CityFEST
A Celebration of Spirited Dining!
ABOUT CITYFEST
Welcome to Cityfest! 2026 marks the 9th anniversary of our annual “Celebration of Spirited Dining” in Midtown in Detroit.
Champagne & Lobster, or Bees in the D, Dinner with The Whitneys or Roses & Rosé, Cityfest celebrates the best of The Whitney and the passions of our talented team. We proudly generated over $5,000 for our charity partners during Cityfest 2025!
Saturday 9/5
Noon - 1:30pm
Autumn & Apples Tea
Hosted in the beautiful Whitney Gardens by Tea Director Phyllis Barkey
It’s autumn… what could be better than hot spiked cider, warm scones and apple-centered finger sandwiches and canapes. Served in the beautiful Gardens, this event features live music, a wide variety of creative tastes and GIFTS!
Hosted by Tea Director Phyllis Barkey
Hot cider cocktails, canapés, hors d’oeuvres, pastries
Special guest gifts
Live piano: Joel Seah
$84/person (includes food, drinks, tax, tip)
No dietary substitutions
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
TUESDAY 9/8
4:00pm - 8:00pm
BBQ BUFFET AT THE WHITNEY
Benefiting: ZOOM
Grilled Barbecue Chicken, Smoked Pork Belly, Ribs, Baked Beans, Potato Salad, Macaroni and Cheese, Collard Greens, Coleslaw, and Cornbread!
Cocktails and beverages available for purchase.
$99/person
No dietary substitutions
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
WEDNESDAY 9/9
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Dinner with The Whitneys
You’re invited to the Dinner Party of the season.
Stroll the Mansion and Estate like the Aristocrat you are! Fine wines, dining and a behind the scenes look at how the other half lived.
After your formal dinner and tours… it’s time to dine again… but this time -eat like the staff, family style dinner in the basement before returning to the sophisticated experiences of Tea & Pastries, or, if you prefer … Cigars and Bourbon around the fire. It’s an evening fit for a “Whitney”!
Formal, Black Tie Optional (Jackets Required)
5-course dinner across the mansion with wine pairings
Gentlemen: cigars & brandy | Ladies: tea & pastries
Live piano, immersive storytelling experience
$199/person (includes dinner, wine, tax, tip)
Only 26 guests (Music Room)
No dietary substitutions
Tickets are Transferable, but non-refundable
THURsday 9/10
4:00pm - 8:00pm
2026 Special Guest - Ben Sharkey
Ben Sharkey returns for an encore Cityfest appearance. One of Detroit’s premiere live entertainers over the past ten years plus, Ben Sharkey infuses his live performances with a hip and sultry fire, bringing his artful swagger to the stage with a colorful fusion of old school cool, contemporary jazz, soul and pop. It’s a Garden Party to remember!
Live music in the Gardens
VIP Patio: $25/person
General Deck Seating: $20/person
Food & beverages purchased separately
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Special Edition Garden party
Friday 9/11
6:30PM-9:30pm
The Back east Feast
11th Annual Lobster Bake will benefit: SAY Detroit
Looking for a Big Fun, Sensational Seafood, and a Great Cause? This event is for you! Bib-up, dig-in and make new friends. From Oysters & Champagne to Lobster and Mussels, This event is for Seafood lovers only!
Champagne upon arrival
Full lobster bake: chowder, crab, mussels, corn, potatoes, beer, wine
Dessert: Strawberry Shortcake
$139/person (includes food, drinks, tax, tip; $20 donation)
No dietary substitutions
Musical guest TBD
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
SATURday 9/12
6:00pm - 9:00pm
2026 HoneyBee Dinner
To Benefit: “Bees in the D”
This event is Cityfest highlight. Chef Natasha Vitti, The Whitney’s Executive Chef Emeritus, creates, cooks and presents this dinner to Detroit’s most environmentally aware diners. This event sells out quickly.
Sweet bee-ception with appetizers, sparkling wine, hive tour
3-course dinner by Chef Natasha Vitti
Wine pairings by Peninsula Cellars Winery
Includes bee-themed gift
Vegan & Gluten-Free menu available
$139/person (includes food, drinks, tax, tip, donation)
No dietary substitutions
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Sunday 9/13
2:30pm- 4:00pm
Roses & Rose’
Hosted by Gerych’s Greenhouse, Flowers & Events
Benefiting: UEmpower Foundation
Unleash your inner florist! You’re creative inspiration will result in a beautiful display of fresh flowers, designed for that special spot at home. Enjoy a special selection of Rose’ wines and small tasting plates while Jon Gerych guides your inner garden artist! This event helps UEmpower to continue their mission to provide economically disadvantaged and special needs children access to education, literacy enrichment, health nutrition, activities, arts, music, sports, and essential social programs.
Rose wine tasting (American & French)
Floral workshop with Gerych’s Greenhouse team
Garden snacks, canapés, pastries
$69/person (includes wine, food, flowers, tax, tip)
$15 from each ticket goes to UEmpower
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
