What’s happening in Detroit?

River-front — Towering above the Detroit river, the Renaissance Center is an architectural marvel of glass and steel that uniquely defines Detroit’s skyline and represents a resurgence of vitality in this great city. The "Ren Cen", as called by Detroiters, is the focus of a riverfront development that has become a bustling convention center and a gathering place. Found here are Ford Auditorium, Joe Louis Arena (the home of the Detroit Red Wings), Cobo Arena, and Cobo Hall (site of major exhibitions and conventions). The Detroit River is also home to one of the most spectacular displays of fireworks during the Windsor-Detroit International Freedom Festival, a celebration that represents the peace, unity, freedom, and friendship shared between Canada and the United States.

Music — Concerts of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) are held in Orchestra Hall during the winter and at Meadowbrook in the summer. DSO season-ticket holders, unable to attend a particular concert, make their tickets available to students at the box office, a Detroit tradition of which we are particularly proud. Opportunities to hear fabulous jazz in Detroit range from small bistros to the Montreux-Detroit Jazz Festival, a bustling weeklong affair that attracts the finest artists this genre has to offer. Detroit is also on the A-list of popular music artists whose national tours bring them to clubs and theaters in the metro area. Last, but certainly not least is Motown, a category of music unto its own that was born in Detroit and continues to be a signature of the city’s unique character and artistry.

Theater - Pre-Broadway and post-Broadway hits make up the impressive roster of performances shown at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre. The Michigan Opera Theatre is recognized as one of the nation’s most successful opera companies and can be enjoyed in the splendor of the Detroit Opera House, a magnificent structure that is considered "one of the city’s cultural jewels". Touring shows are also showcased at Masonic Temple Auditorium and the Detroit Music Hall. A Detroit landmark, venerable Fox Theatre, re-opened its doors in 1988 following a multi-million dollar year-long renovation program. The theater, which accommodates an audience of 4,500, was built in 1927 at a cost of more than $6 million and is truly one of the most breathtaking performing arts and historical attractions in the United States. Added to the theater-buff’s list are Wayne State University’s Hilberry and Bonstelle theaters, both of which provide top-notch entertainment.

Museums — The sites of the Detroit Institute of Arts the Detroit Science Center, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Museum of African- American History are adjacent to the campuses of Wayne State University. The Detroit area also has Greenfield Village and the adjoining Henry Ford Museum, national treasures bestowed on the city by auto pioneer Henry Ford. Walking through the museum, the history of technology, from light bulbs to locomotives, unfolds before the eyes. A visit to the village is an extraordinary experience where one can view landmark historical buildings such as the Wright Brother’s cycle shop, Stephen Foster’s home and Thomas Edison’s laboratory.

Restaurants — Rated as one of the 10 best restaurant towns nation-wide by Esquire and Holiday magazines, Detroit offers dining opportunities that range from fine steak and seafood establishments to small ethnic restaurants that offer authentic flavors of the world. Popular with students (taste and budget!) are Greektown, Mexican village, and cafes in the Warehouse District down by the river.

Parks — Just a few minutes drive from the heart of downtown Detroit is Belle Isle, a 982-acre island park surrounded by the Detroit river. A variety of activities are offered on the island including free concerts, canoeing on lagoons, biking and running on wooded trials, a children’s zoo, a nature center, an aquarium, the Dossin Great Lakes Museum, a conservatory, greenhouses, and a vast picnic and barbeque area.