The list of the best/most fun things to do in Detroit expands and continuously highlights the most attractive natural qualities that attract an increased number of visitors. Detroit is the Motor City, Motown, and the place for many to flourish. Visitors often become long-time residents! Once you find your Detroit community/network, it’s a logical move to stay in affordable housing.
Artists, artisans/entrepreneurs, small businesses, non-profits, musicians & DJs, educators, architects, sports fanatics, and more bring about a supportive familial energy to the environment that revamps the beating heart of Detroit’s urban city life.
With our own little spin, Detroit Is It rounded up a fresh list of the most fun things to do in Detroit this summer and beyond. There isn’t a particular ranking, but we’d love to hear your best.
DETROIT INDUSTRY MURALS BY DIEGO RIVERA AT THE DIA, PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI/DETROITISIT
DETROIT HAS HISTORY-VISIT A MUSEUM
Take your wonder and amusement for a ride by spending a few hours at one of the several acclaimed Detroit historical museums. The DIA should be top of mind for any local or visitor looking for a sweet slice of Detroit culture. This nationally recognized favorite is a great place to pass the time this summer with family or a surefire date idea. There are plenty of engaging programs, displays, & events at several of these museums listed below.
Here are the best of the best:
The Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)– This nationally-ranked art museum institution is located at 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Detroit Historical Museum– This small historical museum is located at 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit
Motown Museum-This historical museum is located at 2648 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
Dabls MBAD African Bead Museum- Attend the upcoming MBAD Festival 2024 in August at this art museum. More details HERE. Located at 6559 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History– This historical museum is one of the world’s largest and is located at 315 E Warren Ave., Detroit
ART: COOKIE COIN BY SUMMER WHEAT AT THE BASBLUE, PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI/DETROITISIT
DETROIT HAS INCREDIBLE INDOOR ART
The best & most fun things to do in Detroit is witnessing others reaching their own milestones as they share personal stories that reflect a shared experience. There are numerous opportunities for Detroit creatives to expand their network and find the right accessible resources to help their artistic dreams become reality, especially the many minority voices that grew up here.
EVERYBODY EATS BY HABUC BESSIAKE AT BEACON PARK ’23, PHOTO MARIA KORNACKI/DETROITISIT
DETROIT HAS OUTSTANDING OUTDOOR ART
Detroit is home to an incredible local arts scene. Explore world-famous art museums and witness more of the raw talent in the streets. The murals, including sprawling vibrant portrait art on buildings, reminds those who pass to recognize Detroit for what it is. The community uplifts all generations to show the world a raw, colorful vision of Detroit. Local Detroit artists are always making their mark and vending at places like Eastern Market and other festival settings.
DETROIT GETS US MOVING
The best things to do in Detroit will get you out of your seat (or in your seat for a ride around town). Walk, run, bike, drive, stretch & do yoga, dance, attend Movement Detroit annually, and see the city from a different view! The Detroit Riverwalk is a great place to catch people in action and relaxation. Take advantage of free ride access on Detroit’s trusty People Mover, which was a big move for public transportation at the beginning of 2024.
SPIRIT OF DETROIT SPORTING LIONS JERSEY, PHOTO DETROITISIT
DETROIT HAS SPIRIT & SPORTS
Detroit is it, let me hear you roar! The roar could be from supporting The Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Take your family out to the ball game for a simple summer tradition of watching the Detroit Tigers baseball game at Comerica Park. Keep the spirit alive with the Detroit Pistons. Join a sports club! Take the game outside with your buddies and find more ways to bring physical activity to the growing city of Detroit.
NOMINATE FOR DETROITISIT’S BI-ANNUAL FOOD AWARDS, PHOTO @DETROITISIT/DETROITISIT
DETROIT HAS THE EATS
With more tasty vegan, gluten-free, & vegetarian options popping up exponentially since the pandemic, the delicious cultural variety in Detroit’s food scene is one to compete with. You’ll get your fill of pop-up events, fancy fine dining, new unique restaurants, and fun food festivals & awards to experience first-hand the emerging tastes of Detroit. Since summertime is still in full swing, you can also look into the amazing catering options Detroit has to offer to host your favorites.
LEONA MEDLEY, EX. DIR. THE JOE LOUIS GREENWAY PRTSP, @CITYOFDETROIT ON IG/ CITY OF DETROIT
DETROIT HAS ITS EYES ON GREEN SPACES
One of the best and most fun things to do in Detroit revolves around taking part in the city’s natural growth. Detroit has a good head on it’s shoulders with developing & revitalizing all areas of the city. Detroit is connected on a literal level with the Joe Louis Greenway opening way for an upcoming 27.5 miles of biking with walking trails throughout the city and connecting suburbs, and the Detroit Riverfront, as well as Belle Isle. Enjoy the Dequindre Cut trail as usual.
DETROIT HAS ICONIC MUSIC & LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
The best & most fun things to do in Detroit often involve music in some form or another. After all, Detroit has an evolutionary music scene with a legendary star-studded past. Have you attended a concert or music festival yet this summer? Detroit is home to the iconic Detroit Electronic Music Festival. From big historic venues to small & intimate, Detroit can’t get enough music/performance art, creativity, multi-purpose creative spaces, and other storytelling.
Stay tuned for Afro Nation Detroit, the world’s biggest afrobeats festival (August 17-18, 2024 at Bedrock’s Douglass Site).
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