Spirit Plaza prepares for its season-opening with welcome-back weekend festivities

The city of Detroit Parks and Recreation, in collaboration with Total Access Events, is excited to launch the 2023 Spring/Summer season at Spirit Plaza. 

City officials say Spirit Plaza has become the “People's Plaza." When the public space was created in 2017, it was envisioned to transform one downtown block of Woodward Avenue north of Jefferson into a free, accessible gathering place designed for residents and visitors to come together, get involved, and experience programming that highlights and amplifies Detroit voices. 

"No matter where you're from or who you are, we want people to feel a sense of pride when they come to Spirit Plaza," said Jasmine Barnes, chief of policy and engagement, city of Detroit General Services Department. "From the music to the wide variety of programming, it's a Detroit Cultural experience, where people can genuinely find the Spirit of Detroit in the Detroit Spirit Plaza."

The City is partnering with Total Access Events to provide programming throughout the season.

"Total Access Events is pleased to partner with the General Services Department and Parks & Recreation Division in once again celebrating the Spirit of Detroit at Spirit Plaza with great music, themes, and food," said Erika Griggs, chief administrative officer, Total Access Events. "We have spent countless hours as a team working to ensure every program, event, and activity at Spirit Plaza is an enjoyable experience for all." 

From the food and activities to the events and celebrations, the 2023 season continues to prioritize the people and will include weekday Spirit programming and weekend celebration events. The welcome-back weekend starts with a two-day Cinco De Mayo Celebration: Friday, May 5th through Saturday, May 6th, from 5–10 pm. 

Celebration Weekend Event Schedule

Spirit Fiesta Cinco De Mayo 2-day Celebration

Friday, May 5th - Saturday, May 6th, 5pm-10pm 

• Dancing in the D w/ a special salsa edition on 5/5 Hustle lessons w/ Harvey Dobbs & Mr. Meech
• DJ Roc wit Moe
• DJ Chulo & DJ LiXxer
• Mechanical Bull
• Boxing Ring
• Carnival Games
• Live Performances
• Food Trucks w/ Taco Competition
• Vendors
•  Giveaways

Mother's Day Brunch at Spirit Celebration

Sunday, May 14th, Noon- 4pm 

• DJ Tru
• Mommy & Me Free Painting course for the first 50 participants
• Free Tea & Pastries for the first 50 participants
• Brunch food truck options
• Live Performances
• Vendors
• Mobile Bar

Remembering the Spirit of Detroit HEroes and HERoes Memorial Day Celebration

Saturday, May 27th, 5pm -10pm 

• DJ
• Mechanical Bull
• Axe throwing
• Archery
• Round 1 Gaming Lab
• BBQ cookoff
• Mobile Bar

Celebrating the Spirit of PRIDE Celebration

Saturday, June 10th, 5pm-9pm 

• Drag Show & Bingo w/ We Slay Entertainment
• Fire Breather
•  Aerial Artist
• DJ
• Body Painting
• Food Trucks
• Vendors
• Mobile Bar

Celebrating the Spirit of Detroit's Community

Saturday, June 24th, Noon-4pm 

• Free Black Power & Black Lives Matter Art Course for the first 60 participants
• Black Doll Display
• Face Painting
• Music by DJ Righteous
• Authors & Book Giveaways
• Food Trucks
• Spoken Word
• Vendors

In addition to its weekend events, Spirit Plaza is a free event space providing Detroiters with various dynamic programming seven days a week. Programming is scheduled to return in early June. It’s located directly at the foot of the iconic Spirit of Detroit statue at the Coleman A Young Municipal Building, 2 Woodward Avenue. 

For more information about Spirit Plaza programming and activities, go to Instagram: @detroitparksrec; Facebook: Detroit Parks & Recreation; and the city of Detroit website at detroitmi.gov/recreation