Detroit turns 325 this Friday, and there’s loads of different ways to get out and live it up this weekend! Celebrate diversity in the D with different cultural festivals, like the Chinatown Block Party or the Greek Heritage Festival. LGBT Detroit is back with Hotter Than July to welcome Black LGBTQ+ folks to get together across the next four days.
For those looking for a slower pace, there’s gardens to tour in Wyandotte, and a lantern festival in Rochester ready to give you a chance to craft and reflect.
Upcoming events (July 23-30)
Hotter Than July
Various locations
July 23-26
Ticket price varies by event
It’s the 30th anniversary of Detroit’s longest running Black LGBTQ+ Pride event! Join a number of events running from Thursday, July 23 to Sunday, July 26. The event kicks off with a candlelight vigil at Palmer Park, followed by a candidate forum then a bar crawl. Check the schedule to see which events stand out to you. Offerings this weekend include a picnic, an art and film fest, worship service and plenty of opportunities to party.
Detroit Historical Museum Block Party
Detroit Historical Museum
July 24
Free
On the 325th birthday of Detroit, Detroit Historical Museum also celebrates 75 years. The block party includes food trucks, a classic car show, live music, face painting and more. Note that the museum parking lot will be closed. Street parking is available, along with university parking lots and the DIA lots. Join the party anytime between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Chinatown Block Party
Cass Ave and Peterboro St.
July 18- July 19
Free
From noon to 8 p.m., celebrate Asian-American heritage in the heart of Detroit’s returning Chinatown. There will be a food court, a film screening, a Little Dumplings kids station with crafts, games, live performances and more.
Wyandotte Garden Walk
Downriver Council for the Arts
July 17- July 19
$15
Explore gardens across Wyandotte, from bursts of bright flowers, vegetable gardens, pollinator-friendly landscapes and more. Tickets support the local garden club and city beautification efforts. Check-in is at the Downriver Council for the Arts building at 81 Chestnut street, and the tour goes from 9 a.m. to noon.
Greektown Heritage Fest
Monroe St. in Detroit
July 25
Free
Monroe Street comes alive with traditional Greek dancers, music, vendors and the famous street-side lamb roast. The all-day event starts at noon and goes until 9 p.m. Plenty of Greek restaurants and cafes will be open and ready for business too.
Water Lantern Festival
Stony Creek Baypoint Beach
July 25
$32+
The Water Lantern Festival in Rochester is an opportunity to bring friends, family and the greater community together to reflect. Everyone gets a lantern to decorate and send off, glowing and gently floating down the river, taking your wishes and words with them. The event opens at 6 p.m. with vendors, music and a scavenger hunt. It runs until 10 p.m., with lanterns collected further down the water way to prevent pollution. Buy tickets in advance! At-the-door tickets go up to $58.
Taco Showdown
Eastern Market Shed 5
July 26
$12+
Show up and chow down at this culinary event with 12 different taquerias and restaurants representing the best tacos Detroit has to offer. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy food, drinks, dance, games and more. You receive three complimentary tacos and five margarita samples with the cost of general admission.
