Presented by Friends of the Rouge

2026 HEART OF THE ROUGE: OUR RUBY ANNIVERSARY

About This Event

On Thursday, August 13 - from 6 - 9 PM - your River celebration awaits!

You are invited to celebrate your hometown River as you support its better future.

Your evening includes: live music with the Matt Balos Trio, interactive river experiences with FOTR staff, great food, drink tickets, a nature-themed art room with art by local artists (some experiences and sports memorabilia too!) for auction, a special 40th anniversary celebration and live river demonstrations!

We’re excited to have Jack Nissen, host of FOX 2 Detroit’s Brother Nature, bringing his passion for Michigan’s natural world as the emcee for Heart of the Rouge!

Let your heart create a better world - starting with your hometown Rouge River. 

See you on "the banks"!

YOUR IMPACT: Did you know? Your support of the annual Friends of the Rouge fundraiser makes it possible for over 10,000+ Friends to take action through Riverside programs (critter monitoring, trail building, tree planting, new rain gardens, hands-on student River science) for a clean water future. You make all the difference!

About This Event

On Thursday, August 13 - from 6 - 9 PM - your River celebration awaits!

You are invited to celebrate your hometown River as you support its better future.

Your evening includes: live music with the Matt Balos Trio, interactive river experiences with FOTR staff, great food, drink tickets, a nature-themed art room with art by local artists (some experiences and sports memorabilia too!) for auction, a special 40th anniversary celebration and live river demonstrations!

We’re excited to have Jack Nissen, host of FOX 2 Detroit’s Brother Nature, bringing his passion for Michigan’s natural world as the emcee for Heart of the Rouge!

Let your heart create a better world - starting with your hometown Rouge River. 

See you on "the banks"!

YOUR IMPACT: Did you know? Your support of the annual Friends of the Rouge fundraiser makes it possible for over 10,000+ Friends to take action through Riverside programs (critter monitoring, trail building, tree planting, new rain gardens, hands-on student River science) for a clean water future. You make all the difference!

Getting There

Rouge Park - Sorensen Recreation Area
W Warren Ave &, Pierson St
Detroit, MI 48228