FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 5, 2025
Media Contacts:
Natalie Stavale / 248-417-8510
Blake Roselle / 231-631-6675
Downtown Detroit Partnership in The Running to Bring Free Outdoor Concerts to The City
Needs public votes to advance; voting open online or via text through Sept. 15
DETROIT – The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is excited to have advanced to the public voting phase for a Levitt Music Series Grant, a national initiative of the Levitt Foundation that brings free, professional outdoor concerts to communities nationwide. The public can help bring the series to downtown Detroit by voting for DDP online or via text through Sept. 15.
If awarded the Downtown Detroit Partnership will present a free music series in Campus Martius Park. Detroit’s proposal is now posted on the Levitt Foundation website. Online public voting opens Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. ET and ends Sept. 15 at 8 p.m. ET. Votes can be cast either online at levitt.org/vote or by texting “DETROIT” to 877-409-5525. The number of online and text votes received for DDP will be one of the key factors used when the Levitt Foundation determines the grant recipients. Winners will be announced Nov. 18, 2025.
“This incredible opportunity not only highlights the power of music to bring communities together but also underscores the importance of Detroit’s vibrant cultural landscape,” said Laura Dean, director of parks and public spaces for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “With the community’s support through voting, we can take a major step toward securing resources that will amplify free, accessible live music experiences for all.”
A national and international destination, Campus Martius Park has been voted the No. 1 public square in the country by USA Today for three consecutive years and welcomes more than 4.5 million visitors annually. With more than 1,200 dynamic, year-round activities, entertainment and events of all sizes, the Downtown Detroit Partnership offers something for everyone in the Downtown Detroit parks it oversees and programs. Adding a Levitt Music Series would be a natural extension of the park’s already diverse, inclusive, accessible and free programming lineup, further enhancing its role as a vibrant gathering place for all members of the community.
Downtown Detroit Partnership encourages supporters to spread the word throughout the community to family, friends, colleagues and neighbors and rally the community to vote for DDP’s proposal.
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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 The Levitt Foundation
The Levitt Foundation is a private family foundation that exists to strengthen the social fabric of America. The Foundation supports changemakers and nonprofits across the country to activate underused public spaces through free outdoor concerts, creating welcoming, joyful and inclusive destinations where the power of free, live music brings people together, fosters belonging and social connections, creates economic opportunity and invigorates community life. Levitt venues and concert sites attract people of all ages and backgrounds and reflect the character of their town or city, while benefiting from the framework and best practices of the Levitt program.
In 2025, Levitt Foundation grantees are presenting 650+ free concerts in more than 50 towns and cities across the country, with a total audience of nearly one million people. In addition to funding free concerts, the Levitt Foundation supports advancing vibrant music ecosystems through research and partnerships. To learn more, visit www.levitt.org.
