3 Holiday Festivals In Detroit This Weekend: Here's What To Know

DETROIT — There are multiple holiday festivals happening this weekend in southwest Detroit, a community known for its rich tapestry of culture and heritage.

The events will be filled with food, live music and entertainment and family-friendly activities. There will also be a free shuttle available from 2 to 8 p.m. to move festivalgoers from one event to the next.

Here is everything you need to know:

Corktown Aglow

The 8th Annual "Corktown Aglow" returns Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. at Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation located at 1211 Trumbull St.

There will be music, food trucks and an adult beverage bar with multiple varieties of beer, wine and cocktails. Organizers will also host a pub crawl with an ugly Christmas sweater contest at 5:30 p.m.

Christmas ornament decorating, an inflatable slide, a s’mores and hot chocolate station and a snowman making contest. There will also be an artisan market with merchandise fromlocal artisans, crafters and independent makers. You can also win the opportunity to visit Santa Claus in a 50/50 raffle.

“This annual event is a festive and integral part of Corktown’s spirit. Welcoming everyone to the oldest neighborhood in the city of Detroit, our aim is to ensure that no one feels alone this holiday season. Partnering with the Detroit Police Department allows us to bring joy to children and families in our community, ensuring Christmas morning is filled with the warmth of gifts under the tree," Executive Board President of the Corktown Business Association Bob Roberts said.

Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest

The 9th Annual Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest returns to the Mexicantown Hubbard-Richard Neighborhood, along the Bagley Street and West Vernor Highway corridor between 16th and 24th streets from 3 to 8 p.m.

The event will include an ensemble performance by Living Arts and a special "posada" procession, which is a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration. Other activities include a children’s bounce house, face painting, cookie decorating, a balloon artist, petting zoo and piñata parties, as well as multiple opportunities to take photos with Santa.

There will also be food available at multiple locations, including traditional Puerto Rican holiday meals and desserts and authentic Mexican hot chocolate to roasted marshmallows.

The time and location for entertainment activities will vary, officials said.

"We are so pleased to again hold this family-friendly holiday event," Mexicantown Community Development Corporation Executive Director Raymond Lozano said. "It is a great example of neighborhood associations, community organizations and businesses working together to benefit Southwest Detroit."

Let It Snow Festival

The first ever "Let It Snow Festival" will bring the North Corktown community together from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Pink Flamingo, an outdoor pop-up dining spot located at 2746 Vermont St. in the historic Corktown neighborhood.

This special event promises a magical experience, including a festive atmosphere filled with live music and tantalizing food and beverages. Children can participate in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, as well as have the opportunity to take photos in a holiday photo booth.

"Our inaugural ‘Let It Snow Festival’ will bring the North Corktown neighborhood together for a
holiday celebration that is much more than festive lights and carols," North Corktown Neighborhood Association Executive Director Tricia Talley said. "It’s an invitation for neighbors and visitors to share in the warmth of the season and create lasting memories for many holidays to come."