This year, Hart Plaza is celebrating its 50th anniversary with exciting renovations and a diverse lineup of events. In this post, I’ll share insider tips on parking, transit, hotels, restaurants and a selection of must-attend events.
The Philip A. Hart Plaza, affectionately known as Hart Plaza, is an urban space along the Detroit River. Legend has it that this very area is where Antoine Laumet de La Mothe, sieur de Cadillac landed in 1701. Covering 14 acres, Hart Plaza opened in 1975 and can host up to 40,000 people. This outdoor venue offers breathtaking views of the Detroit skyline, seamlessly connects to the award-winning River Walk, and provides picturesque views of the Detroit River. While you’re there, you might even catch sight of a freighter or two, the Detroit Princess River Boat, and the Windsor skyline in the distance.
Parking Options
Several parking garages are conveniently located near Hart Plaza:
Name of Structure | Address |
| Griswold-Larned Parking Garage | 525 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Ford Underground Garage | 30 E Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Metropolis Parking | 154 Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| SP+ Parking | 238 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Port Atwater Parking Garage | 200 Beaubien Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Huntington Place Parking Garage | 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| 150 W. Jefferson Garage | 1 Griswold St, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Millender Center Parking | 331 Larned St, Detroit, MI 48226 |
Pro-tip: For street parking, consider downloading the Park Detroit app. This tool allows you to reserve, locate, and pay for parking directly from your phone, using GPS to identify your parking zone. Parking costs $1 per hour, with enforcement from Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. No payment is required from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., on Sundays, or on holidays.
Public Transit Options
QLINE: A 3.3-mile streetcar system connecting Downtown Detroit with Midtown and New Center along Woodward Avenue. This complimentary service ends on Congress Street, a short walk from Hart Plaza, making it ideal for exploring various parts of the city.
MoGo Bikes: A Detroit-based nonprofit bike share system offering a convenient and affordable way to navigate the city, with over 650 bikes at 78 stations across six Metro Detroit cities. Designed for quick trips, MoGo provides a flexible and fun transportation option. Passes can be purchased online, via the Transit app, or at station kiosks. The MoGo website features a system map to locate all stations for easy bike pickup.
Detroit People Mover: A 2.94-mile elevated, automated system operating on a one-way loop around downtown. This complimentary service features several stops within walking distance of Hart Plaza. For easy access, consider disembarking at one of these stops:
Huntington Place
Financial District
Millender Center
Renaissance Center
Ride Share
For transportation to or from Hart Plaza, ridesharing services like Uber and Lyft offer convenient options. These services provide flexible pickup and drop-off points near Hart Plaza, ensuring easy access to your destination. Use the Uber or Lyft apps to request a ride and follow the in-app instructions to locate your driver.
Nearby Food Spots
Chic yet approachable, the Apparatus Room inside of the Detroit Foundation Hotel bridges the old and the new, offering iconic New American cuisine rooted in Midwestern ingredients, along with thoughtful cocktails crafted by accomplished mixologists.
Experience a taste of Italy in the RenCen Food Court with hand-tossed pizzas, fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, sushi of the day, and more.
Located in the heart of downtown Detroit, one block from Campus Martius and Hart Plaza, this Michigan craft beer bar and scratch-made restaurant offers a historic ambiance.
A gastropub in Downtown Detroit serving contemporary American classics.
Shake Shack
Serving up beloved Shake Shack classics, along with the Pie Oh My concrete, made with vanilla custard, peanut butter sauce, Bon Bon Bon dark chocolate with Rocky’s honey roasted peanuts, and chocolate toffee.
Nearby Hotels
Name of Hotel | Address |
| Courtyard by Marriott | 333 E. Jefferson Ave., Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Fort Pontchartrain, a Wyndham Hotel | 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center | 400 Renaissance Dr. W, Detroit, MI 48243 |
| Hotel Indigo Detroit Downtown, an IHG Hotel | 1020 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226 |
| Detroit Foundation Hotel | 250 W. Larned St., Detroit, MI 48226 |
Upcoming Events at Hart Plaza
May 2025
Movement Festival (May 24-26)
Movement is the first major electronic music festival in the U.S., launched in 2000 to celebrate Detroit’s pivotal role in the evolution of electronic music. Held annually over Memorial Day weekend since 2006, it’s an unmissable event for music lovers.
Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix (May 30-June 1)
Gear up for the return of the Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix presented by Lear, igniting the streets of Downtown Detroit. This electrifying event showcases top-tier racing, including the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, and INDY NXT by Firestone. Beyond the high-speed action, the Grand Prix transforms the city into a dynamic festival with live music, delectable food, and interactive displays. Notably, areas like Hart Plaza, Spirit Plaza, and the Detroit Riverwalk offer free access throughout the weekend, ensuring everyone can partake in the festivities.
June 2025
Motor City Pride (June 7-8)
Detroit’s Motor City Pride weekend kicks off on Saturday afternoon and continues through Sunday, featuring a parade that takes over Griswold Street and Jefferson Avenue before culminating at Hart Plaza. With food, vendors, shopping, and live performances, it’s Michigan’s largest pride celebration, drawing over 50,000 participants.
Boris Brejcha (June 14)
Germany’s Boris Brejcha is renowned for pioneering high-tech minimal—a unique blend of house, techno, and trance. Internationally acclaimed for his live shows that often transform into dystopian carnivals, Brejcha has been featured in DJ Mag’s ‘Top 100 DJs’ list in both 2021 and 2022.
Ford Fireworks (June 23)
One of America’s best shows, this year’s Ford Fireworks promises to light up the Detroit skyline even brighter with a world-class display that will leave you in awe.
July 2025
The African World Festival (July 18-20)
Hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, this three-day festival celebrates culture, history, and community. This year is extra special as it commemorates the museum’s 60th anniversary with an immersive experience featuring music, dance, art, storytelling, and delectable food.
The Arab and Chaldean Festival (July 26-27)
Honoring Arab and Chaldean heritage, this festival showcases art, history, and culture. As the oldest and largest Arab and Chaldean festival in North America, it draws thousands for a vibrant weekend celebration.
August 2025
ARRIBA! Latinos Festival (August 2-3)
For the first time in over 30 years, Latino music and culture take center stage at Hart Plaza. With renowned artists like Waka Flocka Flame, Regulo Caro, and Noel Torres, ARRIBA! offers fun-filled entertainment, a children’s corner with activities, and a variety of food trucks and vendors.
Detroit’s Annual Ribs & R&B Music Festival (August 8-10)
Celebrate Detroit’s National BBQ Weekend with an impressive lineup of local barbecue experts and top-notch R&B and soul performers. Past festivals have featured stars such as Sheila E., Dru Hill, and Chanté Moore, among many others.
Detroit Jazz Fest (August 29 - September 1)
For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival has celebrated the city’s rich jazz heritage with one of the world’s largest free jazz festivals. Enjoy world-class talent and an unforgettable Labor Day weekend celebration.
Whether you’re coming for the music, culture, or simply to enjoy the stunning views, Hart Plaza offers an unbeatable experience in Detroit. With ample parking, accessible transit, and an exciting event calendar, it’s the perfect destination to immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant energy and rich history. Stay up-to-date with all things Detroit by following Visit Detroit on social media. Enjoy your visit
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