ROYAL OAK, Mich. – Ford Arts, Beats and Eats, the annual Labor Day weekend festival in Royal oak, starts Friday.
At the event festival patrons can enjoy more than 200 live music acts, blocks of fine art and dine on cuisine from dozens of local restaurants.
Recommended Videos
Local 4's Rhonda Walker discovered the festival has much more to offer to the community.
Fourteen charities will receive funds from the admission fee as half of every $3 paid will go to a local or regional charitable organization.
In 2010 the festival raised over $350 thousand dollars for charity.
And, this year kids with autism and their families can enjoy the festival experiences with a few perks.
The Autism Alliance of Michigan will have a booth at the festival.
"We have information for people on local resources, local networks that may be of help to families," said Doctor Mary Sharp, of the Autism Alliance.
Select kids with autism can receive free admission, parking, lunch, carnival rides, free arts and crafts and the venue will be opening an hour early to accommodate them.
To register a children with autism for early admission on Saturday or Monday email: info@artsbeatseat.com
List of the organizations supported by the festival
Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County
Children's Miracle Network/Hope Center
Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan