The Parade Company Studio Tour — Detroit, Michigan

Discover The Parade Company Studio Tour in Michigan

Go behind the scenes of one of America’s most iconic holiday traditions at The Parade Company Studio in Detroit. This colorful, whimsical tour takes you through the massive workshop where artists, sculptors, and builders create the floats, costumes, and giant papier-mâché heads for the legendary America’s Thanksgiving Parade® presented by Gardner White.
Why it’s special:
The Parade Company houses the largest collection of papier-mâché “Big Heads” in North America and offers a rare, up-close look at how parade magic is made.

History/Story of The Parade Company

Since 1924, Detroit’s Thanksgiving Parade has been a treasured tradition featuring floats, performers, marching bands, and enormous character heads. The Parade Company preserves this legacy by operating a year-round studio where thousands of volunteers and professional artists design, build, repair, and store the parade’s massive props. Today, it is one of the nation’s most historic and artistically significant parade workshops.

What You’ll See & Do at The Parade Company Studio

• Walk through the enormous 200,000+ sq. ft. studio

• See dozens of floats in various stages of construction and restoration

• View the famous Big Heads—historic papier-mâché costumes dating back decades

• Watch artists sculpt, paint, and airbrush parade characters

• Learn how floats are engineered, assembled, lit, and animated

• Explore costume rooms filled with sequins, fabrics, and historic outfits

• Hear insider stories about parade traditions, planning, and performance logistics

Hands-On Elements: Touch select materials, paint samples, parade props (guided), costume fabrics.
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed in most areas; some works-in-progress may be restricted.
Souvenirs & Extras: Parade-themed merchandise, ornaments, apparel, books, and Detroit holiday souvenirs.

Pricing of The Parade Company Studio Tour

• Adults: $12

• Seniors (65+): $10

• Children (ages 3–12): $8

• Children under 3: Free

• Private group tours: Available with reservation

Practical Info for Visiting The Parade Company

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided studio walking tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Offered year-round; extra activity in fall
Working Hours: Typically 9:00 AM–3:00 PM (tour slots vary)
Audience: Families, art lovers, parade fans, school groups, tourists
Accessibility: Fully accessible; wide aisles throughout studio
Safety & Restrictions:

• No touching floats unless directed

• Stay with the group; studio floor has active equipment
  Languages: English
  Group Visits: Ideal for clubs, students, community groups
  What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable shoes; indoor environment
  Facilities: Visitor entrance, gift shop, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Very busy October–November with float finishing and parade prep

Nearby

• Detroit Riverwalk

• Eastern Market

• Ford Field

• Detroit Institute of Arts

FAQs About Visiting The Parade Company

Do I see floats being built?
Yes—depending on the time of year, you may see painting, carving, wiring, or full float builds in progress.

Are the Big Heads on display?
Absolutely—hundreds of historic papier-mâché heads are showcased throughout the studio.

Is the tour good for children?
Kids love the colorful characters, giant heads, and float designs—it’s very family-friendly.

Can I volunteer for float-building?
Yes—the Parade Company welcomes volunteers, and staff can share how to get involved.

When is the best time to visit?
Fall (Sept–Nov) is the busiest season with the most visible activity, but tours run year-round.