DETROIT, MICH (WXYZ) — From art exhibitions featuring community conversations and Night Market promoting local small businesses, to exercise classes for all ages and Family Fun Days, Beacon Park is kicking off a summer packed with events. Each month starting in May, there will be free summer events to attend.
“Beacon Park provides a beautiful gathering space for our community and a platform to raise awareness about clean energy sources and our impact on the environment around us,” said Rodney Cole, DTE Community Engagement director. “Starting our summer of events, Connected to All: Environment + People + Community will showcase a powerful message about our planet and sustainability through a visual, creative medium. We are proud to collaborate with local Detroit and Southeast Michigan artists to host this purposeful and inspiring event.”
Beyond the initial kickoff, Beacon Park’s summer event lineup is jam-packed with returning fan favorites including Family Fun Days with an all-new S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. focus; Night Markets, where local vendors set up shop featuring artwork, custom jewelry and even dessert; as well as a variety of free fitness classes for all skill levels.
Lumen Detroit, Beacon Park’s flagship restaurant, will be open throughout each event, featuring a seasonal menu and signature craft cocktails as an extension of the summer fun. The restaurant features a unique architectural design and modern patio space that diners can enjoy throughout the summer. Reservations [resy.com] are recommended.
Summer events at Beacon Park are free and underwritten by the DTE Beacon Park Foundation and programmed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership.
Connected to All: Environment + People + Community
Friday, May 19 – Sunday, May 21
Connected to All: Environment + People + Community, a multifaceted event, includes an art exhibition curated by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club, and will display sustainable and environmentally conscious themed paintings, photos, prints and sculptures by local artists. Additionally, the park will host a community critical conversation session, Just Place: Exploring the Intersectionality of Race & Accessibility in Detroit’s Urban Green Space, facilitated by a panel of local thought leaders. Throughout the event, Beacon Park will host an open house, sharing information on its sustainability initiatives, accessibility, and its vision to bring light, energy and motion to the community.
The art exhibition curated by the Detroit Fine Arts Breakfast Club takes place:
- Friday: 1-7 p.m.
- Saturday: 12-7 p.m.
- Sunday: 12-5 p.m.
- Just Place: Exploring the Intersectionality of Race & Accessibility in Detroit’s Urban Green Spaces takes place Saturday, May 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Family Fun Days
Sundays, 1 - 5 p.m. from June 18 to August 13
From hands-on robotics and virtual reality to interactive dance performances, puppet shows and beyond, Family Fun Days will now feature a variety of hands-on science and technology activities to inspire young audiences and introduce them to S.T.E.M./S.T.E.A.M. The events will include live stage performances, lawn games, arts & crafts, food trucks and more. Family Fun Days are free and open to community members of all ages.
Fitness After Dark – KickAbs™ with Coach Kiwi
Thursdays, 8-8:45 p.m. (warmup), 9-10 p.m. (workout session) on June 22, July 20, August 24
Get ready to feel the glow and prepare to sweat as Coach Kiwi hosts 60 minutes of intense cardio kickboxing and ab work in the dark. Each Fitness After Dark class features a pre-party warmup, strobing lights and live music from DJ Steel. Glow packs will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The event is free, open to all ages, and virtual options are available.
Hustle and Flow
Saturdays, 3:30-5 p.m., June 10 to August 19 (no class on July 1)
Keep moving and feel the music alongside experienced dance instructors from N’Namdi Movement Center as they walk you through the basics of non-partner dance styles including hustle, line, and ballroom dancing. The class is open to all skill levels.
Morning Combo with Tracie LG Fitness
Sundays, 9-10 a.m., June 25, July 9, July 23, August 6, August 20
Set the tone for your Sunday mornings with this high-energy fitness class designed to give parkgoers an all-around, full-body workout. The class includes cardio boxing moves and isolated strength components.
Night Market
Saturdays, 6-10 p.m., June 10 to August 26
Beacon Park transforms into a marketplace featuring art, handmade jewelry, t-shirts and more designed by local, Detroit-based vendors. New this year, Night Market will feature themed nights celebrating a swath of musical genres from indie to Motown, Latin Night and more. Night Market will additionally feature a Juneteenth Black Business Showcase. Each Night Market will host live bands, food trucks and DJs.
Volleyball Leagues with Come Play Detroit
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 6-10 p.m., May 24 to August 30
Ready, set, spike! Come Play Detroit’s volleyball league returns to Beacon Park, offering an opportunity to stay active, fit and meet new friends at the park. Register at leagues.comeplaydetroit.com.
Dates are subject to change pending weather. To stay up to date on the latest Beacon Park activity, visit [facebook.com]Facebook [facebook.com],[instagram.com]Instagram [instagram.com] and[dtebeaconpark.com]DTEBeaconPark.com [dtebeaconpark.com]. Beacon Park is located at 1901 Grand River Ave. in Detroit.
