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2026 Summer in the Parks

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SUMMER I N THE

PARKS


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S U M M E R IN THE PARKS 2026

Your guide to hundreds of free experiences in the Downtown Detroit Parks

RIVARD

5 Explore Downtown 6 Eat + Drink 8 Shop the Parks 9 Movie Nights in the D 10 The Beach at Campus Martius Park 12 Tacos, Trivia & More 14 Fitness in the Parks 18 Dog Parks & Events 19 Fall Preview 20 Corporate Partners 22 Park Rentals & Support Our Parks 23 Plan Your Visit Cullen Plaza

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#1 CA M P U S M A R T I U S PA R K PUBLIC SQUARE IN THE US

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EXPLORE DOWNTOWN DETROIT’S PARKS

For over a century, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has been a driving force behind Detroit’s transformation, including its efforts to create vibrant, award-winning public spaces. Summer 2026 will bring an exciting lineup of free events, programs, and classes that showcase the city’s diversity, energize and engage visitors, and support local businesses and artists. As the leader in Downtown Detroit placemaking, DDP proudly manages and programs the city’s most dynamic parks in partnership with the City of Detroit, the Downtown Detroit Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), and Detroit Parks and Recreation.

BEACON PARK

CADILLAC SQUARE

CAPITOL PARK

GRAND CIRCUS PARK

PARADISE VALLEY PARK AND PLAZA

WOODWARD ESPLANADE 5


EAT + DRINK LUMEN DETROIT

RESERVATIONS + MORE INFO

BEACON PARK Upscale modern American cuisine in a stylish locale. The restaurant offers a large patio, open air rooftop seating, park side dining and panoramic views of Beacon Park and Detroit’s skyline.

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DOWNTOWN STREET EATS

STREET EATS SCHEDULE

CADILLAC SQUARE

Monday - Friday • 11 am - 3 pm Now in its 14th season, Michigan’s largest and most popular food truck rally offers a diverse mix of delectable cuisine from our rotating fleet of more than 80 food trucks weekdays through October at Cadillac Square. Take it back to the office or enjoy it at any number of seating areas.

CABANA 313 CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

FOR HOURS + MORE INFO

STYLED AND FURNISHED BY:

A seasonal outdoor dining destination situated beachside at Campus Martius Park that exudes a sultry, chic style. Enjoy a fresh, contemporary culinary experience with creative selections and specialty cocktails, plus live entertainment and Happy Hour. Made possible by generous funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking Program, the William Davidson Foundation, the Downtown Development Authority, and Grand Prixmiere.

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THE SHOP AT CAMPUS MARTIUS CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK Thursday - Sunday • 12 pm - 8 pm The Shop at Campus Martius is a brand-new retail experience in the heart of Downtown Detroit. The shop will feature Detroit-inspired merchandise, locally designed apparel, gifts, snacks, and exclusive collaborations celebrating the city, the parks, and public space. Proceeds support the Downtown Detroit Parks, programming, operations, and yearround activation. MADE POSSIBLE BY:

SCAN HERE FOR GIFT SHOP HOURS + LEARN MORE

DOWNTOWN DETROIT SMALL BUSINESSES Small businesses are the heartbeat of the city. Downtown Detroit offers endless ways to shop, dine, and discover, with FOR MORE INFO over 300 small businesses creating a vibrant mix of local experiences. Scan the QR code to view our Downtown Detroit business directory and start discovering it all.

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MOVIE NIGHTS IN THE D CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Fridays • July 3 – August 28 Movies start at 7 pm All movies are closed-captioned. Families and friends can enjoy a variety of beloved films on the big screen at Campus Martius Park during our free outdoor movie series. Bring a chair or blanket to join us on the lawn for a relaxing summer evening under the stars.

July 3 National Treasure | PG Special America 250 Screening

July 10 Cars | G July 17 Lilo & Stitch | PG July 24 A Minecraft Movie | PG

July 31 Anaconda | PG-13 August 7 Zootopia 2 | PG August 14 Superman | PG-13 August 21 KPop Demon Hunters | PG August 28 High School Musical | PG

New! VIP Movie Night Experience Guests can enter for a chance to win upgraded seating and an exclusive prize pack, courtesy of

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BEACH PARTIES SCAN HERE FOR MORE EVENTS:

CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Select Saturdays June - September • 6 pm - 10 pm Soak up the summer vibes at The Beach at Campus Martius Park presented by Diversified Members Credit Union with our free Saturday Beach Parties! Once a month, the sand turns into a dance floor with live music from some of the best local bands and DJs. Kick back with a drink, enjoy the sun, and let the music set the tone for your weekend in the heart of downtown. PRESENTED BY:

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SCHEDULE

June 20 Country Roots Beach Party Featuring Julian Joel + Ryan Jay July 18 Rock the Boardwalk Beach Party Featuring Dusty Mixtape August 29 Y2K Pop Punk Beach Bash Featuring The Crampton Brothers September 19 Sol Beats Beach Fiesta Featuring DJ Sabor SAND STAGE PRESENTED BY:


THE BEACH AT CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK PRESENTED BY:

CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Open Daily • Ages 21+ after 9 pm June - September The Beach at Campus Martius Park is a sun-soaked oasis that offers a uniquely Detroit experience. It’s the perfect place for visitors to sit back and relax, build sandcastles with the kids, take in live music, people watch and enjoy a refreshing cocktail with friends.

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TACOS + TRIVIA

PRESENTED BY:

CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Tuesdays • June 30 – September 15 6 pm – 8 pm Trivia kicks off at 6 pm and is free to play, with fun prizes for the top teams. Whether you’re rolling deep with your trivia crew or just stopping by for the tacos and summer vibes, this is the perfect way to unwind midweek. No registration needed—just show up, grab a drink, and get ready to play!

THURSDAY MARKETS CADILLAC SQUARE

Thursdays • May 21 – August 27 • 11 am – 3 pm Discover something new and support local at Thursday Markets in Cadillac Square. This lively pop-up brings together small business owners, entrepreneurs and artisans each week, offering everything from handmade accessories and beauty products to tasty takeaway bites. It’s the perfect way to champion Detroit’s creative community.

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SUMMER MUSIC SERIES BEACON PARK

CAMPUS KIDS DAY PRESENTED BY

:

CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Select Saturdays 7 pm - 10 pm

Select Days 1 pm – 5 pm

Get ready to take your city nights to another level!

Join us for Campus Kids Day presented by Corewell Health and supported by the Detroit Zoo. Families and attendees can enjoy a fantastic array of themed entertainment and hands-on activities.

Enjoy the sounds and energy of Downtown with live music, select vendors, seasonal beverage offerings and parkside dining by Lumen Detroit. The threepart outdoor music series will feature exciting acts including:

June 27: Thornetta Davis (Soul/R&B) July 25: Mega 80s (Rock/Pop) August 22: Rob Stone (Rock/Country) Visit DTEBeaconPark.com for more information.

July 12: Under the Sea Splash August 9: Back to School Bash September 13: Harvest Hangout October 4: Lil’ Boo Bash SUPPORTED BY: FOR MORE INFO

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CITY GLOW YOGA CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK AND BEACON PARK

Monthly Mondays at Campus Martius Park June 15, July 13, August 10, September 7 Class begins at 7 pm Monthly Mondays at Beacon Park June 29, July 27, August 24, September 28 Class begins at 7 pm Designed to give fun-seeking Detroiters an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, City Glow Yoga is a feel-good, city-inspired yoga program that hosts immersive outdoor yoga sessions using silent disco technology. Plan to bring a yoga mat and water bottle.

REGISTRATION REQUIRED–$10

COMMUNITY YOGA WITH CITIZEN YOGA CAPITOL PARK

July 5 - August 26 Sundays • 7 pm - 8 pm Wednesdays • 6 pm - 7 pm Take time to center yourself with free yoga classes led by a certified instructor, while enjoying the peace and serenity of this activity in our beautiful outdoor park.

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WECI | KONINUT ART INSTALLATION BEACON PARK

June 19 – July 10 • 6 am – 10 pm Weci | Koninut, created by Indigenous artists Julie-Christina Picher and Dave Jenniss, is an immersive interactive installation inspired by Atikamekw culture. The Atikamekw are an Indigenous First Nations people from Québec with deep ties to the land and nature. Presented as part of an international tour, the installation features six giant dream catchers that guide visitors through a sensory experience of light, sound and storytelling. Produced by Init in collaboration with several artists and partners, the work celebrates Indigenous identity, ancestral knowledge and environmental stewardship through its tour with Montreal-based public art organization Creos. MADE POSSIBLE BY:

CURATED BY:

WORKOUT WEDNESDAYS BEACON PARK

Wednesdays • July 8 - August 26 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Get your heart rate up and join us for free fitness classes and a unique outdoor recreation experience. Beacon Park is proud to bring back First Responders 4 Fitness to co-host this exciting activation. Join us at Beacon Park for this community focused series that will help participants improve health, wellness and social connections. All fitness levels are welcome.

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SCULPT & GLOW WITH SCULPT PILATES CAPITOL PARK

Biweekly Fridays • July 10 - September 25 • 11 am Experience a dynamic, inclusive Pilates class designed for all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this class will take you through a full-body movement journey that challenges and strengthens your core.

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REGISTRATION REQUIRED

RADIANT DETROIT: A FESTIVAL OF ARTS, CULTURE, AND WELLNESS BEACON PARK

September 26 • 2:30 pm - 7:30 pm Join InsideOut Literary Arts for an immersive day of activities and performances celebrating arts and wellness and Detroit’s vibrant community spirit! The all-ages program will celebrate the end of summer and will feature a captivating lineup of poetry and musical performances and communityled activities for the whole family including: cardio-drumming, sound meditation, make and take art experiences, book giveaways, and much more.


YOUTHUP FRIDAYS CADILLAC SQUARE

Fridays • May 8 - June 12 • 6 pm – 9 pm A weekly series created to give young people a safe, welcoming space to connect, unwind, and access supportive resources. Each event will feature the Detroit Phoenix Center’s 40-foot YouthUp Mobile Unit, along with food, games, and interactive activities designed to build connection, community, and a sense of belonging among youth.

MEET ME AT NICK GILBERT WAY Set between the Hudson’s Detroit block building and tower, Nick Gilbert Way is your go-to destination for energy and entertainment. From refreshing cocktails at Twist, a new pop-up bar, to games, live music, books and more, this lively spot brings the spirit of summer to the heart of the city.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

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CAPITOL PARK + GRAND CIRCUS PARK DOG PARKS Open daily • 6 am – 10 pm These off-leash parks are for both dogs and people to connect, meet their neighbors and relax.

DOG PARK EVENTS PRESENTED BY:

SCHEDULE:

GRAND CIRCUS PARK

July 25: Bark-B-Q August 22: Island Time Paw-ty

Select Saturdays • 2 pm – 4 pm Bring your pup to Grand Circus Dog Park, where every visit feels like a celebration. Monthly themed events, treats, and surprises keep things fresh for Detroit’s coolest dogs and their owners—a perfect place to play, socialize, and have a howling good time.

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SUPPORTED BY:

September 26: Fetch + Flannels October 24: Howl-O-Ween


CADILLAC SQUARE + CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

Sunday • October 18 • 8 am - 2 pm Conquered is the annual after party where runners and their supporters gather following Sunday’s Detroit Free Press Marathon race events. It’s a chance for everyone to relax and celebrate in a casual atmosphere positioned right near the finish line in Cadillac Square.

CIDER IN THE CITY BEACON PARK

Select Saturdays and Sundays October 10 + 11, 17 + 18 1 pm - 5 pm

TBD

Beacon Park is excited to bring back its widely popular annual Cider in the City fall festival. This family friendly weekend activation features live music, fresh donuts, hot and cold cider, a pop-up pumpkin patch, hayrides, food trucks, photo vignettes, outdoor dining and seasonal drinks by Lumen Detroit — all in the heart of the city. Visit DTEBeaconPark.com for more information.

FALL 2026 PREVIEW

CONQUERED: DETROIT FREE PRESS MARATHON AFTER PARTY

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CORPORATE PARTNERS

THANK YOU TO OUR 20

PRESENTING SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

ANNUAL & PROGRAM SPONSORS

To join these great companies as a corporate partner, please contact: Chelsea.Nunnally@downtowndetroit.org.


ANNUAL & PROGRAM SPONSORS

BE CHOSEN

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PARK RENTALS

Looking for an unconventional convention space?

The Downtown Detroit Parks offer world-class venues, each with its own unique amenities and character for a wide array of events. These include private and corporate events, brand activations, film and video shoots, and wedding ceremonies.

MAKE A GIFT OF SUPPORT

NEED HELP WITH THE DETAILS? Our experienced rental team also offers event planning and coordinating of logistical and operational services. Contact us to help you plan a one-of-a-kind and unforgettable event.

CONTACT OUR RENTALS TEAM TO GET A PERSONALIZED QUOTE

DID YOU KNOW the Downtown Detroit Partnership is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit? While DDP works closely with the City of Detroit, our parks and public spaces are not funded by city tax dollars. Every detail you enjoy—from the energy of Campus Martius Park to the beauty of Capitol Park, and the programming that brings people together yearround—is made possible by the generosity of corporate partners, grants, and people like you. SCAN TO DONATE TODAY!

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PLAN YOUR VISIT PARKS HOURS

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS

Open daily 6 am - 10 pm unless otherwise noted and for special events. Areas of the parks may be closed occasionally for maintenance or private events.

Convenient and affordable parking options are available steps away from the Downtown Detroit Parks. Public transit is also a great way to navigate the city, including DDOT, SMART, FAST, The People Mover, QLINE, rideshare, and MoGo.

ACCESSIBLE ACCOMMODATIONS DDP strives to increase independence, opportunities, community participation, safety and wellness for persons with disabilities in the Downtown, and to ensure inclusion, representation, and equity for persons with disabilities as it relates to employment, programs, and services.

For locations, hours, pricing and to book your space in advance, scan below. TRANSIT INFO:

PARKING INFO:

A program of DDP’s Business Improvement Zone (BIZ), Ambassadors are easily recognized by their distinctive yellow jackets and are trained to offer hospitality assistance to residents and visitors. Ask them for help or tips on how to make the most of your experience throughout the city and the Downtown Detroit Parks Ambassador Hot Line: 313.963.2225

LOST AND FOUND To inquire about lost or found items in the park, visit DowntownDetroit.org

FREE AND FUN FOR ALL Downtown Detroit Parks offer public programming that is free and open to all. Each year, the DDP produces, hosts and co-presents more than 1,200+ events across 18 parks and public spaces. SCAN HERE FOR A FULL LINEUP OF FREE ACTIVITIES.

DOWNTOWN DETROIT BIZ AMBASSADORS

DON’T MISS THE FUN! SCAN TO JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

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GENERAL QUESTIONS? Please contact DDP Parks at 313.566.8250 or visit DowntownDetroit.org.

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1000 Woodward Ave Suite 380 Detroit, MI 48226 313.566.8250

DowntownDetroit.org


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