20 cool ways to spend summer nights in Detroit

By on Tue, Jun 7, 2022 at 10:43 am

Michigan’s warm season is mercilessly short, and its temperate spring is even shorter. It seems like not long after Memorial Day, we’re already in the thick of a Midwestern summer, with the hot sun beating down, sticky car seats, and humidity that makes the air feel like swimming through soup. Just existing can be painful, and doubly so without that sweet, sweet A/C. 

But that all changes when the sun goes down. The temperature drops, the other nocturnal creatures come out to play, and metro Detroit is now buzzing with possibilities (and, well, mosquitos). Still, there’s nothing like a Detroit summer, and to help make sure you don’t waste a moonlit moment this season, we’ve come up with this list of after-dark events and adventures. Carpe noctem!

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Nightclubbin’ Clubbing is fun year-round, but especially so in the warmer months at clubs with both indoor and outdoor spaces like Marble Bar, Spot Lite, Exodos Lounge, and others. Some, like Marble Bar, are even known to throw the occasional all-nighters, so you can dance all night long and watch the sun rise.
Courtesy photo

Nightclubbin’

Clubbing is fun year-round, but especially so in the warmer months at clubs with both indoor and outdoor spaces like Marble Bar, Spot Lite, Exodos Lounge, and others. Some, like Marble Bar, are even known to throw the occasional all-nighters, so you can dance all night long and watch the sun rise.

Enjoy the RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway Detroit’s riverfront RiverWalk and the nearby Dequindre Cut Greenway are open seven days a week until 10 p.m., meaning you can enjoy a pleasant stroll after sunset. See detroitriverfront.org for more information.
Shutterstock

Enjoy the RiverWalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway

Detroit’s riverfront RiverWalk and the nearby Dequindre Cut Greenway are open seven days a week until 10 p.m., meaning you can enjoy a pleasant stroll after sunset.

See detroitriverfront.org for more information.

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Ford-Wyoming Drive-In This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re not catching a double-feature at the Motor City’s long-standing drive-in theater, you’re doing summer all wrong. 10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313- 846-6910; forddrivein.com.
Josh Kesner, Flickr Creative Commons

Ford-Wyoming Drive-In

This one’s a no-brainer. If you’re not catching a double-feature at the Motor City’s long-standing drive-in theater, you’re doing summer all wrong.

10400 Ford Rd., Dearborn; 313- 846-6910; forddrivein.com.

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Slow your roll In the summer, you’ll see Detroiters riding tricked-out bicycles outfitted with colorful LED lights and speakers cruising around town at night. Fire up monkeylectric.com, order some cool LED lights for your ride, and get out there and join them.
Courtesy of Dlectricity

Slow your roll

In the summer, you’ll see Detroiters riding tricked-out bicycles outfitted with colorful LED lights and speakers cruising around town at night. Fire up monkeylectric.com, order some cool LED lights for your ride, and get out there and join them.

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Monroe Street Midway With construction on downtown’s Monroe Blocks development delayed, Bedrock Detroit has brought back its Monroe Street Midway to activate the site. The outdoor roller skating rink and basketball returns, along with DJ entertainment and the addition of a new miniature golf course this year. The activities are open to adults age 21 and older from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. 32 Monroe St., Detroit; deckedoutdetroit.com/midway.
Courtesy of Bedrock Detroit

Monroe Street Midway

With construction on downtown’s Monroe Blocks development delayed, Bedrock Detroit has brought back its Monroe Street Midway to activate the site. The outdoor roller skating rink and basketball returns, along with DJ entertainment and the addition of a new miniature golf course this year. The activities are open to adults age 21 and older from 8-11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

32 Monroe St., Detroit; deckedoutdetroit.com/midway.

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Catch a Detroit Tigers game Nothing’s more summer than eating a hot dog and drinking a beer while you watch a baseball game under the lights of Comerica Park. 2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-4000; see mlb.com/tigers for this season’s schedule and to purchase tickets.
Ken Lund, Flickr Creative Commons

Catch a Detroit Tigers game

Nothing’s more summer than eating a hot dog and drinking a beer while you watch a baseball game under the lights of Comerica Park.

2100 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313-962-4000; see mlb.com/tigers for this season’s schedule and to purchase tickets.

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Movies at New Center Park New Center Park’s free, outdoor, and family-friendly film series returns on Fridays. Up next is Luca on June 10, Respect on June 17, Sing 2 on June 24, Shaun the Sheep on July 1, The Mitchells vs. The Machines on July 8, Ghostbusters: Afterlife on July 15, Jungle Cruise on July 22, Tangled on July 29, Cruella on Aug. 5, In the Heights on Aug. 12, Spider-Man: No Way Home on Ag. 19, and The Batman on Aug. 26. Doors at 8 p.m.; 2998 W. Grand Blvd.l 313-420-6002; newcenterpark.com/friday-night-movies.
Courtesy photo

Movies at New Center Park

New Center Park’s free, outdoor, and family-friendly film series returns on Fridays. Up next is Luca on June 10, Respect on June 17, Sing 2 on June 24, Shaun the Sheep on July 1, The Mitchells vs. The Machines on July 8, Ghostbusters: Afterlife on July 15, Jungle Cruise on July 22, Tangled on July 29, Cruella on Aug. 5, In the Heights on Aug. 12, Spider-Man: No Way Home on Ag. 19, and The Batman on Aug. 26.

Doors at 8 p.m.; 2998 W. Grand Blvd.l 313-420-6002; newcenterpark.com/friday-night-movies.

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Glenlore Trails When the pandemic hit, a company that makes displays for the North American International Auto Show found itself with free time on its hands. That’s when it had a eureka moment and pivoted to create Glenlore Trails, a family-friendly walking trail illuminated with playful, high-tech light installations. The folks behind it updated the trails in June with a new theme called Pulse, which they describe as an “all-new melodic experience with interactive moments, dazzling displays of light, sound, and wonder.” Thursdays-Sundays; 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township; glenloretrails.com. Reservations should be made ahead of time online.
Courtesy photo

Glenlore Trails

When the pandemic hit, a company that makes displays for the North American International Auto Show found itself with free time on its hands. That’s when it had a eureka moment and pivoted to create Glenlore Trails, a family-friendly walking trail illuminated with playful, high-tech light installations. The folks behind it updated the trails in June with a new theme called Pulse, which they describe as an “all-new melodic experience with interactive moments, dazzling displays of light, sound, and wonder.”

Thursdays-Sundays; 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township; glenloretrails.com. Reservations should be made ahead of time online.

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View Detroit from Windsor The best view of Detroit isn’t even in Detroit. You have to cross the Detroit River into Windsor, Ontario for the most picturesque glimpse of the city’s skyline — a breathtaking sight, especially on a summer night.
Shutterstock

View Detroit from Windsor

The best view of Detroit isn’t even in Detroit. You have to cross the Detroit River into Windsor, Ontario for the most picturesque glimpse of the city’s skyline — a breathtaking sight, especially on a summer night.

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Catch an outdoor concert The only thing better than the magic of live music is the magic of live music at an outdoor amphitheater. Just in time for the summer concert season, Clarkston’s Pine Knob has been recently rechristened with its former boomer-era name to celebrate its 50th anniversary, harking back to the heyday of outdoor concerts from bands like Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Detroit’s Aretha Franklin Amphitheater and the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights also have a stacked lineup of outdoor concerts this season. Pine Knob is at 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston; 248- 377-0100; 313presents.com | Aretha Franklin Amphitheater is at 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-0292; the aretha.com | Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill is at 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com.
313 Presents

Catch an outdoor concert

The only thing better than the magic of live music is the magic of live music at an outdoor amphitheater. Just in time for the summer concert season, Clarkston’s Pine Knob has been recently rechristened with its former boomer-era name to celebrate its 50th anniversary, harking back to the heyday of outdoor concerts from bands like Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Detroit’s Aretha Franklin Amphitheater and the Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights also have a stacked lineup of outdoor concerts this season.

Pine Knob is at 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston; 248- 377-0100; 313presents.com | Aretha Franklin Amphitheater is at 2600 Atwater St., Detroit; 313-393-0292; the aretha.com | Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom Hill is at 14900 Metro Pkwy., Sterling Heights; 248-377-0100; 313presents.com.

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Cruisin’ Woodward You can catch classic cars all along Woodward Avenue in Oakland County during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20 this year. But in Royal Oak, people start gathering along the thoroughfare as soon as the warmer weather hits, parking their rides along the street or just posting up in a folding chair to admire the passersby.
Lee DeVito

Cruisin’ Woodward

You can catch classic cars all along Woodward Avenue in Oakland County during the annual Woodward Dream Cruise, scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 20 this year. But in Royal Oak, people start gathering along the thoroughfare as soon as the warmer weather hits, parking their rides along the street or just posting up in a folding chair to admire the passersby.

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Belle Isle after dark Detroit’s island park closes daily at 10 p.m., meaning you can watch the sunset and enjoy the river breeze for a little bit before Michigan State Police kick you out.
Shutterstock

Belle Isle after dark

Detroit’s island park closes daily at 10 p.m., meaning you can watch the sunset and enjoy the river breeze for a little bit before Michigan State Police kick you out.

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Detroit City FC If you haven’t caught a game by Detroit City FC, the Motor City’s grassroots pro soccer team, you’re missing out on a sports experience like no other. Le Rouge’s matches at Hamtramck’s Keyworth Stadium are electric, with the Northern Guard Supporters leading raucous chants, setting off colorful smoke bombs, and generally keeping things lively. You won’t get this experience at a Lions game, that’s for sure. 3201 Roosevelt St., Hamtramck; see detcityfc.com for full schedule.
Dion Degennaro

Detroit City FC

If you haven’t caught a game by Detroit City FC, the Motor City’s grassroots pro soccer team, you’re missing out on a sports experience like no other. Le Rouge’s matches at Hamtramck’s Keyworth Stadium are electric, with the Northern Guard Supporters leading raucous chants, setting off colorful smoke bombs, and generally keeping things lively. You won’t get this experience at a Lions game, that’s for sure.

3201 Roosevelt St., Hamtramck; see detcityfc.com for full schedule.

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Get down in Greektown Last year, “I’m in Greek town area” became a local euphemism for revelry after a mother shared a text-message conversation between her and her son, who had tracked her phone’s location to the Delmar, a bar in Detroit’s rowdiest entertainment district. Between institutions like the Old Shillelagh and newer rooftop nightclubs like Level Two and Exodos, this neighborhood buzzes with a party atmosphere during the summer months. Just, you know, behave yourselves.
Stevie Ansara, Detroit Stock City

Get down in Greektown

Last year, “I’m in Greek town area” became a local euphemism for revelry after a mother shared a text-message conversation between her and her son, who had tracked her phone’s location to the Delmar, a bar in Detroit’s rowdiest entertainment district. Between institutions like the Old Shillelagh and newer rooftop nightclubs like Level Two and Exodos, this neighborhood buzzes with a party atmosphere during the summer months. Just, you know, behave yourselves.

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Exercise after dark Detroit’s Beacon Park has a number of free evening fitness classes. That includes Fitness After Dark from 8-10 p.m. on Thursdays June 23, July 28, and Aug. 25, which includes a 60-minute ab workout amid strobing lights, and City Glow Yoga, held from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and Aug. 8 and 22, a combination of a yoga session and a silent disco. More information available at downtowndetroit.org/events.
Downtown Detroit Partnership

Exercise after dark

Detroit’s Beacon Park has a number of free evening fitness classes. That includes Fitness After Dark from 8-10 p.m. on Thursdays June 23, July 28, and Aug. 25, which includes a 60-minute ab workout amid strobing lights, and City Glow Yoga, held from 7:30-9 p.m. on Mondays, June 13 and 27, July 11 and 25, and Aug. 8 and 22, a combination of a yoga session and a silent disco.

More information available at downtowndetroit.org/events.

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See the cosmos the way god intended We have to be honest, we didn’t even know you could see the Milky Way until way later in life, when we went on a trip Up North, away from city lights, and were awestruck by the celestial beauty. Michigan has a number of dark sky parks worth a trek to behold this sight with your own eyes. Those include Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona County, Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, Rockport Recreation Area in Presque Isle County, Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County, Wilderness State Park in Emmet County, Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County. And Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County.
Shutterstock

See the cosmos the way god intended

We have to be honest, we didn’t even know you could see the Milky Way until way later in life, when we went on a trip Up North, away from city lights, and were awestruck by the celestial beauty. Michigan has a number of dark sky parks worth a trek to behold this sight with your own eyes. Those include Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County, Negwegon State Park in Alcona County, Port Crescent State Park in Huron County, Rockport Recreation Area in Presque Isle County, Thompson’s Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County, Wilderness State Park in Emmet County, Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County. And Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County.

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Drink on a patio Summer is the time to enjoy our bars’ patios with some al fresco drinking. Some of our favorites include Spot Lite (pictured), the Alley Deck, the Belt, Motor City Wine, and the Old Miami; see our list “35 essential Detroit area patios that are perfect for warm weather” for more ideas.
Se7enFifteen

Drink on a patio

Summer is the time to enjoy our bars’ patios with some al fresco drinking. Some of our favorites include Spot Lite (pictured), the Alley Deck, the Belt, Motor City Wine, and the Old Miami; see our list “35 essential Detroit area patios that are perfect for warm weather” for more ideas.

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Frame’s Big Top This Hazel Park spot has set up a big tent that will host a Pakistani food pop-up by Khana Detroit, along with alternating movies and live comedy on Thursdays. The film schedule includes Moonrise Kingdom on June 16, Do the Right Thing on June 30, The Virgin Suicides on July 14, Y tu mamá también on July 28, Dazed and Confused on Aug. 11, and The Endless Summer on Aug. 25, with comedy by Mike Geeter and Melanie Hearn on June 9, Bill Bushart and Ryan Brown on June 23, T. Barb and Kara Coraci on July 7, Cam Rowe and Camila Ballario on July 21, Tim Finkel and Robert Horton on Aug. 4, and Josh Adams and Brett Solferino on Aug. 18. Doors at 5 p.m., film starts at 8 p.m.; 23839 John R Rd., Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com. Movie tickets are $25 and include one dish from Khana Detroit while comedy tickets are $20.
Joe Vaughn/ Frame

Frame’s Big Top

This Hazel Park spot has set up a big tent that will host a Pakistani food pop-up by Khana Detroit, along with alternating movies and live comedy on Thursdays. The film schedule includes Moonrise Kingdom on June 16, Do the Right Thing on June 30, The Virgin Suicides on July 14, Y tu mamá también on July 28, Dazed and Confused on Aug. 11, and The Endless Summer on Aug. 25, with comedy by Mike Geeter and Melanie Hearn on June 9, Bill Bushart and Ryan Brown on June 23, T. Barb and Kara Coraci on July 7, Cam Rowe and Camila Ballario on July 21, Tim Finkel and Robert Horton on Aug. 4, and Josh Adams and Brett Solferino on Aug. 18.

Doors at 5 p.m., film starts at 8 p.m.; 23839 John R Rd., Hazel Park; framehazelpark.com. Movie tickets are $25 and include one dish from Khana Detroit while comedy tickets are $20.

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Put the pedal to the metal OK, we admit these newfangled “pedal pubs” are pretty fun, even though they make no sense. Whose bright idea was to combine a bar with a Peloton and set them loose in the streets of Detroit? We’re not sure, but there’s something deliciously subversive about drinking beers in public among the downtown traffic. Check out Detroit Rolling Pub & Pedal Bar (detroitrollingpub.com) or Handlebar Detroit (handlebardetroit.com).
Courtesy of the Handlebar

Put the pedal to the metal

OK, we admit these newfangled “pedal pubs” are pretty fun, even though they make no sense. Whose bright idea was to combine a bar with a Peloton and set them loose in the streets of Detroit? We’re not sure, but there’s something deliciously subversive about drinking beers in public among the downtown traffic. Check out Detroit Rolling Pub & Pedal Bar (detroitrollingpub.com) or Handlebar Detroit (handlebardetroit.com).

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Watch fireworks ‘Tis the season of endless local fireworks displays, many of which are returning this year for live audiences for the first time since 2019. That includes Detroit’s Ford Fireworks on Monday, June 27. See theparade.org for more information.
Shutterstock

Watch fireworks

‘Tis the season of endless local fireworks displays, many of which are returning this year for live audiences for the first time since 2019. That includes Detroit’s Ford Fireworks on Monday, June 27.

See theparade.org for more information.

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