• Funded by Gilbert Family Foundation and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) with support from Bedrock, this year’s Downtown Detroit Markets will feature 18 local pop-up vendors in Cadillac Square.
  • TechTown Detroit returns to provide training and mentorship for participating small businesses.
  • Cadillac Lodge will once again offer festive food, drinks and a retreat for the entire family.

[DETROIT, MI] Oct. 23, 2025- Gilbert Family Foundation and Bedrock today announced the return of the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge, providing Detroiters and visitors with the opportunity to do some holiday shopping in the heart of the city. Beginning Wednesday, November 12, eighteen local small businesses – the majority Detroit-based and BIPOC- or female-owned, will bring a mix of retail, gifts and artisan goods to Cadillac Square. The Markets will remain open through January 4, 2026.

“The Downtown Detroit Markets have become a holiday tradition,” said Darnell Adams, Vice President of Detroit Community Initiatives, Gilbert Family Foundation. “It’s about more than shopping – it’s about uplifting Detroit’s entrepreneurs and celebrating the heart and hustle of our city.”

Now in its eighth year, the Downtown Detroit Markets have served as a launchpad for more than 145 small businesses, collectively generating nearly $6 million in sales. This season, each vendor will receive $3,000 in business support, $1,500 during the market season and an additional $1,500 post-holiday season, to access wraparound business services including coaching and financial support.

“The Downtown Detroit Markets continue to be an important part of Bedrock’s commitment to creating a mix of destination shopping and a vibrant downtown holiday experience,” said Francesca Eid, Vice President of Experience, Bedrock. “Each season, we are inspired by our vendors and the innovation and vision that defines our community.”

TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s hub for entrepreneurship, continues to play a critical role in supporting participating vendors. Through personalized training and mentorship, TechTown helps entrepreneurs refine their operations and maximize visibility during the season.

“The Downtown Detroit Markets are more than a destination. They’re a celebration of local creativity, community and entrepreneurial spirit,” said David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Each year, Cadillac Square transforms into a festive space that delights visitors and fuels the dreams of Detroit’s small business owners. We’re proud to be part of this seasonal tradition that energizes our public spaces and keeps the heart of the city beating with excitement and opportunity.”

Returning vendors include Lauren Patterson, founder of Asher & Arnold, known for children’s toys and products promoting holistic family wellness.

“The holidays in downtown Detroit feel like stepping into a storybook. The energy, the people, and the traditions all come together to create something truly magical,” said Patterson “As a vendor, I love connecting with families and visitors, hearing their stories, and being part of the holiday traditions that celebrate the pride and joy of our city.”

New vendor Ashley Kruszyna, founder of Mimadae Beverage Company, is equally excited to join this year’s cohort.

“I’m honored to be part of this year’s Downtown Detroit Markets,” she said. “As a proud Detroiter and woman-owned small business, this opportunity means so much to me. Every product I make is crafted with care and creativity, and being able to share that in the heart of my city is truly special. Detroit’s community of makers continues to inspire me, and I’m grateful to be part of that story.”

Cadillac Lodge

The Cadillac Lodge, operated by Continental, returns this season as a winter retreat in downtown Detroit. Open from Wednesday, November 12 through January 4, 2026, it offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy sliders, nachos, a new kids menu, and other festive favorites. It’s the perfect spot for Detroiters to gather, relax and make memories this holiday season.

For more information about the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge, including hours of operation, visit DeckedOutDetroit.com or follow @DeckedOutDetroit on social media using #DowntownDetroitMarkets, #CadillacLodge, and #DeckedOutDetroit.

2025 Downtown Detroit Market Vendors:

 

About Gilbert Family Foundation 

Gilbert Family Foundation is a private nonprofit foundation founded by Jennifer and Dan Gilbert to accelerate a cure for neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and build economic opportunity in the city of Detroit. The Gilbert Family Foundation supports groundbreaking, cutting-edge research in hopes of eradicating NF1, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerves anywhere in the body. Additionally, the Foundation supports the economic stability and mobility of residents in Detroit by investing in wealth-building opportunities and breaking down systemic barriers. For more information on the Gilbert Family Foundation, please visit gilbertfamilyfoundation.org.

About Bedrock 

Bedrock is an award-winning real estate developer focused on comprehensive city building initiatives in Detroit and Cleveland. Its work includes creating iconic cityscapes, rehabilitating historic properties and making space for the community—all with the philosophy of operating for more than profit.

 

Since 2011, Bedrock has invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to develop and restore more than 140 properties, totaling over 21 million square feet of office, retail, residential, hospitality, industrial, data centers and parking. In 2024, Bedrock was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company.

 

For additional information about Bedrock, please visit bedrockdetroit.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

 

About DDP 

Since 1922, the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) has worked to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. As a member-based nonprofit, the DDP convenes civic, corporate, community and philanthropic partners to create a vibrant and world-class urban core. As a leader in Downtown urban innovation, the organization also provides small business support and manages, programs and stewards 18 parks and public spaces throughout Downtown Detroit. Learn more at DowntownDetroit.org and engage on social media @DowntownDet.

 

About TechTown Detroit

TechTown Detroit, Wayne State University’s entrepreneurship hub, is a nonprofit business service organization that provides programs, education and resources for early-to growth-stage small businesses and tech entrepreneurs. By building bridges for entrepreneurs to succeed, TechTown is accelerating an inclusive economy for Detroit and Southeast Michigan. Since 2007, TechTown has supported more than 6,000 businesses, which has created over 2,300 jobs and raised more than $408 million in startup and growth capital. For more information, visit techtowndetroit.org