The summer is heating up and so are the free events you can do throughout the city of Detroit. If it’s your first time in the city or you call it home – your calendar will be filled with free concerts, art installations, shops and even food trucks. With so many things going on, it’s time to start putting them on your calendar now, and read more on timeshare information for your accommodation so you don’t miss out on any of the fun!
The full list of free daily, weekly and monthly summer events across all Downtown Detroit Parks is below. Locations include Beacon Park, Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park and Grand Circus Park.
BEACON PARK:
Visit DTEBeaconPark.com for more details and a full schedule of events.
Free Summer Concerts Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. June 15 – Moon Taxi with special opening performance by The War and Treaty July 20 – Tamia August 17 – Thomas McClary’s Commodores Experience
Depending on your preferences, you can join all of these concerts or only pick ones with your favorite artists or preferred genre. Regardless, joining any of these free summer concerts will surely help you de-stress and meet a lot of people who are originally from or who are travelling in Detroit!
Night Market Saturdays from 7 p.m. to midnight (excludes July 6 and July 13) Visitors can drink, dance, eat and shop at Beacon Park’s Night Market. A rotating list of local makers and entrepreneurs will showcase their goods as thousands of shoppers enjoy music from live, local acts or a drink and dinner from a variety of food trucks.
The night market is a great way to taste local cuisines and dishes at affordable prices. They’re usually filled with thousands of people, so make sure to pay attention to your valuables. If possible, don’t bring too many items with you—some cash in your pocket and your camera will do.
Sunset Sessions Fridays from 7 p.m. to midnight Sunset Sessions is back in Beacon Park this summer. Local DJs spin a high-energy mix of contemporary music.
Jazz at DTE’s Beacon Park Curated by Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation Fridays from 7 to 9 p.m. June 14, July 19, August 16 and September 20 Listen to jazz greats on Fridays (once a month) all summer long.
Downtown Street Eats Weekdays from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. A rotation of 75 food trucks throughout Downtown Detroit parks and an eclectic array of cuisines.
Detroit Cycling Championship Presented by the DAC Foundation July 13 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Volleyball Leagues Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Register at ComePlayDetroit.com.
Youth Volleyball Mondays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Starting June 24
Shuffleboard Leagues Thursdays from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Starting June 6 Register with Social Sports Detroit
Market Thursdays Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Market Thursdays at Beacon Park offer a unique selection of fresh and local produce, cottage foods, and handmade products from a variety of vendors and entrepreneurs. It’s the perfect time to simply peruse the offerings or stock up on groceries while waiting for your lunch order from the Downtown Street Eats Food Truck. Vendor application link.
Energy + Fitness Programs City Glow Yoga every third Monday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Register at CityGlowDetroit.com Cardio Boxing every Sunday from 9 to 10 a.m. Register at PulseFitnessTraining.com Baby + Me Yoga every Tuesday from 9 to 10 a.m.
Fitness After Dark every third Thursday from 8 to 10 p.m. Registration link at DTEBeaconPark.com Cardio Hip Hop every Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. Register at PulseFitnessTraining.com
Family Fun Days Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. Free fun for the entire family!
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
The Beach at Campus Martius Park Daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Beach at Campus Martius Park returns for its sixth season as the only urban beach in the region and an island oasis in the heart of Downtown Detroit.
Friday Beach Party Fridays from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. June – August Back by popular demand, the Friday Beach Party, sponsored by Metro by T-Mobile, will feature live Caribbean-inspired sounds from a rotating lineup of local and regional bands. Beach-goers can grab drinks and food from Detroit’s favorite shipping container restaurant, Fountain Detroit, bury their feet in the sand and let the vacation vibes wash over them.
One Campus Martius, Suite 380, Detroit, MI 48226 Tel: 313.566.8250 Fax: 313.567.3474 downtowndetroit.org Follow us: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Movie Nights in the D Saturdays at 8 p.m. Movie lovers can enjoy award-winning films on the big screen at Campus Martius Park every Saturday night during Movie Night in the D, sponsored by Faygo and Universal Kids. *New in 2019: special feature of “Where’s Waldo?” runs 30 minutes before all PG movies and other kids activities, sponsored by Universal Kids.
● July 6 – A Star is Born (R)
● July 13* – Spider Man: Into the Spider – Verse (PG)
● July 20 – If Beale Street Could Talk (R)
● July 27* – Mary Poppins Returns (PG)
● August 3 – The Upside (PG-13)
● August 10* – Ralph Breaks the Internet (PG)
● August 17 – Bohemian Rhapsody (PG-13)
● August 24 – Crazy Rich Asians (PG-13)
Tigers Watch Party with Fox Sports Detroit Sunday, June 23 from noon to 4 p.m. Watch the Detroit Tigers take on the Cleveland Indians on the big screen.
Lunchtime Walks: Mindful Meditation through the Parks Thursdays from 12 to 12:45 p.m. Meet on the lawn at Campus Martius Park for a chance to unplug and take in the environment and the rhythm of our own steps and breath. The walks are done at a leisurely pace and will go through Capitol Park, Grand Circus Park and end back in Campus Martius Park. The group will stop at each park for a short reflection or mindfulness activity.
Summer Bocce Ball Leagues Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Register with Social Sports Detroit
CADILLAC SQUARE
Downtown Street Eats Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Just east of Campus Martius Park sits Cadillac Square, home to the largest food truck gathering in the state, Downtown Street Eats. Every week 2,500 hungry visitors show up Monday through Friday to choose from a rotation of 75 food trucks and cuisines.
Detroit Pétanque Club Weekdays from noon to 1 p.m. (through September) Learn a fun, new game, similar to bocce ball, from seasons players of The Detroit Pétanque Club. Everyone is welcome, no sign up required!
Market Fridays Fridays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Local farmers and vendors set up shop to offer you a colorful array of fresh produce, unique goods and more. Peruse the vendors or stock up on your weekend groceries while you wait for your lunch order from the Downtown Street Eats food trucks. Vendor application link.
One Campus Martius, Suite 380, Detroit, MI 48226 Tel: 313.566.8250 Fax: 313.567.3474 downtowndetroit.org Follow us: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
Wine & Food Experience Ticketed Partner Program with the Detroit Free Press Saturday, September 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Plan a day of savory culinary exploration with a impressive lineup of chefs, restaurants and sommeliers. Guests can enjoy the Grand Tasting, a gourmet showcase by local chefs, emerging talent and nationally renowned culinary leaders, including celebrity chef Alex Guarnaschelli. Visit wineandfood.freep.com for ticket information and updates.
Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone Daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Where your game is King of the Court, H.O.R.S.E. or 3-on-3, the Rocket Mortgage Sports Zone in Cadillac Square is the ultimate location to keep your skills sharp and soak up some sun. Basketball courts alongside a number of yard games are available for pick-up or organized activity.
Energy + Fitness: Workout Wednesdays with First Responders 4 Fitness Wednesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. The ever-popular Workout Wednesdays are back with First Responders for Fitness leading a variety of free weekly fitness classes such as Zumba, core exercises and high intensity interval training. Registration is on site.
CAPITOL PARK
Energy + Fitness Programs: Downward with Dog (Yoga with your Dog) every other Tuesday from 7 to 8 p.m. starting June 11 Lunchtime Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays at from noon to 12:45 p.m.
GRAND CIRCUS PARK
Grand Circus Dog Park Events Saturdays from 2 to 4 p.m. (Dog park open daily during park hours) Monthly themed parties for the coolest Detroit dogs and their owners have returned to the Grand Circus Dog Park. For specific event dates visit DowntownDetroitParks.com.
Summer Street Eats and Sounds Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. Savor the old-world feel of the park during Summer Street Eats and Sounds sponsored by the Detroit Theatre Business Association. Detroit’s best jazz, classical, swing and pop entertainers are showcased in a relaxing, outdoor setting. The evening is complete with food available for purchase from a variety of food trucks.
Energy + Fitness: Citizen Yoga Classes Sundays from 7 to 8 p.m. Novice and seasoned yogis can take time to center themselves with free yoga classes in Grand Circus Park by Citizen Yoga. Participants should bring their own mat and water. For information on specific classes visit DowntownDetroitParks.com.
One Campus Martius, Suite 380, Detroit, MI 48226 Tel: 313.566.8250 Fax: 313.567.3474 downtowndetroit.org Follow us: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
WOODWARD ESPLANADE & SPIRIT OF DETROIT PLAZA
Downtown Street Eats Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to Beacon Park and Cadillac Square, hungry Detroiters can find Downtown Street Eats food trucks every weekday in the Woodward Esplanade and Spirit of Detroit Plaza. Visit DowntownDetroitParks.com for more details and a full schedule of events.
Tips for First-Timers
You’ll never run out of activities to do during summer when you’re in Detroit. Regardless of what your preferred activities are, Detroit will surely have something to offer that fits the bill. But if this is your first time to visit the area, it’s always best if you do some research to know which activities are available during your trip. You should also inquire about the fees and restrictions (if there are any) required from tourists to join any of these activities.
If you want your trip to Detroit to be as memorable as possible, make sure to prepare an itinerary with the location and budget of each activity. In this way, you can properly allocate money for your trip and ensure that you won’t experience any financial stress the moment you return home.
In Conclusion
Detroit is a great place to spend your summer months, but keep in mind that you will only make the most out of your trip if you’re prepared for it. Going to Detroit without having any idea of what to do next and not preparing any budget will surely result in a lot of stress.
