Shape Your World: Beacon Park Interactive Experience ft. Optik Installation
2025-09-14 06:00 - 22:00 (America/Detroit) | Beacon Park, 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI, 48226, United States
Uncover your own perspective and dive deeper into how you shape the world and the environment we all share. With a venue theme of “Light, Energy and Motion” and an approach rooted in functional design, environmental responsibility, public accessibility and community, DTE Energy’s Beacon Park is proud to host the Optik installation during 2025 Detroit Month of Design. Curated by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, the experience highlights the ongoing commitment to bring creativity and community to Downtown Detroit.
From September 3 – October 3, 2025, from 6 a.m. – 10 p.m., Beacon Park will transform into a vibrant space filled with lights, abstract sounds, melodic music and curated cocktails and mocktails by Lumen Detroit, all in an open-air setting, designed to create a one-of-a-kind experience for Downtown Detroit visitors and design enthusiasts.  Optik is an interactive installation that invites individuals to play with their surroundings and discover new perspectives on everyday environments. The installation features ten gyroscope-like structures, each standing six feet (1.8 meters) tall. At the center of each structure is a dichroic film that reflects sunlight during the day and refracts the inner ring’s lighting at dusk, creating a constantly shifting display of color and light. As the audience rotates each unit, they create their own endless cascade of colors. The experience is amplified as sound joins the movement, turning each unit into a different musical instrument.
Through movement and reflection of light, each of these colorful units encourages the public to engage with another unit and other people within the space, sparking spontaneous conversations, dance parties, jam sessions, light shows, and to finally see each and every one’s true color.  Optik transports people away from their daily routine and into a state of play. It is no longer just a photogenic monument within a space; it becomes a communal hub for social connection.

Summer Sundays at Beacon Park
2025-09-14 11:00 - 19:00
Join us on select Sundays this summer for the ultimate city escape during Summer Sundays at Beacon Park!
Whether you’re looking to break a sweat or kick back and relax, there’s something for everyone—brunch at Lumen Detroit, fitness classes, lawn games, crafts and more.
The best part? It’s all FREE! Check out the schedule and register for Sunday fitness classes with Boll YMCA below.
From 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
– Lumen brunch and picnic. Make a reservation at www.lumendetroit.com.
– Lawn games like cornhole, connect 4, ping pong, foosball and volleyball
– Environmental Awareness and Pollinator station featuring Detroit Hives
– Family Heath, Wellness and Accessibility station featuring composting and recycling tips
– STEEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Art, and Math) leaning station with Detroit CHEMpreneurIST on 7/13 and 8/10 only. More Details:
About: Detroit CHEMpreneurIST collaborates closely with local schools, educators, and community groups to offer unique workshops that blend personal care chemistry with entrepreneurial education. Our programs, designed to align with Michigan’s ELA and Science standards, integrate a comprehensive STEEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Art, and Math) approach.
July 13: From the Lab to Label: A Nose for Business: Dive nose-first into the world of scent and creativity at this hands-on activity station! Participants will learn how to mix their own natural scented spray using safe, everyday ingredients. After making their custom blend, they’ll move on to the design station to create a personalized label with a name, logo, and visual style. This interactive experience combines basic chemistry with artistic expression and is perfect for curious minds of all ages. Come mix, label, and take your one-of-a-kind creation!
August 10: From the Lab to Label: Honey, I made Lip Balm!: Get ready for a buzz-worthy blend of chemistry and creativity! Using natural ingredients, participants will mix up a honey lip balm that’s ready to use or take. After stirring up their balm, they’ll head to the branding station to give their new product a name, design a custom label, or create packaging that reflects their personal style. From start to finish, it’s a playful journey through natural chemistry, self-care, and self-expression

From 3 – 5 p.m.
-Beginner and Intermediate hustle and line dancing by the N’Namdi Movement Center with instructor Maurice Adams. Registration Link to come

More Details:
Move, groove and dance your way through the weekend
Learn the basics of non-partner dance styles like hustle, line dancing and ballroom with an experienced instructor in a beautiful outdoor space. Open to beginners and more experienced dancers.
We suggest wearing comfortable clothes you can move in, a bottle for filling at the water station and sun protection.
This class is FREE and OPEN to the public. Space will be limited based on park capacity

From 5 – 7 p.m.
– Fitness and wellness sessions with Boll Family YMCA. Metro Detroit friends and families can boost their wellness this again this year with free, high energy, outdoor fitness sessions led by talented instructors and fitness professionals..
June 22
5:00pm – 5:45pm: Instructor – Lissy teaching Les Mills TONE
6:00pm – 6:45pm: Instructor – Erin teaching Yoga
July 13
5:00pm – 5:45pm: Instructor – Emily teaching HIIT
6:00pm – 6:45pm: Instructor – Erin teaching Yoga
August 10
5:00pm – 5:45pm: Instructor – Jayla teaching Step Aerobics
6:00pm – 6:45pm: Instructor – Colin teaching Stretch
September 14
5:00pm – 5:45pm: Instructor – Lynn teaching Zumba
6:00pm – 6:45pm: Instructor – Nick teaching Stretch
Register here: https://bit.ly/4kqILo5

Enjoy the outdoors, take in the city views and make lasting memories. Don’t miss out on this summer series of fun, vibes, and memories in the making!
Summer Sundays at Beacon Park are programmed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
For more information about Beacon Park and Lumen restaurant please visit:
www.DTEBeaconPark.com or www.LumenDetroit.com
