The Metro Events Guide: Draft Day celebrations to check out in Detroit this weekend

There are endless options for what to do in Detroit this weekend as the NFL Draft comes to town for the first time ever. We’ve handpicked which events are worth your time, plus some of the usual arts and culture for those who already have football fatigue. Read on to learn more.

NFL Draft

Over 300,000 football fans are expected to be downtown this weekend for the NFL Draft. While the main events will be taking place in and around Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza, there will be plenty of places to celebrate away from the crowds. For example, Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Draft Day in the D festivities will be spread out across several parks and public spaces with free activities for fans of all ages.

Or, you could check out one of the several bars and restaurants hosting draft parties and tailgating events throughout the city. The Siren Hotel will be hosting a tailgate party in their pocket park from noon to 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 featuring Side Biscuit wings, pizza logs, hotdogs and fries as well as Ash Bar beer, wine and specialty cocktails. There will also be live vinyl sets by Charles Trees, Kenjiro and diego., and vintage NFL pop-up shops on site. 

On Friday, Batch Brewing Company will be hosting a MI HOMEcoming Tailgate featuring live performances by alt-hip-hop star stoop lee and Piston’s resident DJ Thornstryker, live art by Phil Simpson, an appearance by former Detroit Lion Lomas Brown Jr. and exclusive Michigan-made giveaways. Batch’s handcrafted beverages and BBQ will be available throughout the festivities, which start at 2 p.m.

Eastern Market is also hosting a special NFL Draft Night Market so visitors can check out tons of locally-made goods on Friday, April 26 from 5-8 p.m. There will be shopping in Sheds 3 and 4, and live music and entertainment in Sheds 2 and 5. 

For more Draft Day recommendations and travel tips, check out our NFL Draft Weekend guide. 

Detroit dishes

After the Draft hype dies down, check out the Urban Arts and Eatery Expo at Eastern Market. Discover Detroit’s hidden gems with over 150 local vendors offering food, drinks, arts and crafts. There will also be live music from DJ Don Q. The expo takes place on Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Shed 3. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

Plus, this is the last weekend to check out Dearborn Restaurant Week. This annual event showcases 26 local restaurants with fixed menu prices at $15, $25 and $40, so residents can try new establishments without worrying about the check. To see a list of this year’s participating restaurants, visit dearbornrestaurantweek.com.

The symphony plays pop

This weekend, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra is playing “Country Hits: Songs from Nashville.” Experience a who’s who of the Grand Ole Opry in Orchestra Hall, featuring songs by Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves and more. Performances will take place on Friday, April 26 at 10:45 a.m. and 8 p.m., and on Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $24. For more information, visit dso.org.

Then, travel back in time as the DSO plays the greatest hits of the ’80s at Orchestra Hall for one night only. Songs include “Time After Time,” “Material Girl,” “Another One Bites the Dust” and more. This performance will take place on Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $35. For more information, visit dso.org.

Rare streetwear

Sneaker Con, the world’s biggest sneaker store and event, returns to Detroit on Saturday, April 27. The convention will feature over 100,000 sneakers, hundreds of the best vendors in the country and access to vintage collections from top sellers. Guests can buy, sell and trade sneakers, play sneaker trivia, and meet up with creators and other special guests. The event takes place at Huntington Place from noon to 7 p.m. General admission is $30 plus fees. For more information, visit sneakercon.com.