Culture of Farmington Hills, Michigan

Farmington Hills is a city in southeastern Michigan, located in Oakland County. With a population of over 82,000, Farmington Hills is a major suburb of Detroit and is part of the Metro Detroit area. The city has a rich cultural heritage and offers many opportunities for arts, entertainment, cuisine, and more.

Arts and Entertainment

Farmington Hills has a thriving arts and entertainment scene. Here are some of the major cultural attractions and events in the city:

Music Venues

• The Ark – This legendary acoustic music venue has been hosting concerts since 1965. It brings in folk, blues, jazz, and other artists to its intimate 315-seat venue.
• Farmington Civic Theater – Built in 1924, this renovated vaudeville and movie house hosts concerts, community theater productions, and other performing arts events.
• Riley Park Live – This outdoor amphitheater in Riley Park schedules free concerts and movie nights during the summer. Genres include jazz, pop, rock, and Motown.

Performing Arts

• Farmington Players – The local community theater troupe puts on productions throughout the year at the Farmington Players Barn.
• Music, Dance, and Theater Camp – A summer day camp for kids focused on the performing arts.
• Farmington Musicale – This nonprofit promotes classical music through youth competitions and scholarships.

Museums and Galleries

• Farmington Hills Historical Museum – Located in the Warner Mansion, this museum exhibits decorative arts and tells the story of the city’s history.
• Costick Center Art Gallery – The public art gallery at the Costick Center hosts rotating exhibits by local artists.
• Sundquist Pavilion – This nature center and art gallery highlights local culture with exhibits related to Farmington Hills’ landscapes.
• Village Mall Gallery – Within the Village Mall shopping center, this gallery showcases works by Michigan artists.

Other Entertainment Venues

• Farmington Civic Theater – See music venues section above. Also screens indie and foreign films.
• Emagine Theater – Mainstream movie theater with IMAX and luxury screens.
• Skate World – Indoor roller skating rink.
• Farmington Hills Ice Arena – Ice skating and hockey facility. Home of the Farmington Hills Hockey Association.

Annual Events

• Founders Festival – A four-day summer festival with a carnival, concerts, food and crafts. Marks the city’s founding.
• Music in the Park – Weekly outdoor concert series held at Heritage Park in the summer.
• Farmers Market – Outdoor weekly farmers market from May to October with local produce, food trucks, and artisans.
• Halloween Huddle – Halloween event with trick-or-treating, contests, entertainment, and activities.

Cuisine

Farmington Hills has a diverse culinary scene with many excellent restaurants representing an array of international cuisines. Here are some of the top foods and restaurants to try in Farmington Hills:

Restaurants

• Basement Burger Bar – Gourmet burgers and craft beers in a hip, underground setting.
• Carlo’s Cucina – Upscale northern Italian cuisine in a romantic ambiance.
• Ginza Sushi – High-end sushi and Japanese fare.
• The Heights – Mediterranean and Lebanese specialties with belly dancing.
• Sree’s Foods – Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine.
• Seoul Garden – Authentic Korean barbecue and hot pot.
• Shatila Bakery – Popular Middle Eastern bakery and cafe.
• Tomukun Noodle Bar – Creative take on ramen styles from around the world.

Local Specialties

• Middle Eastern – Baklava, shawarma, hummus, falafel, stuffed grape leaves.
• Japanese/sushi – High quality sushi, with many nearby sources for fresh fish.
• Indian – Extensive vegetarian options, tandoori dishes, curries.
• Italian – Pasta, pizza, risotto, osso buco.
• Burgers -Upscale gourmet burgers are a specialty at several restaurants.

Farmer’s Markets

• Farmington Farmers Market – Outdoor weekly market with produce, meats, baked goods, and food trucks. Voted best farmers market in the metro area.
• Flora Farmers Market – Indoor winter farmers market.

Bakeries

• Shatila Bakery – See restaurant section. Famous for their baklava and Middle Eastern pastries and desserts.
• Avalon International Breads – Artisanal breads and baked goods with global inspiration.
• Sidney Bakery – Custom cakes, pies, cookies, and cupcakes.

Tourism & Landmarks

Though largely a residential suburb, Farmington Hills does have some destinations that attract tourists. Here are some of the main landmarks and attractions of note:

Historical Sites

• Warner Mansion – Historic 27-room mansion, built in 1842, that houses the Farmington Hills Historical Museum.
• Power House and Dam – Constructed in the 1920s, this provided hydroelectric power. Now on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Quaker Cemetery – Early 19th century Quaker burial ground.

Parks

• Heritage Park – Extensive trails, nature areas, gardens, amphitheater, and recreation facilities. Home of the Farmers Market and Music in the Park.
• Maybury State Park – 1,021 acre state park with hiking and bridle trails, an equestrian center, and campgrounds.
• Drake Sports Park – Sports fields, courts, playground, and skate park.

Other

• Costick Center – Community center with indoor pools, fitness center, ice arena, and nature trails.
• Farmington Hills Golf Club – Scenic 18-hole public golf course.
• Longacre House – Non-profit educational farmstead with historic home, gardens, and farm animals. Provides programs for school groups.
• Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Park – Open-air lifestyle, shopping, and dining destination with a movie theater, restaurants, apartments and a hotel.

Education

Farmington Hills places a strong emphasis on education and is home to many well-regarded schools.

Public Schools

The Farmington Public School District operates 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 3 high schools in Farmington Hills. Schools consistently earn high rankings in the state.

High Schools

• Farmington High School
• Harrison High School
• North Farmington High School

Notable Elementary & Middle Schools

• Kenbrook Elementary School
• Lanigan Elementary School
• Warner Middle School

Private Schools

• The Roeper School – Progressive K-12 private school.
• St. Fabian – Catholic K-8 school.
• Hillel Day School – Jewish K-8 school.
• Montessori School in Farmington Hills – Montessori method pre-K through 8.
• International Academy of Flint – Campus for grades 9-12.

Colleges & Universities

• Michigan State University Management Education Center
• Davenport University
• Lawrence Technological University

Libraries

The Farmington Community Library serves as the main public library. It hosts many cultural and educational programs, including:

• English as a Second Language classes
• Technology training classes
• Book clubs
• Children’s storytimes and activities
• Teen programs
• Guest lectures and readings by authors

Local Community Groups

Farmington Hills has an active network of community organizations that allow residents to connect, serve their community, and engage in hobbies.

Arts & Culture Groups

• Farmington Community Arts Council
• Farmington Musicale
• Farmington Garden Club
• Farmington Photographic Society

Charities & Volunteering

• Lions Club of Farmington Hills
• Kiwanis Club of Farmington/Farmington Hills
• Rotary Club of Farmington Hills
• Assisted Living Near Home – provides services for homebound seniors
• There’s Enough for All – food pantry and assistance for low-income residents

Special Interests

• Farmington/Farmington Hills Jaycees – developing leadership skills in young people
• Motor City Mountain Bike Association
• Farmington Hills Chess Club
• Farmington Hills Quilt Guild

Business Associations

• Greater Farmington Area Chamber of Commerce
• Farmington Downtown Development Authority
• Luncheon Exchange Club of Farmington/Farmington Hills

By participating in community organizations like these, residents can meet like-minded people, build relationships, and get involved in shaping the culture of their city.

Conclusion

Farmington Hills has a wealth of cultural offerings despite its status as a suburb. From museums and performing arts to diverse cuisine, parks, education, and community groups, there are many opportunities for entertainment, enrichment, and community engagement.

The city draws upon its rich history while continuing to cultivate arts and culture for today. For residents and visitors alike, Farmington Hills provides a welcoming environment with suburban charm and big city amenities.