Eastern Market After Dark — what can I say? The entire festival was SO much fun and my head is still spinning from all of the excitement of Thursday night. It was my first time attending an After Dark event and it most definitely will not be my last!

WARNING: I hope you like to look at pictures because this post is going to be filled with A LOT of photographs from Eastern Market After Dark! 🙂

I’m just sorry that I didn’t arrive at the event during the 7 o’clock hour when it started. Turned out I missed a few exciting happenings like the 30+ art studios and galleries that were open late; seeing some of the Detroit Pistons hanging out at Eastern Market; watching a few fun dance performances (like this one); and making art at the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard After Dark event. I will not make this mistake again next year!

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn9WXFDADyR/?taken-by=dequindrecutfreightyard
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bn7fJlwgnsK/?taken-by=dequindrecutfreightyard

Thankfully, I did make it in time to spend a good two hours at the event. I brought my daughter Michala with me and we had a blast.

Here’s what was featured at Eastern Market After Dark:

  • live music
  • dancing
  • designer putt-putt golf
  • photo booths (including a fun prom picture theme)
  • vendors’ market
  • food and dessert
  • fashion
  • art
  • VIP lounges
  • AIA Celebration of Architecture

The parking lots and streets were filled with vehicles. My husband had to park near McDonald’s on Mack Avenue because there wasn’t any parking available near the market. We even found some dance parties throughout the district and spilling into a few allies. That’s how busy and exciting it was last night!

What is Eastern Market After Dark?

If you’re not familiar with Eastern Market After Dark, it’s a huge festival that happens only once a year in the month of September. The festival is one of the many events the Design Core hosts as part of their Detroit Month of Design. The Eastern Market transforms into “a creative district by night” with “more than 30 studios and galleries open late throughout the district.” 

For my first experience at Eastern Market After Dark, to me, it felt like a big end-of-summer celebration. It was a great way to say goodbye to Summer 2018 and welcome the new Fall season.

After living in the metro area for three years now, I’ve always thought Detroit has the best events, festivals, and parties and now Eastern Market After Dark is one of my top favorite Detroit celebrations!

Check out below the photographs I captured of last night’s festivities!


DESIGN

Kaepernick 7
313 LOVE!
Prom-themed photographs

FASHION 

GLOW DETROIT
Her vest really caught my attention. I loved the colors.
Ziam Penn never disappoints with his eclectic fashion style.
African Fashion Styles
Embrace your own style.
I loved her street style!
Vintage Fashion
Another street style I was really feeling.
Graphic Tees
#RESPECT
Missing you.


MUSIC

Ally Evenson
The Imaginatron Moving Company
Imaginatron Moving Company huddle.
Street Drums

DANCING

Detroit Smooth
Hey, Mr. DJ!
The crowd was hype at the dance party at Eastern Market After Dark.
Vibing’ to the beat.

VENDORS’ MARKET

Frida-inspired art and decor.
Love this Frida Kahlo painting!
Gourmet Kettle Korn
Shed 5 was designated for shopping.
Detroit Love
T-Shirts on Sale!
A Kodak moment with good friends.
Detroit-themed t-shirts.
Sweet treats.

BIKES

East Side Riders

Did you get to make it out to Eastern Market After Dark?

All photographs (except for the Instagram photos) were taken by Jennifer Hamra for Good Life Detroit.


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Written by

Jennifer Hamra

Freelance creative Jennifer Hamra created her blog Good Life Detroit in 2015 after relocating from Tennessee to Southeast Michigan.

Inspired by her love for personal blogging and photography, Jennifer likes to share her favorite Detroit things, from cool places to visit (the hidden gems are her favorite!) to the amazing people she has connected with over the years.

When she's not busy juggling family life and her creative projects, you can find her at an art gallery, community event, farmers market, or spending quiet time at home with a good book and cup of tea.

Jennifer lives in the metro Detroit area with her husband Travis and their six children.

Connect with Jennifer on social media @goodlifedetroit on all social media platforms or via email at [email protected].