Community Events

Join us Sunday, June 28 at 10 a.m. for a "greatest hits" tour that will give you an engrossing overview of Elmwood: how and why it was created, who's buried here, and where to find our most iconic works of memorial art. If you've never been to Elmwood, this is the perfect intro. (If you have, we bet you'll still enjoy!) This walking tour will last about two hours. Your expert Elmwood guide is Jacob Jones. It's free to join, but please sign up! Photo by Ally Rooker.

Join us for a guided Full Moon Grief Walk at Elmwood, Monday, June 29 at 8:00 p.m., led by Kristy Sue Bishop. Grief can be difficult to carry alone. Walking offers an opportunity to process emotions, connect with the body, and find support in the presence of others. This walk is designed for anyone navigating loss, change, transition, or simply seeking space to reflect.

Held beneath the illumination of the full moon, participants will be guided through the grounds of Elmwood Cemetery with invitations for quiet reflection, personal awareness, and connection to the surrounding landscape. No previous experience is necessary, and there is no expectation to share or participate in any particular way. You do not need to have a loved one buried at Elmwood Cemetery to attend.

The walk will include light guidance, periods of quiet walking, and opportunities to pause and reflect throughout the evening. Come as you are and join us for a thoughtful evening of movement, reflection, and community. Free, but please register here.

Join us Sunday, July 19 at 10 a.m. for a "greatest hits" tour that will give you an engrossing overview of Elmwood: how and why it was created, who's buried here, and where to find our most iconic works of memorial art. If you've never been to Elmwood, this is the perfect intro. (If you have, we bet you'll still enjoy!) This walking tour will last about two hours. Your expert Elmwood guide is Jacob Jones. It's free to join, but please sign up! Photo by Ally Rooker.

See Elmwood in a new light! Take advantage of our late summer sunsets and join us for a twilight stroll of the cemetery. We'll talk about some of Elmwood's historical highlights after-hours and take in the beauty of the grounds at golden hour. We're offering two twilight walking tours in July and early August:

• Tuesday, July 21, 6 p.m., with Laurie Gonyea
• Saturday, August 1, 7 p.m. with Jacob Jones 

Tours are free, but please sign up! Stay tuned for more evening explorations in August.

Join the Detroit Bird Alliance and the Historic Elmwood Foundation for a birding walk at the cemetery! This is a great field trip for birders of all ages and experience levels. We'll walk the grounds to identify the species we see throughout the cemetery and discuss bird migration, habitats and a few Elmwood history highlights. Bring your own binoculars, or Detroit Bird Alliance will have some on-hand to borrow. We will gather in the chapel following the walk for refreshments and discussion. Saturday, August 9 at 8:30 a.m. Register with the Detroit Bird Alliance at their Eventbrite. 

Elmwood Cemetery has been integrated since its founding in 1846, making it one of the oldest integrated cemeteries in the Midwest and a rich site of Detroit’s Black heritage. Join Jamon Jordan, Official Historian for the City of Detroit, for a captivating walking tour as he shares stories from 200 years of Black history. From abolitionists William Lambert and George DeBaptiste to Mayor Coleman Young and Martha Jean “The Queen” Steinberg, we’ll visit notable Black leaders, luminaries, activists, entrepreneurs, artists and more who made Detroit the city it is today. August 15 at 11 a.m. The tour is free, but please sign up here!