Sports, Live Entertainment and Tasty Fixins’ Highlight Thanksgiving 2018 in The District Detroit
The week of Thanksgiving 2018 in The District Detroit will be bustling with sports, tasty holiday cuisine, live entertainment and city traditions.
Fun, new happenings will include a breakfast buffet with mimosas at Hockeytown Café and the 10 Games of Christmas Giveaway at Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit. Decades-old traditions, like the Annual America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and annual Detroit Lions football game, will return.
Before the Lions game and the parade officially begin on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 22, the District Market will once again host a Thanksgiving Parade Viewing and Lions Pre-Party. The early morning gathering will provide spectators a warm place to enjoy breakfast and drinks while watching Detroit’s lively Thanksgiving festivities.
Parade organizers this year will debut six new floats, including a creation by Children’s Hospital of Michigan that will be sure to dazzle young parade participants. The annual event, a Detroit tradition since 1924, will also host several hundred local performers along Woodward Avenue. CBS sportscaster and veteran newscaster Jim Nantz will be the Grand Marshal for the 92nd annual event. The festive extravaganza will close just as the Detroit Lions get ready to tackle the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. The NFL team has played the Turkey Day game since 1934.
In between all the holiday cheer, local venues like The Fillmore, The Masonic Temple and the Fox Theatre will host more than a half dozen concerts and other live entertainment events featuring hip-hop, rock, heavy metal and classical performers.
The Red Wings and Pistons will also both play five home games.
Here’s a closer look at what’s happening:
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena
Monday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., $9+
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Elf The Musical at the Fox Theatre
Tuesday, Nov. 20 – Sunday, Nov. 25, Times Vary. $39+
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
This modern-day Christmas Broadway musical chronicles the comedic tale of Buddy, an orphan who accidently crawls into Santa Claus’ gift bag and finds himself at the North Pole, and later, New York City.
Thanksgiving Fixin’s To-Go at Kid Rock's Made in Detroit
Wednesday, Nov. 21 – Thursday, Nov. 22 (Pick-up)
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Kid Rock’s namesake restaurant is now accepting pre-orders on delectable, Southern-inspired Thanksgiving sides. The establishment will serve collard greens, shells & cheese, caramelized brussels sprouts, cornbread and fresh Michigan salad for prices ranging from $19-21. All portions serve four persons. Call 313-462-8620 to place an order.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., $34+
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Generation Axe at The Fillmore
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 7:30 p.m., $24 and up
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
The American rock/heavy metal supergroup formed by Steve Vai in 2016 will bring down the house at The Fillmore with the help of Vai, Wylde, Malmsteen, Bettencourt and Abasi.
Louis the Child at The Masonic Temple
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 9:15 p.m., $30 in advance/$40
500 Temple St., Detroit, MI
Louis the Child, the Chicago-based DJ and production duo known for the singles, "It's Strange,” "Weekend," "Better Not” and "Fire" will hit the stage with future bass sounds. The group will be joined by NoMBe and R.Lum.R.
10 Games of Christmas Giveaway at Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit
Wednesday, Nov. 21; Saturday, Nov. 24, 10 p.m., Free
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Kid Rock’s Made in Detroit will help kick off the holiday season during Thanksgiving week after every Red Wings home game with its 10 Games of Christmas Giveaway. The nighttime gatherings will allow guests to enter to win autographed Red Wings memorabilia, game tickets, a $500 gift card for holiday shopping and more. Each night will feature food and drink specials until 1 a.m. Additional dates are as follows: Wednesday, Nov. 28; Sunday, Dec. 2; Tuesday, Dec. 4; Saturday, Dec. 8; Monday, Dec. 10; Friday, Dec. 14; Saturday, Dec. 22
Danny Brown's Bruiser Thanksgiving V Concert at The Masonic Temple
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 9 p.m., $30
500 Temple St., Detroit, MI
Eccentric hip-hop artist and Detroit native Danny Brown will bring live music to The District Detroit with the help of Valee, JPEGMAFIA, Sam Austins, BEARCAT, Jay Daniel B2B Kyle Hall = Fundamentals and Bruiser Brigade.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade Viewing & Detroit Lions Pre-Party at District Market
Thursday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m. -12 p.m., Free
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
The District Market at Little Caesars Arena will open early to serve breakfast, a Build-Your-Own Bloody Mary Bar and alcoholic beverages to patrons. The second annual event is targeted toward early risers seeking warmth, a view of the parade and comradery in the hours leading up to the Lions game.
Turkey Day Pizza Party at Mike’s Pizza Bar
Thursday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m., Free
2515 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Mike’s Pizza Bar will offer food and drink specials all morning and early afternoon for parade viewers and football fans. The restaurant, which boasts a great view of Woodward Avenue, will also accept reservations on a rare occasion. To reserve your seats, contact [email protected].
92nd Annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade Presented by Art Van
Thursday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m. -12 p.m., Free
Woodward Avenue between Kirby Street and Congress Street
This annual Detroit tradition will feature marching bands, dancers and eclectic performers.Grandstand tickets are sold out.
Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Game vs. Chicago Bears
Thursday, Nov. 22, 12:30 p.m., Price varies.
Ford Field, 2000 Brush St., Detroit, MI
Detroit’s hometown NFL team will take on the Windy City’s Bears during this annual Turkey Day game.
Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet at Hockeytown Café
Thursday, Nov. 22, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $55+
2301 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
One of The District Detroit’s longtime sports hang-outs will host an inaugural delectable brunch buffet featuring fresh carved prime rib, pearl sugar waffles, Build-Your-Own omelets and a fresh dessert bar featuring Banana Foster. The restaurant’s second and third floor levels will offer guests a breathtaking view of the parade, indoors or outside. Dine-in only. Buy tickets by clicking here.
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets at Little Caesars Arena
Friday, Nov. 23, 7 p.m., $23+
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Echo & The Bunnymen at The Fillmore
Friday, Nov. 23, 8 p.m., $24+
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
The English rock band formed in Liverpool in 1978 will hit the stage at The Fillmore with the help of American indie rock band, Enation.
The Nutcracker at Detroit Opera House
Saturday, Nov. 24 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 25 at 2:30 p.m., $34+
1526 Broadway St., Detroit, MI
This BalletMet production, back by popular demand, features the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra and will be performed the way Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky intended. The Matinee shows will feature family-fun activities including live reindeer, photos, crafts and ice cream tastings.
Detroit Red Wings vs. Buffalo Sabres at Little Caesars Arena
Saturday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m., $34+
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Saved by the ‘90s at The Fillmore
Saturday, Nov. 24, p.m. 8 p.m. $15+
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
Claiming to be “the highest-quality, longest-running live music 90s party on Earth,” the Saved by the 90s interactive party at The Fillmore will feature a live 1990s cover band.
The Fallen Soulja Tour at The Masonic Temple
Saturday, Nov. 24, p.m. 8 p.m. $60+
500 Temple St., Detroit, MI
Heavyweight Entertainment Presents will present the Detroit stop of the Fallen Soulja Tour featuring
Rick Ross, Lil’ Baby and City Girls.
Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns at Little Caesars Arena
Sunday, Nov. 25, 4 p.m., $14
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
About The District Detroit
The District Detroit is a dynamic urban destination in the heart of Detroit. One that includes something for everyone—a dense neighborhood experience with a variety of developments alongside Detroit’s premier sports and entertainment venues. Connecting downtown Detroit to growing nearby neighborhoods such as Midtown, Corktown and Brush Park, The District Detroit is having a dramatic economic impact on Detroit and is a driving catalyst of the city’s remarkable resurgence. The District Detroit represents $1.4 billion in new investment to Detroit including the new Little Caesars Arena, Mike Ilitch School of Business at Wayne State University and Little Caesars world headquarters campus expansion. Additionally, new office, residential and retail spaces will continue to add momentum to Detroit’s amazing comeback for years to come.