15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration Returns to Detroit at Woodbridge Pub Hug Detroit Community Collective Launches the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative DETROIT, MI — The Hug Detroit Community Collective, in partnership with Woodbridge Pub, City of Artz, tGwen Foxx Entertainment, and The Preservation of Jazz, proudly announces the 15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration, taking place on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at Woodbridge Garden Park, 5169 Trumbull Avenue, Detroit, Michigan. Celebrating fifteen years of bringing neighbors together through love, music, service, and fellowship, this year's event introduces the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative, a new community outreach program focused on promoting child safety awareness, family preparedness, and everyday resources that help keep children safe. Founded in 2011 by Nicole "Sky" Covington Freeman, and Sheila Hale (Queen Aduni), the first Hug Detroit Day celebration was held in 2013 with one simple mission: to encourage people to love one another, embrace their neighbors, and strengthen the bonds that make Detroit a community. Today, Hug Detroit Day has grown into an annual family celebration featuring live entertainment, youth outreach, education, scholarships, community resources, and acts of kindness that serve hundreds of Detroit families. Event Highlights • Community Prayer – 12:00 Noon • Live Music – 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM • Launch of the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative • Family Paint Party • Horseback and Carriage Rides • Backpack and School Supply Giveaway • Guest Speakers • Poetry Readings • Community Resource Fair • Breaking Bread Together Community Fellowship Lunch (served while supplies last) • Family Games and Activities Entertainment will feature performances by: • Cast Iron Cornbread • Sky Covington • Ted Nagy AJ Garner's New Standard Sextet • Additional artists to be announced. The celebration will once again be hosted by Mike Bonner, with the opening prayer offered by Horace Sheffield. The Hug Detroit Community Collective is also proud to announce that Jai Simone has accepted the role of 2026 Hug Detroit Day Ambassador. As Ambassador, she will help promote the organization's mission of love, unity, community service, and youth empowerment throughout the year. This year's Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative will introduce resources designed to encourage families to think proactively about child safety beyond community events. The initiative seeks to connect parents with practical child safety tools while promoting education, awareness, and community partnerships that help protect children every day. As a newly established nonprofit organization, the Hug Detroit Community Collective is inviting businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals to become sponsors, volunteers, and community partners. The organization is also collecting donations of backpacks, school supplies, socks, underwear, undershirts, jackets, sweaters, art supplies, and other essentials for Detroit children. Through its "Just $1 Campaign," the organization is encouraging supporters to contribute as little as one dollar to help purchase backpacks, school supplies, child safety resources, and art supplies for Detroit children. Donations may be made through Cash App: $HugDetDayDonation Supporters may also contribute through the organization's GoFundMe campaign. "Our vision has always been bigger than a single day," said founder Nicole "Sky" Covington Freeman. "Hug Detroit Day is about reminding people that kindness matters, community matters, and when we come together, we can create real change. As we celebrate fifteen years, we're excited to launch the Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Initiative and continue building stronger families and a safer Detroit." The Hug Detroit Community Collective welcomes volunteers, vendors, sponsors, community organizations, and families from across Metro Detroit to join in this historic celebration. Event Information 15th Annual Hug Detroit Day Celebration Theme: Hug Detroit SafeKids™ Protect. Connect. Reunite. Sunday, August 23, 2026 Community Prayer: 12:00 Noon Live Music: 1:00 PM – 9:00 PM Woodbridge Garden Park 5169 Trumbull Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48208 For sponsorship opportunities, volunteer information, vendor registration, or media inquiries, contact: Nicole "Sky" Covington Freeman Founder & Executive Director Hug Detroit Community Collective Phone: 248-383-3385 Email: hugdetroitpeople@gmail.com One Community. One Love. One Detroit.