If you cannot decide which states are worth visiting for a wonderful vacation in the USA, we can help you. Michigan is among the best destinations in the country, especially with a dynamic city like Detroit. The largest city in Michigan offers tons of attractions that will help you create beautiful memories and stories worth telling. As soon as you set foot in Detroit, your first stop should be Belle Isle. Everything of beauty can be found here, including a park, a zoo, and an idyllic garden. Now that you feel refreshed, you may want to visit Comerica Park, a unique park because it features a massive food court inside. Indulge in your favorite dishes and enjoy a stroll in the ballpark. What’s more, the city is full of festivals. Keep reading to learn about the top festivals in Detroit, Michigan.
1. Movement Detroit
You do not want to miss the first festival mentioned in this article, which is Movement Detroit, short for Movement Electronic Music Festival. Running for as long as three days to celebrate Memorial Day, the music festival is among the longest-running festivals not only in the USA but across the globe. You can dance to authentic electronic music on Hart Plaza. The lineup usually includes world-class musicians as well as emerging artists.
Movement Detroit
Address: Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
Website: Movement Detroit
Takes place: May
2. Mo Pop Festival
Music is such an inevitable part of our lives that there are numerous festivals related to only music. Another music festival that you are going to love taking part in is Mo Pop Festival. Held at West Riverfront Park, this event features hip-hop, pop, and Indie rock. Be prepared to be entertained by incredible performances from both renowned and emerging musicians.
Mo Pop Festival
Address: West Riverfront Park, Detroit, MI
Website: Mo Pop Festival
Takes place: July
Price: From 25 USD
3. Dally in the Alley
From the community to the community—this is what Dally in the Alley basically is all about. Having existed for over 40 years, this large annual community event will make the streets of Cass Corridor even livelier and more bustling than usual. From visual arts and live musical performances to food and booze, everything can be enjoyed here. For your information, this event is organized by a number of volunteers.
Dally in the Alley
Address: Cass Corridor District, Detroit, MI
Website: Dally in the Alley
Takes place: September
Price: Free
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Detroit Music Weekend [Last event in 2019]
Downtown Detroit is already an attraction in itself, but it will never be as exciting as when Detroit Music Weekend is taking place. The spectacular event features not only musical performances by megastars but also dining, shopping, and other kinds of entertainment. That is why you need to visit Detroit in June next year.
Detroit Music Weekend
Address: 350 Madison Ave, Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Music Weekend
Takes place: July
Price: From 10 USD
5. Quicken Loans Winter Blast
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Winter Blast Weekend on Sunday, February 9, 2020
What an unforgettable way to spend winter in Detroit if you decide to take part in Quicken Loans Winter Blast. The first compelling reason why you should come to this event is that there is no admission. Free things are always the best, aren’t they? Another reason is that you will not see the usual downtown Detroit—during the festival, it will have transformed into a magical wonderland displaying the theme of winter. Activities that you can enjoy include zip-line riding, winter sliding, skiing, strolling around a winter garden, having fun eating marshmallows, and being entertained by live performances.
Quicken Loans Winter Blast
Address: Campus Martius Park, Detroit, MI
Website: Quicken Loans Winter Blast
Takes place: February
Price: Free
6. Detroit Boat Show
Are you a fan of boats or just excited about seeing a lot of them all in the same place? Why don’t you come to Detroit Boat Show, where you can enjoy a collection of hundreds of boats? Participants of the events include the best boat dealers as well as marine-related businesses across the state of Michigan. You do not have to buy a boat if you are only at the event to fill up your adventure with a fun activity. But you are more than welcome to purchase one if you like. Superb prices and selection await.
Detroit Boat Show
Address: The TCF Center, Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Boat Show
Takes place: January
Price: 13 USD
7. Detroit Jazz Festival
Why pay to participate in an event when you can enjoy it for free? Jazz lovers would not want to miss attending this free event that takes place annually during Labor Day Weekend. Once you are one with the crowd, you can literally feel the enthusiasm of the audience and true love for jazz music in the air. If you are not a huge fan of jazz, you have nothing to lose by coming to this event. However, the soulful jazz performers may change your mind about jazz music.
Detroit Jazz Festival
Address: Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Jazz Festival
Takes place: September
Price: Free
8. Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Christmas is among the most festive celebrations in the world, and you are missing out big time if you fail to attend the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony that takes place at Campus Martius Park. See how the spot turns into a fabulous place as soon as the Christmas tree is lit. The colorful lighting will elevate your mood in an instant, and the joy is everywhere. Other than the tree lighting, you can also enjoy performances along with a Santa Claus appearance. Moreover, there will be food trucks and vendors that cannot wait to share happiness through a delicious assortment of food and drinks.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Address: Campus Martius Park, Detroit, MI
Takes place: Usually held in December
Price: Free
9. Detroit Music Awards
The work of musicians should be appreciated from time to time—without their existence, life will be pretty dull. This is why Detroit Music Awards exists. A non-profit organization called Detroit Music Awards Foundation has hosted this appreciation event since 1988, and the best musicians on local, regional, and national events are awarded for their creations.
Detroit Music Awards
Address: Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Music Awards
Takes place: April
10. North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show is more than a festival because it also aims at attracting those who are engaged in the automotive industry. If cars are the love of your life, there is no way you can skip this automotive show. This is when big brands in the industry participate to show off their newly designed innovations. If movies have their premieres, cars get the same privilege too. Admire the most stunning collection of cars that have not been sold yet. In addition to the display, visitors will also be entertained by performances and concerts.
North American International Auto Show
Address: Downtown Detroit, MI
Website: North American International Auto Show
Takes place: January
Price: 14 USD
11. Motor City Tattoo Expo
Posted by Awesome Tat 2 U on Sunday, 19 August 2018
Tattoo lovers from countries all around the world are cordially invited to take part in one of the biggest tattoo events on earth, Motor City Tattoo Expo. Running for three days, the event promises a lifted experience as soon as you walk into the expo hall. You can expect to see a myriad of tattoo artists from all ages along with entertainers and industry vendors, among others, in both the expo room and the catwalk area. Admire incredible tattoo creations and get insights into the latest tattoo products. If you want to get your own tattoo, this is the right place to do it. What’s more, there will also be seminars and contests about tattoos.
Motor City Tattoo Expo
Address: Detroit Marriot at the Renaissance Center, Detroit, MI
Website: Motor City Tattoo Expo
Takes place: March
Price: 20 USD
12. Greek Independence Day Parade
Detroit is a city of diversity, and to appreciate the Greek culture, the city hosts an annual event called Greek Independence Day Parade that takes place on Monroe Street. If you are Greek and reside in Detroit, you would not want to miss being part of your own cultural event. If you are curious about the Greek culture, you can learn a lot about Greek history, tradition, customs, food, and music, among others, during the parade.
Greek Independence Day Parade
Address: Monroe St, Historic Greektown Detroit, MI
Website: Greek Independence Day Parade
Takes place: March
Price: Free
13. Flower Day at Detroit's Eastern Market
To many of us, spring is the most beautiful season of the year—during the spring months, the flowers start to bloom and brighten the city of Detroit. The good news is, to celebrate the fresh blooms, Detroit organizes an event named Flower Day. Situated at the historic Eastern Market, Flower Day is the only spring celebration that has existed for as long as 50-plus years. What can you expect when you walk into the Eastern Market? The beauty of flowers and greenery that is all around you. Please your eyes and calm your mind and soul with a stunning display of floral creations and plants that will be perfect for your garden. If you are not interested in buying, you are welcome to just take a walk around.
Flower Day at Detroit's Eastern Market
Address: Detroit’s Eastern Market, MI
Takes place: May
Price: Free
14. March for Babies Walk
Unlike the other festivals that exist to entertain people, March for Babies Walk is a kind of fundraising event. Taking place right behind Children’s Hospital, the march aims at having more babies that are born healthy and supporting the health of the mothers as well. If you would like to participate in the walk, you would not have to pay for anything. But since this is a fundraising event, everyone is encouraged to offer support by donating any amount—so that the fundraiser goal can be achieved. You can do good and be a hero, while at the same time stay fit, by taking part in this event.
March for Babies Walk
Address: 3901 Beaubien Blvd, Brush Mall behind Hospital, Detroit, MI
Website: March for Babies Walk
Takes place: June
Price: Free
15. Motor City Pride Parade and Festival
Detroit is a city that believes in equality regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. To show solid support for the LGBTQ community, there is an annual event taking place in Detroit, and it is called Motor City Pride Parade and Festival. Held at Hart Plaza in June, which is Pride Month, the parade and festival features performances and activities that include paying respects to those who were victims of LGBTQ violence and homophobic crimes. In addition, you can also indulge in cocktails and an array of dishes that can be bought from numerous food and beverage trucks. When coming to the festival, it is best not to bring too many things with you because security is strict.
Motor City Pride Parade and Festival
Address: Hart Plaza, Detroit, MI
Website: Motor City Pride Parade and Festival
Takes place: June
Price: 5 USD
16. Salute to America
Welcome to one of the most important events in Michigan, Salute to America. The gathering is part of the annual celebration of Independence Day, which is why it takes place every July for four days. The event takes place at Greenfield Village on an open-air lawn. There are plenty of activities to do, and celebrating with loved ones is highly recommended. Playing games, enjoying the concerts, having a picnic, and savoring homemade dishes are just some of the many things you can do on the lawn.
Salute to America
Address: Walnut Grove in Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI
Website: Salute to America
Takes place: June to July
Price: 32 USD
17. Detroit AutoRama
Cars and automotive are fascinating subjects, and because there are tons of automobile enthusiasts out there, there will always be an event dedicated to them. You have seen an automotive event earlier, and Detroit has another similar happening, called Detroit AutoRama, that takes place every year either in late February or early March. Everything automotive, from cars and hot rods to lights, stanchions, and electric, all can be found at this special gathering. What’s more, the festival understands that only through bright innovations can the automotive industry continue to exist. Thus, to recognize some of the brightest minds in the field, awards are bestowed upon those who deserve them.
Detroit AutoRama
Address: The TCF Center, Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit AutoRama
Takes place: March
Price: 21 USD
18. TigerFest [Last event in 2019]
It is without any doubt that many of the American people are in love with baseball. To celebrate the Detroit Tigers, along with their loyal fans that have always been there to show great support, Detroit hosts an annual event called TigerFest. If you buy a ticket to this event, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact directly with the baseball club’s players and coaches. If you want some autographs of the players, do not be too shy to ask. There will also be activities in which Tiger fans, both young and old, are welcome to participate.
TigerFest
Address: Comerica Park, Detroit, MI
Website: TigerFest
Takes place: January
Price: 30 USD
19. Detroit Restaurant Week [Last event in 2019]
This event is for those who have been the biggest fans of delectable cuisines for as long as they’ve lived. Welcome to Detroit Restaurant Week, a special event that is organized to celebrate and appreciate the dining scene of Detroit. You will not need to purchase tickets to participate. Only when ordering food will you be charged, depending on the option you choose. Numerous restaurants are invited to participate in this annual event to showcase and serve their most tantalizing dishes. If you wish to join, you may want to restrain yourself from eating a lot before the scheduled time, so you can take pleasure in fully indulging—and have a most memorable dining experience.
Detroit Restaurant Week
Address: Southwest Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Restaurant Week
Takes place: February to March
Price: Free
20. Shrine Circus
Circus has always been and will always be magical. Everybody loves the circus, whether you are a young kid, a teenager, an adult, or even an elderly. There is only one circus show that is the best of the best in Detroit, and it is Shrine Circus. Having entertained guests for more than 100 years, the show boasts the biggest tent, and you have to prepare yourself to be amazed by animals showing off their best skills, clowns, entertainers, and thrills. What’s more, Shrine Circus is not only about performances. Before entering the arena, you are welcome to take part in fun activities that include riding a cute pony or an elephant, visiting a zoo where you are allowed to pet the residents, and indulging in circus treats.
Shrine Circus
Address: Michigan State Fair, Detroit, MI
Website: Shrine Circus
Takes place: December
Price: 20 USD
21. African World Festival
As previously mentioned, the diversity in Detroit is so strong that it holds several festivals related to culture and tradition. If you want to have a dose of things related to the African world, you should attend African World Festival. The festival is free, and for the whole three days, you and your loved ones can enjoy musical performances, dances, artworks, and poetry—all done by African artists. You can also sample some ethnic food while here.
African World Festival
Address: 315 E Warren Ave, 48201 Detroit, MI
Website: African World Festival
Takes place: August
Price: Free
22. Free Press Marathon
Minutes away from the first wave start of the 42nd Detroit Free Press/ TCF Bank Marathon and International Half Marathon
Posted by Detroit Free Press/TCF Bank Marathon on Sunday, 20 October 2019
Another enjoyable but rather physical event is Free Press Marathon. As the name suggests, at this event you are going to enjoy a marathon, not a sprint or other kinds of running. International runners are welcome to participate and must comply with the rules, such as bringing passports. If you wish to be a spectator, it is okay too. Root for your favorite runner and see if they win the marathon at the end.
Free Press Marathon
Address: Detroit, MI
Website: Free Press Marathon
Takes place: October
Price: Free
23. America's Thanksgiving Parade
Everyone in the USA celebrates Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November, including those in Detroit. In addition to gathering together with loved ones, being thankful and reveling in Thanksgiving dishes, you can also breathe in the Thanksgiving spirit in the middle of a crowd of almost one million people who celebrate with a Thanksgiving parade. Marching bands, giant balloons, and floats are among the things to see during the event.
America's Thanksgiving Parade
Address: Downtown Detroit, MI
Website: America’s Thanksgiving Parade
Takes place: November
Price: From 35 USD
24. Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Last but not least, Detroit Fall Beer Festival completes the list of the top festivals in Detroit that, if possible, you need to attend. Taking place in Eastern Market, the beer festival is among the biggest in Michigan, which is why beer enthusiasts should come. In total, there will be approximately 800 craft beers produced by over 100 breweries from all over the state. While sipping your beer, take a walk around to also indulge in delicious dishes and dance to lively performances by local musicians.
Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Address: Eastern Market, Detroit, MI
Website: Detroit Fall Beer Festival
Takes place: October
Price: 55 USD
Enjoy the many festivals of Detroit
As you can see, Detroit is one of the best cities in the United States and among those widely known for organizing interesting festivals. Which festivals are you excited to attend? Mark your calendar now so that you do not miss them. If possible, take part in as many festivals as possible by visiting as many times as you can—because there will always be something new to explore and enjoy in a city that is as vibrant as Detroit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
10 Popular Festivals In El SalvadorPriyanjali -
-
Top 16 Festivals In GhanaCeleste
Create an account to