DETROIT PARKS COALITION TO LAUNCH FREEDOM ARTS FESTIVAL ACROSS NINE PARKS AND PUBLIC SPACES IN THE CITY

What to look foward to:

June 19: Dequindre Cut at Campbell Terrace from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Juneteenthon the Cut: Stories from Black Bottom. Celebrate Juneteenth on the Dequindre Cut, which is at the eastern border of historic Black Bottom. Enjoy music from Dave McMurry, Reverend Robert Jones, Ian Moore, plus an open mic, vendors and food trucks.

July 13: Chandler Park from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Music and Me: A Community Arts & Music Festival. Food trucks, kids programming and live music performances presented in partnership with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.

July 20: Clark Park from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Culture & Arts Festival. Celebrate the culture of Southwest Detroit with musical and theatrical performances from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and community.

Aug. 3: O’Hair Park from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Sustainable Art for a Healthy Planet. Create art using sustainable or natural materials and themes while re-using objects for new art and art themes that promote a healthy planet during Arise Detroit Neighborhood Day.

Aug. 3: Selden Courtyard from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Midtown Pulse: A Techno and House Music Experience. Dive into the beats of Detroit’s iconic house and techno music, celebrating their profound heritage and global cultural influence. This event is a tribute to the legendary status of techno and house music, deeply intertwined with the city’s history and fueled by its spirit of innovation. Get ready to groove to the electrifying sounds of techno and house against the backdrop of Midtown’s Selden Courtyard, surrounded by a diverse array of local restaurants. Join us for an afternoon of music, art, food and the unique sense of unity that defines Detroit’s music scene.

Aug. 10: Palmer Park from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Ancient & Magnificent: Musical Diversity of the Middle East. Victor Ghannam, a world-renown oud player and member of the National Arab Orchestra, leads a stellar ensemble of artists on instruments such as the kanun, violin, nay (bamboo flute) and percussions to celebrate
freedom, harmony and understanding. Mexican muralist and visual artist, Elton Monroy Durán will lead hands-on art making, plus food and more for all ages.

Sept. 28: Eliza Howell Park by the Stickwork Sculpture from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Songs of Freedom. Hosted by Sidewalk Detroit, “Songs of Freedom” will be an evening of impactful songs celebrating freedom and justice.

Oct. 5: Rouge Park 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Buffalo Soldiers and Blues. The Rouge Park Buffalo Soldiers and Blues Freedom Festival will highlight the history of the Buffalo Soldiers, the all-Black U.S. Army units that distinguished themselves during westward expansion in the 19th century. The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association (BSHA) keeps the history of African Americans in the military alive by introducing youth in the community to horses housed in Rouge Park. Visitors can feed the horses, sign up for a horse ride and view the educational displays. Attendees will enjoy live Blues (the traditional color of the Buffalo Soldiers uniform) music from Big Pete and Friends as well as African drumming from Nanou Djapo. Food will be provided by Marichona’s Cuisine including Filipino lumpia in a nod to the Buffalo Soldiers’ service during the Philippine-American War. Family-friendly lawn games including horseshoes and corn hole will also be available.

Nov. 2: Patton Park (Runners check in at 7 a.m.)

Patton Park Run of the Dead. Certified 5k and 10k races in Patton Park to celebrate the Mexican holiday of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), honoring deceased relatives and loved ones. Participants will celebrate by wearing traditional face-paint, flowers and attire. Enjoy light bites, local vendors and entertainment by COMPAS. The Freedom Arts Festival is supported by the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan and the Michigan Arts and Culture Council.