Things to Do in Detroit in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Detroit
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak spring weather with comfortable 15-20°C (59-68°F) temperatures perfect for walking tours through downtown and Belle Isle
- Opening week for Detroit's outdoor venues including Belle Isle Beach, Hart Plaza events, and Eastern Market's outdoor Saturday market expansion
- Baseball season begins at Comerica Park - Tigers home opener typically mid-April with perfect weather and lower ticket prices than summer games
- Cherry and tulip blooms at Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and throughout downtown create Instagram-worthy backdrops without summer tourist crowds
Considerations
- Unpredictable Michigan weather means you could see snow, 25°C (77°F) sunshine, or thunderstorms within the same week - pack layers
- Many rooftop bars and patios have limited hours or remain closed until consistent warm weather arrives in May
- Spring rain creates muddy conditions at some outdoor attractions like the Dequindre Cut trail and Belle Isle's less-paved areas
Best Activities in April
Detroit Riverfront and Belle Isle Exploration
April's mild temperatures make the 8.9 km (5.5-mile) Detroit Riverfront the perfect walking temperature without summer's heat and humidity. Belle Isle State Park reopens full outdoor access with blooming landscapes, and the James Scott Memorial Fountain typically starts operating again. Morning walks offer clear views across to Windsor without summer haze.
Historic District and Architectural Tours
Cool April weather makes walking tours through Corktown, Brush Park, and downtown comfortable without summer's oppressive heat. The Fisher Building, Guardian Building, and Michigan Central Station restoration can be explored extensively. Spring lighting provides excellent photography conditions for Detroit's architectural gems.
Eastern Market and Food Scene Tours
April marks Eastern Market's transition to expanded outdoor vendor space with spring produce, local honey, and maple products from Michigan farms. Cool mornings are perfect for the Saturday farmers market (7am-4pm), and food halls like Shed 5 offer comfortable indoor-outdoor dining when weather turns unpredictable.
Museum and Cultural Institution Circuit
April's variable weather makes indoor cultural attractions ideal backup plans. Detroit Institute of Arts, Motown Museum, and Henry Ford Museum (20 minutes in Dearborn) offer climate-controlled environments. The DIA's Friday Night Live events resume in April with extended hours until 10pm.
Brewery and Distillery Trail
Detroit's craft brewery scene offers perfect indoor-outdoor spaces for April's changing weather. Many breweries like Founders Detroit and Batch Brewing have covered patios that open in April. The city's whiskey distilleries provide indoor tastings when rain hits, and spring releases often debut in April.
Sports and Entertainment Venues
Tigers baseball season begins in April at Comerica Park with comfortable temperatures for outdoor games. Little Caesars Arena hosts Red Wings playoff games (if qualified) and concerts. The weather allows for comfortable walks between downtown venues and pre-game activities at Campus Martius.
April Events & Festivals
Detroit Tigers Home Opener
Major city celebration with downtown festivities, opening day parade, and traditional first pitch ceremony. The entire downtown area becomes festive with bars and restaurants offering special menus and extended hours.
Earth Day Festival at Belle Isle
Environmental celebration with local vendors, educational exhibits, and outdoor activities taking advantage of spring weather. Features Detroit urban farming initiatives and Great Lakes conservation programs.