Fall is an exciting time of year in Detroit, jam-packed with unique, fun, and often free events.

First up, over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 30-Sep. 2) is the Detroit Jazz Festival. The festival takes place downtown in Hart Plaza, along Woodward Avenue and in Campus Martius Park — a short QLine or DDOT ride from campus. The annual four-day event is the largest free premiere jazz festival in the world and has traditionally featured a variety of faculty, students and alumni from Wayne State’s Department of Music.

The Saturday after Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 7), Dally in the Alley takes place just steps from campus. A Warrior favorite since its inception more than 40 years ago, Dally is produced entirely by volunteers. The event is free to attend and offers local music on multiple stages, artists, entrepreneurs and food. Popular with students, Dally is also family-friendly, boasting a kid zone with activities like face painting and arts and crafts.

Organized by Design Core, Detroit Month of Design events take place in all corners of the city throughout the month of September, highlighting the talent and innovation that make Detroit a UNESCO City of Design (the first and only UNESCO City of Design in the United States). This year's theme, Creative Currents, pays tribute to Detroit’s unique legacy of artistry and innovation while emphasizing the importance of collaboration and collective action as we look to the future. 

Eastern Market After Dark (Sept. 19) is a signature Detroit Month of Design event and showcases an array of talented artists, businesses, organizations and musicians. Established in 2012, Eastern Market After Dark is free to attend has grown to be a highly anticipated part of the market’s yearly programming, drawing over 33,000 attendees annually.

There are also several smaller arts and culture events happening in September, including: First Friday Late Nights at the Michigan Science Center (Sept. 6); Second Sundays at the Wright Museum (Sept. 15); and the Music of Queen at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) (Sept. 20-21). First Friday Late Nights are free for Wayne State students, Second Sundays are free for everyone, and Wayne State students can unlock the entire DSO season for just $25 with a Soundcard Student Membership.

The fun continues throughout the fall semester with Octoberfest and Dia de los Muertos events in October. The 2024 America’s Thanksgiving Parade will march down Woodward Avenue through the Wayne State campus on Nov. 28 and Noel Night — a neighborhood-wide holiday open house in Midtown — returns on Dec. 1. The Downtown Detroit Parks traditionally also host tree and menorah-lighting ceremonies and a Kwanzaa and Kinara lighting celebration in November and December.

Look for these events and more on Get Involved and events.wayne.edu.