Watch parties, tours, panel discussions planned during NFL draft in Detroit
Celebrations will unfold across various parks, bars, hotels and the streets of downtown Detroit as fans and football figures come together for the NFL draft Thursday through Saturday.
Some events are free and others require registration, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead as limited admission will be granted. Here are a few events to consider as you prepare to celebrate the NFL draft in Detroit.
Draft Day in the D
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a three-day celebration open to fans and visitors of all ages across downtown Detroit. Festivities will 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 and Witherell streets. Highlights will include 10 20-foot video walls showcasing live feeds of the event, more than 60 live music performances, more than 35 local food trucks, Bud Light beer tents, more than 45 local vendors and more.
11 a.m.-11 p .m. Thursday-Friday; and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.
Greektown Tailgate
Experience two blocks of live music, sports viewing, games, food, drinks and more in the heart of historic Greektown. The main stage will host 19 bands; the DJ stage will feature 12 local DJs and highlight Detroit's electronic music and dance scene.
Noon-midnight April Thursday-Saturday on Monroe Street between St. Antoine and Brush streets in Detroit.
NFL Draft Eve in the D
ACG Detroit (Associated for Corporate Growth) has released a limited number of tickets for this event featuring an appearance by Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood. Enjoy an open bar, food, DJ and complimentary valet parking.
4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Shinola Hotel, 1435 Farmer St. in Detroit. $250 per person. Visit acg.org for tickets.
Detroit City Distillery events:
This Detroit-based distillery in the Eastern Market district plans a series of events:
Bar takeover at The Foundation Hotel: Join the Detroit City Distillery at The Foundation Hotel, where bartenders will take over the Satellite Bar in the Elevator Lobby from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails crafted by some of the city’s most talented mixologists, including Petr Balcarovsky.
Special Tours at The Whiskey Factory: The Detroit City Distillery will offer special tours of its Whiskey Factory Wednesday-Saturday. The factory is housed in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream Factory and home of Goebel Brewing Co. at 1000 Maple in downtown Detroit. $20 tour tickets are available at detroitcitydistillery.
Draft Livestream: Festivities will extend to the DCD’s Bar Tasting Room at 2462 Riopelle St. in Eastern Market for handcrafted spirits and more.
More: A guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner near downtown Detroit during the NFL draft
First Round VIP Night-Watch Party
This event at the former site of Tiger Stadium in support of the Detroit Police Athletic League will feature food, drinks and music by DJ Lightshow, guest appearances and TVs for draft viewing.
7-11:30 p.m. Thursday at The Corner Ballpark in The Champions Club Ballroom, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Tickets are $100 in advance at eventbrite; slightly higher at the door.
VIP Community Day
This youth-centered event, tailored for ages 12-18, will feature a panel discussion with former and current NFL players; the NFL’s first female African American coach; media figures, financial experts and more. Sponsored by Citizens Bank, the event will be moderated by Dr. Darrius from 97.9 WJLB and will include giveaways and raffles.
Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at The Corner Ballpark-Detroit PAL HQ, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Free. Join the waitlist at Eventbrite.
NFL Draft Detroit Rooftop Party
Watch draft picks with drinks and food while enjoying views of the Detroit skyline at this event for ages 21 and up.
Noon-2 a.m. Friday; and noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Exodos Rooftop, 529 Monroe St. in Detroit. General admission tickets are $20 and up. Tickets at Eventbrite.
NFL Draft Watch Parties – Detroit Shipping Co.
Football fanatics and foodies are invited to join Detroit Shipping as they offer drink specials, backyard games, raffles, music, an art gallery on the second floor, free parking and five showcased restaurants: Bangkok 96, Momo Cha, Halal Street, Motorburger, and Minus 320.
Thursday-Saturday at the Detroit Shipping Co., 474 Peterboro St. in Detroit.
Sports Business Titans: Winning Strategies for Life & Business
Witness the blend of sports and business at this event, where speakers will discuss how athletes are leading in entrepreneurship by leveraging their influence and status.
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday on the 16th floor of One Campus Martius, 1 Campus Martius in Detroit. Tickets start at $197 and can be purchased at Eventbrite.
Afro Soul presents PRIVÉ - NFL Draft Weekend After Party
AfroSoul presents this celebration of sports and culture with Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop and R&B music. NFL and NBA athletes and celebrities including Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander will be making appearances. This event is for ages 21 and older.
10 p.m. Friday at The Norwood, 6531 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. RSVP at Eventbrite. Tickets start at $100.
NFL Draft Party at The Siren Hotel
This public event will showcase a unique tailgate menu, live vinyl sets, happy hour specials, local vintage pop-ups, and additional attractions.
Noon-7 p.m. Thursday at The Siren Hotel, 1509 Broadway St. in Detroit. Free.
NFL Draft Watch Party & Black Business Pop-Up Shop
The Thursday Business Luncheon Group is hosting this event featuring more than 30 local Black-owned vendors, food, $5 mocktails, music by DJ Bruce Bailey, and plenty of screens to watch the NFL Draft.
6-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Sacred Heart Church Activities Building, 3451 Rivard St. in Detroit.
313 Draft Party
This event hosted by JARS Cannabis, Chill Medicated, Kiva's Lost Farm and Gold Crown is for ages 21 and older. Fans can watch the draft on large screens and there will be football-themed activities, local food trucks, a DJ, giveaways, and special draft-party promotions from several cannabis brands.
2 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday at 70 E. Elizabeth St., across from Comerica Park.
Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press. Contact her at bhightower@freepress.com. Support local journalism: Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit watch parties, tours, panel discussions planned for NFL draft
