UPCOMING EVENTS
Enjoy an entertaining evening with us
Moving Experiences at a Unique Venue
Silent Book Club at The War Memorial
Join us at The War Memorial’s Silent Book Club! Bring your current read—no assigned books, no pressure. Settle in, find a cozy spot, and enjoy an hour of peaceful, uninterrupted reading. We’ll kick off with a quick chat to get comfortable, then dive into our books.
Perfect for introverts, book lovers, and anyone looking to unwind.
All are welcome!
Tea and Treasures: A Toast to America at 250 with Detroit Opera
Enjoy Tea and Treasures: a refined afternoon of tea, sweet and savory bites, and exceptional vocal performances by the Detroit Opera Resident Artists honoring America at 250.
Sing to Love: Valentine's Day Dinner and Concert
Join us for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. This year’s edition of Sing to Love, our annual Valentine’s dinner and concert event, features an incredible menu curated by Chef Joe Paxton, capped off by an evening concert from noted jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor.
Jazz Brunch Featuring the Dave Bennett Band
Dave Bennett returns for a vibrant Jazz Brunch pairing live jazz with exceptional food, drink, and lakeside atmosphere.
An Evening of Red, White & Blue
Save the date! Our annual fundraising gala, An Evening of Red, White & Blue will be held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Merry & Bright Holiday Dinner
Experience the historic Alger House at its very best, festively decorated for the holiday season when you join us for our newest event, the Merry & Bright Holiday Dinner Party.
Breakfast with Santa
This holiday season, join friends and family for a joy-filled Breakfast with Santa at The War Memorial! Santa makes a spectacular entrance via his iconic helicopter to kickstart the festivities.
Night Cap | At-Will Band
Experience Detroit’s music scene in a whole new way with Night Cap—an intimate concert series inspired by the spirit of Tiny Desk. Hosted inside the War Memorial’s historic Alger House Library & Reception Room—once the very space where the Alger family welcomed their most distinguished guests—this evening feels like stepping back in time and being personally invited to one of their premier soirées.
A Speakeasy Afternoon at The War Memorial
Step back in time to Russell Alger’s legendary rec room for an afternoon of live music, specialty cocktails, and historic tours. This month’s event offers a glimpse into the Library’s art collection, featuring newly acquired and restored paintings presented by project manager Mata Kartsonas.
Opera Soiree: Prosecco, Pasta & Puccini
Raise a glass and savor an evening of Italian elegance at the War Memorial’s Prosecco, Pasta, and Puccini. Join the Detroit Opera Resident Artists for a sparkling program of Puccini’s most beloved arias, duets, and ensembles from the romance of La rondine and the passion of Tosca to the heart stopping beauty of La bohème and Turandot.
CANCELED: Hallows’ Eve Masquerade
Celebrate Halloween in style with an elegant evening in the Alger Center Ballroom.
CANCELED El Encuentro - The Latin Legacy Salsa Affair
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month The War Memorial presents: “El Encuentro” The Latin Legacy Salsa Affair.
Bootlegger’s Delight: A War Memorial Speakeasy
Discover the allure of Russell Alger’s legendary rec room at The War Memorial’s Speakeasy. Enjoy an afternoon of live music, specialty cocktails, and historic tours, including a behind-the-scenes look at the Library restoration and a preview of the upcoming Dining Room project.
DIA Inside-Out Community Lecture
Join us on July 15th for a free behind the scenes look at the Inside-Out Program from DIA Community Engagement Manager Colleen McNamara.
Summer Beer and Wine Soirée on the Bay
Sunday Waterfront Soiree! SIP and stroll through the Gardens. RELAX and RENEW with waterfront views. EXPLORE the historic Alger House.
Picnic on the Lawn
Join us for a delightful picnic at The War Memorial, where the bonds of community are strengthened amidst laughter, food, and lakeside views.
Wine Down: A Tasting Experience with Michael Bottigliero
Indulge in an unforgettable evening of fine wine and exquisite pairings with celebrated Sommelier Michael Bottigliero, as featured on the Steve Harvey Show. Join us at the War Memorial for an exclusive wine tasting event that will delight your senses and deepen your appreciation for the art of wine.
Cocktails and Mocktails Class
Looking for an unforgettable Father’s Day Gift? Tired of giving a new tie year after year? Well look no further, this is the class for you!
Low Country-style Shrimp Boil
Join us for an evening of Southern-inspired flavors, craft brews, and lakeside charm at this Thursday Night Social. Enjoy a traditional Low Country Shrimp Boil by Chef Joe Paxton, craft beer from Someday Brewing, and live bluegrass, country, and folk tunes from dobro artist Mark Lavengood.
An Evening of Red, White & Blue
Our annual fundraising gala, An Evening of Red, White & Blue will be held on Wednesday, May 21, 2025!
YA Salsa Dance Party!
Don't miss the fun when YA Salsa returns to the War Memorial for a night for an amazing night of food, live music and salsa dancing in our beautiful lakefront ballroom.
SOLD OUT: Dave Bennett Winter Brunch Series - Dave Bennett Band
This cold winter - heat up with some jazz! Enjoy Detroit jazz legend, Dave Bennett, for concert and a gourmet brunch in the new Alger Center ballroom!
SOLD OUT: Vietnam Veterans Day Welcome Home Luncheon
In commemoration of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, veterans and their families are invited to join us for a special afternoon lunch to commemorate their bravery and sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
An Evening with Chef Joe Paxton
Join us for a special evening that includes a 4-course meal featuring remarks by War Memorial Executive Chef Paxton.
The Whiskey Classic
The Whiskey Classic will give you the opportunity for whiskey tasting like never before. Choose from dozens of whiskeys and bourbons from locally produced brands to those across the country and around the globe.
Cocktail Class with Aaron: St. Patrick’s Day
Join our favorite bartender and learn to make five different cocktails - a St. Patrick’s Day themed class!
Luck of the Irish Dinner & Concert
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an Irish dinner and concert Friday March 7th at the War Memorial. This intimate Friday night event features our own spin on traditional Irish fare with a three-course menu from in house Chef Joe Paxton.
Dave Bennett Winter Brunch Series featuring Sean Dobbins
This cold winter - heat up with some jazz! Featuring a performance by Sean Dobbins and a gourmet brunch in the Alger Center ballroom!
Sing to Love: Valentine’s Day Dinner & Concert with Ramona Collins and Cliff Monear
Join us for an unforgettable Valentine’s Day. This event features a three course dinner and a dynamic performance from jazz singer Ramona Collins featuring the Cliff Monear Trio.
Tea and Treasures: Arias over Afternoon Tea with Detroit Opera
Join us for an elegant afternoon of tea and song featuring a delectable buffet of sweet and savory selections, a curated assortment of fine teas, and the Detroit Opera Resident Artists showcasing some of the most iconic and beloved arias and ensembles from the operatic repertoire.
Mastering Mocktails
Calling all dry January and mocktail enthusiasts! Join us for a fun new class - Mastering Mocktails!
Dave Bennett Winter Brunch Series: Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon
This cold winter - heat up with some jazz! Enjoy a performance by jazz vocalist Olivia Van Goor featuring Randy Napoleon and a gourmet brunch in the Alger Center ballroom!
An Evening with Chef Joe Paxton
Join us for a special evening that includes a 4-course meal featuring remarks by War Memorial Executive Chef Paxton.
War Memorial Speakeasy
Travel back in time when you partake in The War Memorial’s inaugural Speakeasy!
A Masquerade Evening: An Opera Soirée with the Detroit Opera Resident Artists
Conceal your identity and don your alter-ego to enjoy the Detroit Opera Resident Artist Masquerade performance.
Thank you to our sponsors
Charles Schwab GP Community Advocate Sponsor
George Johnson & Company Arts & Culture Friend Sponsor
Wolverine Packing Co. Patriotic Advocate Sponsor
Jeffrey Smith & Lisa Vallee-Smith Patriotic Partner Sponsor
Frank Rewold & Sons Patriotic Partner Sponsor
Grosse Pointe Garden Center Patriotic Friend Sponsor
Butcher & Butcher Construction Co. Patriotic Host Sponsor