- Expanded layout for The Beach at Campus Martius Park Presented by Diversified Members Credit Union invites visitors to relax and play all season long
- Fan-favorite programs return with a few exciting updates to days and formats, plus all-new events to enjoy like Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays
- Campus Martius Park’s winter chalet transforms into CABANA 313 for summer—an open-air, two-story summer hangout with seasonal bites and drinks designed and furnished by Gardner White
- Popular staples like Movie Nights in the D, Beach Parties, fitness classes and family programming offer something for everyone
DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership today announced its ultimate summer lineup packed with hundreds of free events and experiences across its award-winning parks. Whether making memories with the family or kicking back with friends, Downtown Detroit’s parks are ready to welcome everyone with returning favorites, reimagined traditions and the unmistakable energy that defines summer in the city.
“Downtown Detroit’s parks are at the heart of how the city connects and grows,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Everything we produce is designed with intention—celebrating Detroit’s spirit, uniting people from all walks of life, and offering free, meaningful experiences. We welcome everyone to join us for the 2025 Summer in the Parks season.”
Since 2000, the Downtown Detroit Partnership—with support from the City of Detroit and the BIZ—has played a leading role in public space innovation, transforming key spaces and now stewarding a growing portfolio of 18 parks and public spaces across the city, including Campus Martius Park, voted No. 1 public square in the U.S. by USA Today’s 10Best for the third year in a row.; Cadillac Square; Capitol Park; Grand Circus Park; Beacon Park; Paradise Valley Park and Plaza; and more. Welcoming more than 5 million visitors each year, these spaces host cultural experiences, programs, events and activations that set the standard for urban revitalization and celebrate Detroit’s diversity and creative energy, making Downtown Detroit the ultimate destination for unforgettable experiences and community pride.
“When DTE Energy established Beacon Park eight years ago, Downtown Detroit was on the brink of transformation,” said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “We are proud to witness the city’s prosperity and growth, and we’re thrilled Beacon Park has become a premier, sustainable destination offering curated programming for both community members and visitors to enjoy.”
The following is a preview of some of the offerings planned in the parks this summer.
NEW AND RETURNING FAVORITES
The Beach is Back – EXPANDED EXPERIENCE! – Campus Martius Park
Life is always better at The Beach at Campus Martius Park presented by Diversified Members Credit Union—the first and original urban beach—offering a sun-soaked oasis in the heart of Downtown Detroit. The Beach will feature a refreshed layout and vibe while maintaining the beloved, uniquely Detroit experience. Visitors can sit back and relax with their toes in the sand, build sandcastles with the kids, take in live music and sip refreshing cocktails with friends.
CABANA 313 – NEW! – Campus Martius Park
Campus Martius Park’s winter CHALET 313, transforms into CABANA 313 designed and furnished by Gardner White, an exciting, two-story summer hangout with seasonal bites, creative cocktails and Happy Hour specials. With a 30 seat bar and 360-degree views of the center of Downtown, this open-air lookout offers the ultimate summer destination. As the sun sets, the CABANA 313 comes alive with live entertainment and the dazzling glow of Downtown Detroit’s skyline.
Tacos & Trivia Tuesdays – NEW! – Campus Martius Park
Tuesdays just got tastier with Tacos & Trivia, debuting June 17 from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Beach at Campus Martius Park. No registration is required. Individuals or teams can just show up, grab a taco (or two), a Corona Xtra and get ready to play for a chance to snag some fun prizes. For trivia whiz crews or those just in it for the tacos and good vibes, it’s the perfect midweek hangout.
Thursday Markets – Cadillac Square
Discover something new and support local small business owners and entrepreneurs at the Thursday Markets,beginning June 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.This pop-up market at Cadillac Square features local food and beverage purveyors, artisans and other vendors who will bring a colorful array of unique goods, including tasty takeaway treats, handmade accessories and beauty products.
Movie Nights in the D – NEW DAY! – Campus Martius Park
Start the weekends off right with Movie Nights in the D, everyone’s favorite, free outdoor movie series held this summer on Friday nights at 7 p.m. Families, friends and film buffs are invited to bring a chair or blanket and settle in on the lawn for a relaxing, entertaining evening watching a variety of classic movies on the big screen at Campus Martius Park. The 10-week series kicks off June 13 with “Mufasa: The Lion King” and continues with hits like “Sonic 3,” “The Fall Guy, “Shrek,” “Emperor’s New Groove,” “Twisters” and “Moana 2.” Popcorn from Jetta’s Popcorn will be available for purchase, with free live entertainment and giveaways offered before select movie screenings.
Saturday Beach Parties Presented By Diversified Members Credit Union – NEW DAY! – Campus Martius Park
Once a month on Saturdays, The Beach turns into a dance floor with live music from some of the best local and regional bands and DJs. Beach Parties, supported by Casamigos, will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. with different themes throughout the season, from Y2K Pop Punk to R&Beach and Country Roots. The fun begins June 28 with the Island Time Beach Party, featuring tropical tunes by The Leaky Tikis, a Best Hawaiian Shirt Contest, DIY island-style tee stations and free beachy giveaways.
Music & Markets – NEW! – Beacon Park
Taking place on select Saturdays—June 21, July 26 and Aug. 23—Beacon Park will showcase live entertainment alongside a curated open-air market. Guests and downtown residents can also experience a variety of specialty goods from local makers and vendors. Whether browsing unique gift options, sipping a craft beverage from Lumen Detroit or dancing the summer night away, this is a perfect way to celebrate Detroit’s creative spirit in a lively, open-air setting.
Campus Kids Days Presented by Corewell Health – Campus Martius Park
Families can mark their calendars for Campus Kids Days presented by Corewell Health, returning to Campus Martius Park on select Sundays from July 13 through Oct. 5. From
1 to 5 p.m., themed entertainment, hands-on activities and engaging experiences will be offered like the Baby Shark Bonanza, Back to School Bash, Autumn Adventure and Lil’ Boo Bash. Supported by Metro Parent, each Campus Kids Day promises hours of joy for kiddos and kids-at-heart.
Summer Sundays – Beacon Park
Downtown visitors and metro Detroit families can make the most of their Sunday afternoons at Beacon Park this season. Summer Sundays, running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on June 22, July 13, Aug. 10 and Sept. 14, includes brunch and specialty beverages offered at Beacon Park’s flagship restaurant Lumen Detroit, along with crafts, engaging games, environmental learning stations for youth, select vendors and more. From 5 to 7 p.m., the Boll Family YMCA will offer free fitness sessions and wellness classes for registered participants of all ages.
Downtown Street Eats – Cadillac Square
Serving up a wide variety of cuisine—from flavorful Asian dishes and savory Greek favorites to zesty Mexican bites—this bustling food scene offers something for every palate, weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cadillac Square. With convenient, quick lunchtime options, it’s the perfect way for residents, employees and visitors to satisfy their cravings, discover new flavors and enjoy a delicious break in the heart of the city.
Grand Circus Dog Park Events Presented By Strategic Staffing Solutions
Grand Circus Park offers a lineup of monthly themed events and activities perfect for four-legged friends and their humans. New this year: “Pupnic in the Park” a laid-back afternoon of treats, games and plenty of pup-friendly fun, and the splash-tastic “Doggie Pool Paw-ty,” where furry friends can cool off in style. Annual fun favorites “TAILgate” and “Howl-O-Ween” return, offering attendees even more chances to mix, mingle and sniff out new friendships. Monthly dog park events are supported by Michigan Humane and Premier Pet Supply.
Bourbon Gardens – Grand Circus Park
Beginning July 10, spend Thursday nights in the Bourbon Garden at Grand Circus Park. Come enjoy live music featuring a rotation of local jazz performers, themed activations, food bites and good vibes in beautiful Grand Circus Park. Bourbon Gardens will be hosted weekly on select Thursdays from 5 to 9 p.m. and is courtesy of the Grand Circus Park Conservancy in collaboration with the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
FITNESS FUN IN THE PARKS
Pickleball – Beacon Park
The fastest-growing sport is in full swing at Beacon Park for team tournaments and open play sessions on two outdoor courts, complete with lights for evening play. Participants can enjoy refreshments from Lumen Detroit, conveniently located onsite.
Yoga – Capitol Park, Campus Martius Park and Beacon Park
At Capitol Park, beginners and seasoned yogis can find their zen with Citizen Yoga, Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m., or experience City Glow Yoga, a silent disco, city-inspired yoga series heldat 7:30 p.m. on select Mondays at Campus Martius Park and select Thursdays at Beacon Park.
Workout Wednesdays – Beacon Park
From June 18 through Aug. 25, guests can boost their wellbeing at Beacon Park with weekly fitness classes led by First Responders 4 Fitness. The organization is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental, spiritual, nutritional and physical health through expert mentorship and educational programs. These outdoor, midweek classes are a unique opportunity for participants to move and connect with others while being immersed in the energy of the city.
Pilates in the Park: Sculpt Series – Capitol Park
Dynamic and inclusive mat Pilates classes will be held in Capitol Park on Fridays led by expert instructors from Sculpt Pilates. Designed for all levels, this full-body movement experience focuses on core strength, mindful flows, intentional breathing and improved body awareness.
Support Downtown Detroit Parks
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. To make a donation to support the parks, visit https://downtowndetroit.org/support-the-ddp/.
A full schedule of events is available at DowntownDetroit.org/events. For a review of the Summer 2025 Brochure, click here.
SPONSORS
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded nonprofit organization that greatly benefits from the support of its lead sponsors the DTE Beacon Park Foundation, Diversified Members Credit Union, Rocket Companies and Lexus as well as the following additional sponsors: Absopure, Andiamo, Anheuser-Busch, Broadway in Detroit, Casamigos, Carhartt, Corona Extra, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, DTE Foundation, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Fastsigns, Faygo, Gardner White, Great Lakes Bay Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau, Honigman, McDonald’s, Metro Parent, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan.com, Michigan Humane, Michigan Lottery, One Magnify, Premier Pet Supply, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative and William Davidson Foundation.
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About the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. As a member-based nonprofit, the DDP convenes civic, corporate, community and philanthropic partners to create a vibrant and world-class urban core. As a leader in Downtown urban innovation, the organization also provides small business support and manages, programs and stewards 18 parks and public spaces throughout Downtown Detroit. Learn more at DowntownDetroit.org and engage on social media @DowntownDet.
About Beacon Park
Beacon Park, located at Grand River and Cass Avenue, was developed in 2017 by DTE Energy as both a programmed public space and a catalyst for growth in west-central downtown Detroit. The venue is an environmentally conscious public space and is home to its flagship restaurant, Lumen Detroit. The space hosts hundreds of events annually focused on arts, culture, environment, community and seasonal activations. Programming for the park is underwritten by the DTE Beacon Park Foundation. Visit DTEBeaconPark.com for more information and a full list of events.
