Image courtesy of Eastern Market
WHAT:
Eastern Market is spotlighting activations available throughout the entire district on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, from 6 – 11 p.m. Eastern Market After Dark, the headline night of Detroit Month of Design, is a free, all-ages event that transforms the district into a hub of creativity for one night, featuring art and design activations, installations, gallery pop-ups, creative vendors, food trucks, bars and more.
Shed 2 serves as the creative and design hub, with the event running throughout the district with Murals in the Market routes, a Slow Roll bike tour, a riverfront activation on the Dequindre Cut and the district’s year-round tenants staying open late.
Special activations throughout the district include:
- Matéria Gallery: Explore a new solo exhibition featuring the work of Detroit artist Olayami Dabls, founder and curator of the MBAD African Bead Museum and Dabls African Bead Gallery, a past Murals in the Market artist and Kresge Eminent Artist. The exhibition will be open from 6 – 9 p.m.
- Marrow in the Market: Happy Hour After Dark featuring a new menu and DJ Blaaqgold spinning in the Capital Dining Room from 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- Well Done Goods: Vinyl all night with Darryl G, DJ Topkat and Samuel K.O. from 6 – 11 p.m.
- Cutter’s Bar & Grill: Happy Hour specials and Throwback Thursday with DJ Snake and DJ Esquire.
The wide array of activities across the district, from where to get food and drinks to retailers offering special activations, is captured in a map created by Eastern Market:
Attendees can also experience dozens of the district’s food, beverage and retail destinations throughout the evening, including Eastern Market Brewing Company, Detroit City Distillery, Supino Pizzeria, Vivio’s, Bert’s Marketplace, Savvy Chic and more!
After celebrating the ten-year anniversary in 2025, Murals in the Market is taking a short break this year. That doesn’t mean the walls went untouched, though! In partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and commissioned by Jerron Totten, artist Camouflage painted a beautiful new piece honoring HIV/AIDS advocate Odalys Martin. Tony WHLGN also came back to add vibrant color and complete his two-story mural at Marrow in the Market. The full mural festival returns in September 2027. Thank you for sticking with Murals in the Market through this pause, we can’t wait to fill the market with even more eye-catching art.
WHEN:
Thursday, September 17, 2026
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
WHERE:
Eastern Market District
2934 Russell Street
Detroit, MI 48207
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
Eastern Market After Dark has become one of Detroit’s most celebrated nighttime events and serves as the headline night of Detroit Month of Design, drawing thousands of people annually to discover new businesses, artists, and creative talent across the district. This year’s programming offers something for everyone, from art lovers and foodies to families and friends looking for a fun night out in the city.
About Eastern Market
Eastern Market has been a driving force in Detroit’s food economy for more than 130 years. The market supports hundreds of farmers and small food businesses, helping to create a resilient local food system that serves Detroit and the surrounding region. As one of the nation’s largest public markets, Eastern Market attracts over 2 million visitors each year and is a hub of fresh food, community connection and entrepreneurship. With its commitment to racial equity, affordability and economic opportunity, Eastern Market continues to shape the future of Detroit’s economy. Visit Easternmarket.org to discover more about our vendors, events, and how you can support local businesses.
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