News Article

DETROIT, September 6, 2023 – The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally will have something for everyone this fall, including trick or treating and bounce houses for the kids, five stages of music featuring local artists and more than 50 food trucks from throughout Metro Detroit and beyond.

The family-friendly event takes place Saturday, October 7 and Sunday, October 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. along the Dequindre Cut Greenway in Detroit.

Additionally, Detroit Harvest Fest will feature a pick and take free pumpkin patch, inflatable bounce houses, a petting zoo and hands on activities for the kids, as well as the Cirque de Freight Yard for adults.

Admission to the event is $5 per person. Children under 3 years of age, seniors (65+), active-duty military and veterans are admitted free. The Dequindre Cut is located between Orleans Street and St. Aubin Street and runs from Mack Avenue to Atwater Street. The event footprint runs from Woodbridge Street to Wilkins Street on the Dequindre Cut. Entrances to the Cut are located at Mack, Wilkins, Gratiot, Lafayette, Woodbridge, Franklin and Atwater.

This is the third year in a row for the Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally. The first year drew 50,000 people. Last year, more than 60,000 people attended.

“We’re thrilled that Detroit Harvest Fest has become one of the most anticipated and popular fall events throughout Metro Detroit,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “People of all ages can come to the event because there is something for everyone. Kids enjoy treat or treating, the bounce houses and hands-on activities and adults love the diverse range of music styles and all the delicious food options.

Food Truck Rally Features 50 Food Trucks

Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally will again be one of the largest gathering of food trucks in the state, with more than 50 trucks scheduled to participate. The food trucks will stretch from Wilkins Street Plaza near Eastern Market all the way to Jefferson Avenue and feature fare such as Mediterranean, Italian, Mexican, vegetarian, soul, gourmet desserts and much more. Trucks scheduled to appear include: Cousins Maine Lobster, Fork in Nigeria, Galindo’s, Wing Snob, Neplanta Café, The Balkin House and The Detroit Original Seafood Truck.

A complete list of food trucks will be announced in the upcoming weeks and listed online at detroitharvestfest.com.

Fun and Hands-on Activities for Children Both Days

Each year, children from throughout Metro Detroit look forward to wearing their Halloween costumes and trick or treating down the greenway during Detroit Harvest Fest. This year’s event will feature 12 stations for kids to gather treats. Children can trick or treat both days between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

A children’s stage will feature fun and interactive programming. Adjacent to the children’s stage, costumed princess character and super hero meet-and-greets take place both days between 1 and 3 p.m.

Hands-on activities in the Kids Tent area will include spooky crafts, Halloween glitter tattoos and a mobile exploration van from Huron-Clinton Metroparks.

There will also be an inflatables zone for kids that features bounce houses, an obstacle course, quarterback challenge, ax throwing and Skeeball.

In the popular “Pick and Take” pumpkin patch, children ages 17 and under can choose their own pumpkin to take home with them for free. A pumpkin decorating station will provide children with an opportunity to customize their own pumpkin with paint and stickers.

The petting zoo will be open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days and feature an alpaca, donkey, goats, sheep, ducks, chickens and bunnies.

All activities are included with the price of admission.

Five Stages Feature Musical Performances from Local Artists

While everyone loves food trucks, Detroit Harvest Fest & Food Truck Rally wouldn’t be the same without a wide array of music for attendees to enjoy. Five stages spaced throughout the Dequindre Cut will host local artists performing music from different genres, including soul, funk, R&B, pop, country and rock. Musical performances are scheduled all day each day. Artists scheduled to perform include: Larry Lee & Back in the Day Band (R&B/Party Music), The Motley Misfits (Circus Troupe), Bat Hearse (Gothabilly) and Fangs & Twang (Roots Rock). Additionally, Black Swan Dive (Punk Rock) will be performing on the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Stage.

A complete list of musical acts will be announced in the upcoming weeks and listed online at detroitharvestfest.com.

Popular Cirque de Freight Yard for Adults is Back

Last year’s popular Cirque de Freight Yard is back with some Halloween fun for adults, including circus busker performers, a live music stage, psychics and tarot card readers, old-style carnival games and specialty cocktails. New this year is a mechanical bull for adults to ride. There will also be a costume contest for pets on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. with registration starting one hour prior to the event.

Conservancy Fundraiser Provides Preview for Detroit Harvest Fest

For those interested in getting a sneak peek of Harvest Fest and some of its most popular food trucks while supporting the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, guests can put on their most colorful masquerade masks and costumes, dancing shoes, and enjoy an unforgettable evening on the Cut at Soirée on the Greenway.

The festive annual fundraiser is back on October 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. for a masquerade under the stars. The Dequindre Cut Freight Yard will be transformed into a mysterious circus filled with delicious food and refreshments, surprise live performances, tarot and crystal ball readings, a mechanical bull, a roaming exotic petting zoo, carnival games and interactive fall experiences.

Additionally, a new mural from Detroit-based artist Joel Grothaus celebrating the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s 20th anniversary will be unveiled at Soirée on the Greenway.

VIP packages are $500 and include four VIP tickets, access to the private VIP lounges, souvenir masquerade masks, and unlimited food and refreshments. Main Event tickets are $75 and include three meal and drink vouchers, live musical entertainment, fall activities and more. Each Soirée contribution supports the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s mission to create a world-class gathering place for all. Soirée on the Greenway is a 21+ event. For more info, visit: https://detroitriverfront.org/soiree