In 1824, Judge Samuel W. Dexter acquired a vast expanse of land along the banks of Mill Creek, laying the foundation for what we now call the City of Dexter. Initially dubbed as the “Mill Creek Settlement,” the village underwent a transformation in 1830 with its formal platting, adopting the distinguished title of the Village of Dexter before officially becoming a city in 2014.

Now, in 2024, anticipation brews for the grand commemoration of Dexter’s bicentennial on the weekend of June 20–23. With two centuries of rich history, vibrant culture, and community spirit to celebrate, the city eagerly prepares for festivities that honor its remarkable journey from humble beginnings to present-day prominence. From historical reenactments to cultural exhibitions, the bicentennial celebrations promise to be a jubilant homage to Dexter’s enduring legacy and the remarkable vision of its founders.

All weekend long, there will be a carnival set up in downtown Dexter with a variety of concessions and rides, including a massive Ferris wheel. The carnival will be set up along Central Street between Main and Fifth streets, in addition to Broad Street between Grand and Forest streets. It will run from 4–10 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 and 12–10 p.m. on Friday, June 21 and Saturday, June 22.

In addition to the exciting carnival, there will be a variety of events planned throughout the weekend, all centered around downtown, with many taking place at Monument Park. Test your Dexter and Michigan history knowledge at Dexter Jeopardy, which will take place at the Monument Park Gazebo June 21–23 in front of a live audience. Participating contestants will answer questions in front of a live audience with the chance to win a prize! Plus, the Dexter Olympics will be taking place at the park with individual sports and team games such as hoop rolling, corn hole, bocci, sack racing, and more!

And you don’t have to wait until Dexter Bicentennial Celebration Weekend to honor the legacy of the city! Leading up to the main Bicentennial events from June 20–23, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Don’t miss Bicentennial Beethoven’s 9th Concert on May 5, the Time Capsule Event on May 18, the Forest Lawn Cemetery Tour on May 19, and the Dexter Ann Arbor Run on June 2!

 

Dexter’s Major Bicentennial Celebrations

June 20-23

 

Thursday, June 20:

8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.: Bicentennial Golf Outing

Kick off the weekend with the Bicentennial Golf Outing at Hudson Mills Metropark Golf Course. This outing is 1800s-themed, so be sure to dress in knickers, wide-brimmed hats, shirt and ties, fair isle/argyle sweaters, and other period-appropriate clothing. Dressing up isn’t required but there will be a prize for the best dressed team! Get more information and register for this event here.

 

4–7 p.m.: Bicentennial Hamburger Dinner

Before the opening ceremonies, fuel up with a delicious hamburger dinner at American Legion Post 557. For only $8, enjoy a burger basket with a hand-pattied, cooked-to-order burger with fries or onion rings, which you can eat there or take to go!

 

6–8 p.m.: Bicentennial Opening Ceremonies

The opening ceremonies will officially kick off the Dexter Bicentennial celebration at 6 p.m. at Monument Park! There will be various speakers on stage talking about the past, present and future of Dexter. Plus, there will be a formal announcement of the Dexter Bicentennial Proclamation, a ribbon cutting with the mayor and Bicentennial Committee Chair, and a performance from the Dexter Community Orchestra.

 

Friday, June 21:

12:30–1:15 p.m.: Dexter Community Choir

Day two of Dexter Bicentennial Celebration Weekend kicks off with a special performance from the Dexter Community Choir at Monument Park from 12:30–1:15 p.m.

 

3–7 p.m.: Ice Cream Social

Pop over to the Dexter Area Museum for some ice cream between 3–7 p.m.!

 

6:30–9 p.m.: Jean Wilson & Friends, Old Standard Jazz

Wind down with Jazz in Monument Park, a part of the Friday Night Concert Series, presented by the Dexter Chamber of Commerce. From 6:30–9 p.m., enjoy the lively tunes of Jean Wilson & Friends, a six-member local jazz band, playing a mix of instrumental and vocal classics sure to get you on your feet and dancing! This performance will feature Rob Hejna on drums, Jerry Brabenec on bass, Christopher Brenner on guitar and vocals, Joe Palmer on trumpet, Mark Kieme on saxophone, and Jean Wilson on keyboard and vocals.

 

7:30 p.m.–12 a.m.: Karaoke

Each Friday night, the Dexter Legion opens their doors for a fun night of karaoke. Sing your heart out from 7:30 p.m. to midnight!

 

Saturday, June 22:

8 a.m.–2 p.m.: Dexter Farmers’ Market

Each Saturday this time of year, the Dexter Farmers’ Market offers produce, flowers, plants, coffee, baked goods, eggs, a variety of meats, honey, maple syrup, jams, soaps, cards, high quality crafts and more. This seasonal outdoor market will be especially lively on June 22! The market takes place each Saturday from May through October in a covered site in historic downtown Dexter at 3233 Alpine.

 

10–11 a.m.: Bicentennial Parade

Don’t miss a special “march through time” at the Bicentennial Parade in downtown Dexter at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Following the theme “Celebrating our past. Embracing our future.” the parade will highlight the incredible community organizations and individuals who have worked to make Dexter what it is today. Look for the parade along Forest between Hudson and Kensington and Inverness between Ann Arbor Street and Grand!

 

11 a.m–2 p.m..: Car Show

Return to the Dexter Legion for a special car show from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. to see a wide variety of classic cars on display.

 

1–3 p.m.: Afternoon Tea at the Mansion and Fashion Show

Enjoy afternoon tea at the beautiful Gordon Hall, plus an authentic historical fashion show from 1–3 p.m.! Reservations will be taken for 1 p.m.

 

2–4 p.m.: Horseshoe Tournament

Participate in (or simply watch!) the horseshoe tournament taking place at First Street Park, also known as Horseshoe Park, from 2–4 p.m.!

 

6–10 p.m.: Gordon Hall Bicentennial Fundraiser

Finish the day with an exciting fundraiser event at Gordon Hall, featuring tours, dinner and dancing! The Bicentennial Committee will be taking reservations from 6–10 p.m. for the evening.

 

Sunday, June 23:

10 a.m.–12:45 p.m.: Katharine Dexter McCormick

Experience the extraordinary life of Katharine Dexter McCormick come to life on stage at The Encore Theatre in a captivating full-length theater production. Written by a seasoned New York playwright and featuring seasoned actors, this performance delves into the remarkable journey of Dexter’s own Katharine Dexter McCormick, a pioneering figure who defied conventions and blazed trails in the fight for women’s suffrage, education equality, and advancements in endocrinology research. From her roots in Dexter to her groundbreaking work alongside Margaret Sanger and her pivotal contributions to understanding schizophrenia, McCormick’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and profound impact. Presented in collaboration with the ACHC and the Dexter Area Historical Society, this production promises to honor McCormick’s remarkable achievements and inspire audiences with her indelible mark on history.

 

5 p.m.: Closing Ceremonies

Conclude this unforgettable weekend at the closing ceremonies from 5–5:45 p.m. at Monument Park!

 

Happy 200 Years, Dexter!

We’ll see you in 50 years for the next celebration!