News Article

April 20, 2016 [DETROIT]- The Detroit RiverFront Conservancy team is gearing up for another busy season. This year’s offerings feature the return of many of the Conservancy’s most popular programs and special events, as well as a new surprise or two.  Here are just a few examples of what will be offered along the riverfront this year:

Environmental programming returns with a Green Day program on April 23 that features the popular Rain Barrel Making workshops and a bird watching event at Gabriel Richard Park.  The family favorite Kids Fishing Fest returns to Milliken State Park on Sunday, June 12. 

The third year of the Conservancy’s “Live the Riverfront” partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan launches on April 29.  This year’s initiatives build on the previous two years of activities with Walk the RiverWalk Wednesdays, free Yoga and T’ai Chi and the June 11 Riverfront Run. 

Along the West Riverfront, “Touch-A-Truck” returns on May 21 with even more large vehicles for kids to experience hands-on and up close.  Conservancy team members are working with event supporters to secure front-end loaders, dump trucks, excavators, emergency vehicles, tractors, snow plows and more for this year’s event.

The well-received Riviere28 events “Light Up the Riverfront” and “Soiree on the Greenway” return on June 17 and August 18, respectively. 

For the 10^th year, the Conservancy presents its annual kick-off to summer festival, GM River Days, June 24 – 26.  This year’s event will again feature musical acts, a Kids Zone, Michigan DNR activities, a carnival midway, a Taste of Detroit food court, boat tours, Jet Ski performances and more.  Additionally, plans are underway for the return of the popular annual Conservancy fundraiser, Shimmer on the River on June 23, which will provide guests with a unique VIP experience prior to GM River Days opening to the general public.

Reading and Rhythm on the Riverfront, the Conservancy’s literacy-based family-friendly program made possible by the General Motors Foundation, makes its return for the sixth year on Thursdays and Fridays from July 7 to August 12.  Group registration will open in May. Last year, the program served nearly 4,000 children and their families, who were treated to special celebrity readings, musical entertainment, arts and crafts, healthy snacks, carousel rides and free books to enjoy throughout the summer. 

Between the Conservancy’s special events and programming and those of our riverfront neighbors, such as General Motors’ Rockin’ on the Riverfront, Chene Park concerts, Roberts Riverwalk Hotel jazz performances and others, it promises to be a busy spring and summer.

Be sure to check out the Conservancy’s calendar of events by clicking here.