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Happen Together

We Make The Action Happen Together

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) serves as a strategic partner and fiduciary for key, large-scale events including the Detroit Grand Prix, a subsidiary of the DDP. Our collaboration with public and private partnerships help to make the action happen in Downtown Detroit. Other key partnerships include, serving as fiduciary of the annual Crain’s Detroit Homecoming and more. In keeping the action alive, the DDP also stewards six of Downtown Detroit parks and public spaces.

We Make Connections Happen Together

DDP’s mission is to cultivate economic and social impact in Downtown Detroit by connecting public, private and philanthropic sectors, providing stewardship of public spaces, and developing programs that engage and benefit the entire community. We are a group of diverse business and community leaders committed to supporting a vibrant, thriving and welcoming urban center through innovation, investment, philanthropy and community building. We convene business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the region.

We Make Development Happen Together

When it comes to improving public spaces and urban innovation, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is a trusted leader in convening public-private partnerships to move strategic projects forward. Most recently, DDP serves as a conduit to projects under the Revitalization and Placemaking Grant and the revisioning of I-375. Additionally, DDP works to improve mobility and accessibility throughout Downtown; specifically in Campus Martius Park and Grand Circus Park, as well as adding pedestrian bridges to support the large events like the Detroit Grand Prix, and more.

We Make Growth Happen Together

The Downtown Small Business community is an integral part of making growth happen for our city. We proudly share Small Business Spotlights, host Downtown Detroit BIZ Job Fairs throughout the year, and provide critical information and resources to our small business community all year-round.

The Spirit Card

The Spirit Card is the city-wide, digital gift card for the ultimate Detroit experience. With over 100+ participating merchants this e-gift card offers you endless possibilities to treat yourself, friends, family, or employees. When you purchase a Spirit Card, you’re not only buying a gift card but making a meaningful investment in the local economy. Click to purchase your Spirit Card today.

We Make Experiences Happen

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) creates four seasons of attractions and fun, as we produce more than 2,000 programs and events annually. Whether dropping into a “Yoga in the Park” session at Capitol and Grand Circus Park, attending the Grand Prix, Night Market or an end of the summer concert at Beacon Park, fall festivities, the Detroit Tree Lighting and The Rink at Campus Martius Park we make experiences happen all year-round.

2023 Grand Prix

Check out all that the Grand Prix had to offer when it returned to the streets of Downtown Detroit last year.

2024 Annual Meeting

The DDP held its first in-person Annual Meeting for the first time in two years. Watch the recap below.

We Make Holidays Happen

The Downtown Detroit Partnership produces the Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation. Now, celebrating its 20th anniversary at Campus Martius Park, this hallmark event will be held Nov. 17. Each year, nearly 100,000 attendees gather Downtown to kick-off the holidays just steps from the Cadillac Lodge, a cozy, family-friendly space right next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. As part of the event, attendees will enjoy a spectacular stage and ice show, assortment of festive food trucks, holiday drinks, visits with Santa, and many other attractions. This highly anticipated winter festival is made possible by our generous sponsors and the collective efforts of the Downtown Detroit business community, and civic and community partners. 

Detroit Tree Lighting

Deck out your holiday season in style and enjoy spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, and award-winning local performers and skating clubs. The night will also feature amazing lighting attractions, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, visits from Santa, and much more!

Beacon Park ground-breaking

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Downtown Detroit Parks

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DDP Signature Events

DDP hosts four signature events annually -- Annual Meeting, Party in the Park, Fall Forum: A Real Estate Update, and Detroit Aglow.

Featured Stories

Downtown Stories

Detroit’s First Giving Machine Lives in Campus Martius Park

On Nov. 14, a group of five local charity representatives cut a red ribbon to unveil Detroit’s Giving Machine. Giving Machines are a part of the global Light the World . . .

Downtown Stories

Plan Your Visit to the 2024 Detroit Tree Lighting

Event Details Kick-off the holiday season at the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) 21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by the DTE Energy Foundation, held Friday, November 22 from 4-9 p.m. . . .

Downtown Stories

2024 Detroit Tree Lighting Details

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) invites everyone to gather at Campus Martius Park on Friday, Nov. 22, for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Energy Foundation, a beloved tradition that officially ushers in the . . .

Downtown Stories

The DDP’s Commitment to DEI

At the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), we are dedicated to creating a culture that embraces the uniqueness of individuals and represents Downtown Detroit stakeholders. We actively work to recognize, develop, . . .

Downtown Stories

The Road Ahead: Third I-75 Cap Community Visioning Session Recap

ICYMI: The I-75 Cap is a locally led, and U.S. Department of Transportation supported, initiative to reconnect communities cut off from economic and social opportunities by prior transportation infrastructure decisions. . . .

Downtown Stories

A Partnership Rooted in Downtown Detroit

Close your eyes and imagine a partnership that embodies an authentic, shared commitment to the city of Detroit. Now open your eyes because the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has announced . . .

We Make Inclusion Happen Together

From the DDP board to our members, partners, vendors and hiring practices; inclusivity is an integral part of our organization. To ensure a balanced voice, we make an intentional effort to have every part of our organization represents the communities in which we serve. As part of our Diversity and Inclusion initiative, we work collectively to build a vibrant Downtown community, we’re intentional about creating environments that are safe, clean and welcoming for all to access and enjoy.

Motor City Kwanzaa Celebration

The Downtown Detroit Partnership partnered with the City of Detroit’s Councilman Scott Benson, Alkebu-Lan Village, and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History to debut the largest Kwanzaa Kinara in the world. This kickoff event took place on the first day of Kwanzaa, Dec. 26.

We Make Clean Safe Vibrant Communities Together

For some Downtown Detroit is home, and for others it’s a workplace, weekend destination or a must-see attraction for out-of-towners; whatever you call Downtown — our goal is to ensure that it is clean, safe and welcoming while you’re here. We partner with public safety agencies to ensure that our Downtown is vibrant and safe. We contract the Downtown Detroit BIZ ambassadors to help with regular and supplemental beautification, safety and mental health supportive services throughout Downtown.

Plan Your Visit to Downtown Detroit

Find out more about DDP events happening year-round.

Search downtowndetroit.org