March 22 2026.
All are invited to join in the annual Marche du Nain Rouge, a parade made up of Detroiters (and their friends). Everyone is invited--young, old, all shapes, sizes, and persuasions. Wear a costume or don't. But really, wear a costume and just show up!
11:30 a.m.+ Music starts as the crowd gathers at our Community Stage, located at the intersection of Canfield and Second.
1 p.m. Should the legendary Nain Rouge appear, we will show hope prevails in the city that rises from the ashes. Bring your sense of Detroit pride, positivity, and sense of humor. The opening ceremonies conclude with the Nain leading a procession down to the Masonic Temple around 1:30 p.m.; we don't chase the Nain!
You are the parade, so come with a pan on your head or in full regalia. Bring a washboard and jug band. Wear a costume. Build a human-powered float. Put on a mask, cover your body in biodegradable glitter and sustainably harvested feathers-- whatever it takes.
Is the parade kid-friendly? Pretty much yes for the most part. Tons of kids go to it! If your kid is creeped out by the Nain, so are we sometimes. We get it. You don't have to get that close to the Nain. We don't want to either. Well behaved dogs on leashes are OK too!
AFTERPARTY: 2:30ish - 5pm After the closing ceremony, enter the Masonic Temple's amazing Fountain Ballroom for the Marche's FREE Official Afterparty, with drinks, friends, vendor tables, and DJs spinning..
IMPORTANT STUFF
NO OPEN CARRY OF ALCOHOL. Be Smart!
Also, be respectful of fellow parade attendees and our neighbors, residents and businesses in the area. And be cool to everyone--we welcome all views on the legend of the Nain Rouge.
Also check out other Music events in Detroit, Entertainment events in Detroit, Kids events & activities in Detroit.
