About this Guide
It can be a challenge finding cool things to do when you visit a new city, especially when that city is hosting 300,000 other people for one of the biggest events in the world!
To that end, we have put together a guide to Draft Week 2024 in Detroit that goes beyond the standard fare. Along those lines, we encourage you to follow Detroit-based photographer & videographer Montez Miller for great photos & stories from all the events as well as our MCTDetroit Instagram!
And if you’re looking to access legal cannabis in Detroit, the MCT has you covered!
Security & Access
Visit Detroit has put together an excellent guide to the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit that provides everything you need to know about where to stay, where to park, and the rules & regulations around getting into the Draft Theater.
Your best move is to download the NFL One Pass app which is apparently required for entry & will walk you through everything you need to know. Basically don’t try and bring anything other than 100% legal things* in a small, clear bag & for sure no weapons, alcohol, or signs that say mean things. Definitely figure out where to park because downtown is really hard to navigate with all the street closures. The shuttles from some parking garages and park & ride with the Q-line look like solid options, but of course there are numerous lots all over.
*this may or may not include cannabis – the NFL rules are not clear.
Draft & Draft Theater Hours
The NFL Draft will be broadcast on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network.
Thursday, April 25
Round 1 – 8pm
(open 5pm – 11pm)
Friday, April 26
Rounds 2-3 – 7pm
(open 5pm – 11pm)
Saturday. April 27
Rounds 4-7 – Noon
(open 12pm – 7pm)
“We want you to do it Detroit style. Let people understand what Detroit is all about. And you won’t get a bigger platform: our draft here will probably be viewed by 60 to 70 million people over the three days. There are not many opportunities like that.”
-NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell
Local Event Highlights
THURSDAY – SATURDAY
Fresh Rootz Deeply Rooted Draft Week
Our good friends @FreshRootz vegan restaurant on Warren are located about where a lot of folks should be parking for a ride in. In addition to serving up some fire ass vegan food from @FireAssVegan, they will be hosting popups featuring @glowmybodyspa, @OrganicallyAuthentic & @_CreatedByM_. Check them out!
THURSDAY 4-10pm
Big Watch Draft Party at Comerica Park
Join Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeast Michigan for games, ballpark food, autographs and draft viewing screens, plus appearances and autographs from sports figures. Tickets from $35.
THURSDAY 5-7:30pm
Eastern Michigan Pre-Draft Party at Eastern Market Brewing
Celebrate a full “Eastern” night in the Motor City to kick off Round 1 of the NFL Draft with an Eastern Athletics takeover Eastern Market Brewing Company. Click above to pre-register.
THURSDAY – SATURDAY
MACC NFL Draft Party
MACC Development & the Detroit philanthropic community invite you to join them at 7900 Mack Ave for a daily events including the the 2024 NFL Draft Faith Night on Friday with Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield.
THURSDAY – SATURDAY 12pm-12am
Greektown Tailgate
Free 3-day event on Monroe Street between St. Antoine and Brush Streets with two blocks full of live music, sports viewing, games, food, drinks, and more! Old Shillelagh and Firebird Tavern are also hosting outdoor celebrations and tent parties.
FRIDAY 5-8PM
Eastern Market Night Market
Eastern Market vendors selling in Sheds 3 and 4, with live music & entertainment under Shed 2 in celebration of the NFL Draft coming to Detroit.
FRIDAY 5-8PM
BMetro Black Business Alliance BLK Market
Metro Black Business Alliance will be hosting their BLK Market in conjunction with the Eastern Michigan night market featuring local vendors selling goods and food, with live music in Shed 5 from 5 pm – 8 pm.
FRIDAY 5-8PM
RESURGENCE – WSU Student Art Exhibition Opening
RESURGENCE celebrates student achievements and their outstanding artwork from areas within the department: Art, Art History, and Design at Detroit’s Wayne State University.
SATURDAY 12-7PM
SneakerCon Detroit
300 vendors with sneakers, streetwear & accessories descend on Huntington Place (Cobo) Saturday April 27 from noon – 7pm.
SATURDAY 12-6PM
Craft Club Detroit Draft Party
Check out Shroom Groove’s new space on Woodard for a day filled with music, food trucks, and good vibes!
Official Detroit & NFL Draft Events
Draft Day in the D
Draft Day in the D is a three-day FREE party for all ages across Downtown Detroit’s award-winning parks and public spaces from Wednesday April 25 through Saturday, April 27. Events take place at Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park, and on a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State Street and Witherell Street.
The events are open from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 and noon – 8 p.m. on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27.
NFL Draft Experience Events
Hart Plaza will host all Draft Experience Presented by Rocket Mortgage activations, including games, exhibits, player appearances and sponsor experiences.
Corner Ballpark will host youth-focused activities, including NFL FLAG skills and drills and football clinics.
NFL DRAFT CONCERTS Detroit native Big Sean, headlines Thursday joined by Detroit artists Angela Davis & Caleb Carroll. The Detroit Youth Choir on Friday & Michigan-born recording artist Bazzi on Saturday.
