Free Three-Day Centennial Festival for Rouge Park, kicks off today
Michigan’s largest urban park, Detroit’s Rouge Park, is turning 100! To celebrate this milestone, Friends of Rouge Park is hosting a free, three-day festival from Friday, June 27 through Sunday, June 29 at the Joy & Spinoza area of Rouge Park. Festivities include live music, family-friendly activities, a community resource fair, and a special fundraising reception.
“We are elated to be celebrating Rouge Park’s 100th birthday this year,” said Lindsay Pielack, the Executive Director of Friends of Rouge Park. “This is a proud moment for our organization, which has been a steward to the park for the last 23 years. This celebration uplifts the rich history and incredible amenities of the park and recognizes the renewed investment in making Rouge Park the world-class park that Detroiters deserve”.
Stretching 1,184 acres, Rouge Park is home to abundant and unique natural areas along 4.7 miles of the Rouge River. With 3.5 miles of nature trails, 7 miles of paved walking paths, an 18 hole golf course, sports fields, an archery range, an urban farm and two outdoor Olympic-size pools, the opportunities for outdoor recreation are endless.
The celebration kicks off on Friday, June 27, from 5 to 8 p.m., with the Rouge Park Centennial Reception—a ticketed fundraiser supporting the park’s future. Guests will enjoy live jazz from the City’s first Summer Music Series of the season, local food and drinks, and inspiring stories that highlight Rouge Park’s rich legacy. Proceeds will help preserve the park’s natural beauty and expand community programs. Artists set to perform include singer and harpist Anjelic, singer and composer Dorian Dillard II, and pianist and composer Brendon Davis.
The festivities continue on Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29, from 12 to 5 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a family-friendly carnival, live performances by Detroit artists, and a community resource fair offering valuable information and services.
“For the last 100 years, Rouge Park has been part of families’ memories so what better way to commemorate this milestone than with a good time at the park,” said Crystal Perkins, director of the City of Detroit General Services Department. “As we’re approaching National Parks and Recreation Month in July, this centennial celebration is a reminder of the significance of parks in Detroit.”
Even after a century, Rouge Park continues to evolve. Construction for a new community center is now scheduled for fall 2025. Currently, the Cody-Rouge neighborhood doesn’t have an indoor recreational facility; this project will change that. The new building will be in Rouge Park, adjacent to Brennan Pool. Detroit Pistons owner, Tom Gores', Family Foundation has committed $20 million to build this new community center.
Admission to the Centennial Celebration is free, but registration is encouraged. Tickets for the Friday evening reception can be purchased online at FRIENDS OF ROUGE PARK .
Get Involved:
- Register for the free event: Eventbrite
- Purchase tickets for the Friday reception: FRIENDS OF ROUGE PARK
- Volunteer opportunities: Eventbrite
Entertainment Lineup:
Friday: City of Detroit’s opening jazz concert with the Summer Music Series, featuring Anjelic and Brendon Davis wsg/Dorian Dillard.
Saturday: Centennial Celebration, with GMAC Cash, LaDon & Friends, Royal Rhythm and other local artists.
Sunday: Centennial Celebration featuring Rhythm and Rouge, with Lex the Radical and other local artists to be announced this week.
This centennial celebration is sponsored by:
