There are so many exciting family events happening in Detroit all year long – mark your calendars and start making plans.
JANUARY
- January 5-7: Fire & Ice Fest
- Enjoy oversized fires, turkey legs, an ice carving competition, archery, axe throwing and a frozen Iron Throne. The signature moment of the weekend is Fire and Ice Tower – a 7 foot ice structure that will become a giant bonfire once lit at 6pm on Saturday
- Monday, January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Detroit’s museums open its doors to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. King. It’s also a great opportunity to plan an act of service for your family.
FEBRUARY
- February 2-4: Winter Blast Weekend
- The event features live music, free ice skating, ice sculptures, learn to ski/snowboard experience, zip line, food trucks, kids adventure zone, free family activities and more.
- Tuesday, February 13: Fat Tuesday (aka Paczki Day)
- Take a trip to Hamtramck and pick up a ‘giant donut’ at a traditional Polish bakery.
MARCH
- Sunday, March 10: Detroit St. Patrick’s Parade
- Don some green and get ready to party in Corktown, Detroit’s oldest neighborhood.
- Sunday, March 24: Marche du Nain Rouge
- Think of the Marche as Detroit’s little Mardi Gras. The neighborhood parade features human-powered floats, live music and symbols of Detroit’s unique communities.
APRIL
- Friday, April 5: Detroit Tigers Opening Day
- Get tickets to see the Tigers take on the Oakland Athletics for the 2024 season home opener (don’t forget to wear layers).
- April 25 – 27: NFL Draft
- The area around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza will serve as the event site for the Draft.
MAY
- May 19: Flower Day
- Flower Day takes place every year on the Sunday after Mother’s Day and growers offer a wide variety of flowers at a great value.
- May 25-27: MOVEMENT
- Electronic music is for everyone and the three-day festival is open to all ages.
- May 31 – June 2: Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix
- Building off the buzz and excitement of the 2023 Grand Prix, next summer’s event will raise the bar even higher as racing, music, food and family fun will turbocharge Downtown Detroit, Jefferson Avenue and the beautiful Riverfront.
JUNE
- Monday, June 27: Ford Fireworks
- Find a seat on the riverfront and watch the beautiful Ford Fireworks.
- TBD: Log Cabin Day
- Get a rare look inside the historic 1800s Log Cabin at Palmer Park and enjoy an afternoon of free family fun.
- June 27-30: Rocket Mortgage Classic
- Watch the world’s best golfers take the green at the Detroit Golf Club.
JULY
- TBD: Sidewalk Festival
- Detroit’s Coachella (that’s family friendly) featuring emerging and established indie-rock, pop, and hip-hop artists.
AUGUST
- August 3-4: Belle Isle Art Fair
- Find art, meet artists and make art at the Belle Isle Art Fair.
- August 23-25: Detroit Hydrofest
- Watch the world’s fastest automotive powered hydroplanes race on the Detroit River.
- August 30 – September 2: Detroit Jazz Festival
- Every Labor Day weekend, jazz legends in their prime and up-and-coming artists perform at location around downtown for FREE concerts.
SEPTEMBER
- September 23 – 24: Festival of the Senses
- Taking place at the Civic Center Grounds, the two-day art festival will celebrate all mediums and specialty food vendors, as well as performances by local entertainers. Additionally, a variety of activities for the entire family!
OCTOBER
- TBD: Cider In The City
- Head to Beacon Park for a Big Biergarten Tent, fall food favorites, kids activities and games, and live entertainment
- October 18-20: Detroit Free Press Marathon
- Run a mile, marathon or the Kid’s Fun Run.
- TBD: Harvest Fest
- Harvest Fest is a FREE festival on the Detroit Riverfront with hayrides, pumpkin patches, trick or treating, inflatables, live music and more.
NOVEMBER
- TBD:Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Carols will be sung, the tree will be lit and the ice rink will open at Campus Martius as hundreds gather together to celebrate the holiday season.
- Thursday, November 28: America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
- Bundle up before turkey and watch the floats march down Woodward Avenue.
DECEMBER
- TBD: Noel Night
- Hundreds of venues in Midtown will open their doors for special events, performances, and hands-on activities.
- TBD: Menorah In The D
- Celebrate the Festival of Lights with the annual menorah lighting at Campus Martius.
Coming back in 2025, the Detroit Auto Show will take its place back in the month of January!
Photo Credit: Facebook