Community Events

Take a stroll through two centuries of Detroit music history, from classical and concert performers and composers to ragtime, jazz and the roots of Motown. On this two-hour walking tour, we’ll visit the songwriters, producers, publishers, club-owners, broadcasters and performers who influenced the city’s incomparable sound, from Don Davis, Sylvia Moy, and Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg to Harry Guy, Fred “Sonic” Smith, and more.

The walk will last about 2 hours. Your expert Elmwood guide is librarian and local history lover Deb Evans. The tour is free, but space is limited, so please sign up!

Get to know Elmwood's history, art, nature and landscape from the comfort of a charming vintage trolley! We've partnered with Detroit's own Grand Trolley to bring you a delightful ride through our beautiful and historic 86-acre cemetery led by an expert guide. Tours will last about two hours. There will be some hop-off stops with a little bit of walking, but all stops are optional; just cruise and enjoy the scenery if you prefer! Thanks to the generous support of the Mary Thompson Foundation, tickets are just $10. 

Now offering two dates in September: 

• Wednesday, September 16 at 10 a.m. — Tickets here 
• Saturday, September 20 at 10 a.m. — Tickets here

Keep an eye out for more Trolley Tours to come in October! 

Join us for a Twilight Death Café at Elmwood, Monday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m., led by Kristy Sue Bishop. Bring a blanket and your emotional support beverage (nonalcoholic please!) as we gather on the hillside for an evening of thoughtful conversation in one of the Detroit’s most peaceful places.

A Death Café is a welcoming, agenda-free gathering where people come together to talk openly about death, grief, mortality, and what it means to live well. There are no lectures, no therapy, and no expectation to share, just respectful conversation, curiosity, and connection. Whether you're simply curious, have experienced loss, are planning ahead, or wish our culture talked more openly about death, you're welcome here. Come as you are, listen if you'd rather not speak, and join us for meaningful conversation as twilight settles over the cemetery. To join us, simply sign up here. 

Elmwood Alight returns! For two nights in October, the cemetery will shine with light, art, and sound — an immersive experience designed to evoke reflection and wonder. Walk the grounds after dark and see our 180-year-old Detroit landmark in a new way. This year's experience includes an ambitious installation of works by local artists curated in partnership with Playground Detroit. Thursday-Saturday, Oct.1-3, 7-10 p.m. Tickets start at $25 and go on sale to the general public on August 14. More information here.

Fall/winter hours begin on October 1. Gates will open from 8:30 – 4:00 daily. Summer hours will resume in May! 

Join the Detroit Bird Alliance and the Historic Elmwood Foundation for a birding walk at the cemetery! This is a great field trip for birders of all ages and experience levels. We'll walk the grounds to identify the species we see throughout the cemetery and discuss bird migration, habitats and a few Elmwood history highlights. Bring your own binoculars, or Detroit Bird Alliance will have some on-hand to borrow. After the walk, we'll gather in the chapel for refreshments and discussion. Saturday, October 10 at 8:30 a.m. Register with the Detroit Bird Alliance at their Eventbrite. 

Le Run for Le Rouge returns to Elmwood! This 5K run/walk kicks off next door at the Detroit City Fieldhouse and loops through our gorgeous grounds. Proceeds support Detroit City FC's youth soccer programs. Race starts at 10:30 a.m. Learn more and sign up here!