The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy (DRC) is back at it and better than ever this year.
The DRC recently announce the return of signature events and community celebrations to the Detroit Riverfront this September.
Shimmer on the River, the Conservancy’s largest annual fundraiser, will return this year on Friday, September 17 with a Riverfront Reunion theme. The Conservancy will also host the West Riverfront Block Party, a new public event, on Saturday, September 18 featuring national
and local music acts, acrobatic Jet-Ski demonstrations, food trucks and family activities. The weekend’s events will take place at West Riverfront Park, located at 1801 W. Jefferson in downtown Detroit.
“Public spaces bring us together and continue to play a critical role in physical and mental health, and we are proud that the Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut remained open throughout the pandemic,” said Mark Wallace, president & CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy in a press release. “We
are thrilled to invite the community to experience our summer programming and the return of signature events while celebrating Detroit and our beautiful riverfront.”
Shimmer on the River: A Riverfront Reunion returns as a magical night under the September sky and the first major in-person fundraiser the organization has hosted since 2019. To honor Shimmer’s long-awaited return, the Conservancy is creating an unforgettable event, where supporters will have a chance to reunite in-person and celebrate the Best Riverwalk in the country together. The evening will feature a live performance by The Spinners, a lineup of Detroit’s favorite food trucks, an Adventure Park with a 300-foot zip line, inflatable games and obstacle courses, and unique surprises. Shimmer proceeds benefit the Conservancy and its mission of creating a safe, vibrant and accessible riverfront.
Shimmer begins at 5 p.m. with a VIP Reception and presentation of the Shimmer Award, which is the Conservancy’s highest honor. This year, the award will be presented to long-time Board member Larry McLaughlin. Additionally, Evelyn Johnston, who was one of the Conservancy’s launching Board members, will be honored with the award posthumously.
The main event is from 6 to 9 p.m. VIP tickets are $250. Main event tickets are $150 and include unlimited access to food trucks, live entertainment, giveaways, games and activities for all ages, and free admission for up to two children 12-and-under.
Shimmer on the River sponsorships, which help support the Conservancy’s essential work, are now available. To make a donation, purchase tickets or secure a sponsorship, please visit detroitriverfront.org/Shimmer.
Additional details about Shimmer on the River, including the full Riverfront Reunion line up, will be announced in mid-August.
West Riverfront Block Party is a new one-day community event and takes place at West Riverfront Park from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, September 18. The public celebration will include musical performances by local and national acts, children’s activities and bounce
houses, the Adventure Zone, 20 food trucks and acrobatic Jet-Ski demonstrations.
Headlined by top R&B talents El DeBarge and Kelly Price, musical performances begin at 11 a.m. with numerous local singers and bands covering several genres of music including rock, soul, R&B and pop.
Twenty of Detroit’s most popular food trucks will provide food for purchase throughout the day, including Jackson’s Five Star Motown Bistro, The Lobster Food Truck, Tres Leches, TruckShuka and Smoke ‘n Pig BBQ. Fan-favorite Typhoon Tommy and his team will showcase their high-flying and acrobatic Jet Ski skills on the Detroit River throughout the day.
Covid-19 safety procedures will be in place. For more information about the West Riverfront Block Party, please visit www.riverfrontblockparty.com.
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