Detroit Month of Design is the main talk of the town that should be a conversation of many. Lists upon lists will tell you what’s going on with Design Core Detroit’s annual Detroit Month of Design in September. Keep the door open for opportunities to enjoy the sun and outdoor activities in Detroit. Detroitisit rounded up a list of things to do in Detroit this September that’ll get everyone still bonding and sharing memories in the city like we did over the summer. Get outside and check out these fun family-friendly festivities and not-to-miss annual features, including some exceptional eats.
As the energies shift a little and fall into slower moving colors, here’s a list of fresh events in Detroit this September to help prepare you for what’s lined up and get you ready for next month’s anticipated events.
DIVE STUDIOS IS OPEN SEPTEMBER 13, PHOTO @__CHEYENELEE__ ON INSTAGRAM
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DETROIT MONTH OF DESIGN EVENTS ALL MONTH LONG
Things to do in Detroit this September most definitely highlights the annual celebration of Detroit Month of Design, especially considering Design Core stewards Detroit’s UNESCO destination. In case you missed Detroitisit’s recent article at “The List”, containing list of open studios in Detroit participating in this September’s Detroit Month of Design, then take a look and stay informed about what’s happening all month long because there are multiple Detroit design-related events at various locations each week that should peak your interest and give you opportunities to engage in unique conversations & spaces along. Your mind will expand and so will the future of Detroit’s modern design and it’s resources! Click HERE to view the Design Core Detroit official website.
THE INAUGURAL VINYLFEST AT EASTERN MARKET SHED 5, PHOTO @DETBOOKFEST ON INSTAGRAM
DETROIT VINYLFEST AT EASTERN MARKET
Date: Friday, September 5th from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
There’s always something going on under the roof of Detroit’s historic Eastern Market. Music in Detroit never goes out of style and it has so much history behind it. Detroiters love for music runs deep and keeps transforming along with the city. Detroit Book Fest organizers are back to bring together the inaugural Vinylfest! Get ready to choose the best vinyl records, CDs, tapes along with music memorabilia such as posters, t-shirts, and more. Vendors are ready to sell. Free entry. Get in on the spin with live DJ’s who will be spinning vinyl all day long, followed by an after party from 8 pm – 2 pm at Warehouse. Click HERE to view the Detroit Book Fest website for more information.
Location: Shed 5 2934 Russell Street Detroit
DALLEY IN THE ALLEY 2025 POSTER ART BY ANGIE COE, PHOTO @DALLEYINTHEALLEYDETROIT ON INSTAGRAM
46 TH ANNUAL DALLEY IN THE ALLEY
Date & Time: Saturday, September 6th from 11 AM-11 PM
Keep the Detroit traditions going with another year of Dalley in the Alley in the Cass Corridor district. Detroit’s largest annual community festival is a one-day celebration of music, poetry, art, vendors, food, and drinks. Bring the whole family while the kids have fun at the children’s fair. Expect multiple stages of live entertainment to keep the spirits high. Click HERE to view the website for more information.
DETROIT WATER LANTERN FESTIVAL
Date & Time: Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Fun things to do in Detroit this September include the upcoming Detroit Water Lantern Festival this week. Get a one-of-a-kind experience in the city with the Detroit Water Lantern Festival. This community event is a way to romanticize life. Gather with loved ones while spreading love and laughter with a wide range of people coming together to illuminate the night. Watch the sun set and release your personalized lantern onto the water. Enjoy food trucks, live music, vendors, a scavenger hunt, and the lantern launch. Regular tickets are about $38. Click HERE to view the website for more information and to purchase tickets.
Location: Maheras-Gentry Park at 12550 Avondale St., Detroit
JOIN PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTYING AT PRIDE PLAZA ON BRUSH
All the feelings of fall creeping in get Detroit Lions fans hyped for Autumn in Detroit and the wild enthusiasm of game days. Locals get a taste of tailgating early with the best fanatic festivities at Pride Plaza. When looking for the best Detroit Lions tailgating spots, don’t forget about Pride Plaza! Sports bars in Metro Detroit & Detroit are the traditional route for partying, but you can get ahead of the game now with a free tailgate right outside of Ford Field. The Detroit Lions host free events at Pride Plaza on Brush St. starting at 10:30 a.m. Get in on the action with enjoyment of food trucks, Bud Light bars, beverage tents, and more. Not to mention, you and your best buds can show off your 40-yard dash times and stay awhile for some quality interactive games. The Detroit Lions drumline puts on a special performance. Click HERE to view the Detroit Lions website for more information.
DETROIT FOODIE FAIR
DETROIT FOODIE FAIR AT EASTERN MARKET, PHOTO @DETROITFOODIEFAIR ON INSTAGRAM
Date & Time: Sunday, September 21 from 10 AM-4 PM
Things to do in Detroit this September include making an outing of eating. Calling all foodies for the iconic Detroit Food Fair. Taste something you’ve never tried before and get a heaping of your favorite local flavors coming together at Eastern Market. You’ll have a chance to be involved in casting your vote to help crown Detroit’s Best Foodie Find! Eastern Market’s Shed Five will be packed with the best selections of food to take home, including delicious bites, hand-crafted kitchen wares, popular food trucks, and more. The Detroit food scene extends its attraction to accommodate everyone in a big way with the 4th Annual Detroit Vegan event running alongside the Detroit Foodie Fair. Click HERE to view the website for more information. This event is free including parking!
Location: Shed 5 | Eastern Market 2934 Russell Street, Detroit
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