Happy Juneteenth! This week, we’ve got even more ways to celebrate in Detroit, from parades and parties to genealogy workshops.

Plus, outdoor activities for the official start of summer, and a “y’all-inclusive” hoedown. Read on to learn more.

Juneteenth celebrations

The 15th Annual Juneteenth Community Festival in Detroit is on Thursday, June 19. The celebration starts with sunrise yoga at 6 a.m., followed by a community 5k at 9 a.m., a parade and car show down Woodward at 11 a.m., and a family festival in Avalon Village from 3–8 p.m. The festival will feature live entertainment, keynote speakers, a hair show and fun for all ages. For more information, visit juneteenthindetroit.com.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History is also celebrating Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19 with a wide range of activities. There will be a Juneteenth treasure hunt throughout the museum, art healing and unity workshops, a screening of “Clotilda: Last American Slave Ship,” cooking demonstrations, live music and dancing, and more. Festivities go from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and registration is required for some activities. To see the full lineup of events and learn more, visit thewright.org.

The Detroit Historical Museum is celebrating Juneteenth on Thursday, June 19 with a special educational program called, “The Moral and Social Scope of Juneteenth.” Starting at noon, this presentation features original poems, music and essays written by Detroit students, offering personal insights into the significance of Juneteenth. The museum will also be open for personal exploration from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so visitors can engage with the rich stories that shape our city’s past and present. Admission is free with registration. For more information, visit detroithistorical.org.

Detroit house DJs Father Dukes and Kindle are celebrating Juneteenth at UFO Bar on Thursday, June 19. “Who All Gone Be There” features DJ sets by André Moore b2b John Adams, Chuk Ezeanya, Sawn, Kesswa, Gulley, Ameera, John FM and Father Dukes b2b Kindle. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the event goes until 2 a.m. This event is 21+. For more information, visit ra.co.

On Wednesday, June 25, Wayne State University is hosting a Juneteenth genealogy discovery event called “Building Forward with Wisdom.” Led by historian, professional genealogist and Detroit native Carolyn Carter, Ph.D., participants will use digital tools and access historical records to explore their family roots and uncover the stories that shaped their lineage. The workshop takes place at Bernath Auditorium from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Admission is free with registration. For more information, visit events.wayne.edu.

Pride parties

On Saturday, June 21, head to the Old Miami for “Howdy Fest 4.” This “y’all-inclusive” event features queer line dancing led by Stud Country, live country music, a mechanical bull, BBQ and drag performances. The event goes from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. and is 21+. Tickets are $20 online or $25 at the door. For more information, visit their Eventbrite.

Outdoor activities

On Saturday, June 21, the Greektown Neighborhood Partnership is hosting its first-ever Summer Wine Stroll, a celebration of local food, wine and community. Guests will stroll through Greektown, enjoying curated wine samples and small bites from nearly a dozen participating restaurants and bars. Check-in starts at 11:30 p.m. and the event goes until 4 p.m. This event is 21+ and tickets are $39. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Also on Saturday, June 21, the Farmington Hills Nature Center is hosting a family-friendly Summer Solstice Celebration with hayrides, a campfire, and seasonal games and crafts in Heritage Park. The event runs from 6:30–8:30 p.m. and admission is $8. For more information, visit their website.

The annual Ford Fireworks return to Detroit on Monday, June 23. The show will take place over the Detroit River beginning at 10 p.m. Tickets for the Parade Company’s official Rooftop Party are sold out, but the show will be visible from plenty of other vantage points along the riverfront. For more information, visit theparade.org.

WDET’s second “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” comedy showcase of the summer is on Thursday, June 26. Hosted by In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper in the beautiful backyard of The Old Miami, this month’s comedians are Melanie Hearn, Tanya Vora, Andy Peters, Joey Aasim and Lee Ledbetter. There will be music by DJ Thornstryker in between sets and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m., the show starts at 7 p.m. and the event is 21+. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, visit our events page.

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Davis Aerospace High School returns to airport campus with expanded aviation training

Davis Aerospace Technical High School is returning to its original home at the Coleman A. Young International Airport—a move that will once again give students access to the runway and hands-on aviation training.

The school, which offers free aviation courses including drone certification and pilot licensing, was relocated in 2013 while the city was under state management. Since then, students have been unable to obtain federal certification in aviation mechanics due to lack of airport access.

Detroit Public Schools Community District Superintendent Nikolai Vitti says the move is meant to correct a decision made under emergency management.

“We’ve gone about reforming the school district,” Vitti says. “Sometimes everyone’s quick to get rid of everything and say nothing worked in the past, and this was the complete opposite of that. This was about bringing something back that absolutely made sense and should have never been taken away from the district and the city.”

The airport’s three-level terminal will be converted into the school’s new campus, which is scheduled to open in fall 2026. The relocation is expected to allow the high school to expand its enrollment to 200 students.

Principal Michelle Davis says this year, nine students passed their FAA drone certification course, and four passed the written portion of the private pilot’s license test. With the move, those students will be able to fly next year—something the school hasn’t been able to offer since 2013.

The relocation will cost nearly $15 million, with funding split between the school district and the state.

Detroit mayoral candidates clash over jobs, housing at debate

Affordable housing and job creation were at the forefront of a spirited Detroit mayoral debate held Monday night at Wayne State University. About half of the candidates running for the city’s top office took part in the event.

City Council President Mary Sheffield said Detroit must find ways to use downtown investment to lift up neighborhoods across the city.

Reverend Solomon Kinloch Jr. pledged to lead both his congregation and the city if elected mayor, while former Detroit Police Chief James Craig described himself as a “proven leader.”

But the most pointed moment of the evening came during closing remarks from former City Council President Saunteel Jenkins, who targeted each of her rivals with sharp criticism:

“More guns in schools… locking up our kids… Craig is your guy. If you want a part-time mayor who’s working two full-time jobs… Kinloch is ready. If you want a mayor who shows up on Instagram but doesn’t show up for meetings… follow Mary. Thank you.”

The crowd responded audibly before Craig replied:

“Gloves are off now!”

Kinloch pushed back in his final statement, saying:

“Detroit cannot build up by tearing others down.”

District 5 voters invited to meet City Council candidates at Eastern Market

BridgeDetroit is hosting a Meet the Candidates event this Wednesday at Eastern Market for residents of Detroit’s District 5. All seven candidates running to replace City Council President Mary Sheffield are expected to attend.

The event offers voters a chance to ask questions, hear directly from the candidates, and enjoy a meal—Greek food will be served.

District 5 residents are encouraged to bring their curiosity and their appetite. Attendees are asked to RSVP in advance.

Event Details
What: Meet the Candidates – Detroit City Council District 5
When: Wednesday, June 19, 2025
Where: Eastern Market
RSVP: Reserve your spot on Eventbrite

Detroit Public Library celebrates Juneteenth with family events across the city

The Detroit Public Library is celebrating Juneteenth all week long with family-friendly events at branches across the city.

At the Main Library on Woodward Avenue, the annual Juneteenth Celebration takes place Wednesday and will feature special guests from the Midwest Invitational Rodeo. Visitors can enjoy pony rides, a petting zoo, lawn games, arts and crafts, face painting, line dancing, and more. The event also marks the kickoff of the library’s Summer Reading Program.

Other highlights this week include:

• Movie night at the Campbell Branch
• A Juneteenth Jamboree at the Edison and Elmwood Park branches
• Storytimes, storytelling, and history programs for all ages throughout the city

To explore the full schedule of events, visit detroitlibrary.org.

From cookouts to concerts, here are a few ways to celebrate Juneteenth in Detroit this week.

Plus, a chance to attend a live recording of your favorite political podcast — read on to learn more.

Celebrating Juneteenth

Hamtramck’s 3rd Annual Juneteenth Family, Friends and Community Celebration March will take place on Saturday, June 14. This year’s celebration includes a community march, a picnic-style gathering, live performances, and a special tribute to fathers in honor of Father’s Day. The event starts at 10 a.m. and is free to attend, though donations are appreciated. To see the march route and get more information, visit their event page.

Hart of Detroit, AfroFuture and Detroit vs. Everybody will host a Juneteenth Block Party ahead of the annual Hart of Detroit Summer Fest on Thursday, June 19. There will be live performances from local artists, local food and merch vendors, interactive games and community activities. Admission is free for the first 1,000 people, and the event takes place at Hart Plaza from noon to 5 p.m. Afterward, the Hart of Detroit Summer Fest concert kicks off at 6 p.m. and is $12.50 to attend. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills will host a Juneteenth Concert featuring local fusion group, Da’Ja, on Thursday, June 19. The group blends jazz, funk, R&B and Latin influences to create a unique sound that bridges generations, races and cultures. Admission is free but must be reserved in advance. The event starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.

Exploring local talent

From Friday, June 13 through Sunday, June 15, the Northville Art House Market returns to Northville’s historic downtown. There will be more than 80 artists, local businesses and food vendors. Admission is free, and the event goes from 3–8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit northvillearthouse.org.

On Saturday, June 14, the Detroit Parks Coalition kicks off their 2025 Freedom Arts Festival featuring five original compositions by Marcus Elliot, each inspired by a different Detroit park. Saturday’s composition is titled “Joy, Beauty and Respect” and will be performed at Chandler Park from 2–4 p.m., featuring Elliot on soprano saxophone, Houston Patton on tenor saxophone, Marquis Johnson on drums, Alex Harding on baritone saxophone, Erinn Alexis on alto saxophone, and John Dixon on keys. Admission is free and open to the public. To see the full list of performances and learn more, visit detroitparkscoalition.com.

On Saturday, June 14, Detroit filmmaker Ryan “Tibbs” Wiese will host the world premiere of his new rock opera film, “Shorthand” at the Crofoot Ballroom in Pontiac. There will also be a shorts block, a discussion of the upcoming feature, “Get Big Gretch,” and a Q&A. Doors open at 7 p.m. and all are welcome. For more information, visit @ronnytibbs on Instagram.

Exhibiting history

On Saturday, June 14, Black Canon and Motor City Cinema will host Black Film in Focus, a presentation of rare, Black-related prints, all on 16mm film. Admission is $15, and the event will be held from 2–5 p.m. at Newlab in Michigan Central. For more information, visit their event page.

Unjumbling Michigan politics

On Monday, June 16, WDET and Gongwer will host our second-ever MichMash Live event at Go! Comedy Improv Theatre in Ferndale. Podcast co-hosts Cheyna Roth, Altethia Kasben and Zach Gorchow will record an episode in front of a live audience and interview special guests about the latest in Michigan politics. There will be a cash bar and fun giveaways. Admission is $5, and the event goes from 7–9 p.m. For more information, visit our event page.