Week Ahead: Shakespeare, Polka Night, Pizza Fest, Corn Roast and More

It's a busy week in Royal Oak, as usual. What do you have planned?

Here are five things you should know as you go about your week:

1. Shakespeare in the Park continues all week: Water Works Theatre Company presents the 13th annual Shakespeare in the Park through Aug. 11. Michigan's biggest and best outdoor professional theatre event will feature two weeks of theatrical fun in the middle of the tree-filled 28-acre Starr Jaycee Park. Tickets ($8-$20) are on sale now for The Merry Wives of Windsor and Much Ado About Nothing and can be purchased online at www.waterworkstheatre.com.

2. Summer concert at St. Mary on Wednesday: Big Daddy Lackowski (polka music) free concert starts at 7 p.m. on the lawn in front of the St. Mary parish office at 730 S Lafayette Avenue. Come hungry because People's Pierogi Collective and Treat Dreams food trucks will be there. There's face painting for the kids, too. This event is rain or shine.

3. Art Explored "Live" on Thursday:  The Royal Oak High School Jazz Combo, Detroit School of Rock & Pop, Bob & Iz & Jim (jazz) and the James Hughes/Jimmy Smith Quintet (jazz) are the music lineup for Thursday's free concert in front of the Royal Oak Public Library. There will also be a fashion show. Click here for show times.

4. Motor City Pizza Fest on Thursday: This event from 6-11 p.m. is a  tribute to the savory, cheesy goodness that is pizza. Enjoy pizza by the slice in its many tantalizing, beverage and dessert concessions, non-stop music from local live bands, family friendly activities and more.  Limited tickets are available. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for children 12 and under. Tickets at the door, if still available, will be $9 for adults and $6 for children 12 and under. Visit www.motorcitypizzafest.com for more information.

5. Corn Roast & Country Fair on Saturday: Enjoy an afternoon of family fun from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Sip on ice cold lemonade and indulge in delicious roasted corn. Peruse the different artisan booths. Enter the corn- or pie-eating contests or try "Dunk a Cop." For the children, there will be a moonwalk, face painting, games and other activities. New this year is a “Chinese” Auction supported by local businesses in Royal Oak.