Marche du Nain Rouge in Detroit returns. What to know about parade
Detroit's infamous Marche du Nain Rouge returns Sunday, March 22, for a parade of citizens led by the red, pointy eared creature that inspires the event.
The free event in Cass Corridor is an annual riotous, jazzy parade that draws thousands to join in wacky and wonderful costumes and floats, while marking the start to spring.
The Nain Rouge greets and taunts the crowd before the Marche du Nain Rouge takes off through Midtown.
Here's what to know.
What is Nain Rouge?
Nain Rouge is a Detroit folklore legend. Nain Rouge translates to "red dwarf" in French and has allegedly been sighted in Detroit before several catastrophes.
Most versions of the story attribute the myth of Nain to Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac — the founder of Detroit — who is said to have seen a little red devil running through the city before experiencing financial ruin.
Last year, the parade began shifting away from the mindset of running out Nain and instead embracing Nain. One local historian told the Free Press in 2025 he's been protesting the parade for the last 20 years because the red dwarf is wrapped up in anti-indigenous stereotypes. Pro-Nain protesters said they weren't against the parade, just the kicking the Nain out of Detroit and are happy to see the shift.
When is the Marche du Nain Rouge this year?
The 2026 Marche du Nain Rouge will take place Sunday, March 22. The procession is planned to start at 1:30 p.m., although the party starts before the procession and will be carried on afterwards.
The music starts and the crowd starts to gather at 11:30 a.m. at the community stage near Canfield Avenue and Second Street. according to the event website.
At 1 p.m., the opening ceremonies begin with New-Orleans inspired jazz by Gabriel Brass Band.
At 1:30 p.m., the Nain will lead a procession down to the Masonic Temple.
From about 2:30 until 5 p.m., the Masonic Temple Fountain Ballroom is hosting a free official afterparty with drinks, vendor tables and DJs, according to the Nain Rouge website.
What to wear
"Come with a pan on your head or in full regalia," according to the website. "Bring a washboard and jug band. Wear a costume. Build a human-powered float. Put on a mask, cover your body in biodegradable glitter and sustainably harvested feathers – whatever it takes."
Where to park
Street parking is free in Detroit on Sunday, although spots are limited. If parking on the street, be sure to not park in an area with a "no parking" or "no standing" sign.
The public can park at Wayne State University lots and structures using Mastercard Visa and Discover credit cards. Parking structure 8 and Lot 72 are WSU parking places closest to the event, according to the event website.
Wayne State structure 8 costs $2 for the first 20 minutes of parking and $1 for each additional 20 minutes. The maximum daily rate is $13. Lot 72 costs $9 with credit card, according to the Nain Rouge website.
WSU students, faculty and staff can use their OneCard debit accounts to pay for parking at typical OneCard parking rates.
Free Press reporter Liam Rappleye contributed to this reporting.
Contact Natalie Davies at [email protected].
