michigan state capitol building tours

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Michigan State Capital Building: Tours, Pictures, Cool Things to See at the Capitol (Dome, Senate, House of Representatives) 

By Sherry Trautman

Michigan State Capitol | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Visit our Michigan Capital building in a fun new way to see the stunning Gallery of Governors, House of Representatives and Senate Chambers! We promise you will have fun while learning (because nobody likes boring stuff!).   

*Plus, embark on our 10 Hidden Secrets in the Michigan Capitol treasure hunt for even more fun! 

*We also have lots of fun ideas of things to do while you are in  Lansing Michigan .

Take a Virtual Tour of the Michigan State Capitol!

See the Rotunta, 160 Historic Battle Flags and the Famous Starry Dome!

Did you know the State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark?

What is Michigan's state capital?

Lansing, Michigan but was previously in Detroit.  

Is Michigan State Capitol open? Can I visit the Capitol Building? What are the Hours?

Yes, you can embark on a self-guided tour.  The Michigan State Capitol is open 8-5 Mon.-Fri. Tours for ten people or less are offered on the hour 9-4 p.m. Single use self-guided tour books are also available at the main tour and information desk on the ground floor at the east entry. 

Secret Treasure Hunt in the State Capitol!

Did you know there are hidden secrets in the Michigan Capital ?  

Embark on our Michigan Capital treasure hunt adventure! Search for giant mollusks, antlers, fancy door knobs and lots more!

Michigan State Capitol Address

100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933

Where is the Entrance to the Michigan State Capitol?

It can be very confusing to determine where the entrance to the Michigan State Capital is located.  My friend and I wandered around for quite a while.  See the circle above as the entrance is under the massive front staircase!!  

What to Do First When Visiting the State Capital?

You will arrive on the ground floor and walk past security.  Be sure to take a guide book (free to borrow)  if you wish to have a self guided tour which is also  free . 

This book is invaluable for your experience and we read along as we walked.  

If you wish to have a guided tour or have questions, call the Information Service line at 517-373-2353.  

See the Senate in Action!

The Senate (blue room) has public viewing areas on the third floor.  You are welcome to enter but you must remain seated if the chamber is in session.  This is a very quiet room so we didn't speak as people were working. Both galleries have areas for wheelchairs.  You can see why the Michigan State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark.

FYI: It's very easy to get turned around as you are going between floors so I just memorized that the Senate has predominately blue walls and the House has pink.  

The Senate has 38 members and is the smaller chamber (between the Senate and the House of Representatives).

When you visit the House and Senate Chambers, look up at the magnificent coffered ceilings.  These panes were originally made of red and white hand etched glass but were lost or broken many years ago. They were placed with plastic in the House and plywood in the Senate.  

Can you find your state's Coat of Arms?

Learn More About the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives Chamber (pink room) has 110 members .  Each representative is elected to a two-year term.  They sit at an assigned desk with Republicans on the right and Democrats on the left. (So that's where the right and left designation originated!!)

The presiding officer is the Speaker of the House and is elected to this position by the members.

Did you know the original 1878 desks were refinished and are still used in this chamber?  Pretty cool, huh!  It would have been a waste to get new desks when these are spectacular!

The Gallery of Governors is Breathtaking!

The Gallery of Governors  is a portrait gallery of past Governors located on the second and third floor.  The Governors pay for their own portraits and after they leave office, the portrait is hung in this gallery. Be sure to walk around the full circle.

There are only 14 portraits in total and they are arranged in chronological order, with the most recent portraits hung on the second floor and the oldest portraits displayed on the third floor. When a new governor leaves office, the oldest portrait gets the boot.  Just kidding , the oldest one is moved to another area in the building...(well, gets the boot).

Did You Notice The Ghostly Governor Painting?

This painting definitely caught my eye as it is vastly different than the traditionally painted portraits on the second floor in the Gallery of Governors. 

This is a portrait of Governor John Swainson , who served from 1961 to 1962.  After only serving one term, the Governor left the office.  Since the governors pay for their own portraits, Mr. Swainson wished to have his painting appear unfinished to symbolize his then unfinished career.

The Rotunda is the Star of the Show!

This phenomenal Rotunda is meant to be awe inspiring.   It's hard not to drop your jaw as you stare up in wonder at the magnificent architecture, paintings and vast open space.  

This spectacular dome was created to inspire you with endless possibilities just within your grasp. 

This spectacular floor of the Rotunda has 976 glass tiles that are 5/8" thick.   This floor appears to be glowing as it is lit from below. 

It's fun to look up at the ceiling of glowing glass when you first enter the Capital and then head up the stairs to your right or left to walk on the glowing glass tiles.

We dare you to lay down on the glass floor of the Rotunda and look up 160 feet to the "eye" or oculus of the dome.  There, you will see a spectacular starry sky!

See the Supreme Court at the Michigan State Capitol

This Supreme Court room is just magnificent at the Michigan State Capitol.   The chairs look so comfortable and the wood work is extraordinary.

Pin This Michigan State Capitol Page!

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About the Lead Author | Sherry Trautman

Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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We're Sherry and Chris the founders of one of Michigan's most comprehensive and Top Travel Blogs!

Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Lansing Family Fun

Lansing Family Fun is where the fun's at! We're your local guide to family adventures, and cool events, with a mix of travel information, guides, and helpful content galore.

It’s Time to Visit the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing

Don’t Wait for a Field Trip to Explore the Michigan State Capitol Building

Did you know that you can tour the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing?

Braving a blustery winter day, my son and I took a self-guided tour of this national treasure. We almost forgot it was so cold outside as we got lost in the atmosphere and beauty. Our visit brightened our day, leaving us excited to return and bring the rest of our family with us.

The capitol building in Lansing, Michigan is a treasure.

If you’re hoping to explore the capital building yourself, this is what you need to know:

Table of Contents

How to Tour the Michigan State Capitol Building

The Michigan State Capitol moved from Detroit to Lansing location in 1847. The capitol building we know today was completed in 1873 . The building was designed by Detroit architect, Elijah E. Meyers (the same architect who later planned the Texas state capitol in Austin.)

Visit the Texas State Capitol and the buildings’ similarities will strike you.

There is a reverence of sorts when you walk into either building.

Don’t let that intimidate you.

You are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the Michigan State Capitol building within its hours of operation .

Touring the history, art, and detail as an adult was a whole new experience. It was very special to be able to share this with my son, just as my mom loved visiting with us when we were kids. I imagine this generational tradition will continue to flow through many Michigan families and visitors for decades to come.

Guided Tours of the Capitol Building

Guided tours are available between 9:00 and 4:00. Groups of 10 or more people can schedule a tour in advance, smaller groups and individuals are permitted to join with scheduled groups. Please call (517) 373-2353 to confirm tour times or schedule a tour.

Smartphone Tours

The Capitol also offers smartphone tours . These efficient, self-guided experiences delve into specific Capitol themes, including historical furniture, portraits, and artwork throughout the Capitol and its surroundings.

Michigan State Capitol Stats

Height: 267 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the spire

Number of Floors: 4

Number of Rooms: 139

Building Dimensions: 420 ft × 274 ft

Year Inaugurated: 1879

5 Reasons to Take a Self-Guided Michigan State Capitol Building Tour

All self-guided tours including the Smartphone tours are FREE of charge.

1. Soak Up Grandiose Structure and Beauty

Don’t have a lot of time but want to take an awesome adventure?

Try out touring the Capitol Building by wandering through it. You’ll be able to take in a lot in a short amount of time, is worthwhile and can be really fun.

My son loved seeing the decadence and learning all about the Capitol Building. He kept saying over and over, “Wow, look at that!” I answered things like “Right!? That’s all hand-painted!” and “Yes, these are called the grand staircases.”

The absolutely gorgeous dome high above his little gaze was what got the most attention.

2. Notice the Detailed Architecture and Monuments

13 monuments grace the grounds before you even walk into the building, including The Hiker Memorial which was sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, one of the first American women sculptors to gain international prominence!

We’ve been to many events on the Michigan State Capitol grounds, but slowing down to learn about each individual piece is really special.

Sauntering the halls and seeing the wall-to-ceiling hand-painted detail of the architecture is breathtaking!

Can you imagine being one of those painters!? Thrilling!

Each balcony has a unique view, and you’ll find an extensive amount of architecture throughout the Michigan Capitol Building.

3. Explore the Fine Art

Placed purposefully throughout the building are fine art pieces of each governor, eight muse paintings, and hand-painted murals.

Included on this list of art is the starry dome in the center of the Capitol Building.

You’ll find this as you stand on the round glass floor at the main level by gazing upward.

4. Learn Michigan and American History

Lansing wasn’t always the capital city; it was first in Detroit. In March of 1847, Lansing was chosen as the second capital location – and there have been three buildings.

The Capitol Building in Lansing’s downtown is the third capitol building Michigan has known.

Now, more than 100 years later, boy have we proved the “horrified observers” wrong that Lansing is not a “howling wilderness” or “village-less.”

We not only have villages, but a vibrant community filled with amazing people and our city has tons of things to do with our families .

It’s so awesome to learn about the history of our state while touring a building filled with just that – history!

You’ll find all of this information and much, much more when you visit and take the Historic Tour of the Capitol Building.

5. Explore it All

Spend the day at the Michigan State Capitol Building by doing all of the tours .

If you’re visiting from out of town and want to have a memorable experience, this is a great way to make the drive worthwhile. Be sure to check out our tips before you come our way.

Check out the tips below to make your day trip to Lansing great:

Tips for visiting the Michigan State Capitol

1. Parking : There are credit card meters along Washington Square. Finding parking there will ensure you don’t go over your meter and provides a nice walk through Lansing’s downtown strip. Also, parking structures are located on Capitol Ave between Shiawassee and Ionia, and Washington and Kalamazoo. Both of these structures are within walking distance of the Capitol.

2. Coming with kids? Have the Talk : Visiting the Capitol Building is a lot of fun, but letting the kids know it’s not ok to touch the walls or important pieces is really important before you go.

3. No worries : The building has many people walking in and out at all times. You might feel overwhelmed when you arrive but don’t worry, you are welcome, even with kids in tow. The friendliness as you walk through the building is awesome.

Visiting the Michigan State Capitol Building Will Stick With You

As my son and I walked up to the Michigan State Capitol Building he said, “Mommy! Is this where the king of the castle lives?!”

I replied, “Well, sweetie, if this was a castle – technically it would be considered where the queen of the castle resides. After all, we now have our second female governor in office in Michigan’s history!”

Special trips like this can bring up fun and engaging conversations with our kids. I love that we have this type of opportunity right here in downtown Lansing!

The Michigan State Capitol is one of those wonderful places mutually enjoyed by all ages. Kids are welcome in our Capitol building and they love to see all of the beauty, history, art, and information just like we do.

Try it out and let me know how your trip goes! We’d love to hear your feedback, thoughts, and tips.

Carla Brooks

Carla is Oregon born, Michigan raised, so it comes as no surprise she's an avid adventurer in all things nature and water fun. She's passionate about storytelling and the power it has to engage the community, give voice to the teller, and invoke a call to action. She is a proud Mexican-American woman who loves to travel (while eating and cooking delicious foods from around the globe), is grateful for her daily yoga practice, and garners much joy from spending time with friends and family. Life is ripe with story and she is always working to capture the magic wherever she goes, so don’t be surprised if you catch her jotting notes with a camera in hand.

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Michigan State Capitol

SIGNIFICANCE

Guided and self-guided tours of the State Capitol are available free of charge as a service by the State of Michigan. Use the links below to learn more.

DESIGNATION(S)

• 1956, State Register of Historic Sites
• 1971, National Register of Historic Places
• 1980, Michigan Historical Marker
• 1992, National Historic Landmark

ARCHITECT, BUILDER, OR DESIGNER(S)

• Elijah E. Myers, architect

SIGNIFICANT DATE(S)

• 1879, building constructed

LINKS AND FURTHER READING

• Michigan State Capitol official website
• " Capitol Tours ," Michigan State Capitol Commission
• " Michigan State Capitol: A Self-Guided Tour ," Michigan Legislature (PDF)

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Explore Fayette Historic Townsite, a former iron-making town in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Explore Fort Wilkins and the Copper Harbor Lighthouses in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to learn about people and events that shaped this region.

Explore the state’s 19th-century logging era at Hartwick Pines Logging Museum.

The museum has exhibits on everything from the CCC's role in planting trees and building roads to its impact on the environment.

The Mann House and its contents illustrate typical family life in the 1880s.

The house is under extensive renovation and is closed to the public. Ulysses S. Grant and his wife, Julia Dent Grant, lived in this Detroit house from 1849 to 1850.

The Michigan Iron Industry Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Michigan's iron industry.

Sanilac Petroglyphs Historic State Park protects and interprets Michigan’s largest known collection of early Native American teachings carved in stone.

The Tawas Point Lighthouse is a fascinating attraction for maritime buffs and an exciting destination for birdwatchers.

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Field trips/group tours

Bring your class to the Michigan History Museum for fun and learning! Our field trip experiences and programs are an excellent supplement to your classroom instruction.

Important information for field trips:

• Field trips/group visits are limited to a minimum of 10 visitor and MUST be pre-registered . Unscheduled group will not be admitted.
• Group visits are available Monday - Thursday. Please note the museum is closed on all official state holidays and several other days during the year. Please see the holiday closing schedule for a complete list of closure dates.
• Dates become available for reservations one year in advance (i.e. if you would like to bring your group on Oct. 7, 2024, the earliest date that you can make your reservation is Oct. 7, 2023). You can try to make reservations with shorter lead time, but be aware that dates fill up fast.
• The museum does not allow teachers to bring in their own tour guides or program facilitators during general visits. If you are interested in a facilitated program, please book one of our guided tours and programs.

Current field trip offerings:

• Self guided tour
• Guided tours

The general visit is a self-guided tour of the museum's permanent exhibits. Plan approximately 90 minutes for the visit.

• $4 per student (age 6-17)
• One teacher and one paraprofessional free
• One chaperon for every 10 students free
• Additional adults are welcomed to join at $8 per person
• To book a self-guided visit to the museum, call Capitol Tour Services at 517-373-2353. 
• Many educators combine a visit to the museum with a tour of the Michigan State Capitol building. To make the booking process for both locations easy, we have partnered with the Capitol Tour Service , where teachers can schedule both visits at in one place. 

Typically, arrivals are scheduled every 15 minutes, in class size groupings. If several classrooms from the same school plan to visit together, arrival time may be staggered to avoid overcrowding in the museum.

Please be advised that the museum is busiest during the spring. We encourage teachers and other group leaders to plan your visit for other times of the year when your group can get the most out of the museum experience.

Teachers are allowed and encouraged to create activities for the students to complete during their visit. Please be advised that the exhibitions and artifacts on display change seasonally and may affect teacher-created materials. Teachers who wish to visit the museum to develop materials before their class visit may do so free of charge by contacting our Visitor Services team at 517-335-2581. 

A knowledgeable volunteer docent will lead your class through Michigan history, from the end of the last ice age through the mid 20th century. The tour pays particular attention to Michigan's Anishinaabe people through the Statehood era. The tour meets Michigan social studies learning standards. Guided tours are limited to a minimum of 10 and maximum of 30 students, and last approximately 90 minutes.

• $7 per student
• one teacher and paraprofessionals free
• one chaperon for every 10 students free
• Paid programs for adult groups are available for $9 per person
• Reservations for guided tours are made by calling the Michigan History Museum directly at 517-335-2581. All programs must be scheduled at least three weeks in advance.
• For schools looking to bring several classrooms to the museum, please be advised that we can only accommodate two guided tours each day. 
• Payment is due the date of the tour. The museum accepts cash, checks (payable to “State of Michigan") and credit cards (Visa, MasterCard and Discover only). If paying by check, please bring only the amount you owe. We are unable to process refunds on site. If an invoice is needed please request one when booking your program, as invoices are not automatically generated.

Visit our preparing for your field trip page  for more information on museum amenities and rules.

Updated 08/30/2021

Preparing for your field trip

Chaperone instructions, help with field trip costs.

Teachers have asked us for information about how to get help with covering the costs of field trips to the Michigan History Museum. We've learned of the following.

• Target field trip grants
• Schools often are able to get grants through local service organizations (such as Lions and Rotary clubs), local businesses and local foundations that want to make sure that their efforts directly support students in their communities.

Teacher Resources

Visit the Michigan History Center's Michiganology website for all our educational materials.

Updated 09/01/2021

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Watch parties, tours, panel discussions planned during NFL draft in Detroit

Celebrations will unfold across various parks, bars, hotels and the streets of downtown Detroit as fans and football figures come together for the NFL draft Thursday through Saturday.

Some events are free and others require registration, so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead as limited admission will be granted. Here are a few events to consider as you prepare to celebrate the NFL draft in Detroit.

Draft Day in the D

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is hosting a three-day celebration open to fans and visitors of all ages across downtown Detroit. Festivities will take place at Capitol Park, Beacon Park, Paradise Valley Beatrice Buck Park, Grand Circus Park and on a closed-off portion of Woodward Avenue between State and Witherell streets. Highlights will include 10 20-foot video walls showcasing live feeds of the event, more than 60 live music performances, more than 35 local food trucks, Bud Light beer tents, more than 45 local vendors and more.

11 a.m.-11 p .m. Thursday-Friday; and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. Free admission.

Greektown Tailgate

Experience two blocks of live music, sports viewing, games, food, drinks and more in the heart of historic Greektown. The main stage will host 19 bands; the DJ stage will feature 12 local DJs and highlight Detroit's electronic music and dance scene.

Noon-midnight April Thursday-Saturday on Monroe Street between St. Antoine and Brush streets in Detroit.

Corktown Draft Experience

There will be viewing tents, complimentary shuttles, access to Draft festivities along with stores and restaurants offering exclusive deals and discounts.

The Corner Ballpark , also located in Corktown, is the official activation site for kids during the 2024 NFL Draft.

Thursday-Saturday in Corktown, near Michigan Avenue and Trumbell in Detroit. Free.

NFL Draft Eve in the D

ACG Detroit (Associated for Corporate Growth) has released a limited number of tickets for this event featuring an appearance by Detroit Lions President and CEO Rod Wood . Enjoy an open bar, food, DJ and complimentary valet parking.

4:30-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Shinola Hotel, 1435 Farmer St. in Detroit. $250 per person. Visit acg.org for tickets.

Detroit City Distillery events :

This Detroit-based distillery in the Eastern Market district plans a series of events:

• Bar takeover at The Foundation Hotel : Join the Detroit City Distillery at The Foundation Hotel, where bartenders will take over the Satellite Bar in the Elevator Lobby from 5-9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday. Guests can enjoy bespoke cocktails crafted by some of the city’s most talented mixologists, including Petr Balcarovsky .
• Special Tours at The Whiskey Factory : The Detroit City Distillery will offer special tours of its Whiskey Factory Wednesday-Saturday. The factory is housed in the former Stroh’s Ice Cream Factory and home of Goebel Brewing Co. at 1000 Maple in downtown Detroit. $20 tour tickets are available at detroitcitydistillery .
• Draft Livestream : Festivities will extend to the DCD’s Bar Tasting Room at 2462 Riopelle St. in Eastern Market for handcrafted spirits and more.

More: A guide to breakfast, lunch and dinner near downtown Detroit during the NFL draft

First Round VIP Night-Watch Party

This event at the former site of Tiger Stadium in support of the Detroit Police Athletic League will feature food, drinks and music by DJ Lightshow, guest appearances and TVs for draft viewing.

7-11:30 p.m. Thursday at The Corner Ballpark in The Champions Club Ballroom, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Tickets are $100 in advance at eventbrite ; slightly higher at the door.

VIP Community Day

This youth-centered event, tailored for ages 12-18, will feature a panel discussion with former and current NFL players; the NFL’s first female African American coach; media figures, financial experts and more. Sponsored by Citizens Bank, the event will be moderated by Dr. Darrius from 97.9 WJLB and will include giveaways and raffles.

Noon-4 p.m. Saturday at The Corner Ballpark-Detroit PAL HQ, 1680 Michigan Ave. in Detroit. Free. Join the waitlist at Eventbrite .

NFL Draft Detroit Rooftop Party

Watch draft picks with drinks and food while enjoying views of the Detroit skyline at this event for ages 21 and up.

Noon-2 a.m. Friday; and noon-11:30 p.m. Saturday at the Exodos Rooftop, 529 Monroe St. in Detroit. General admission tickets are $20 and up. Tickets at Eventbrite .

NFL Draft Watch Parties – Detroit Shipping Co.

Football fanatics and foodies are invited to join Detroit Shipping as they offer drink specials, backyard games, raffles, music, an art gallery on the second floor, free parking and five showcased restaurants: Bangkok 96 , Momo Cha , Halal Street , Motorburger , and Minus 320 .

Thursday-Saturday at the Detroit Shipping Co., 474 Peterboro St. in Detroit.

Sports Business Titans: Winning Strategies for Life & Business

Witness the blend of sports and business at this event, where speakers will discuss how athletes are leading in entrepreneurship by leveraging their influence and status.

9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday on the 16th floor of One Campus Martius, 1 Campus Martius in Detroit. Tickets start at $197 and can be purchased at Eventbrite .

Afro Soul presents PRIV É - NFL Draft Weekend After Party

AfroSoul presents this celebration of sports and culture with Afrobeats, Amapiano, hip-hop and R&B music. NFL and NBA athletes and celebrities including Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander will be making appearances. This event is for ages 21 and older.

10 p.m. Friday at The Norwood, 6531 Woodward Ave. in Detroit. RSVP at Eventbrite . Tickets start at $100.

NFL Draft Party at The Siren Hotel

This public event will showcase a unique tailgate menu, live vinyl sets, happy hour specials, local vintage pop-ups, and additional attractions.

Noon-7 p.m. Thursday at The Siren Hotel, 1509 Broadway St. in Detroit. Free.

NFL Draft Watch Party & Black Business Pop-Up Shop

The Thursday Business Luncheon Group is hosting this event featuring more than 30 local Black-owned vendors, food, $5 mocktails, music by DJ Bruce Bailey , and plenty of screens to watch the NFL Draft.

6-11 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Sacred Heart Church Activities Building, 3451 Rivard St. in Detroit.

313 Draft Party

This event hosted by JARS Cannabis , Chill Medicated , Kiva's Lost Farm and Gold Crown is for ages 21 and older. Fans can watch the draft on large screens and there will be football-themed activities, local food trucks, a DJ, giveaways, and special draft-party promotions from several cannabis brands.

2 p.m. Thursday and 1 p.m. Friday at 70 E. Elizabeth St., across from Comerica Park.

Brendel Hightower is an assistant editor at the Detroit Free Press.   Contact her at  [email protected] .   Support local journalism:  Subscribe to the Detroit Free Press .