Detroit. The term itself brings the images of stubbornness, soul-stirring music, and creativity to mind. Once recognized as the undisputed “Motor City” due to its supremacy in producing vehicles that drove the global economy, Detroit has undergone a remarkable transformation over the last few decades. Did you know that Detroit is the only major American city where you can face south and see Canada to the North? The Detroit River separates the town from Windsor, Ontario.

Detroit is now a modern city with a vibrant, creative, and artistic scene, mouth-watering cuisine, heart-warming people, and an ever-exciting events calendar packed for 2025. The state of Michigan is brimming with a plethora of exciting events this year! Suppose you’re an avid sports enthusiast, music aficionado, art lover, or just an average wanderer seeking a memorable experience. In that case, Detroit is ready to serve you. Mark your calendars as we will take a look at what’s hot in Detroit— and share some of the major upcoming events in Detroit you must attend! Let’s begin

7 Major Upcoming Events In Detroit You Must Try In 2025

Detroit is a fantastic location for your weekend escape. If you enjoy exploring, grab a bike and make new friends on the Slow Roll bicycle tour (your view of the city would be unforgettable). Or you can go for a Winery Tasting Tour in the recently launched Detroit Vineyards. It is one of the most popular urban wineries in the country, producing exceptional wine is the very center of the city. Here are other major upcoming events in Detroit you should definitely try in 2025:

1. Concert of Colors (From July 17 – 20, 2025) 

Experience diverse cultures and rhythms from around the world at the Concert of Colors annual event. This free music festival, which runs for several days, highlights Detroit’s diverse ethnic population through music from all corners of the globe. It is held at various locations within Midtown and Downtown, showcasing the incredible diversity found in Detroit while featuring international and local performers. Get ready for a one-of-a-kind auditory journey that brings people together through music. It deeply showcases the tremendous hospitality of the city of Detroit.

2. African World Festival (From July 18 – 20, 2025) 

The African World Festival has long been an integral part of Detroit’s cultural landscape. It continues to bring hundreds of thousands of attendees to Hart Plaza. The festival celebrates not only African and African American cultures, but also those of the entire diaspora, through live performances and songs, traditional arts and crafts, food, storytelling, and education. So much heritage is condensed into good food and joyous celebration. From interactive drumming to dancing, and even simply embracing the richness of the atmosphere, this festival stands as a symbol of engagement with the wonderful spirit of diversity and multiculturalism that Detroit embodies.

3. Bassmaster’s Elite Series (From August 7 – 10, 2025)

Yes, you heard that right – elite fishing! Professional fishermen gather on Lake St. Clair, mere minutes from Detroit, for the Bassmaster Elite Series competition. This is much more than a pastime. It speaks to the natural beauty and outdoor life that the area has to offer. You can watch the top pros fight for the title, along with their immense skill and love for the sport. The energy around these events is amazing; the boat launches and the weigh-ins are captivating even for people who don’t fish.

4. LIV Golf Team Championship (From August 22 – 24, 2025)

LIV Golf is unlike any league you may have heard of in the past – now they are coming to Detroit for the Team Championship and it has never been more thrilling to watch golf. With a focus on teams as opposed to individual players, LIV operates on an entirely different plane, making golf much more exciting and engaging. Enjoy a weekend filled with the best music and entertainment while world-class golfers showcase their skills. Ideal for both avid enthusiast and those looking to become familiar with the sport, this event is something you don’t want to miss.

5. Detroit Football Classic (From August 29 – 30, 2025)

Attention, all football enthusiasts! One of the most awaited sports events, “The Detroit Football Classic” is finally here in the city. It is not only a college football game, but it also highlights the rich legacy of HBCUs, their culturally revered marching bands, and the spirited fans that attend. This event, hosted at Ford Field, is not only about football but also combines sports with carnival-like halftime performances, providing a unique sense of culture and identity. It is the epitome of everything that makes Detroit special, with a weekend filled with athletics, music, and celebration.

6. Detroit Free Pass Marathon (From October 17 – 19, 2025)

Put on your running shoes or grab your cheerleading pom-poms! The Free Press Marathon has been attracting runners from around the world to run through the streets of Detroit for years, making it one of the most prominent marathons in the country. What makes this marathon truly unique is its international crossing; runners literally cross the US-Canada border via the Ambassador Bridge and the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, making it the only marathon in the world to do so. It is a test of fitness, patriotism, and endurance juxtaposed against the ever-changing Detroit skyline.

7. North American International Auto Show (From January 14 – 25, 2026)

Motor City showcases the strength of its economy with the return of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). Located at Huntington Place, this is not merely an automobile exhibition; it is a glimpse into the future of transportation. As you walk through the showroom, new vehicles are being unveiled, advanced technologies are on display, and mechanisms allow for participation instead of passive observation. NAIAS highlights how Detroit continues to innovate and demonstrates a surge in focus on electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.

Wrapping It Up!

From 2025 and into 2026, the city of Detroit will be busy with an assortment of booming diverse culture celebrations and the throaty growl of racing cars, alongside jazz music. This city is not merely recovering; it is absolutely thriving. It is clear to see that Detroit showcases its enduring resilience, and no matter how devastating things get, there is still unwavering hope for the future.

To understand why Detroit is one of America’s most captivating locations, be sure to grab your passes from Eventsfy and visit it for yourself.