join us Saturday, October 12th from Noon to 2:00PM at St. Mary's Park and bring your pup in their finest spooky attire!

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

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

Pup Parade starts at 12:30 PM with costume contest judging immediately following.

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

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

Finally Friday

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 28 - On the Rocks
July 26 - Rick and Josh
August 23 - Blockhouse Valley
September 27 - Pickin' Roots

More info below!

Summer Concert Series

Our Summer Concert Series is B A C K for 2024!

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!

See full concert listing on the poster linked below!

Concert Series presented by Monroe Community Credit Union.

Also sponsored by: La-Z-Boy, UAW Local 723, Marcia Siddall, Realtor, EXP Realty, ITC Holdings Corp., Laborer's Local 499, Tailor Welded Blanks, Comcast, DTE Energy and Gilliam Insurance Services.

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].

Line Dancing Nights

Join us 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!

Summer Dance Parties

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, June 25th 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].

Children's Concert

Jim Gill Children's Concert

Join us on the evening of Friday, June 28th, 2024, 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 bandshell.

Free for All!

In partnership with the Monroe County Great Start Collaborative.

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 23rd
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

National Battlefield Park Visitor Center

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

Daddy Daughter Dance

UPDATE: As of Tuesday, April 9, tickets are no longer available through Monroe Public Schools Community Education and will be sold 𝑰𝑵 𝑷𝑬𝑹𝑺𝑶𝑵 𝑶𝑵𝑳𝒀 at Monroe City Hall. Questions? 734-384-9156

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.

Minimum age: 4 years of old.

2024 Registration Form

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.

Mom & Son Bowling Registration

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!

• December 8th, 2023 - The Grinch (2018 version)
• January 26th, 2024 - Horton Hears a Who

REGISTRATION

Dress cozy and feel free to bring a blanket!

Registration FULL. Please call 734.384.9156 to be placed on the waitlist.

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.

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].

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, email [email protected] or call (734) 241-2775, ext. 608.