After dark, Elmwood Cemetery transforms into an immersive celebration of the season, memory, and art.
Our awe-inspiring after-dark experience returns October 1-3, illuminating our historic cemetery with light, sound, and art, all designed to evoke reflection and wonder. Walk the grounds as night descends and experience this 180-year-old Detroit landmark in a new light.
Second Annual Elmwood Alight Highlights:
- Immersive lighting displays showcasing Elmwood’s architecture, monuments, and landscape
- Guided tours of our art installations and Timescapes history
- Art installations and experiences by Metro Detroit-based artists, curated by PLAYGROUND DETROIT
- Contemplative sound and music throughout the grounds
- Beer, wine and light refreshments
Gates will open at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with last entry to the grounds at 9:30 p.m. and gate closure at 10 p.m.
A golf cart shuttle will run on a loop for guests who may need assistance navigating the experience.
Ticket Tiers
General Admission
General Admission tickets are $25. This includes a self-guided experience of Elmwood Alight. Tickets are not timed; you can arrive at your convenience and stay as long as you like!
Kids under 10 can come to Elmwood Alight for free! All ages will enjoy the experience. (It’s not spooky!)
Drink tickets are available as an add-on for $12, redeemable at our bars for beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. Drink tickets will also be available for purchase at the event.
Premium Ticket
A premium ticket for $35 includes general admission to Elmwood Alight and a discounted drink ticket, or with our bundle deal, get two premium tickets for $65.
Premium tickets also include a limited-edition Elmwood Alight glow-in-the-dark sticker!
VIP Ticket
VIP Elmwood Alight experience tickets are available for $95.
Your VIP ticket includes a tour of your choosing, an invitation to our VIP happy hour (Thursday night only), two drink tickets, a limited-edition glow-in-the-dark sticker, and a commemorative Elmwood Alight poster designed by Michael Sklenka.
New this year: Guided tours!
Go behind-the-scenes of Elmwood Alight and get a new perspective on the cemetery! Tours start at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Capacity is limited — save your spot now!
The tours include:
- A behind-the-scenes tour led by Elmwood Alight curators including Paulina Petkoski, Director of PLAYGROUND DETROIT and joined by guest artists. Hear the process, back-story and inspiration directly from the creators as you experience the remarkable art installations around our grounds.
- A thematic history tour led by foundation director Amy Elliott Bragg and joined by guest artists that will introduce you to the history of timekeeping in Detroit and how our artists took inspiration from themes of time, transformation, and impermanence.
Tours are $10 per person. Add a tour ticket at check-out!
