Firewater Bar & Grill, 6521 John R St., Detroit
When: Tuesdays, noon-4:30 p.m.
Promotor: Tyrone Bradley
Cover Charge: free
Attire: “blue jeans to sequins”
Extras: special soul food menu
Tyrone Bradley, known as ‘The Godfather,’ stakes claim to the D’s original day party. Bradley, a former DJ on Detroit’s Mix 92.3 FM, says he launched the event eight years ago. The inspiration sprung from Firewater’s Sunday night parties and as a favor to an employee.
“One of the waitresses said she couldn’t work the Sunday night parties because she had children and could only work during the day,” Bradley says. “Two weeks after we started it, she was the first person that got fired.” But the party lives on and people arrive early for it. “They start lining up at 9:30. It’s a mature crowd – from 24 to 80.”
The Ford Patio Bar & Grill, 18490 Ford Road, Detroit
When: every Sunday, 4-9 p.m.
Promoter: Will Phelps
Cover Charge: $10 in advance, purchased directly from Will Phelps or via Cash App
Attire: “style and effort”
Extras: free birthday parties
Will Phelps says his parties attract several age groups, “the seasoned people partying with the lightly salted.” Ultimately, Phelps’ motivation for giving day parties mirrors his lifestyle. “It’s for the person that is looking to add something to their day, but don’t want to be out late,” he says.
Punchline Comedy Lounge, 29555 Northwestern Highway, #312, Southfield
When: every Sunday. Comedy show 2-4 p.m., after-party 4-8 p.m.
Cover Charge: $15 general admission for the show, free for the after-arty
Attire: no formal dress code
Extras: groups of 10 or more get a discount on the show (excluding national acts).
This party delivers nonstop dancing and laughs. Launched in April, the event attracts the 35 and over crowd, says Teena Miller, executive assistant to the owners. Attend just the show, come for both or just come to party.
Studio 51, 1995 Woodbridge St., Detroit
When: Saturdays, 2-8 p.m.
Promoter: The Real Ray Brown
Cover Charge: free in advance, $5-$10 at the door
Attire: “summer”
Extras: brunch menu
Ray Brown, or “The Real Ray Brown,” launched this party in May, targeting working people and business professionals. “This will go until the end of August (or into) September – Indian summer,” Brown says.
Central Kitchen + Bar, 660 Woodward Ave., #4A, Detroit
When: two Sundays per month, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Promoter: Bruce Bailey Promotions
Cover Charge: free
Attire: “casual cool”
Extras: brunch menu, unlimited mimosa refills
This part-day party, part-brunch is in its second year, attracting 21- to 55-year-olds. “It’s been so good I’m thinking about doing it every Sunday in the summer,” Bruce Bailey says. Bailey credits his travels for the inspiration. “I see in the other major cities the day party has exploded,” he says. “We’re just trying to catch up.”
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