For the real sons and daughters of Detroit, there was never a question about where they stood. This city—its grit, its grind, its soul—has always been home. Through the highs and the hard-fought struggles, the love for Detroit never wavered. That pride runs deep, and nowhere is that more evident than on 313 Day. No one reps their city like Detroiters, and when March 13 rolls around, that love shows up in full force.
The energy behind 313 Day has grown year after year, fueled by a people who refuse to let their city be defined by outsiders who never knew its rhythm, its resilience, or its renaissance. Detroit’s image today is a reflection of that undying loyalty, seen through businesses and institutions, big and small, pouring into this day to uplift the Motor City. In 2023, the City Council made it official, but the people had already claimed this day long before that stamp of approval. The numbers—3-1-3—mean more than just an area code. They hold weight worldwide, thanks to the voices that shouted it in rap songs, wore it across their chests, and made sure no one forgot where they came from.
There’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the heartbeat of this city. Whether it’s starting the morning at The Clique on Jefferson, taking in the artistry of Tiff Massey’s “7 Mile + Livernois” exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts, grabbing lunch at Duly’s Coney Island, or ending the night at one of the city’s newest dining spots, Detroiters know how to do 313 Day right.
The second-annual 313 Day Ride at Joe Louis Greenway gives cyclists a chance to take in the city on two wheels. The ride kicks off at 5 p.m. on Thursday and 6 p.m. on Friday, free to join with a $10 raffle entry. Over at Atwater Brewery, some of Detroit’s most beloved brands come together with $3.13 beers all day, featuring local favorites like Hell Fire Detroit hot sauce, McClures Pickles, Yellow Light Donuts, and Third Man Records. For those looking to network and build, Baker’s Keyboard Lounge hosts a 313 Day and Women’s History Month event filled with storytelling and community connection from 6-8 p.m.
Detroit’s love story isn’t just about history—it’s about giving back. The Clemente Recreation Center hosts a charity basketball game featuring Lil Blade, Ghetto Baby Boom, Kid L, Vito Lays, Ronnie Kirk, and more. The event raises funds for mentorship, transportation, and programs supporting at-risk children. The game starts at 5 p.m., and doors open at 4 p.m. Meanwhile, City Bird and Nest continue their tradition of selling Detroit-themed products, donating 100% of proceeds from the Detroit Things coffee mug to Alternatives for Girls throughout March.
The Detroit Foundation Hotel pays tribute to the city’s musical legacy all weekend, kicking off with a Thursday event featuring vinyl DJ sets curated by Peter Croce and limited-edition 313 posters by Joe Reilley of All Motion Studio. Saturday and Sunday bring Detroit-themed brunch at the Apparatus Room, and Sunday’s Sounds of the City event showcases music, art, and discussions on the Detroit sound. At Little Caesars Arena, the Detroit Pistons put on a 313 Day celebration before their matchup against the Washington Wizards, handing out a special 313 Day chain to the first 3,130 fans and a PixMob light-up bracelet to the first 15,000. Detroit rapper 42 Dugg brings a halftime performance, and fans can enjoy giveaways, sneaker cleaning, and more.
The music doesn’t stop there. Marble Bar keeps the night going with a 313 Day afterparty featuring Drummer B, Satomi the Red Fox, and Mean Dean 313. The Masonic Temple hosts a 313 Day concert Thursday with Hunxho, Loe Shimmy, Charity, Nick Lavelle, and Neisha Neshae. On Friday, the 313 Day Hip-Hop concert packs the lineup with Tee Grizzley, Veeze, Babyface Ray, Peezy, Icewear Vezzo, Tay B, Babyfxce E, and Boldy James. Tickets for Thursday’s show start at $13, while Friday’s event begins at $49.50.
Detroit institutions keep the spirit going beyond music. McDonald’s steps up with its 313 Day Meal, featuring a double Filet-O-Fish, four-piece McNuggets, medium fries, and a Vernors Boston Cooler ice cream drink. The first 40 customers purchasing the meal at participating locations receive a 313 Day long-sleeve T-shirt designed by Ameera Haynes, a former student at Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design. Mezcal Mexican Restaurant in Midtown serves up margaritas for $3.13 all day, while Mootz Pizzeria + Bar offers New York-style slices for the same price.
For a full-on community celebration, Robert C. Valade Park hosts a free 313 Day event with live performances by The Prolifics, Al Bettis, and others. The event runs from 3:13-8 p.m. with trivia, comedy from T. Barb, children’s activities, and food vendors. The Shinola Hotel joins the festivities with DJs and complimentary Moët & Chandon champagne from 6-9 p.m. Nearby, restaurants like Mister Dips, The Brakeman, and Penny Red’s offer 313 Day food and drink specials.
At Tocororo, the Daily Detroit podcast hosts a live recording with Detroit-themed trivia by Mickey Lyons. Guests can enjoy a full menu of food and tropical drinks while diving deep into the stories that define the city. Well Done Goods celebrates with an all-day music event featuring DJ Seryoza, Darryl G, and a Metroplex Records Showcase with Augustus Williams and Nick Speed.
Limited-edition 313 Day apparel makes an appearance, too. The new Wingstop in Detroit gifts the first 200 customers a special 313 Day shirt co-branded with the Detroit Pistons and designed by Engineered by Dre. The giveaway starts at 3:13 p.m., with fans encouraged to line up early at 2 p.m.
Everywhere you turn, Detroiters put their city on display. The events, the music, the food, the people—everything about 313 Day is a reflection of a love that doesn’t fade. It’s not a trend. It’s not a marketing ploy. It’s a testament to a city that never lost its soul, a people who never stopped believing in its greatness. Detroiters don’t wait for validation; they define it for themselves. This is their city. This is their day. And nobody does it like Detroit.