Nov 19, 2025
·Mary Callahan
Every Thanksgiving, Detroit comes alive for one of the NFL’s most time-honored traditions: the Detroit Lions’ annual Thanksgiving Day game. Since 1934, the city has hosted this holiday matchup, drawing fans from across the country to Ford Field for a day of football, family and festive energy. The game is more than just a sporting event—it’s a beloved Detroit ritual that kicks off the long weekend with roaring crowds, halftime shows, and the unmistakable smell of tailgate food drifting through downtown.
Whether you’re planning on going to Packers at Lions this Thanksgiving or plan to join the post-game celebrations nearby, the buzz of Lions football sets the tone for an unforgettable Thanksgiving in the Motor City.
Here’s your guide to the best things to do in Detroit during Thanksgiving weekend, whether you’re a local staying close to home or a visitor flying in for the holiday fun.
Catch a Game, Show or Concert
Thanksgiving weekend brings a packed slate of live entertainment to Detroit’s stadiums, theaters and music venues.
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions at Ford Field, 1 p.m. ET
Friday, November 28, 2025
Detroit’s Friday after Thanksgiving lineup has something for every kind of fan. Cheer on the Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, catch NBA Cup action with the Pistons, or spend the evening enjoying live music from Leon Thomas and Zeds Dead or laughs from comedians Rich Vos and Zach Martina.
Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena, 12 p.m. ET
Leon Thomas with Ambre at The Filmore Detroit, 7 p.m. ET
Rich Vos at Detroit House of Comedy, 7 p.m. ET
Zach Martina at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 7:15 p.m. ET
NBA Cup: Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena, 7:30 p.m. ET
Bassonic Temple with Zeds Dead at Masonic Temple Theatre, 7:30 p.m. ET
Saturday, November 29, 2025
Detroit’s Thanksgiving weekend keeps the entertainment high with Michigan State Spartans football at Ford Field and epic '90s throwback concerts with 98 Degrees at Fisher Theatre and Brandy and Monica at Little Caesars Arena.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Michigan State Spartans at Ford Field
Zach Martina at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, 7:15 p.m. ET
Bassonic Temple with Zeds Dead at Masonic Temple Theatre, 7:30 p.m. ET
98 Degrees at Fisher Theatre, 8 p.m. ET
Brandy and Monica with Kelly Rowland, Muni Long and Jamal Roberts at Little Caesars Arena, 8 p.m. ET
Sunday, November 30, 2025
Detroit’s Thanksgiving weekend wraps up with metalcore, soul, and rock music concerts at venues of all sizes around the city.
Like Moths to Flames at Saint Andrews Hall, 6 p.m. ET
Spiritbox at The Masonic Temple Theatre, 7 p.m. ET
Lalah Hathaway at Sound Board at MotorCity Casino, 7:30 p.m. ET
Damiano David at The Fillmore Detroit, 7:30 p.m. ET
* Click here for more Detroit-based sporting events, live shows and concerts.
Whether you’re into sports, music or comedy, Detroit’s entertainment scene shines this time of year. And it’s all within easy reach of downtown hotels and restaurants.
Explore Detroit’s Landmarks and Museums
Between turkey leftovers and ticketed events, carve out time to explore the city’s deep cultural roots.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA): Home to Diego Rivera’s iconic Detroit Industry murals, the DIA is a must-see for art lovers and a warm escape from November’s chill.
Detroit Historical Museum: Learn how the Motor City built America’s auto industry, music, and sports legacies.
Motown Museum: Visit the house where legends like Stevie Wonder and The Supremes recorded some of the biggest hits of all time.
Eastern Market: one of the nation’s oldest public markets, buzzing with local vendors, coffee shops, and holiday shopping stalls.
* Pro tip: Many museums and historic sites offer extended holiday hours or special seasonal exhibits during Thanksgiving weekend.
Eat (and Drink) Like a Local
Detroit’s food scene is booming, and Thanksgiving weekend is the perfect time to taste it all.
For iconic eats: Try a square of Detroit-style pizza from Buddy’s or Loui’s, or grab a classic Coney dog at Lafayette or American Coney Island.
For dinner out: Book a table at The Apparatus Room (inside the Detroit Foundation Hotel) or Selden Standard, both known for modern Midwest fare with cozy vibes.
For drinks: End your evening at The Monarch Club rooftop lounge or a speakeasy-style bar in Corktown.
If you’re skipping cooking your own traditional turkey dinner, plenty of restaurants serve special Thanksgiving menus—just make reservations early.
Don’t Miss the Thanksgiving Traditions
Even if you’re not attending the game, downtown Detroit is full of festive energy.
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade presented by Gardner White (November 27): One of the country’s largest and oldest parades, marching down Woodward Avenue with floats, bands, and giant balloons.
Campus Martius Tree Lighting & Ice Skating Rink: The downtown rink opens for the season, surrounded by twinkling lights and hot chocolate stands.
Detroit Lions Block Party: Tailgaters and fans flood the area around Ford Field with live music, food trucks, and games before kickoff.
Take a Little Day Trip
If you have an extra day, explore nearby destinations.
The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation (Dearborn): See everything from presidential limousines to the Rosa Parks bus.
Detroit Riverwalk: Bundle up and stroll along one of the best riverfronts in the country.
Belle Isle Park: A scenic island getaway just minutes from downtown, with a conservatory, aquarium, and skyline views.
Plan Your Weekend with SeatGeek
Whether you’re snagging last-minute tickets to the Thanksgiving Day Classic or a Saturday night concert at The Fillmore, SeatGeek makes it easy to compare prices, see Deal Scores, and grab the best seats with no hidden fees.
Detroit’s Thanksgiving weekend has a little bit of everything—football, music, art, history and comfort food. So bundle up, grab your tickets, and make the most of a long weekend in the Motor City.