Beacon Park Milestones and Memories

Beacon Park opened to the community almost seven years ago, offering local Detroiters, Michiganders and international visitors a place to enjoy the city in a sustainable, accessible green space. Shortly after, Lumen opened, giving guests a new and unique way to dine in Detroit with world-class hospitality.

Millions of visitors have come from near and far to partake in the downtown tree lighting during the winter holiday season, summer Family Fun Days, Light Up Beacon Park, partner events and to enjoy delicious cuisine from Lumen Detroit, the park’s onsite restaurant.

Join us for a trip down memory lane as we highlight some of our special moments and milestones:

July 20, 2017: Beacon Park hosts a grand opening reception over four days with live music, giant illuminated seesaws and a market with 25+ local vendors.

March 25, 2018: Lumen Detroit officially opens at Beacon Park – a 4,000-square-foot restaurant with a rooftop bar, hand-crafted cocktails and fresh dishes.

July 20, 2018: Beacon Park hosts its 1st birthday bash with a party for hundreds of local children and families enjoyed a variety of onsite activities, refreshments and performances.

In one year of opening, the park welcomed nearly one million visitors and hosted more than 700 free programs and events, helping to spur $140 million in neighborhood revitalization efforts.

July 2019: The NAACP celebrates its 110th National Convention at Beacon Park with performances from six-time Grammy nominated R&B singer-songwriter Tamia and students from Detroit’s Mosaic Youth Theater.

June 2020:  Lumen Detroit is awarded its LEED certification in the Silver category, recognizing its unique equipment and environmentally conscious design.

September 2021: Beacon Park hosts seven DLECTRICITY installations, offering visitors a new way to experience the city through the lenses of artists in the community. Dancers from across the country returned to Detroit to participate in the city’s longest dance line with host Nat Morris and friends from the popular dance show “The Scene.”

July 20, 2022: Alongside community partner Goodwill, the park celebrates its 5-year anniversary and the centennial of Goodwill for an impact day where community members could explore career opportunities and employment resources and training.

August 2022: Beacon Park concludes its summer season with an unforgettable musical performance by Skip Marley, two-time Grammy Award nominee and the grandson of Bob Marley.

December 2023: Beacon Park premiered “Design Haus,” an indoor, interactive activation designed to energize and inspire visitors showcasing Detroit’s creative community through next-gen technology, special performances and curated art displays, all while connecting to Beacon Park’s sustainability mission.  The multi–week activation closed with a special holiday–themed performance by the renowned Detroit Symphony Orchestra. 

January 2024: Beacon Park lit up in Honolulu Blue to support the Detroit Lions during the playoffs. The park is always proud to help energize the city and root for our home teams!  

Thanks for supporting the park and keep an eye out for upcoming events where you can join the fun!