11 things to do in Detroit, July 2023
By Jason Clinton
July is upon us and I’m ready to soak in the sun and dip into the river; at least I would be if there wasn’t a thick cloud of smoke settling over the upper Midwest right now. I’ve been getting deja vue from the pandemic with of all the talk of “unprecedented times”. Even though the month is getting off to a rather cloudy start, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the month of July both indoors and outdoors. That said, please make sure you are staying safe if you are going outside. Mask up and pay attention to how the air is affecting your breathing.
Throughout July
Downtown Detroit Walking Tour
Now that we have opened our shop, you can visit and buy some gifts or come with us on a walking tour of beautiful downtown. Our tours include rides on the Detroit Peoplemover and, for the summer, a trip to the beach of Campus Martius.
$39: The Guardian Building 10am and 2pm
June 30th – July 3rd
Salute to America
Enjoy a stroll through historic Greenfield Village and enjoy a concert from the Detroit Symphony orchestra in the Village Green, which culminates with cannons being fired and a fireworks show to top it all off.
$27-$35: Greenfield Village 5pm-10pm
July 4th
Not Our Independence Day Reading and Concert
In the Tradition Jazz Ensemble will be hosting a tribute to Frederick Douglass’ speech, “What to the Negro is July 4th”. The event will take place outside of the Shrine to the Black Madonna Church and will include a reading of the speech along with a musical performance and an African centered marketplace.
FREE: The Shrine of the Black Madonna 12pm – 4pm
July 5th
Detroit Pop Taste Test
When you think about the different flavors of Faygo, Town Club, and Vernors, it’s no wonder Detroit’s a pop city. If you’re like me, and you enjoy a good sample every now and again, come over to Main Library for a taste test of Detroit’s finest in bubbly concoctions. Who knows? You may find a new favorite!
FREE: Detroit Public Library Main Branch 3pm
July 7th
West Side Story
This New York adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet will be playing under the Golden Tower of the Fisher Building.
FREE: New Center Park 8 pm
July 14th – July 16th
Hotter Than July
Named for one of Stevie Wonder’s greatest albums, Hotter Than July is a gay pride event that takes place around the city and is run by the organization LGBT Detroit. It highlights and celebrates the lives and accomplishments of Detroit’s black and queer population through various events such as concerts, candlelight vigils, and services. With Big Freedia headlining the main concert, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Various prices, times and locations
July 16th
Detroit Festival of Books
This will be the festival’s 6th year of occurrence and it will be featuring BOOKS! And lots of em! That, along with records, art, board games, and some fabulous food.
FREE: Eastern Market 10am – 4pm
July 16th
The Woman King
Viola Davis stars in this movie about the Agojie, an all-women’s military unit that protected the kingdom of Dahomey. Enjoy this film for free across the street from the Fisher Theatre.
FREE: New Center Park 8pm
July 20th
Detroit Underground Railroad Tour
Discover the compelling stories of those who risked their lives to make this dangerous journey and those who dared to help them. Meet significant historic figures of this era such as Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth, and John Brown portrayed by actors who insure their mighty voices and powerful messages continue to be heard today.
$18-$46: The Guardian Building 5:30 pm
July 19th – July 23rd
Concert of Colors
The Concert of Colors has been a tradition in Detroit for 31 years now. The goal of this free festival was to unite the diverse cultures of the Metro Detroit area by celebrating music styles from all over the world. The event takes over the cultural district with live music, marketplaces, and panel discussions
FREE: Detroit Institute of Arts and surrounding area, Various Times
July 22nd 1 pm
8 Mile Movie Sites tour
8 Mile: The Movie Sites Tour takes you to the many Detroit filming locations where the main character Rabbit, played by Marshall Mathers AKA Eminem, hung out as he attempted to rise above a dysfunctional family life and unfulfilling 9 to 5 and take his one shot at becoming a rap star.
$75: Spkrbox 1 pm