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Guide To The Downtown Hoedown

Get tips for the WYCD Downtown Hoedown in this handy summary including, parking, artist lineups and things to know before you go.

The 2011 WYCD Downtown Hoedown marks the festival's 29th Anniversary!

Bringing close to a million attendees, participating in 3 days of country life-style music and entertainment, this year is the biggest ever and is expected to surpass all the rest with over 50 artists taking to the stage, including local Detroit artists and many of country music's biggest national stars!
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Hoedown Venue Hart Plaza
(credit: wycd.com)

About The WYCD Downtown Hoedown

Hoedown was established in 1983 and is widely recognized as the largest Country Music Festival of its kind in the world. Hosted by 99.5 WYCD, Detroit's Best Country, the Hoedown is regarded by the Country Music Industry as a premier showcase opportunity for new and established artists. Located at Hart Plaza in the heart of downtown Detroit, the event attracts hundreds of thousands of enthusiastic country music fans from the Midwest and beyond.

Downtown Hoedown Hall of Fame

Not surprisingly, many artists have gotten their big break at the Downtown Hoedown, namely Rascal Flatts, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Montgomery Gentry, Big & Rich, just to name a few. Check out our "Hall of Fame" to see the complete list of Hoedown performers! Be sure to come on down from May 13th through 15th, 2011 to see the next generation of country stars shine at the Hoedown!

In celebration of the Downtown Hoedown, here's a list of artists that have rocked the Motor City!
Hoedown Hall Of Fame

Hoedown Headliners Joe Nichols Josh Gracin Jason Aldean
Joe Nichols, Josh Gracin and Jason Aldean (credit: wycd.com)

Artist Lineup

There are three stages that you can enjoy at the Downtown Hoedown! The River Stage, The Lower Stage and The Main Stage.

Get the printable schedule.

Headliners

Friday - Relive 'Friday The 13th' At Downtown Hoedown!
Saturday Remembering Saturday At The Downtown Hoedown
Sunday - Jason Aldean at 9:15 p.m. Full Sunday Lineup

Please note that times are approximate and subject to change so check the Hoedown site for more announcements leading up to the event. Official Site Of Hoedown

Hoedown Boots
Hoedown Boots (credit: wycd.com)

Coming And Going

Parking - Get a handy list of area parking lots.

Keep in mind that parking outside Hart Plaza is convenient, but it'll cost ya. Instead try the people mover. You'll be able to park at another stop on the route and save some money.

Using the People Mover

For .50 cents per ride, it's a steal! Remember that the People Mover goes in a clockwise circle -- so in some cases it might be quicker to walk one way. For instance. If you park at Cobo it might make sense to walk to Hart Plaza instead of going all the way around the route, since it's one block east up the RiverWalk. The People Mover runs 'til 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and midnight on Sundays. More info >> thepeoplemover.com

Air Travel: For Airlines, Discount Travel Sites, Ground Transportation, and other useful travel information click here.

Hotels: For a list of area hotels click here. Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown is the official hotel of the 2010 WYCD Hoedown. For reservations visit detroitdowntowncourtyard.com or call 1-800-353-8365.

Souvenir Stand
(credit: wycd.com)

Know Before You Go

Admission is free! Save your cash for souvenirs, food and delicious beverages. Hart Plaza is completely handicap accessible, but all seating is first come, first served! All ages are welcome.

Bathrooms: The bathrooms are located in two locations this year. There are bunch down by the river and the other set is over toward Atwater Street.

Don't bring: coolers, alcoholic beverages, bikes, skateboards, pets or weapons.

Snap away! Yes, you can bring your camera.

Check the Hoedown site for more announcements leading up to the event. Official Site Of Hoedown

Lighting Of The Flame
(credit: wycd.com)

Official Lighting of the Hoedown Flame
(uh, Barbecue Grill)

Thurs., May 12 7-8 a.m. at Hart Plaza

Jason, the 300 Pound Cowboy from the 99.5 WYCD Dr. Don Morning Show, ascends the steps of the Hart Plaza Pavilion draped in WYCD toga (uh, hoga) to light the ceremonial barbecue grill with his official Tiki torch to kick off the 29th Annual WYCD Downtown Hoedown Weekend! The first 100 Detroit country music fans to arrive have the last chance to get a FREE WYCD Downtown Hoedown t-shirt which guarantees VIP seating in the lower bowl at Hart Plaza all weekend long!

Hoedown At Hart Plaza
(credit: wycd.com)

Text Contest

While at the Hoedown you will also have the opportunity to text for a chance to meet Hoedown artists! Be sure to keep an eye on our JumboTron screen in the Plaza during the weekend!

Get More:
Official Site Of Hoedown
WYCD's Downtown Hoedown on Facebook
WYCD on Twitter

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