The story of Detroit starts at the river, and that story continues this summer with the 2012 Detroit River Days Festival. From June 22 to 24, the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy hosts a party on the water to kick off the summer season and celebrate Detroit’s rich maritime and culinary culture. The three-day event features art shows, eco-friendly kids’ events, some of the best food in the city and live concerts by national and international musicians, including Kansas, Whispers and Boyz II Men, plus so much more.

Come out to support the local art scene at The Detroit River Days Festival ArtScape, a competition where local artists compete for more than $15,000 to promote the arts in Detroit. And while you’re at it, run to support the 3rd Annual River Days Run on Saturday, which benefits the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, the stewards of Detroit’s historic and international RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway. This 5K run (and quarter mile scenic Kids’ Fun Run) showcases the Detroit RiverWalk and Milliken State Park.

Other River Days events and activities include a Kid Zone, reenactments from the Detroit Historical Museum, professional RiverWalk Buskers street performers, sand sculptures, pooch-a-palooza pet walk, jet-ski demonstration, Coast Guard Cutter Search & Rescue demos, Pepsi Taste of Detroit Food Court, Diamond Jack Riverboat Tours, Tall Ships Appledore IV & V, Rhythm & Reading on the Riverfront where local celebrities read books to children, and a flyover salute to the Tuskegee Airmen on Friday, June 22, featuring World War II B-17 Bombers.

For event details, start times and registration, visit detroitriverfront.org/riverdays. What’s your favorite River Days event?