Festival | Hospitality Included

About the FESTIVAL

Hospitality Included, in partnership with The North End Main Street District, Vanguard Community Development, the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, and the Detroit People’s Food Co-op proudly presents the 2026 Hospitality Included Festival .

Detroit’s growing food and beverage festival returns August 16 with 50+ restaurants and bars, and a community-powered model designed to keep hospitality accessible.

This family-friendly event will bring together more than 50 of Metro Detroit’s top restaurants and bars for a day-long celebration of food, culture, and community. Guests can expect music, family activities, local vendors, and experiences designed to showcase the people and stories shaping Detroit’s hospitality scene.

Now entering its fifth year, the Hospitality Included Festival has become one of the city’s most anticipated celebrations of food and culture. This year marks the festival’s largest footprint yet. Confirmed participants include local favorites like Waka, Mabel Gray, Vecino, Street Beet, Leila, Dutch Girl Doughnuts and dozens of additional restaurants and bars representing the depth and diversity of Metro Detroit’s food culture.

OUR COMMUNITY TICKETING MODEL

What is Community Ticketing?

Community Ticketing is a pay-it-forward model designed to keep the festival affordable and welcoming for everyone because we believe hospitality means creating accessible, safe spaces for others.

This model allows businesses and individuals to purchase tickets for the community rather than for themselves. Every $5 ticket purchased opens the door for one person to attend the festival for free. If enough tickets are sold, the entire festival can become free for everyone. On the day of the event, the number of tickets purchased in advance will equal the number of free entries. After that, entry will be $5 at the door.

How does it work?

Before the festival, tickets are sold for $5 each.
Every ticket purchased covers entry for one attendee.
The number of people who can get in free on festival day equals the number of tickets sold in advance.
If enough tickets are sold, everyone enters free.
After all prepaid community tickets have been used, guests pay $5 at the door.

Can I buy a ticket for myself?

No. Community Tickets are for others in the community. On festival day, anyone can attend and will benefit from the tickets already purchased.

Why not just sell traditional tickets?

We’ve always believed this festival should feel like it belongs to everyone. Community Ticketing turns that belief into action and lets each of us help open the door for someone else.

What if no tickets are sold?

In that case, all attendees pay $5 at the door.

What if more tickets are sold than people who show up?

Any unused community tickets still support the festival and help sustain its mission.

What is the goal?

We aim to sell 6,000 to 7,500 tickets, which would make the festival free for everyone. In 2025 we welcomed over 4,000 guests.

How are vendors contributing?

Each vendor’s $250 participation fee includes a $20 contribution to Community Tickets. This means vendors are helping make the festival more accessible to the community just by taking part. Thanks to their support, more than 200 people will enjoy free admission before public ticket sales even begin.

How can businesses, organizations, or leaders support?

We encourage larger purchases from businesses and community leaders to inspire others and to help us reach our goal faster. Sponsorship recognition is available for bulk supporters.

Do kids need a ticket?

Children 10 and under get in free and do not require a ticket. We welcome families to come out and enjoy the festival together.