Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is set to host “Motown Magic” at Robert C. Valade Park from January 19 through January 21, inviting Detroiters to a fun-filled family weekend. This event, featuring live music, a writing workshop, food trucks, a bubble party, and children’s activities, is part of the Conservancy’s “Winter at Valade” series, now in its fourth season.
“Motown Magic” is the second of the Conservancy’s four themed “Winter at Valade” weekends, following the success of the “Fire & Ice Festival” earlier this month. Rachel Frierson, senior director of programming and public spaces for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, expressed enthusiasm: “We had a fantastic turn-out for Fire & Ice Festival earlier this month. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone down this weekend to Motown Magic and celebrating our love of the Motor City together. There will be something for everyone this weekend.”
The event, free to the public, is presented by Visit Detroit and takes place at Valade Park, located at 2670 East Atwater along the East Riverfront. The schedule is Friday from 4 to 9 p.m., Saturday from Noon to 9 p.m., and Sunday from Noon to 7 p.m.
A key feature of the event is the “Love Letters to Detroit” writing workshop and open mic, hosted by InsideOut Literary Arts on Friday. Nandi Cooper, poet laureate of Michigan, will lead the workshop, followed by an open mic session hosted by La Shaun Phoenix Moore, featuring performances by Audra Kubat, Peace Bell, and Kahn Davison. The event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. and is open to all ages without registration.
Throughout the weekend, guests can explore the All Things Marketplace, curated by AskJennyfer, offering a selection of items from Detroit-area artists and entrepreneurs, including Detroit Riverfront and Dequindre Cut apparel, locally made candles, cards, tote bags, and Detroit sports team gear.
Saturday’s festivities include food offerings from Panzerotti and Taste of Motown, alongside a variety of hands-on crafts for kids, hosted by the Marshall M. Fredericks Museum from Noon to 6 p.m. Turbo, the mascot of the Motor City Cruise, and the Detroit Pistons will host a basketball giveaway at 2 p.m. Guests can also interact with a Grand Prix show car and participate in basketball/hockey and football activations.
Children can enjoy a bubble party and face painting from Noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Additionally, from 2 to 4 p.m., several Big Heads from the Parade Company will appear, featuring popular legendary Michiganders such as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder.
Live music performances on Saturday include Theo Gridiron, Chris Canas, and Alise King. Gridiron is celebrated for his Motown and gospel-influenced soul and known for his “Forward Down the Field” rally at Lions home games.
Sunday’s “Self-Care Sunday” stroll at 2 p.m. encourages mindfulness and self-care, integrating breath work, meditation, and sound healing. The Lions Tailgate Celebration, running from Noon to 7 p.m., features giveaways, face painting, games like fowling and football toss, tailgate food from Smokey G’s Smokehouse, and themed drinks. DJ ShaeButta will provide music.
The Conservancy also hosts “Fireside Fridays” with an open mic, board games, trivia, and “Self-Care Sundays” with wellness programming like hustle classes and polar walks.
Winter at Valade includes activities like giant fires, marshmallow roasting, sledding, seasonal drinks, and food, with special programming on Fridays and Saturdays. Over 40,000 people participated in the festivities during the 2022-23 season.
For more information about the event and upcoming themed weekends, including Mardi Gras at Valade and Lunar New Year celebrations, visit the official website detroitriverfront.org/winteratvalade. Sponsorship details are available at detroitriverfront.org/WinteratValade. The Conservancy thanks its sponsors, including Friends of Robert C. Valade Park, Visit Detroit, Sarah & Charles McClure, and Bosch, for their support.
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