Eastern Market After Dark 2025: A Record-Breaking Night of Art, Light, and Community

This year’s Eastern Market After Dark drew record-breaking crowds as tens of thousands filled the streets and warehouses of Detroit’s historic market district to celebrate design, creativity, and community. The night came alive with immersive art installations, open studios, and pop-up exhibitions—turning Eastern Market into a massive, walkable gallery that showcased Detroit’s creative energy at its peak.

The evening also featured special activations sponsored by the Gilbert Family Foundation, which gave visitors even more opportunities to engage with Detroit’s creative talent through interactive experiences and installations. In addition, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) joined the celebration, underscoring the vital connection between design, economic growth, and community development in our city.

Another highlight was the return of Murals in the Market, bringing new large-scale artworks to the district’s walls and reenergizing a beloved Detroit tradition. Artists from near and far added fresh color and perspective, transforming the market into a canvas that celebrates Detroit’s identity as a global City of Design.

Scroll down for photos and highlights from this record-breaking celebration, and follow along as we continue marking 10 years of Detroit as a UNESCO City of Design, a decade of creativity that’s shaping the next generation of ideas.