10 Things To Do During the NFL Draft in Detroit This Weekend
Story by Amelia Ritter
It’s finally here - NFL Draft weekend in Detroit! This weekend is sure to be jam-packed with excitement between fan activations, food festivals, live music, and parties surrounding the actual event itself. Even if you’re not a football fan, there are tons of things you can do this weekend to celebrate.
First things first though, if you’re attending the NFL Draft you need to download the NFL OnePass and register. This is your ticket into the free event!
Watch the NFL Draft
Get ready for three days of pure football heaven in the heart of Downtown Detroit. It all starts on Thursday, April 25 with round 1 at 8pm. Rounds 2-3 begin on Friday, April 26 at 7pm, and rounds 4-7 will be on Saturday, April 27 at 12pm. You can watch on screens at the Draft Theater, Draft Experience, and at other activations around town, outside of the NFL Draft footprint.
Experience the Taste of Detroit
Detroit is no stranger to delicious food from tons of different cultures. In addition to Dearborn Restaurant Week commencing on April 28, you can experience the “Taste of the Town” at tailgates during the NFL Draft. Enjoy selections from Waka by Baobob Fare, Detroit 75 Kitchen, Haraz Coffee House, Mom’s Spaghetti, El Parian Taco, Louisiana Creole Gumbo, Kuzzo’s Chicken and Waffles, Bangkok 96 Steet Food, and more culinary delights.
Do the Detroit Hustle
If you’ve been to any party in Detroit, you’ve seen a crowd come together for The Hustle. So of course, NFL Draft festivities in Detroit wouldn’t be complete without a gathering to teach visitors how we get down in Detroit! Join everyone on Saturday at 1pm at the main stage of the footprint for a lesson and to move your feet to the beat!
Hang out at the Corner Ballpark
All weekend long, and with a specific family-focused day on Saturday, Corner Ballpark will serve as the hub of all youth activities at the Draft, and will be an extension of the activities at the main Draft site at Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. The OnePas is required for entry into the ballpark, and there will be screens to watch the NFL Draft on location. Activities will include a field goal challenge, food trucks, an equipment try-on, and a play football field with USA Football coaches and NFL players.
Take in the NFL Draft Experience
Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances, and sponsor experiences. Activities include a 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and hail mary games; an autograph stage, Bud Light backyard bar, Taste of Detroit, photo frames; and so much more!
Draft Day in the D
Draft Day in the D is a free three-day party with festivities spanning across Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park, and a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State Street and Witherell Street. Attendees won’t miss a second of the action, with ten 20-foot video walls spread throughout the Downtown parks showing the live feed of the event all weekend long.
Decked Out Detroit
Check out Bedrock’s Decked Out Detroit interactive Field Guide highlighting 119 must-visit spots for dining, eating, drinking, shopping, parking, and entertainment. Take in everything that the Draft has to offer at new favorites and pop-up spaces downtown. This Bedrock-curated field guide is perfect for itinerary inspiration and effortless navigation while in Detroit for the Draft.
Catch Concerts
Spotlighting Detroit’s world-class music scene throughout the weekend, the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light will feature performances from Big Sean, Detroit Youth Choir, and Bazzi. Detroit native Big Sean will take the stage at 6:15pm before the first round of Draft selections begin on Thursday. The Detroit Youth Choir will perform at 6pm on Friday, and Bazzi will perform on Saturday evening, following all Draft selections.
Save with Fan Offers and Enjoy Special Events
Discover exclusive offers and unforgettable experiences designed just for fans from local Detroit businesses. From game-day specials and dining adventures to exploring Detroit's cultural sights, there is something for every fan. Your ultimate football fan adventure begins now! Offers include food discounts, discount entertainment tickets, free parking, and deals on merch and apparel. Events include watch parties, tours, fun runs, and pub crawls.
See the DCLEATED Art Around Town
In celebration of the big weekend, Prop Art Studios has fabricated twenty colossal football cleats which have been customized by talented local Detroit artists. Each artist has chosen a Detroit-based cause, non-profit, or charity and has partnered with local organizations for a unique project: designing custom cleats to uplift important causes they're passionate about. This project showcases Detroit's creativity while raising awareness and support for our community. Each passionate artist sees the cleat as canvases to tell stories and spread awareness for a cause. Each design reflects the artist's vision and what they passionately advocate for.
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