Things to Do in Detroit on the Tigers’ Home Opener

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 Tigers’ home opener against the Chicago White Sox on April 4. Celebrate Opening Day with these Detroit tailgates and parking lot festivities!

Opening Day Tailgate Party

This event, presented by Miller Lite in partnership with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, is back for its third year! This tailgate is just steps away from Comerica Park and will feature a beer tent, food trucks, ticket and swag giveaways, music spun by DJ Invisible, and much more. Plenty of space to watch the game, too. 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 local DJs lined up to perform at 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. $20-$120. 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 music pub by live DJs, $2 draft beer, and grilled favorites like hotdogs, sausages, and burgers. Beat the game day traffic and park in their underground parking garage for a hassle-free game day. No cover. The Statler, 313 Park Ave. Detroitstatlerdetroit.com.

Tigers Opening Day Tent Party 2025

Hosted at the Firebird Tavern, this parking lot party will feature music spun by DJ JunBugg, food trucks from Pablo’s Tacos and Bro’s Burger Joint, and plenty of drinks from Miller Lite, Coors Lite, Jack Daniel’s, and more. Ages 21+ only. $10-$25. 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. Expect an explosive show along with great food and drinks. The band will play before and after the game. 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, heated tents, and ore. Proceeds from this event will be donated to Angels Share to provide hands on culinary training and education for at risk students in Detroit. $15+. 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. $29.99. McShane’s Irish Pub & Whiskey Bar, 1460 Michigan Ave., 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. $10-$100. MIX Bricktown, 641 Beaubien St., Detroit; eventbrite.com.

Home Opener at Shinola Hotel

Come decked out in your favorite Tigers gear for a gameday celebration that kicks off at 9 a.m. with beer specials and cocktails at The Brakeman and snacks at Penny Reds (they’ll turn on the game at 12:10 p.m. for those who don’t have tickets). The Brakeman will be open after the game for another round at Mister Dips will be offering its special “Eye of the Tiger” sundae, which comes with an orange shell and sprinkles, served in a baseball helmet. No cover. The Brakeman, Penny Red’s, and Mister Dips, Detroit; shinolahotel.com

Find even more things to do in Detroit and the surrounding area at hourdetroit.com. This post has been updated for 2025.