Rain, Grand Prix and Record-Setting Weekends: Downtown Detroit’s Businesses Reflect on the Impact of Music Festival and Look to the Upcoming Race

Despite some weather issues on Sunday, Movement Music Festival in Detroit drew thousands of techno fans to Hart Plaza over Memorial Day Weekend. Many of these attendees sought shelter in downtown Detroit businesses, including Mootz Pizzeria and Bar which saw a record-setting Sunday night with a packed house of rain-soaked partygoers. Golden Fleece in Greektown also experienced a busy night, with customers dancing in the rain and keeping the party going even when the music stopped at Hart Plaza.

As restaurants and bars in downtown Detroit reflect on the successful weekend due to Movement Music Festival, they are less optimistic about the upcoming Detroit Grand Prix. While the Grand Prix usually brings in a bump in business, many are concerned about the street closures hindering customer traffic. Last year, sales during the Grand Prix weekend were disappointing for many establishments, as people chose to avoid downtown due to the street closures.

Looking ahead to the race week with some skepticism, downtown Detroit businesses are already experiencing one of their busiest warm-weather seasons yet. Despite concerns about the impact of the Grand Prix, establishments are hopeful that the momentum from Movement Music Festival will carry over and continue to bring in eager customers throughout the summer.