Ford House Unveils Extraordinary 2025 Lineup

Ford House, the historic home of Eleanor and Edsel Ford located in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, is thrilled to announce a dynamic lineup of events for the 2025 season, showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural experiences reflecting the community spirit of the Grosse Pointe area.

Beloved experiences like guided tours of the Main Residence and gardens return, including the audience-favorite Nooks & Crannies Behind-the-Scenes Guided Tour and the All About Eleanor Guided Tour. New specialty guided tours will explore the Fords’ art collection, architectural elements, and other unique aspects of the home.

As always, families will enjoy dozens of exciting experiences throughout the year. From meeting the Easter Bunny for a photo on Sunday, April 13, to daytime trick-or-treating at Little Goblins on Saturday, October 25, children have lots of opportunities for play and exploration. New in 2025 are Ford House’s children’s teas, affectionately named Once Upon a Tea. These relaxed tea services are created for children aged twelve and younger and center around favorite children’s literature characters. Families can enjoy the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party, celebrating the whimsical Alice in Wonderland, on Saturday, March 15 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., and the Emerald City Tea Party, celebrating L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Guests will enjoy tea and child-friendly treats while costumed characters travel the room and chat with children.

Families can also immerse themselves in educational adventures. Lake Fest on Saturday, July 26, is a S.T.E.A.M.-based learning festival celebrating Lake St. Clair and the flora and fauna living in and around it. Story Festival on Saturday, September 6, produced in partnership with the Grosse Pointe and St. Clair Shores Libraries, will bring children’s favorite stories and characters to life through interactive experiences.

On Thursday, August 7, at 7 p.m., the Grosse Pointe Theatre returns to Ford House for the second year of the Shakespeare Stroll. Attendees will experience the timeless works of Shakespeare as the Bard’s stories come to life across the scenic grounds of Ford House. This unique walking theater event invites guests to wander from scene to scene, where professional actors perform vignettes from some of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays. With nature as the stage and the historic estate as the backdrop, the Shakespeare Stroll offers an enchanting blend of culture, history, and the great outdoors.

In 2025, Ford House will introduce Cabaret Over the Cove, a new, intimate concert series set in the beautiful Lake Shore Room on the second floor of the Visitor Center, overlooking Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. These performances will offer guests an elegant and cozy musical experience. This inaugural Cabaret Over the Cove Series will feature the White Pines String Quartet on Valentine’s Day on Friday, February 14, at 7 p.m. Guests will enjoy a signature cocktail and hors d’oeuvres, followed by a special Valentine’s Day three-course dinner and champagne with dessert.

Three additional Cabaret Over the Cove events are scheduled throughout the year. On Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m., Ben Sharkey will bring his charismatic blend of vintage cool and contemporary energy, fusing jazz, soul, and pop. Future cabarets include performances on Friday, November 7, and Friday, December 19, for a holiday-themed Christmas Cabaret Over the Cove: Yule Be Singing. Each will include passed appetizers, drink tickets, and access to a cash bar. These concerts are capped at 150 attendees, creating an intimate and exclusive experience.

Ford House will also debut Gather in the Garden, an elegant outdoor dining experience designed to immerse guests in the beauty of nature while offering a unique and intimate culinary adventure. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Formal Garden, this event combines the charm of al fresco dining with the tranquility of Ford House’s historic estate and live music. Gather in the Garden takes place on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, at 7 p.m.

Get ready to “take a chance” on an unforgettable summer as Ford House kicks off its Outdoor Summer Concert Series. Join us on Friday, July 18 at 7 p.m. for Dancing Queen: An ABBA Salute, where guests can relive the magic of ABBA and say “I Do, I Do, I Do” to a night filled with catchy tunes and unforgettable memories. Following, the renowned Michigan Philharmonic will grace the stage on Friday, August 15, at 7 p.m., bringing their symphonic brilliance to our beautiful grounds. And to wrap up the Outdoor Summer Concert Series, Ford House will welcome back The Dave Hamilton Band on Friday, September 12, for the second year in a row. It’s going to be a summer filled with musical “super troopers”—don’t miss out!

Harvest Day invites visitors to Ford House on Saturday, September 27, for a day full of seasonal delights and timeless traditions. Visitors can dine on fresh cider and donuts as they explore the bustling fall market, filled with unique goods from dozens of local vendors.

Ford House invites adults who are into the Halloween season to attend one of four Murder Mystery Dinners on Fridays and Saturdays, October 10, 11, 17, and 18. Each takes place in the Lake Shore Room on the second floor of the Visitor Center overlooking Ford Cove. Tickets include a seated dinner, two drink tickets, and access to a cash bar. Big Goblins, Ford House’s adult Halloween party, is back in a whole new way. On Saturday, October 25, adults (21+) will enjoy a spooky nighttime twist on our beloved Little Goblins. Collect adult treats while evading shadowy characters lurking in the darkness as you embark on a haunting journey through our eerie trail. Satisfy your cravings at our bar and concession stands, where delicious food and drinks await. Gather around the bonfire for live entertainment to keep the chills and thrills coming. When you’re ready to wrap it up, hop aboard the haunted hayride for a ghostly journey back to the Main Gate.

During the winter, visitors have several opportunities to enjoy the Christmas charm of Ford House and meet Santa Claus. On select dates in December, children can get their picture taken with the Jolly Old Elf at Cookies with Santa. Families can sit down to a delicious holiday brunch at Brunch with Santa on Sunday, December 7 and 21, for a hot buffet and a chance to say hello to Old Kris Kringle.

And for those looking for a truly magical evening experience, Home for the Holidays at Ford House welcomes guests on an enchanting evening stroll throughout the estate. Open Fridays through Sundays, from December 5 through 21, Home for the Holidays at Ford House is a spectacular one-mile path that sparkles with shimmering lights, creating a festive atmosphere like no other. On the walk, guests can step inside the Main Residence for a self-paced exploration, enjoying Eleanor Ford’s beautifully adorned decorations. Warm up with a complimentary hot chocolate from the concessions tent, adding a cozy touch to your holiday outing. And don’t miss a special visit from Santa Claus at the Playhouse. Capture the magic with a photo op along the path and create unforgettable memories this holiday season. Friends of Ford House, media partners, and select VIPs are invited to a VIP Preview of Home for the Holidays at Ford House on Saturday, November 29.

“Our 2025 season is shaping up to be one of our most exciting yet,” said Mark J. Heppner, President & CEO of Ford House. “From new events like Once Upon a Tea and Cabaret Over the Cove to beloved traditions like our summer concerts and holiday celebrations, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy. We can’t wait to welcome our community and visitors from near and far to experience the joy, beauty, and history of Ford House in new and meaningful ways.”

Ford House’s 2025 lineup promises a season filled with unforgettable experiences, from enchanting family activities to intimate musical performances and immersive cultural celebrations. Each event reflects Ford House’s commitment to fostering community connections, creating cherished memories, and sharing the legacy of Eleanor and Edsel Ford with guests of all ages.

Guests are invited to enhance their experience by becoming a Friend of Ford House, enjoying exclusive benefits such as discounts on tickets, dining, and shopping, as well as access to pre-sales for popular events. Tickets to Ford House’s 2025 events and programs go on sale soon—visit fordhouse.org to learn more and be part of a year-long journey of discovery, fun, and tradition.