2025 Windsor International Film Festival In Detroit – Play It Loud! How Toronto Got Soul
2025-10-24 19:00 - 21:00 (America/Detroit) | Campus Martius Park
Film lovers, get ready to be captivated! Experience an unforgettable celebration of storytelling, culture, and cross-border connection as the Windsor International Film Festival (WIFF) brings two acclaimed films to downtown Detroit for the very first time. In partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP), this historic two-night screening at Campus Martius Park offers audiences a rare opportunity to engage with award-winning cinema, discover new voices in filmmaking, and celebrate the vibrant creative exchange between two dynamic border cities. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique cinematic event that bridges communities, sparks conversation, and showcases the power of film to connect us all.
The two-day featured screenings include:

23 – The Barbarian Invasions!The first and only Canadian film to win the Oscar for Best International Feature, Denys Arcand’s follow-up to The Decline of the American Empire continues the story of Remy (Girard), a womanizing professor now terminally ill with cancer. Seventeen years later, divorced and estranged from his son and friends, Remy embarks on a journey of redemption and forgiveness.

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24 – Play It Loud! How Toronto Got SoulThis feature documentary explores how Jamaican music became a surprising yet critical part of Canadian culture. Through the life, music, struggles, and triumphs of Jamaican Canadian singer Jay Douglas (born Clive Pinnock), the film chronicles a social and cultural migration that made Canada a global hub for Jamaican music—an influence little recognized at home. Nearly 60 years into his career, Douglas remains a celebrated figure in the music world.

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Films begin at 7 p.m. at Campus Martius Park, ranked the No. 1 public square in the country for three consecutive years. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy this cinematic autumn evening under the stars, right in the heart of Detroit. The Oct. 24 screening will feature a special Q&A with the film’s director Graeme Mathieson, an award-winning filmmaker known for amplifying underrepresented stories. His work often explores themes of cultural transformation and music history.

This inaugural U.S. screening area at Campus Martius Park is part of a broader Windsor–Detroit binational collaboration initiative, designed to deepen cultural exchange, strengthen regional connectivity, and foster shared economic opportunity between these globally minded border cities. From arts to industry, this cross-border movement is supported by an alliance of public, private, and nonprofit partners, including the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Consulate General of Canada, the City of Detroit, the City of Windsor, Visit Detroit, Tourism Windsor Essex Pelee Island, the Windsor-Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Invest Windsor Essex, Rocket Companies, and Windsor Tunnel. This initiative builds on decades of cooperation and a shared commitment to advance a globally creative, competitive, and inclusive binational region.

22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
2025-11-21 16:00 - 21:00 | Campus Martius Park
Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation, happening Friday, Nov. 21, from 4–9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park. 🎄Let the magic of the holidays begin in the heart of Detroit as we light up more than a million lights across downtown for the season.

🌟 Look forward to star-studded entertainment, including:

Local and national talent on the main stage and on the ice
Skating performances from some of the best skaters in metro Detroit and beyond
A special appearance from Santa 🎅
Delicious food truck fare
Early holiday shopping options
Giveaways galore
Festive photo opportunities
And more!

Your holiday season starts here! The 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting is presented by DTE Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Expanded details will be shared closer to the event.

22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
2025-11-21 16:00 - 21:00 | Campus Martius Park
Start your holiday season at the 22nd annual Detroit Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 21, at the award-winning Campus Martius Park, presented by DTE Energy Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. This free celebration brings together music from national and local performers, dazzling figure skating shows, food trucks and unique lighting displays throughout Downtown Detroit. Capture and share your moments on social media using #detroittreelighting2025, #DowntownDet, or #campusmartiuspark.

At the heart of the event is a 62-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce adorned with ornaments and illuminated by thousands of sparkling LED lights. The tree comes to life following a special countdown with Santa.

New for 2025, WDIV Local 4 is the exclusive broadcast partner for the Detroit Tree Lighting. The station will air a special two-hour program from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing the magic of live performances, breathtaking figure skating and festive on-stage moments straight to viewers at home. The broadcast ensures that everyone, near and far, can experience the excitement and holiday spirit of this Detroit tradition. Plan your visit ahead of this year’s event with our Know Before You Go Guide.

TREE LIGHTING SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES
Our signature annual event will be marked by a stellar lineup of live entertainment on the stage and ice, with remarkable performances for all to enjoy.

Headlining the MGM Grand Detroit Stage, multiplatinum breakout country artist BRELAND, whose infectious energy and genre-blending “cross country” sound have captured fans everywhere. With hits like “My Truck,” he’s redefining modern country and collaborating with stars such as Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett. In 2023, he released a stunning rendition of “The Christmas Song” and took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas at the Opry special, wowing audiences with performances of “This Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Blending warmth, joy and genre-crossing soul, BRELAND brings fresh energy to holiday classics while honoring their timeless spirit.

Opening the show is pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane, who first captured attention through viral performances on TikTok, which quickly amassed her more than 10 million followers to date. Signed to Capitol Records, her emotional lyrics and commanding vocals quickly drew comparisons to powerhouse artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse. With over 2.5 million monthly streams on Spotify, her 2023 debut EP, “Where Am ?,” blends pop with moody, alt-R&B textures.

Star-studded international and U.S. talent will take to The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus, including Olympic figure skater Polina Edmunds. A U.S. national silver medalist, Edmunds is celebrated for her elegant style, technical precision and artistry on the ice. Representing Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, she has earned multiple international medals and continues to share her passion for skating as a performer, commentator and mentor, captivating audiences with her grace and dedication to the sport.

Additional featured skaters include American figure skater Emmanuel Savary, a Wilmington, Delaware native, and Khloe Felton, a 14-time national medalist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Savary is celebrated for his athleticism, artistry and trailblazing presence in the sport, earning U.S. national medals and international recognition while inspiring future generations through his advocacy for diversity and inclusion in figure skating. Felton, a solo and shadow dance champion, is known for her grace, precision and expressive performances, bringing storytelling and artistry to the ice as one of Michigan’s emerging skating talents.

Other performances of note on the MGM Grand Detroit Stage include Urban Arts Orchestra, Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT, Grosse Pointe Theatre, Cass Tech High School Madrigal Choir and, in partnership with Broadway in Detroit, special guests from Phantom of the Opera.

Skaters from several metro Detroit and Detroit based skating clubs will be showcasing their skills on The Rink at Campus Martius Park, including those from Arctic Figure Skating Club, Detroit Skating Club, Dream Detroit Skating Academy, Figure Skating Club of Birmingham, Figure Skating in Detroit, Livonia Figure Skating Club, Motown Ice Theatre, New Edge Figure Skating Club and St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Those planning to attend the 22nd annual Detroit Tree Lighting are encouraged to arrive early to experience amazing lighting attractions totaling more than a million lights across the downtown, festive activities and so much more!

Adults can enjoy a variety of beverages at our returning bars and beverage stations, including Mistletoe Mules with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cutwater Espresso Martinis, spiked hot cocoa and Michelob Ultra. Absopure Water will also be available for purchase, along with Sheetz Hot Cocoa Exprezz. For every purchase of hot cocoa, $1 will benefit Forgotten Harvest.

Attendees who arrive early can also grab a FREE chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A while supplies last.

Cadillac Lodge
The Cadillac Lodge, operated by Continental, returns this season as a cozy winter retreat next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. Open through Jan. 4, 2026, it offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy sliders, nachos, a new kids’ menu and other festive favorites, making it the perfect place to gather, relax and make memories in the comfort of a ski lodge setting.

Food Truck Fun
A variety of food trucks will line Monroe Street before and during the Detroit Tree Lighting, serving up delicious grab-and-go options from a mix of local favorites. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy great food while supporting Detroit’s small business owners and entrepreneurs. The lineup from 4 to 9 p.m. includes:
–Busta Dawgs
–Cinnamon Nuts & More
–Impasto
–Los Dos Amigos
–Fun Food Express
–Andiamo
–Cousin’s Maine Lobster
–Beignets 2 Go
–Big Bo’s Grill
–Sonny’s Hamburgers
–Rolling Stones Pizza

Dining Options Downtown
Downtown Detroit is also home to an impressive number of dining options, from casual to fine dining and everything in between, including the award-winning Parc at Campus Martius Park and Lumen at Beacon Park. The Detroit Tree Lighting is one of the busiest nights of the season, so attendees are encouraged to make reservations early and support local restaurants.

Photo Ops
In addition to taking photos with Santa, attendees may also spot Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary, Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper, who will be roaming about.

Share the Warmth with Mittens for Detroit
New this year, we are partnering with Mittens for Detroit, a local nonprofit providing new mittens and gloves to children, teens and adults in need throughout Detroit and nearby communities. While admission to the Detroit Tree Lighting is free, guests can help make winter warmer by donating new mittens or gloves at any event entrance. All donations support Mittens for Detroit’s mission to deliver comfort, care, and warmth to those facing the cold. Together, we can make this season brighter and warmer for our neighbors.

Winter Sponsor-land and Light Up Fun
Returning this year, “Winter Sponsor-land” will again showcase some of the key DDP partners with free giveaways, swag and fun surprises throughout the night for attendees. Gloworks is also back with their festive light-up novelties, brightening downtown Detroit and adding extra sparkle to the evening. Be sure to explore their offerings and light up your night!

Additionally, our friends at Carhartt will be giving away thousands of hats while supplies last for early attendees.

EVENT MAP:

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
Convenient and affordable parking and transit options are available steps away from Campus Martius Park, including public transit such as DDOT, SMART Bus (plus FAST), Detroit People Mover and QLINE. For parking needs, we recommend you check ParkWhiz for additional parking options.

ROAD CLOSURE MAP:

CURFEW AND CAPACITY
Minors are welcome to attend the Tree Lighting from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over) while they attend the event.

Due to expected high attendance and to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, event admission gates will close once capacity is reached. We strongly recommend arriving early to guarantee entry and secure your spot.

PROHIBITED ITEMS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
-Weapons / firearms / knives / bats/ clubs
-Mace/pepper spray
-Laser pointers / any similar devices
-Fireworks / smoke bombs
-Illegal substances
-Any form of marijuana
-Pets
-Banners / flags / offensive signs
-Frisbees / beach balls / balloons
-Chairs
-Poles / selfie sticks / monopods / tripods
-Professional / commercial
-Cameras
-Cameras with detachable lenses / lenses longer than four inches
-Audio / visual recording devices (GoPro, etc.)
-Missile like objects that can be thrown
-Backpacks / hard-sided bags
-Aerosol cans / liquids over 4 ounces
-Drones
-Skateboards/hoverboards
-Whistles/horns
-Outside food/beverage
-Clothing/garments displaying explicit, profane or derogatory characterization
-Any other items deemed to be dangerous by park security and Facility management

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT
-Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all park personnel.
-Guests will enjoy all event experiences free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.
-Guests will responsibly consume alcoholic beverages. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated, or underage guest will be handled promptly and safely.
-Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.
-Guests will comply with requests from park staff regarding park operations and emergency response procedures.
-Guests may not engage in unauthorized commercial activity in the event space.

SPONSORS
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded nonprofit organization that greatly benefits from the support of its presenting sponsors Bank of America, DTE Foundation, DTE Beacon Park Foundation, Lexus and Rocket Companies, as well as the following additional sponsors: 313 Presents, Absopure, Amazon, Andiamo, Autoliv, Bosch, Broadway in Detroit, Bubba’s 33, Carhartt, Chandon, Chick-fil-A, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Auto Show, Delta Airlines, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Lions, The Detroit News, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Zoo, Diversified Members Credit Union, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Fastsigns, Faygo, Gardner White, Gilbert Family Foundation, Great Lakes Visitor Bureau, Honigman, McDonald’s, Metro Parent, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Lottery, Motown Museum, One Magnify, Sheetz, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, William Davidson Foundation, WDIV Local 4 and Xfinity.

Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate Party Presented by Michigan Lottery
2025-11-22 18:00 - 23:00 | Campus Martius Park
Join us for a night of holiday cheer and laughter with DJ Myint spinning your favorite holiday tunes, plus prizes for the best ugly sweater and a chance to win $5 holiday instant lottery tickets during the “Lucky Lottery Minute,” only at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus.

ADMISSION/PRICING:
Adult: $12.00
Child (12 and under): $9.00
Military / First Responder: $8.00
Senior (59 and older): $9.00
SKATE RENTAL: $6.00

Polar Express Skate Party Presented By Metro Parent
2025-11-23 12:00 - 16:00 | Campus Martius Park
Enjoy a magical ride at our Polar Express Skate presented by Metro Parent. Families and kids are invited to glide through an afternoon of holiday fun, cozy up with hot cocoa and groove to cheerful Christmas tunes spun by DJ Myint. Don your most festive group outfits as prizes await the most spirited ensembles. All aboard for a heartwarming holiday experience at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus.

ADMISSION/PRICING:
Adult: $12.00
Child (12 and under): $9.00
Military / First Responder: $8.00
Senior (59 and older): $9.00
SKATE RENTAL: $6.00

Downtown Detroit 25 Days of December
2025-11-29 - 2025-12-23, 2025-11-30 - 2025-12-24, 2025-12-01 - 2025-12-25, 2025-12-02 - 2025-12-26 | Campus Martius Park
Shop Dine Discover
Holiday Campaign kicks off on Small Business Saturday, November 29, 2025 and ends on December 23, 2025.
The countdown to Small Business Saturday and holiday shopping/dining in Downtown Detroit has begun and we are working on something uniquely Detroit for you! With several beloved local shops, restaurants, cafés and experiences, there’s no better time to support the businesses that make our city sparkle.
Why It Matters
When you shop, sip, meet up and celebrate in Downtown Detroit, you are:

Supporting local businesses and local jobs
Strengthening a vibrant, walkable, one-of-a-kind downtown
Helping your favorite Detroit spots stay strong all year long
And making memories that feel like home for the holidays

Downtown Detroit 25 Days of December
2025-12-01, 2025-12-02 | Campus Martius Park
Enjoy the Holidays and Support and Shop Small This Season!

We’ve been working on something uniquely Detroit for the holiday season to support Downtown business owners. 25 Days of December kicks off Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23, to encourage patrons to shop local. Thank you to all the local shops, restaurants, and cafés who agreed to participate. We look forward to seeing this campaign come to life and bring traffic to Downtown Detroit!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Why It Matters
When you shop, sip, meet up and celebrate in Downtown Detroit, you are:

Supporting local businesses and local jobs
Strengthening a vibrant, walkable, one-of-a-kind downtown
Helping your favorite Detroit spots stay strong all year long
And making memories that feel like home for the holidays

Your Chance to Win!

Enter for a chance to win one of three grand prizes through the Holiday Adventure Card
Enjoy weekly prize opportunities as part of the Character Sighting & Photo Contest
4 weeks, 3 winners (1 grand prize), unique Downtown experiences!

Downtown Detroit 25 Days of December
2025-12-03, 2025-12-04, 2025-12-05, 2025-12-06, 2025-12-07, 2025-12-08, 2025-12-09, 2025-12-10 and 8 more dates | Campus Martius Park
Enjoy the Holidays and Support and Shop Small This Season!

We’ve been working on something uniquely Detroit for the holiday season to support Downtown business owners. 25 Days of December kicks off Saturday, Nov. 29 and runs through Tuesday, Dec. 23, to encourage patrons to shop local. Thank you to all the local shops, restaurants, and cafés who agreed to participate. We look forward to seeing this campaign come to life and bring traffic to Downtown Detroit!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Why It Matters
When you shop, dine, and discover in Downtown Detroit, you are:

Supporting local businesses and local jobs
Strengthening a vibrant, walkable, one-of-a-kind downtown
Helping your favorite Detroit spots stay strong all year long
And making memories that feel like home for the holidays

Your Chance to Win!

Enter for a chance to win one of three grand prizes through the Holiday Adventure Card
Enjoy weekly prize opportunities as part of the Character Sighting & Photo Contest
4 weeks, 3 winners (1 grand prize), unique Downtown experiences!

Little Red Wings – Learn To Play Clinics
2025-12-06 09:00 - 10:00, 2025-12-13 09:00 - 10:00 | Campus Martius Park
Thank you for your interest in the Learn to Play Hockey program, presented in collaboration with the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association, the Little Red Wings and the Detroit Downtown Partnership. Detroit-area children ages 5-9 will receive free on-ice instruction and a full set of hockey equipment.

Sessions will be held on Saturday mornings at the Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus, starting at 9 a.m. The program runs from Dec. 6 to Feb. 7.

A small registration fee with USA Hockey is required to participate:

2019 & younger: $12

2017–2018: $9

2013–2016: $9

FREE hockey equipment will be provided by the Little Red Wings. Once registered, a link will be emailed to order your equipment.

Space is limited, no experience is necessary and to register and for more info visit: https://maha.sportngin.com/register/form/808783015

Menorah In The D
2025-12-14 | Cadillac Square, 662 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Come celebrate the Festival of Lights on Dec. 14. The menorah will stand tall in Cadillac Square throughout the eight nights of Hanukkah.
