Denver/ Health & Lifestyle
Published on July 24, 2019
Travel from Denver to the Detroit Jazz FestivalPhoto: iStock

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 all 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 Denver 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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Cheapest Detroit flights

Currently, the cheapest flights between Denver and Detroit are if you leave on Aug. 29 and return from Michigan on Sept. 3. Spirit Airlines currently has tickets for $133, roundtrip.

If you fly out of Denver on Aug. 29 and return from Detroit on Sept. 2, Spirit Airlines can get you there and back for $155 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, which has rooms for $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.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

If you're looking for an inexpensive place to stay, there's The Atheneum. The 4.7-star hotel has rooms 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.

Local restaurant picks

Don't miss Detroit's food scene, with plenty of popular spots to get your fill of local cuisine. Here are a few of the top-rated eateries from Skyscanner's listings.

Green Dot Stables (2200 W. Lafayette Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

For a popular option, check out Green Dot Stables, which has an average of five stars out of six reviews on Skyscanner.

"The menu of Green Dot Stables is very eclectic," wrote visitor Kenny. "This can lead to a fun meal of trying things you may not have considered normally ... one of my favorites is the Korean slider, which has kimchi and peanut butter."

Public House (241 W. 9 Mile Road)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Another popular option is the Public House, with five stars from five reviews.

"It's a cute little place that serves awesome sliders for a super low price," wrote reviewer Megan. 

New Parthenon Restaurant (547 Monroe Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

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

"As a former Detroit native, this is a place I love to visit when I come back," wrote Richard. "This is my favorite place to go in Greektown."

Slows Bar BQ (2138 Michigan Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Finally, there's Slows Bar BQ.

"If you love baby back ribs, Slows has ribs that come sliding off the bone so juicy need to try it's so goo," wrote Lou.

What to see and do in Detroit

To round out your trip, Detroit offers plenty of popular attractions worth visiting. Here are some top recommendations, based on Skyscanner's descriptions and reviews.

The Detroit Institute of Arts (5200 Woodward Ave.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

First up is The Detroit Institute of Arts, which features over 60,000 pieces, including collections spanning the globe. In addition to single pieces, the museum hosts collections from America, Asia, Africa and Europe. The performing arts also enjoy a place in this museum with a large collection of memorabilia and production items covering over 100 years of performing arts history.

"What a fantastic house of art and culture," wrote visitor Dj. "This has to be one of the most unique and special museums in the USA. Locals get in for free & they host a variety of free concerts & shows."

Motown Museum (2648 W. Grand Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Motown Museum is another popular destination.

"This is the original site of the birth of Motown music," wrote visitor Amanda. "The Motown Historical Museum has been preserved just as founder Berry Gordy left it in 1972, right down to his living area above the studio which is basically a walk-in time capsule."

Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Blvd.)

Photo: Trip by Skyscanner

Lastly, consider checking out Greenfield Village in the nearby city of Dearborn.

"It's a great place to spend the day learning about history," wrote visitor Yvonne. "There are lots of demos of glass blowing, pottery making, weaving, machinery, etc."


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.