Tickets on sale soon
CityFEST
A Celebration of Spirited Dining!
ABOUT CITYFEST
Welcome to Cityfest! 2025 marks the 10th anniversary of our annual “Celebration of Spirited Dining” in Midtown in Detroit.
Champagne & Lobster, or Bees in the D, Dinner with The Whitneys or Absinthe & Ghost stories, Cityfest celebrates the best of The Whitney and the passions of our talented team. We have proudly generated over $50,000 for our charity partners since Cityfest originated in 2016! Great experiences AND Great causes. .
Cityfest 2025 September 2nd - 7th
Tuesday 9/2
6:30 - 9:30pm
2025 HoneyBee Dinner
To Benefit “Bees in the D”
Sweet Bee-ception with Honey-Hive Appetizers, Sparkling wine, and a tour of The Whitney hives.
Three-course dinner curated by Chef emeritus Natasha Vitti
Wine pairings hosted by Peninsula Cellars Winery
Bee “created” gifts
$129/person includes dinner (vegan & gluten free menu available), selected beverages, tax, gratuity, charitable contribution to Bees in the D, and special gift. Valet parking additional.
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
WEdnesday 9/3
5PM - 9PM
Special Edition Garden party
2025 Special Guest - Ben Sharkey
$25/person ticket includes VIP reserved patio seating for parties of 2, 4, or 6.
$20/person ticket includes general seating on the deck for parties of 2, 4, 6, or 8.
All food and beverage are additional.
Tickets Coming Soon!
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Friday 9/5
6:30PM-9:30pm
“The Back east Feast” to benefit Say Detroit
10th Annual Lobster Bake will benefit Say Detroit
Satisfy your seafood cravings and join us for our Back East Feast! Sip champagne and dive into our seafood bar upon arrival, followed by dinner.
Our culinary team presents a complete "Back East Feast" includes Chowder, Cole Slaw, Lobster, Crab, Mussels, Corn on the Cob, Redskin Potatoes, selected Domestic Beer, & House Wine. Conclude the evening with a very special Strawberry Shortcake.
Special Musical Guest - TBD
$129/person ticket includes dinner, non-alcoholic beverages, selected beer and wine, tax, and gratuity.
$20 of each ticket sold will be donated to Say Detroit
Due to the nature of this event, menu preferences and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Friday 9/5
8:30-10:30PM
Explore Absinthe
A Celebration of Spirited Dining
Hosted by Whitney Haunting Historian, Deborah and Absinthe enthusiast Alfred. Enjoy the hypnotic tastes of Absinthe while touring the mansion and tasting small plates along the way. Finish your evening with a Flaming Strawberry Van Gogh..
$99/person includes private tasting and tour, small plate dinning, flaming dessert, tax, and gratuity. Valet parking additional. Tickets for this event are very limited.
Due to the nature of this event, menu preferences and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Saturday 9/6
Noon - 3:00pm
Autumn & Apples Tea
Hosted in the beautiful Whitney Gardens by Tea Director Phyllis Barkey
Taste hot cider cocktails curated by our Beverage Team. Enjoy autumn canapes, hot hors d’oeuvres, and pastries. Due to the nature of this event, menu preferences and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.
Special gifts for ALL!
Live piano by Joel Seah
$79/person includes hot cider cocktails, scones, hors d’oeuvres, pastries, a very special gift, tax, and gratuity. Valet parking additional. Limited tickets available for this event.
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
Saturday
9/6
6:30 - 10:30pm
Dinner with The Whitneys
You’re invited to the Dinner Party of the season.
Black Tie optional, Jackets are required for gentlemen.
Elegance and etiquette is the order of the evening.
Formal cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception and three dining courses, paired with Sommelier selected wines, on the Mansion's main floor, followed by an historical tour of the Estate. We then take the party to the basement for two additional courses with the "staff".
Gentlemen will retire to The Gardens after dinner for fireside Cigars and Brandy,
Ladies will enjoy tea and pastries on the Mansion’s third floor.
Live piano will set the mood and our staff will set the table for a very special dining experience.
Due to the nature of this event, menu preferences and dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. This event is limited to 14 guests, Invitations are $149 and include Dinner, selected wine and beverages, Tax and Gratuity. Valet additional.
Tickets are Transferable, but non-refundable
Sunday 9/7
2:30pm- 4:00pm
Roses & Rose’
Hosted by Gerych’s Greenhouse, Flowers & Events
Enjoy a tasting of American and French Rose' while exploring the beautiful Whitney Gardens. Create your own floral masterpiece under the instruction and guidance of the Jon Gerych and his team of experts. Roses will be the star of your sensory souvenir. Enjoy a variety of "Garden" snacks throughout the afternoon.
Special presentation by Alkawther Gerych to introduce UEmpower Foundation
$69 per person, ticket includes Wines, Canapes & Pastries, take-home flower arrangement, tax and gratuity. Valet additional.
$15 from each ticket sold will be donated to UEmpower Foundation
Tickets are transferable, but non-refundable.
