• 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.
  • Downtown Detroit Markets have served over 175 small businesses, generating $7.2M+ in sales over the last decade.
  • Cadillac Lodge will once again offer festive food, drinks and cozy winter vibes for the entire family.

[DETROIT] Sept. 16, 2026 – 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 support local businesses and enjoy holiday shopping in the heart of the city. Beginning Wednesday, November 11, a diverse group of local small businesses will bring a variety of retail, gifts and artisan goods to Cadillac Square. The Markets will remain open through January 3, 2027.

“The Downtown Detroit Markets reflect the strength of Detroit’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Darnell Adams, Vice President of Detroit Community Initiatives, Gilbert Family Foundation. “Beyond the retail experience, it’s about expanding economic opportunity, supporting Detroit entrepreneurs and showcasing the creativity that fuels our community.”

The Downtown Detroit Markets have served as a launchpad for more than 175 small businesses, collectively generating over $7.2 million in sales in the last decade. The majority of participating businesses in this year’s Markets are Detroit-based and BIPOC- or female-owned, offering a major opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs to benefit during the busy holiday 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 and Cadillac Lodge are just a few reasons why the city continues to be one of the most vibrant and exciting places throughout the holiday season,” said Dustin Stolzman, Senior Director, Experience at Bedrock. “By supporting small businesses and offering them a platform to showcase their products and services, it encourages community and connection for all to experience.”

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.

“Cadillac Square is one of our signature public spaces, known for bringing people together and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive,” said David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer, Downtown Detroit Partnership. “Each year, the Downtown Detroit Partnership transforms the space for the Downtown Detroit Markets into a festive showcase for Detroit entrepreneurs and a welcoming place for residents and visitors to shop local, gather and experience the energy of Downtown throughout the holiday season.”

Returning vendors include Sarah Feldman, founder of Bespoke by Feldman, known for one-of-a-kind handcrafted leather goods.

“The Downtown Winter Markets are a life-changing opportunity for vendors and a place of magic for patrons,” said Sarah Feldman. “We’re excited to be returning this year with handcrafted leather goods, on-site free engraving to customize the perfect gift, and our new BYOB (Build Your Own Bouquet) leather flowers that last a lifetime.”

New vendor Jasmine Evans, founder of Indigo Culinary Co., is equally excited to join this year’s cohort.

“For Indigo, this is an opportunity to bring the foodways we work to preserve into one of Detroit’s most visible commercial spaces,” said Jasmine Evans with Indigo Culinary Co. “I’m excited about what it means for a small Black food business to occupy space downtown, meet thousands of people, and turn an eight-week storefront into lasting capacity for our business and the communities and makers we’re connected to.”

2026 Detroit Market Vendors:

 

For additional information on the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge, please visit Decked Out Detroit and follow deckedoutdet.

High-resolution images of previous Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge available HERE, courtesy of Bedrock.

 

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 $9.2 billion to develop and restore more than 127 properties, totaling over 22 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