8 Grand Prix Events in Detroit

The Grand Prix is returning to the streets of Downtown Detroit the first weekend of June. Get a glimpse of everything going on alongside one of the biggest city events of the year.
449
Photograph courtesy of the Detroit Grand Prix

The Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is returning to the streets of Detroit for the first time since 1991. Presented by Lear, the Grand Prix will take place from June 2-4, featuring three full days of activities in Motor City. Drivers will race across numerous streets in downtown Detroit and pass multiple popular city spots — including the Renaissance Center, Jefferson Avenue, Hart Plaza, and the Spirit of Detroit statue.

The Prix’s return to the city will allow more people to enjoy the event for free — as more than half of the surrounding activities do not require a ticket. However, in case you can’t make it in person, you can tune in to Peacock, NBC, IndyCar, and SiriusXM radio so you won’t miss a thing!

Even if you don’t love racing, Hour Detroit has you covered with plenty of other ways to celebrate this automotive moment for Detroit — with details on both special events created for the Grand Prix, as well as the regularly scheduled week-to-week events in the city.

Comerica Bank’s Free Prix Day

Comerica Bank will continue to support a tradition that began with the first Detroit Grand Prix in 1982: Free Prix Day. On June2, fans will be able to watch the on-track action in grandstands 1 and 9 for free – no tickets required. To celebrate this event, Comerica Bank and the Grand Prix will host a virtual engagement opportunity for Southeastern Michigan high school groups, focusing on motorsports and career opportunities in the racing world. Free. Downtown Detroit; detroitgp.com.

Campus Martius Park

In addition to the regular park happenings, come watch the race on the big screen! For those who want to take viewing at their own pace, Campus Martius Park will broadcast the Prix for free from June 2 to June 4. Free. Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-566-8250; downtowndetroit.org. 

Concerts at Hart Plaza Stage

Unwind from the race days with live entertainment at Hart Plaza. Celebrate local bands, DJs, and nationally known artists on the same stage that hosts Movement, the electronic music festival. June 2 hosts DJ A-Track, performing from 6-7:15 p.m., and Big Boi from 7:30-8:30 p.m. On June 3, producer and turntablist Z-Trip will perform at 5:30 p.m. followed by Steve Aoki from 7-8:30 p.m. There will be more opportunities for live entertainment during the day in fan activation areas. Free. Hart Plaza Stage, 1 Hart Plaza, Detroit; 313-877-8057; detroitgp.com.

Fan Zones 

Fan activation areas will provide a sense of community during race weekend with live music, food, and games. Take breaks from the race to explore Spirit Plaza, Hart Plaza, and The Riverwalk while enjoying the liveliness of downtown Detroit. Free. Spirit of Detroit Plaza, 2 Woodward Ave, Detroit; detroitisit.com.

Dining Specials at Highlands Detroit

Located in the center of the race circuit, Highlands Detroit is known for its spectacular 72nd floor view and high-end dining experience. The restaurant will be extending their hours for the weekend. Hours are as follows: Saturday, June 3 from noon to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday June 4 from noon to 9 p.m. Highlands Detroit, 400 Renaissance Center Floors 71 & 72, Detroit; 313-877-9090; highlandsdetroit.com.

Ford at Capitol Park 

Get a little closer to the cars at Capitol Park. There will be Ford vehicles on display, live local music, and giveaways all weekend long from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. Capitol Park, Detroit; downtowndetroit.org.

Downtown Street Eats

For a quick and easy lunch, stop by Cadillac Square and Woodward Esplanade for Michigan’s largest food truck experience — with more than 80 rotating vendors. Expanding its hours for Grand Prix weekend from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. June 2 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on June 3 and 4, Downtown Street Eats will keep you fueled up for a day of race spectating. Cadillac Square Park, 662 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-224-1100; downtowndetroit.org.

Small Business Straightaway  

Take a break from watching the race to celebrate small businesses. The Small Business Straightaway will feature more than 30 local artisans, focused on sustainability, arts and culture, youth enrichment, and empowering small business from all seven districts in Detroit. June 3 and 4 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Cadillac Square Park, 662 Woodward Ave, Detroit; 313-224-1100; downtowndetroit.org.

Hour Detroit’s Best of Detroit Party

Hour Detroit is hosting the annual Best of Detroit party the weekend of the Grand Prix! More than 1 million reader votes decided on the best businesses, places, traditions, and people in metro Detroit, and we’re celebrating the winners with four floors of food, music, and style. Cocktail attire required. June 2. $95-$165. Westin Book Cadillac Hotel, 1114 Washington Blvd., Detroit; hourdetroit.com.

Find ticket info, an official event schedule, and additional news at detroitgp.com. Plus, find even more things to do in metro Detroit at HourDetroit.com.