Detroit Hydrofest plans August return Organizers expect safe enough conditions for Aug. 27-29 event Powerboat race dates back more than 100 years Detroit Hydrofest Detroit Hydrofest, scheduled for Aug. 27-29, would feature race boats exceeding 150 mph. After organizers canceled this year's Detroit Hydrofest due to the pandemic, they're planning a return in 2021. The hydroplane racing event on the Detroit River is slated for Aug. 27-29, Mark Weber, president of company Detroit Riverfront Events Inc. that produces the event, told Crain's in an emailed statement. "While 2020 was quiet, (Detroit Riverfront Events) continued working," Weber said in the statement. "We have been working on the race and the race site infrastructure. We have been working with new partners and designing a race weekend that will be exciting for longtime race fans and those who simply love a chance to be near the water to celebrate summer in Detroit."