Community Events

By popular demand: Two more trolley tours roll out this season! Get to know Elmwood's history, art, nature and landscape from the comfort of a charming vintage trolley. We've partnered with Detroit's own Grand Trolley to bring you a delightful ride through our beautiful and historic 86-acre cemetery led by an expert guide. Tours will last about two hours. There will be some hop-off stops with a little bit of walking, but all stops are optional; just cruise and enjoy the scenery if you prefer! Thanks to the generous support of the Mary Thompson Foundation, tickets are just $10. 

Two dates left this season: 

• Wednesday, November 4 at 10 a.m. — Tickets here 
• Sunday, November 8 at 10 a.m. — Tickets here

See you on board! Tours sold out? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a spot on the waiting list.

As the holiday season approaches, grief can feel especially heavy. The Harvest of Healing Retreat offers a sacred space to pause, reflect, and receive support. Join professional counselors Laverne Santangelo and Carmen Rembert at Calvary Baptist Church on Saturday, Nov. 7, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m., for a half-day retreat to help you gather peace, honor grief, and find strength for the season ahead. This retreat is for anyone navigating loss — whether recent or long ago — who is seeking for a safe, supportive, and healing environment. Elmwood Cemetery is proud to sponsor this community event. Get more information or register here.

All are welcome to gather at Elmwood Cemetery for our 42nd annual Veterans Day Observance in partnership with the Detroit Historic Civil War Society on November 11 at 11 a.m. The event honors all Veterans, with special recognition for members of the 102nd U.S. Colored Troops, the first Black regiment to fight for the Union from Michigan.  

The program will be held on our Civil War lot in Section S and includes a flyover by the Tuskegee Airmen Flying TG-7A, a flag-raising by Junior ROTC cadets from the Detroit Public Schools Community District, and a performance by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Senior High School marching band. Living history groups and Civil War re-enactors from across the state will be in attendance. Free and open to the public. For more details or media inquiries, contact Amy Elliott Bragg: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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. After the walk, we'll gather in the chapel for refreshments and discussion. Saturday, November 14 at 8:30 a.m. Register with the Detroit Bird Alliance at their Eventbrite. 

Last birding walk of the year! Early winter can be a beautiful time for a stroll at the cemetery. Join the Detroit Bird Alliance and the Historic Elmwood Foundation for our December birding field trip. We'll walk the grounds to identify the species we see throughout the cemetery and discuss bird migration, habitats and Elmwood history highlights. The tour begins at 8:30 a.m. 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.

To register, visit the Detroit Bird Alliance's Eventbrite.