Campus Martius Park Goes Red, White and Blue Across Two Weekends with ‘An American Summer Sendoff’

DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership is closing out summer with An American Summer Sendoff, a series of free events at Campus Martius Park featuring patriotic programming, public art, entertainment and family activities. 

“Campus Martius Park has always been a place where Detroit comes together, and An American Summer Sendoff gives us an opportunity to make the most of the remaining weeks of summer while showcasing Detroit’s creativity and energy,” said Eric B. Larson, CEO, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Across two weekends, we’re creating experiences that bring together community, sports, art, entertainment and family fun in ways that are welcoming, fun and distinctly Detroit.”  

The summer sendoff begins Sunday, Aug. 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a full day of competition and racing action. Race fans can gather around the big screen for a watch party featuring the INDYCAR Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington DC — part of the national celebration of America’s 250th anniversary — beginning with NTT INDYCAR Series warm-up laps at 9:15 a.m., followed by pre-race activities at 11:30 a.m. and the race at 1:10 p.m. Produced in partnership with the Detroit Grand prix team, the event will feature a Detroit Grand Prix aero screen show car, giving visitors an up-close look at an INDYCAR-style race car. 

The action continues off the track with the Detroit Cornhole Classic, hosted in partnership with Come Play Detroit and Detroit Youth Cornhole. The tournament features competitive and social divisions for players of varying skill levels. Advance registration is required to compete. Registration is $50 per team for the competitive division with $1,000 cash prize if 20 teams register, and $40 per team for the social division. Guests are invited to come for the race, the cornhole tournament or make a day of both. 

Programming continues Labor Day weekend. On Friday, Sept. 4, a patriotic ceremony will be held featuring a color guard ceremony and live anthem performances. Guests can also experience “Gallantly Streaming,” a new aerial public art installation suspended above the Campus Martius Park lawn. Created in recognition of America’s 250th anniversary, the installation will add a striking new backdrop to one of Detroit’s most iconic public spaces through Labor Day. 

As the sun goes down, guests can settle in for a free special edition Movie Nights in the D featuring the 2004 action-adventure favorite “National Treasure” at 7 p.m. Patriotic glow necklaces for patrons will add a little red, white and blue to the evening while supplies last. Friday’s festivities run from 6 to 10 p.m. 

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Campus Martius Park becomes a playground for Red, White & Play, an interactive family fun day from noon to 4 p.m. Young visitors can climb aboard and explore Detroit police and fire vehicles during Touch-a-Truck, create a red, white and blue popsicle craft, enjoy live music by DJ Stacyé J and take part in a poetry activity with InsideOut Literary Arts. A pie eating contest supported by Blake Farms, a magic show, face painting and balloon animals with Detroit Circus, as well as field day activities, classic lawn games and giveaways complete the afternoon. 

All programming is free and open to the public at Campus Martius Park. Advance registration and entry fees apply only to teams participating in the Detroit Cornhole Classic. 

For the latest schedule, event details and updates, visit downtowndetroit.org/events.