Festival travel: Escape from El Paso for the Detroit Jazz Festival

Festival travel: Escape from El Paso for the Detroit Jazz FestivalPhoto: iStock
Hoodline
Published on July 24, 2019

Returning this year as it has every Labor Day weekend since 1981, the Detroit Jazz Festival offers a great reason to plan a visit to the Motor City.

With hundreds of acts spread between Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park, the festival runs Aug. 30-Sept. 2. Look for performances by Stanley Clarke, the Cameron Graves Quartet, Connie Han, Chucho Valdés and more. You'll also find fireworks, late-night jam sessions and opportunities to meet the artists. It's free to enter.

Beyond the music, enjoy Detroit's indoor and outdoor art, historic theaters and noteworthy food and drink options.

It’s more doable than you think. According to travel site Skyscanner, there are plenty of flights from El Paso to Detroit in that time frame, and the prices aren't too shabby.

So if you're looking for a change of scenery, here are some deals to put on your to-do list. (Prices and availability are current as of publication and subject to change.)

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Flight deals to Detroit

Currently, the cheapest flights between El Paso and Detroit are if you leave on Aug. 29 and return from Michigan on Sept. 2. Southwest Airlines currently has tickets for $417, roundtrip.

Top Detroit accommodations

To plan your stay, here are some of Detroit’s top-rated hotels, according to Skyscanner, that we selected based on price, proximity to things to do and customer satisfaction.

The MotorCity Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For an all-around top recommendation, consider The MotorCity Casino Hotel. The hotel has a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, and rooms are currently available for $178.

This Detroit casino-hotel is near the Masonic Temple and Fox Theatre.

The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit (1114 Washington Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another 4.7-star option is The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit. Rooms are currently set at $179/night.

"The Westin Book Cadillac is an iconic hotel that embodies Detroit’s revolution. The Book Cadillac building was built in a neo-classical style ... the hotel rooms are luxurious and comfortable, featuring the heavenly bed, which is standard across all Westin properties," wrote Samantha.

The Atheneum (1000 Brush Ave.)

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's The Atheneum. With a 4.7-star rating on Skyscanner, the hotel is one of the most luxurious in the city. Rooms are currently listed for $129/night.

This family-friendly hotel is near Campus Martius Park, the GM Renaissance Center and Ford Field. Additional attractions include Joe Louis Arena.

Top picks for dining and drinking

If you're looking to grab a bite, Detroit has plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. Here are a few from Skyscanner's listings to help you get started.

Green Dot Stables (2200 W. Lafayette Blvd.)

For a popular option, check out Green Dot Stables, with five stars from six reviews.

"The menu of Green Dot Stables is very eclectic," wrote reviewer Kenny. "This can lead to a fun meal of trying things you may not have considered normally."

New Parthenon Restaurant (547 Monroe Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

One of Detroit's most popular restaurants is New Parthenon Restaurant.

"This is my favorite place to go in Greektown! The starting dish is the flaming cheese. Then of course the lamb," wrote Richard. 

Public House (241 W. 9 Mile Road)

Finally, there's Public House.

"Cute little place that serves awesome sliders for a super low price," wrote Megan.

Featured local attractions

Detroit is also full of sites to visit and explore. Here are some popular attractions to round out your trip, again from Skyscanner's listings.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Visit The Detroit Institute of Arts for a chance to immerse yourself in beautiful artwork and robust collections. The museum features over 60,000 pieces including collections from America, Asia, Africa and Europe.  

"What a fantastic house of art and culture," wrote visitor Dj. "Locals get in for free and they host a variety of free concerts and shows."

The Henry Ford Museum (20900 Oakwood Blvd.)

Then, there's The Henry Ford Museum in the nearby city of Dearborn. 

The building is packed with exhibits featuring themes that range from early aviation to famous inventions. Stand next to a 50-ton Gothic steam engine, Abraham Lincoln's rocking chair or one of George Washington's camp beds.

Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, spend some time at Greenfield Village.

"Lots of demos of glass blowing, pottery making, weaving, machinery, etc. My favorite was Edison's workshop and also all the Model T cars driving around. A great family place," wrote visitor Yvonne. 


This story was created automatically using flight, hotel, and local attractions data, then reviewed by an editor. Click here for more about what we're doing. Got thoughts? Go here to share your feedback.