The Party is On - A Year's Worth of Great Detroit Events

From celebrating the automobile to recognizing theFord Field eclipsed the all-time attendance record for
region's ethnic diversity and musical contributions, thethe NCAA Regional Games at 78,129.
city of Detroit knows how to throw a great event.May
The city is known for its unique major festivals andThe premier showcase for established, new and local
events - not found in any other part of the country.country artists, the Budweiser Downtown Hoedown
Januaryis recognized as the largest free country music
The North American International Auto Show, thefestival in the world. The music fun continues on
Detroit Auto Dealers Association's annualMemorial Day weekend with Detroit's Electronic Music
extravaganza showcases the latest and greatest inFestival, a free event held in Hart Plaza. The event
automotive design. Held every January, the eventcelebrates techno music - the world's most popular
has grown steadily since its humble beginnings in thenew music - in the city of its origin.
early 1900s and has broadened its reach beyond theJune
automotive supplier industry. The NAIAS is one ofThe region's unrivaled international arts festival, the
the world's top international auto shows, drawingDetroit Festival of Arts features everything from hot
show goers from outside the Detroit region. SpecialLatin rhythms to the comic antics of international
events during the show include awards ceremonies,street theater to a 75-ton sand sculpture. The event
entertainment, themed attractions, and specialpresents outstanding visual and performing artists
appearances by auto racing drivers.from around the world, while showcasing the city's
Also in January, the Plymouth International Icepremier cultural institutions.
Sculpture Spectacular presents an awe-inspiringThe International Freedom Festival Fireworks is the
display of frozen art featuring more than 400,000world's largest international-border festival with
pounds of ice. The oldest and largest ice-carvingfireworks and festivities held in downtown Detroit's
event in North America, festival goers enjoy moreHart Plaza and across the river in Windsor, Ontario.
than 100 statues carved from a single block of ice.July
Unlike other winter events, visitors can watch aMore than 500,000 fans gather to watch
carving from the very beginnings of stacking the iceaerodynamic piston- and turbine-powered hydroplanes
blocks through the carving process to the finishedrace at incredible speeds during the Chrysler Jeep
work of art.Detroit APBA Gold Cup Hyrdroplane Races. Teams
Februaryrace for the oldest active motor sport trophy in the
The city of Detroit possesses a rich Africanworld.
American heritage. Black History Month in February atAugust/September
The Henry Ford examines the ideas and innovationsMeadow Brook Concours d'Elegance, or "gathering of
of the Civil Right Movement through music, dramaelegance," presents more than 250 luxurious classic
and hands-on activities. At the Charles M. Wrightcars on Oakland University's plush golf course.
Museum of African American History, the museumActivities include entertainment, automotive art and
expands programming to address the Africanfood tents.
American pursuit of emancipation through tours,August is also the month for the best of golf. The
workshops, performances, lectures, films, and more.PGA Championship is held at the Oakland Hills Country
February also sizzles with Detroit's Winter Blast, aClub, while the Buick Open is also held the same
unique combination of hip and fun winter eventsmonth in Grand Blanc.
centered around Campus Martius Park, as well asThe Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix, featuring the cars
indoor events throughout Detroit. Activities include iceof the American Le Mans Series and the IndyCar
skating, snowboarding, ice sculptures, kids' activities, aSeries come together for world-class Motor City
film festival tent, and the famous Winter Blastracing Labor Day weekend. Another outstanding
marshmallow roasting brazarios.Labor Day weekend event is the Detroit International
MarchJazz Festival.
The nation's premiere lineup of college hockey, theNovember
Super 6 Championship game of the Central CollegiateHeld on Thanksgiving Day morning, America's
Hockey Association is held at Joe Louis Arena. This isThanksgiving Parade features floats, bands,
a great event to watch the best teams pit for theequestrian units, and helium balloons as they parade
top spot.down Woodward Avenue while onlookers anxiously
Meanwhile March Madness kicks off at Ford Field forawait the arrival of Santa.
the NCAA Men's Basketball Regional Games. TheDecember
Division I Men's Basketball Tournament includes twoFrom wassail and caroling to tree lighting ceremonies
sessions, two Sweet Sixteen games and one Eliteand Kwanza, Detroit knows how to celebrate the
Eight game to determine one of four teams that willholidays in style with endless festivals, events and
advance to the Men's Final Four.The 2007 games atprograms.