More than 6,000 people expected to descend on Cass Ave. Sunday, March 26 for the 8th Annual Festival du Nain Rouge.
Legend has it the fiendish imp is intent on ruining Detroit, but every year, participants in the parade, cast the evil red dwarf away with their colorful costumes and positive spirt.
The spring festival kicks off at noon in the Cass Corridor and is free. There will be a main stage that will have poetry slams, music and food. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the intersection of Canfield St. and Second Ave. and will end at the Masonic Temple.
Participants are encouraged to come masked of fully-costumed and join the fun by creating DIY (non-motorized) chariots.
Parking is available on the street, in lot 72, located at 4510 Cass Ave. for $7 and at structures on Wayne State’s campus.
2017 Fete du Nain Rouge Freebies, discounts and deals
Although the parade is on Sunday, the first day of spring is today, and bars, restaurants and shops in Detroit have already started ringing in the new season with discounts, freebies and pre-and-post Marche du Nain Rouge parties.
Here are a few Fete du Nain Participants:
Motor City Brewing Works – 470 W. Canfield Ave.: Special Nain Inspired pizza specials for the week of Monday the 20 – Sunday the 26th. Parade mornings, doors open @ 11 am with special Breakfast pizzas, and Nain Inspired Bloody Beers and Beermosa’s until Marche start. Pizza specials after the parade.
Avalon International Breads – 422 W. Willis St.: Don’t miss the famous red velvet whoopee pies that are made each spring in honor of the Fete du Nain!
Huron Room – 2547 Bagley Ave.: Don’t miss the Faygo Red Pop Sweet and Sour fried fish. Wet your whistle with a very special Nain Rouge-themed cocktail too – Monday, March 20, through Sunday, March 26.
Iconic Tattoo – 3401 Cass Ave.: Don’t miss the great Fete du Nain specials. 20% off all red jewelry or Nain Rouge specific tattoos Friday and Saturday, March 24-25. After the Marche, stop in for an Open House with Rabbit Ears playing a live show at 4 p.m.
Johnny Noodle King – 2601 W. Fort St.: Special Nain Rouge featured Ramen Bowl #datnoodlegoat.
Cass Café – 4620 Cass Ave.: Prepare for the coming of the Nain with a special Tito’s Bloody Nain, along with rotating Nain-friendly food specials, March 20-26.
For the full list of participants: click here.
