DETROIT – America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White returns to Detroit’s Woodward Avenue on Nov. 24. Here’s what you need to know about the parade this Thanksgiving.
When and where does the parade start?
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8:45 a.m. is Step Off at Woodward and Kirby. It’s roughly an hour and a half march down to Celebration Zone. The Parade ends at Woodward and Congress.
Watching at home? Coverage begins at 6 a.m. on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit, with our parade broadcast starting at 9 a.m.
What’s the official parade route?
See the official route below:
Where should I watch it from?
Anywhere along the three-mile-long Parade Route! The majority of the route is free and open to the public. It’s totally free.
If you are interested in reserved seating, please visit the Grandstand page to purchase tickets.
Related: How to unlock ‘Choose Your View’ mode for America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented by Gardner White
Where can I use the bathroom?
There are no public restrooms along the parade route. However, some businesses along the route may be open and may allow patrons to use their bathrooms.
How do I get involved in America’s Thanksgiving Parade presented Gardner White?
To volunteer, please visit www.theparade.org/volunteers to learn more!
To participate in the 2022 America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented Gardner White as a Marching Band, Equestrian unit or Dance group, please check back in February 2022 for applications.
Related: Celebrity guests, icons announced for America’s Thanksgiving Parade Presented by Gardner White
Road closures, bus reroutes and parking
Motorists traveling to downtown Detroit on Wednesday (Nov. 23) and for the parade on Thursday (Nov. 24) should be aware of the following road closures.
Wednesday (Nov. 23):
- Woodward between W. Grand Blvd and Warren to close at 9 a.m.
- Woodward from Warren to Congress to close at noon.
- Atwater between Civic Center Drive and Third to close at 3 p.m.
- Griswold between Fort and Congress to close at 6 p.m.
Thursday (Nov. 24):
Motorists may cross Woodward at these intersections until 5 a.m. Crossover streets are: Warren, Alexandrine, MLK/Mack, Fisher Service Drive, Adams, Park/Witherall, John R/Clifford and Grand River.
Woodward from W. Grand Blvd. to Larned will be closed completely from 5 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.
The following streets will close beginning at 5 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 24 and reopen after the Turkey Trot at approximately 10 a.m.:
- W. Jefferson from the Lodge Freeway to Cabacier
- Michigan at Cass
- Fort Street from Trumbull to Woodward
- Congress from Shelby to Randolph
- Larned from Shelby to Randolph
- Shelby from Congress to Michigan
- Michigan from Cass to Woodward
- Monroe from Woodward to Randolph
- Lafayette Blvd. from Trumbull to Griswold
- Washington Blvd. from Adams to Congress
- Atwater from Civic Center Dr. to Third
In addition, the southbound Lodge exits at W. Jefferson/Cobo and Larned Street (Exits 1A & 1B) and the northbound Lodge exit at W. Jefferson (Exit 1A) will be closed beginning at 7 a.m. and during the entire Turkey Trot. The Larned exit will reopen after the Turkey Trot ends.
Free rides on Detroit People Mover
The Detroit People Mover will be free on Thanksgiving Day and running from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.
DDOT bus reroutes
Because of the street closures for Thanksgiving Day events, DDOT customers should expect delays beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday (Nov. 24) until the end of the parade. Some eastside and westside bus routes will be rerouted.
The following routes will be located on Beaubien between Congress and Lafayette at the Bricktown People Mover Station.
- 5 Van Dyke/Lafayette
- 6 Gratiot (Gratiot will be located on Congress)
- 9 Jefferson
- 31 Mack
- 52 Chene
- 67 Cadillac/Harper
Passengers can transfer by way of the People Mover at no charge (Bricktown Station on Beaubien at Congress and Michigan Station on Cass at Michigan)
These routes will be located at:
- 3 Grand River will be at Cass on Michigan
- 4 Woodward will be available at the Rosa Parks Transit Center (Bay 15)
- 16 Dexter will be available at the Rosa Parks Transit Center (Bay 14)
DDOT will operate on a Sunday schedule on Thanksgiving Day for all regular routes at regular fares.
If you’d like more information, you can click here or call 313-933-1300.
Where can you park?
The Detroit Municipal Parking Department recommends people park at the Ford Underground Garage and the Eastern Market Garage.
The Ford Underground Garage at 30 East Jefferson Avenue will be open from 5 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Nov. 24 and parking will cost $10. It will be open from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Nov. 25 and parking will cost $5 (2 hours or less); $10 (2-4 hours); $15 (maximum).
The Eastern Market Garage at 2727 Riopelle Street will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Nov. 24 and parking will cost $20. It will be closed on Nov. 25.
Normal business hours resume Monday (Nov. 28).