FAQs
In 2026, Mayor Sheffield launched Occupy the Summer, an expansion of summer-long programming series. Occupy the Summer; an expansion of Occupy the Corner with the goal of increasing youth engagement and reducing youth-involved crime during the summer months through extended recreation center hours, Summer Fridays programming, and a Midnight Basketball League to provides opportunities for Detroit youth to have a safe, fun and productive summer.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW...
1. What is Occupy the Summer?
Occupy the Summer is Mayor Sheffield’s signature summer programming series that builds upon her Occupy the Corner initiative. Occupy the Summer offers families, teens, and young adults designated spaces for safe and accessible summer fun.
2. What Can I Do This Summer?
Occupy the Summer events include a Summer Kickoff Event, extended hours at 9 City of Detroit Recreation Centers, the return of Midnight Basketball Leagues and Pick Up games, and a Summer Finale Event. Additionally, you can visit the Occupy the Summer Portal to find summer events and programming throughout the City tailored to your interests and availability.
3. What is Midnight Basketball?
Midnight Basketball returns this summer with two late-night basketball leagues in recreation centers on the East Side, West Side, and Southwest Detroit. For those who prefer a more relaxed environment, three pick-up game locations offer late-night hoops. Register for league play and pick-up games here.
4. Who Can Attend Occupy the Summer Events?
Occupy the Summer events are open exclusively to Detroit residents. Midnight Basketball is open to individuals 18 years or older, while weekly block parties and extended recreation center hours are open to Detroiters of all ages.
5. How Can I Plan My Summer?
Click the “Plan your Summer” tab above to enter our Occupy the Summer Portal and explore hundreds of opportunities to stay active and stay safe this summer.
6. Do I Have to Register for Occupy the Summer Events?
Yes! All Occupy the Summer events operated by the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department require registration. You can register for all Occupy the Summer events here. Use the Occupy the Summer Portal to register for events operated by the United Way and partner organizations.
7. Where Do I Register for Occupy the Summer Events?
8. What Does It Cost to Attend Occupy the Summer Events?
All Occupy the Summer events operated by the Detroit Parks and Recreation Department are completely free to all registered participants! You can use the Occupy the Summer Portal to identify non-City programming, and you can filter this portal to search for free, low-cost, or paid programming.