East Warren, a neighborhood along Warren Avenue on Detroit’s east side, has been undergoing a transformation in recent years, with new businesses popping up regularly and many more on the way.
To celebrate the community’s come up, E. Warrenfest, presented by East Warren Development Corporation and local music collective D.Cipher, is returning for its second year on Sept. 14 from 4-9 p.m.
Last year’s inaugural E. Warrenfest brought over 8,000 attendees to the area, and the 2024 event promises even more, spanning seven blocks with over 50 vendors, three stages, a kids zone, a beer garden, food trucks, and local business deals.
Performances include music from local acts such as Drey Skonie, Mic Phelps, Alice King, and DJ Donovan Glover.
This year’s festival will also feature an eastside bike ride led by Jason Hall of Trek and Slow Roll, beginning at 2 p.m. and concluding just in time for the festivities at 4 p.m.
“We were all just amazed at how many people came out,” says Sarah Williams, co-owner of Next Chapter Books, which will be celebrating its first anniversary at the festival. “It was such a joyous time. East Warren Development Corporation is working hard to include as many people as possible. We have restaurant owners that aren't open yet, and developers who aren't open yet, but will be on East Warren sharing their plans.”
East Warren Development Corp. is dedicated to revitalizing the E. Warren Corridor by supporting local businesses and increasing community engagement, a mission that the upcoming event nurtures.
Alongside the festival’s outdoor activities, local businesses will offer special deals throughout the day. Next Chapter Books will provide $5 off a $25 purchase, host book sale tables, and launch a loyalty program to thank customers for their support over the past year.
“It's really been an amazing year,” Williams says. “We still have people coming in every week that are saying, ‘I didn't know you were here,’ so we're encouraged that we're still getting the word out and growing that support, but it's really been a labor of love for the past year, and we're really thankful for the support that we have received…we are learning and growing every day.”
Additionally, Detroit Pepper Co. will celebrate its 5th anniversary, and Terri’s Cakes will be hosting a soft opening. Other nearby businesses, including Rob’s Deli and Flamz Pizzeria, will also be offering special promotions.
“I think this summer has been a little tough on small businesses, just slower foot traffic for everyone, I've been hearing across the city,” Williams says. “This is a time to be reminded of what we're all working for, and have that support of one another and the community, and just that there are great things happening in this neighborhood, and hopefully people will come out from all over the city, and Grosse Pointe and metro Detroit to be a part of it.”
Over the next few years, East Warren will welcome an Eastside Roasterz brick-and-mortar, a second location of New Center's East African restaurant Baobab Fare, mixed-use affordable housing project The Ribbon, East Warren Public Market, a commissary kitchen, a yoga studio, and more.
More information about E. Warrenfest 2024 and East Warren Development Corporation can be found at linktr.ee/ewdc.
Scroll down for a selection of photos from E. Warrenfest 2023.
