Things to Do in Detroit on the Tigers’ Opening Day

Tailgates and pre-game parties to celebrate Detroit’s favorite holiday.
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Photograph courtesy of iStock

Baseball fans around the state are gearing up for the Tiger’s home opener against the Oakland Athletics on April 5. Celebrate Opening Day with these Detroit tailgates and parking lot festivities!

Official Detroit Tigers Opening Day Tailgate Party

This event, presented by Miller Lite and Bally Sports Detroit in partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, is the official Home Opener celebration. This tailgate is just steps away from Comerica Park and will feature a beer tent, food trucks, ticket giveaways, photo ops, corn hole and other games, music, and even special appearances from Paws, the Detroit Tigers Energy Squad, and even Tigers’ alumni. Plenty of space to watch the game, too. April 5. No cost for admission. Grand Circus Park, 101-157 Witherell St., Detroit; downtowndetroit.org

Grand Slam Festival

DJ Godfather and DJ Cue are among the 20 performers lined up for this outdoor festival. Party in the beer tent or grab a snack at the food trucks before listening to the pre-game broadcast hosted by Darren McCarty, Terry Foster, and Braylon Edwards. April 5. $5-$60. Detroit Opera House Outdoor Festival Grounds, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

The Statler Patio Party

Swing by The Statler and celebrate Opening Day with live music, delicious drinks including Bell’s Oberon, and favorites from the grill like hotdogs, sausages, and burgers. Beat the game day traffic and park in their underground parking garage for a hassle-free game day. April 5. No cover. The Statler, 313 Park Ave. Detroitstatlerdetroit.com.

Tigers Opening Day Tent Party 2024

Hosted at the Firebird Tavern, this parking lot party will feature live DJs, food trucks from Pablo’s Tacos and Bro’s Burger Joint, and plenty of drinks from Miller Lite, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Jack Daniel’s, and more! April 5. $5-$20. Firebird Tavern, 419 Monroe St. Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Opening Day with Killer Flamingos

Detroit’s biggest party band is hosting their own Opening Day party at The Gem Theatre and The Elwood. Expect an explosive show along with great food and drinks. The band will play before and after the game. April 5. Free. Gem Theatre, 333 Madison St. Detroit; killerflamingos.com.

Detroit Home Opener Festival

With multiple bars, beer tents, and food trucks, this is a party you won’t want to miss! This tailgate will feature live music and entertainment, lawn games, and heated tents. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Angels Share to provide hands on culinary training and education for at risk students in Detroit. April 5. $20+. Madison Ave. Festival Grounds, 440 Madison St. Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Pre-Game Opening Day on The Michigan Pedaler

The Michigan Pedaler is offering special Opening Day rides around the city to check out the tailgating scene — and makes some stops to join the party. The rides begin at McShane’s Irish Pub shortly after 10 a.m. Pedalers can be dropped off at Comerica Park or ride back to McShane’s to watch the game. April 5. $29.99. McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar, 1460 Michigan Ave., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Cambria Detroit Opening Day Party

Swing into the Cambria Hotel for this Opening Day party, featuring a morning breakfast buffet, live DJs, a shuttle to the game, hotel room packages, and more. Pregame snacks, a cash bar, and valet parking will also be available. April 5. $50 for general admission, $300 for hotel room package. Cambria Hotel Detroit, 600 W. Lafayette Blvd., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Opening Day Fest at Mix Bricktown/Sandbox

This event, beginning at 9 a.m., will feature a variety of Opening Day celebrations. Enjoy three parties for the price of one, six DJs, three hosts, food, games, drinks, and more. Blue tea, a beer & shot combo, and other celebratory drinks will be available. April 5. $15-$100. MIX Bricktown, 641 Beaubien St., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Find even more things to do in Detroit and the surrounding area at hourdetroit.com. This post has been updated for 2024.