DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced its lineup of summer fun and free activities for families and individuals of all ages throughout the city, metro Detroit and beyond.
“Downtown Detroit has emerged as one of the nation’s most vibrant entertainment and cultural districts. With over 1,400 free, annual events produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership across seven signature public spaces, showcasing Detroit remains a year-round passion for our dedicated team,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Since 2000, the Downtown Detroit Partnership, has been at the forefront of Detroit’s transformation, which has captivated the nation. As the visionary force behind the creation, programming and management of seven award-winning and historically significant Downtown Detroit parks – Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square, Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Grand Circus Park, Woodward Esplanade and Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park – redefining urban innovation and community engagement.
Attracting more than 4.2 million visitors annually, these dynamic spaces come alive with more than 1,400 innovative cultural experiences, programs, events and activations that set the standard for urban revitalization. This summer promises to be exciting with a vibrant lineup of new and beloved seasonal programming. Reflecting the rich diversity of Detroit’s neighborhoods and communities, these programs and events showcase local talent and celebrate the city’s indomitable spirit, making Downtown Detroit the ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences and community pride.
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK
Nestled in the heart of the city is Campus Martius Park, voted the No. 1 public square in the U.S in 2024. This famous park was created in 2004 at the site of Detroit’s point of origin, where the vision for the city’s design was originally laid out by Augustus Woodward in 1805. Over the years it has won countless awards for public space design, management, operations, placemaking and programming.
This summer, residents, employees and visitors can experience Campus Martius Park with its lush gardens, dynamic water features and comfortable seating, in addition to the following programs and events:
NEW Campus Kids Day
Introducing the NEW Campus Kids Day, presented by Corewell Health. Families can mark their calendars for an exciting series of events at Campus Martius Park, happening every third Sunday from June 16 through Sept. 15 and also on Oct. 6. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy a fantastic array of themed entertainment and hands-on activities. They can dive into Sprout and Shout: A Go Green Gardening Adventure, revel at the Summer Fun Carnival, groove at the Back to School Bash, explore the Lil Pumpkin Patch and then wrap up with the Halloween Spooktacular featuring Thriller (40th Anniversary) dance lessons and costume contest. Campus Kids Day promises hours of joy for the little ones.
The Beach at Campus Martius Park
Life is better at the beach starting June 7 with the official season opening of The Beach at Campus Martius Park, the first and original urban beach that offers a sun-soaked oasis in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Now through September, visitors can sit back, sink their feet into the sand and relax in one of the many comfortable seating options, or have fun in the sun building sandcastles with the kids. Plenty of umbrellas and trees in the park offer a resort-like feel and staycation vibes for those looking to stay cool on a hot, summer day.
Beach Parties presented by Wana Brands return to The Beach at Campus Martius Park, the hot spot for summer fun and live music from a rotating lineup of the best local and regional bands and DJs performing beachside on the MGM Grand Detroit Stage. Beach Parties will be hosted on the second Thursday each month from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and feature a different theme, such as Yacht Rock, Country Roots and Girls Night Out parties throughout the season.
This year’s kickoff event will be a spectacular celebration of pride, community and fun: the Pride Beach Party on June 13. Supported by Tito’s, the beach party will feature giveaways, specialty drinks and sampling, plus additional goodies from Wana Brands and Capital One Café. In partnership with Slay, the night will come alive with free Drag Queen Bingo hosted by the dazzling Kourtney Castro beginning at 7 p.m. And the fun doesn’t stop there. DJ Myint, known for her electrifying performances, will keep the vibes high with her signature playlist. Attendees will be encouraged to bring a donation of personal care items, such as toothpaste, soap and shampoo, to support the Ruth Ellis Center, an organization that will have volunteer staff members onsite to share how they foster a supportive community and provide services for LGBTQ+ youth, particularly minority youth and those experiencing homelessness.
Campus Martius Park’s seasonal outdoor restaurant and bar, BrisaBar, returns this summer. This lively open-air food and beverage option is situated beachside at the park and offers guests a fresh, contemporary culinary experience with creative selections, specialty cocktails and Happy Hour, plus live entertainment and menu specials to enjoy as the sun sets on Downtown Detroit’s skyline. It’s the iconic summer hotspot for a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine or bubbly.
Movie Nights in the D
Everyone’s favorite, free outdoor movie series returns to Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Presented by Capital One Café and supported by Faygo, movie lovers, families and friends can bring their own chairs or blanket and settle in on the lawn for a relaxing, entertaining summer evening watching their favorite films on the big screen at Campus Martius Park. This summer’s schedule includes 10 weeks of movies, including “The Super Mario Bros (G),” “The Fifth Element (PG-13),” “Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (PG-13),” “Kung Fu Panda (G),” “Barbie (PG-13)” and a 65th anniversary showing of “Some Like It Hot (PG-13).”
New this year, the Downtown Detroit Partnership will screen “Pirates of the Carribean: At World’s End” (PG-13) in Spanish with English subtitles, in partnership with Mi Ritmo Latin Arts Council and Edutainment and the W Buchanan Group.
Attendees are encouraged to arrive early, as Movie Nights in the D will feature live entertainment before select movie screenings and giveaways. Popcorn will be available for purchase from Poppin Top Hat Popcorn.
The season kicks off June 19, with “The Color Purple” (PG-13), the 2023 musical drama film based on the stage musical is about a woman who faces many hardships in her life, but ultimately finds extraordinary strength and hope in the unbreakable bonds of sisterhood.
SUPPORTING DETROIT’S SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS
Summer Markets are back at Cadillac Square, this year from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. three days a week: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning June 11. Visitors can shop till they drop, support small business owners and entrepreneurs and grab takeaway foods from local food and beverage purveyors, artisans and other vendors who will bring a colorful array of unique goods, including handmade accessories, desserts and beauty products. Some of the participating businesses include Brownie Dr., Preva Body, Detroit Bracelet, Staten Sweets and Detroitorant.
Celebrating its 12th season, Downtown Street Eats, Michigan’s No. 1 food truck rally, will continue through October with a lineup of more than 80 food trucks rotating at Cadillac Square and the Woodward Esplanade weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and during special events.
OTHER RETURNING FAVORITES
Fitness Fun
The parks vibrant green spaces are the perfect backdrop for fitness and well-being, offering a dynamic mix of activities to keep people moving and motivated.
Over at Capitol Park, Citizen Yoga will help attendees find their zen with free yoga sessions Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. At Campus Martius Park, residents and visitors can participate in City Glow Yoga sessions for free. A 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. class on the second and fourth Monday of the month starting in June will be offered.
Grand Circus Park – Detroit’s Off-Leash Dog Park
For the city’s four-legged friends and their humans on Saturdays, Grand Circus Park plays host to a plethora of monthly themed events and activities, presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions and supported by Michigan Humane and Premier Pet Supply. An annual “Bones and Cones” ice cream social, “Wild Western Roundup,” “Tailgate Paw-ty” and “Howl-O-Ween” are some of the fun on tap where owners can have a howling good time with their furry friends and meet other pet people. At each event, musical entertainment by a DJ is provided and all attendees receive a doggie goodie bag courtesy of Premier Pet Supply.
2024 GRAND PRIX IN THE PARKS – MAY 31 – JUNE 2
The Downtown Detroit Partnership and the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear are revved up to welcome visitors from around the world to enjoy racing and a multitude of festivities happening in and around Downtown Detroit Parks, including those that support Detroit’s small businesses.
Downtown Street Eats – June 1 & 2
While soaking in the high-octane fun, racing fans and foodies alike can take a pit stop at the popular Downtown Street Eats, offering an irresistible lineup of the area’s best food trucks during Grand Prix weekend, including Tacobachis, Smoke Ring, Nu Sol and Max Italian Beef. A variety of mouthwatering offerings will be available from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, June 2.
Watch the Detroit Grand Prix Live at Campus Martius Park – June 1 & 2
For the ultimate race day experience outside of Grandstand seating, Campus Martius Park is where the action comes to life on the big screen. Racing enthusiasts and families alike are invited to join the excitement and watch select races for free. Surrounded by fellow fans in the heart of the city, it’s the perfect spot to catch high-speed thrills, cheer for the drivers and be a part of an unforgettable race day atmosphere.
Small Business Straightaway – June 1 & 2
Visitors looking to support local businesses and experience the best of Detroit’s creativity and craftsmanship can enjoy an exhilarating pit stop at the reimagined Small Business Straightaway, now in its new home just north of the Grand Prix venue in Campus Martius Park. It’s a vibrant celebration of Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit. From 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., local talent, featuring nearly 30 artisans and vendors from all seven neighborhood districts, will have their goods on display. Whether exploring innovative startups or beloved established companies, visitors will find a treasure trove of unique products and services.
Free Saturday Night Detroit Grand Prix Concert – June 1
Get ready for an electrifying night in the heart of the city! Right next to Campus Martius Park, the entertainment stage will come alive at 8 p.m. with a thrilling performance by the sensational ILLENIUM. This American musician, DJ, music producer and songwriter is set to deliver an unforgettable dance/electronic music experience that’s sure to light up the night and keep everyone dancing until the last beat. Singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist JVNA gets the party started at 6:15 p.m.
SUPPORT THE PARKS
Party in the Park – Aug. 15
Primarily funded by private contributions, the Downtown Detroit Partnership is a nonprofit organization that cares for the Downtown network of parks and public spaces, tending to the largest and smallest details of its programming, operations and restoration.
The community is invited to show its support at the annual summer fundraiser, Party in the Park, Thursday, Aug. 15 at 6:30 p.m. a benefit for the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Parks & Public Spaces. Held in the award-winning Campus Martius Park, the party will feature live music from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage, specialty cocktails from Moet & Chandon, hors d’oeuvres and networking opportunities with board members, stakeholders and Michigan leaders in business and government. VIP Pre-Party Presented by Moët & Chandon and General Admission tickets are available and on sale now.
More details and a full schedule of events are available at DowntownDetroit.org/events.
SPONSORS
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded non-profit organization that greatly benefits from the support of its lead sponsors The DTE Beacon Park Foundation, Rocket Companies and Visit Detroit, as well as the following additional sponsors: Absopure, Anheuser-Busch, Broadway in Detroit, Capital One Café, Carhartt, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, Diversified Members Credit Union, DTE Foundation, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Faygo, Honigman, HOUR Detroit, JMD Building, McDonald’s, Meijer, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan.com, Michigan Humane, Michigan Lottery, Moet & Chandon, One Magnify, Premier Pet Supply, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, Verizon, Wana Brands and WXYZ Detroit.
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About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the surrounding community. DDP is responsible for programming, managing and operating several of Downtown Detroit’s parks and public spaces. For more information, visit DowntownDetroit.org.
