Detroit Local

3-1-3 in the D! Celebrate Detroit on 3/13

It's time to celebrate 3-1-3 Day! For those who are new to the party, 3-1-3 Day is a celebration of Detroit and its original area code, 313. The event is held annually on March 13th (3/13), and it's a day to honor and show some Detroit Pride! The area code 313 has been a symbol of Detroit's identity, and 3-1-3 Day is a way for Detroiters to come together and celebrate their roots, achievements, and the city's ongoing revitalization. It’s a celebration of everything that makes Detroit unique—from its musical legacy to its rich automotive history to its sports teams and beyond. Detroit has a rich history and culture, so many things that are considered "Detroit-centric" are unique to the city. Here are a few things that represent Detroit’s essence. 1. Motown Music Detroit is the birthplace of Motown, one of history's most influential music labels. Founded by Berry Gordy in 1959, Motown produced iconic artists like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, and The Temptations. Motown Museum (Hitsville U.S.A.) is a place to check out. 2. The Detroit Auto Industry Detroit is famously known as "The Motor City" because it is the birthplace of the American automotive industry. The "Big Three" auto manufacturers—General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler—were all born in Detroit. DETROIT, MI - FEBRUARY 24: Customers leave Lafayette Coney Island restaurant February 24, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by J.D. Pooley/Getty Images) 3. Coney Dogs Detroit is home to the Coney dog, a unique take on the hot dog served with chili, onions, and mustard. While Coney Island in New York has its own iconic hot dog, Detroit's Coney dogs are a staple of the city's food culture. Some of the most famous spots are Lafayette Coney Island and American Coney Island. 4. Detroit-Style Pizza Another famous food item from Detroit is the Detroit-style pizza, characterized by its rectangular shape, thick crust, and crispy cheese edges. Buddy’s Pizza is one of the most well-known spots to get this pizza. DETROIT - JULY 11: A Tiger statue is seen outside of the Comerica Park entrance before the start of the 2005 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby at Comerica Park on July 11, 2005 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images) 5. Detroit Tigers Baseball is a major part of Detroit culture, and the Detroit Tigers are one of the oldest and most storied teams in Major League Baseball. Comerica Park is the home of the Tigers, and attending a game is a must have Detroit experience. LOS ANGELES - FEBRUARY 8: Jack and Meg White of the White Stripes arrive at the 46th Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2004 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) 6. Detroit Music Scene Beyond Motown, Detroit is known for its significant contributions to other music genres, such as rock, techno, and hip-hop. The city's underground techno scene is world-renowned, and places like the Detroit Electronic Music Festival (Movement) celebrate this unique aspect of the city’s culture. 7. Detroit's Architecture Detroit has a fascinating architectural landscape, from the grand Detroit Institute of Arts to the Guardian Building and Detroit’s Art Deco skyscrapers. The city's architecture reflects its industrial past, while many of the iconic buildings are undergoing revitalization. 8. The Detroit Riverwalk Stretching along the riverfront, the Detroit Riverwalk offers beautiful views of the Detroit River and Canada. It has become a popular spot for both locals and tourists, featuring parks, restaurants, and cultural events. 9. The Detroit Red Wings Hockey is another big part of Detroit culture, and the Detroit Red Wings are one of the NHL's most successful franchises. The team's history and fanbase make them a vital part of the city's identity. Cheer them on at Little Caesar's Arena during Hockey Season. 10. Belle Isle Park This large island park located in the Detroit River offers a variety of activities, including a zoo, museums, and beaches. It's a peaceful oasis offering great views of the Detroit skyline and Canada. Also home of the infamous Belle Isle Slide, which caught the world's attention a few years ago. "Heidelberg project," is an "open air art environment" centered around one block in Detroit. (Photo by Andrew Burton/Getty Images) 11. Detroit’s Street Art and Murals The city is also known for its vibrant street art scene, with Detroit's Heidelberg Project being one of the most famous public art installations in the world. DETROIT, MI- FEBRUARY 3: A Super Bowl XL jersey adorns the Spirit of Detroit statue before Super Bowl XL on February 3, 2006 in downtown Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images) 12. The Spirit of Detroit This iconic statue, located in downtown Detroit, symbolizes the city’s resilience, strength, and unity. It's one of the most recognized landmarks in the city. It has made many appearances in movies and on TV. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images) 14. Detroit’s Revitalization and Innovation You can't talk about revitalization without mentioning the incredible transformation of Michigan Central Station. After being abandoned for decades, this incredible building got a major $90 million dollar makeover courtesy of Ford Motor Company. Everyone from Jack White, Eminem, and Diana Ross were on hand to welcome it back when it reopened in 2024. Detroit is Worth Celebrating Detroit’s culture hits different. It’s gritty, creative, and loud in the best way. This is a city that built cars, birthed Motown, gave us the MC5, White Stripes, and Electric 6. It kept pushing even when the world counted it out. You hear it in the music and taste it in every corner bar or restaurant. It’s that underdog energy, that hustle, that pride that doesn’t need permission. Detroit doesn’t pretend to be anything it’s not—and that’s what makes it real. If you’re looking for heart, history, and raw creative fire, you’ll find it right here in the D.