blog - things to do in detroit

Praise Be to Detroit’s Newest Bar: A Church Garage Transformed in East Village

Detroit’s East Village has a new kind of sanctuary – one where wine glasses and cocktail shakers stand in for stained glass and steeples. In a former church garage on Parkview Street, a wine and cocktail bar cheekily named Father Forgive Me has opened its doors, breathing new life into a historic property. Locals are already flocking to this unique spot, drawn by the blend of old-world charm and contemporary Detroit creativity. It’s the kind of place that feels at once like a well-kept secret and a community gathering space, the moment you step inside. The bar’s debut earlier this summer (on a Saturday, fittingly) has quickly turned into one of the Eastside’s hottest talking points, and for good reason.

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A Sacred Space…

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RoboCop Statue in Detroit: Location, Owner, and What’s Next for the Iconic Tribute

Detroit is finally poised to welcome a new larger-than-life resident – a towering RoboCop statue that has been 14 years in the making. What began as a cheeky idea in 2011 has evolved into a community-powered quest to erect an 11-foot tribute to the fictional cyborg hero. In true Detroit spirit, this project has been part civic art, part pop-culture phenomenon, and wholly a labor of love. Families, film fans, and curious locals alike are eagerly asking: Where is the RoboCop statue going, who technically owns this piece of art, and what happens next? Let’s dive into the saga, the plans for its Eastern Market home, and why this unique Detroit landmark still matters today.

Want to explore more Detroit landmarks like RoboCop? Don’t miss our roundup:…

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Must-Try Restaurants, Cafes, and Bars in Detroit’s Midtown Neighborhood

Detroit’s Midtown neighborhood is a hub of creativity, culture, and culinary innovation. Located just over a mile from downtown, it’s home to beloved institutions like Wayne State University, the Detroit Institute of Arts, and Little Caesars Arena — but for locals and visitors alike, the true magic lies in Midtown’s walkable streets lined with world-class restaurants, cozy cafés, and buzzy bars. Whether you're chasing bold global flavors, enjoying a casual patio hangout, or hunting down the best late-night eats, Midtown has something to offer every palate.

This updated, family- and foodie-friendly guide includes the best restaurants, cafés, and bars in Midtown Detroit — alphabetized for easy browsing and organized with locals in mind.

Bangkok 96…

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Detroit Murals: Must-See Street Art & Where to Find It

Detroit’s streets are alive with color and creativity, and 2025 might just be the best time yet to explore the city’s vibrant mural scene. In fact, Detroit was recently ranked the No. 4 Best City for Street Art in the U.S., a testament to how far its public art movement has come. Over the past decade, artists and community programs have splashed the town with 700+ murals, turning building walls into bold statements of Detroit pride. From bustling markets to quiet neighborhood corners, nearly every turn reveals something beautiful and thought-provoking.

Why 2025? Detroit’s mural movement is in full bloom. New works are still popping up (even in elevated places like the People Mover stations!), and established pieces have become beloved landmarks. As a…

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Explore the 2025 Detroit Festival of Books with DIA and Birdie’s Bookmobile

Detroit’s Eastern Market will transform into a bibliophile’s paradise this summer as the Detroit Festival of Books returns for its eighth year. On Sunday, July 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the historic market’s Shed 5 will overflow with the buzz of book lovers, families, and curious locals. This all-ages festival – the largest book event in Michigan – is much more than a book sale. It’s a free community celebration of literature, art, and Detroit spirit, where you can stroll past stalls of endless reading treasures, chat with local authors and vendors, and even enjoy live entertainment, all without an entry fee. The festival is a goodwill effort “to help generate a deeper love and appreciation of books” in the city, and it shows in every chapter of…

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Detroit Grand Prix Secures Downtown Location with New Contract Through 2028

The roar of IndyCar engines echoing through downtown Detroit isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. In a move that has Metro Detroit buzzing, officials have secured a deal to keep the Detroit Grand Prix on the city’s streets through 2028, solidifying this high-octane tradition in the heart of the Motor City for years to come. The Detroit City Council approved a new contract that extends the Grand Prix’s downtown run for at least three more years, with a potential option to continue even beyond that. For local families, racing fans, and businesses alike, this news means the annual festival of speed and community will remain a downtown Detroit fixture – blending engine-revving excitement with the city’s ongoing revival.

The announcement caps off what has…

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Experience Metro Detroit’s Best-Kept Secrets: Public and Private Garden Tours

Metro Detroit is truly in bloom during summer 2025, and there’s no better way to savor the season than by exploring its garden tours and green spaces. From private garden walks in charming neighborhoods to the best public gardens in Metro Detroit open daily, the region offers a colorful array of family-friendly summer events for nature lovers. These tours and gardens aren’t just about pretty flowers – they’re community traditions, some decades old, that bring neighbors together and welcome visitors to experience the beauty of Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or simply looking for fun things to do in Detroit this summer, this guide will walk you through the must-see Metro Detroit garden tours, both private and…

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Detroit Grand Prix Moves Downtown, Projected to Generate Record Economic Impact

Detroit’s engines are revving up for a summer spectacle like no other. The Detroit Grand Prix is back on the downtown streets, and it’s poised to deliver a record boost to the Motor City’s economy. As racers prepare to scream down Jefferson Avenue past the Renaissance Center and Hart Plaza, local businesses are gearing up for an influx of fans. This downtown Detroit Grand Prix is not just a race – it’s a citywide celebration that showcases how far Detroit has come. With projections of around $104 million in spending flowing into the region during race weekend, it’s set to be the biggest economic impact Detroit has ever seen from the Grand Prix.

Detroit’s iconic Renaissance Center towers in the backdrop as Indy cars streak through city streets during…

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Motown Museum Expands with Esther Gordy Edwards Centre in Detroit

Detroit’s musical heritage is hitting a new high note. The iconic Motown Museum Detroit – home of the legendary “Hitsville U.S.A.” studio – just got a whole lot bigger and bolder. This beloved museum, founded by Esther Gordy Edwards in 1985, has officially expanded its campus with a brand-new facility named in her honor. Locals and visitors alike are buzzing about the Esther Gordy Edwards Centre for Excellence, a modern addition that blends history with innovation. It’s a development that promises to amplify Detroit’s cultural scene, offering more for families, music lovers, and savvy locals to explore.

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A New Chapter for a Detroit Landmark

In a milestone 40th anniversary year for the Motown Museum, history met the future…

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Historic Belle Isle Fountain to Undergo $6 Million Restoration in Detroit

On a warm summer evening in Detroit, families often gather around the James Scott Memorial Fountain on Belle Isle, watching its graceful water jets dance against the skyline. Children squeal with delight as mist from the historic Belle Isle fountain catches the golden sunset light, and couples pose for photos with the iconic marble tiers in the background. For generations of Detroiters, this Belle Isle fountain has been more than a decorative centerpiece – it’s part of our collective memory and a source of city pride. Now, after 100 years of operation, Detroit’s beloved fountain is about to get a massive lifeline. In a move celebrated by the community, authorities have announced a $6 million restoration project to ensure the fountain can continue…

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