Once upon a time, every village had a tavern: a place where heroes drank, rogues schemed, music filled the air, and stories were born. For one night only, the Dakota Inn becomes that tavern, and you are a part of the tale.

VIP Guests enjoy first access to gated on site parking, early entry at 5:00pm, the best seats in the great hall, and the ability to order real food from the Dakota Inn’s tavern menu (meals and drinks purchased separately) for dinner.

At 6:00 pm the tavern opens to all, and the downstairs cellar bar erupts with dancing barmaids, and raucous tavern fun. Outside, fires burn as revelers gather under the winter night sky.

Costumes are required. This is your chance to don your finest winter garb, furs, and medieval finery. Step into the story and leave the modern world behind.

VIP Guests: $30

Enjoy first access to gated on-site parking, early entry at 5:00 PM, and first seating in the Great Hall for dinner (meals purchased separately).

General Admission: $20

At 6:00 PM, the Tavern doors open to all adventurers.

This is 21+ only, an adults-only night of music, mischief, and magic.

All Guests gain entry to the immersive world of Tavern Night Detroit, where the Dakota Inn comes alive with music, laughter, and lore. Wander between the Rathskeller, where dancing barmaids and mischief reign, and the Great Hall, where Dr. Professor Ignoblous Fuvus Mendez serves as your Master of Ceremonies with tales both macabre and merry.

Need a breath of air or a moment by the fire? Step into the Biergarten, a hidden outdoor refuge where the fire crackles and the finest furs are proudly displayed.

________________________________________

Q & A:

What's on the menu? 

The Dakota Inn is known for their traditional German food. Here are their current offerings. You can expect something similar for the event. We do plan to have some specialty food and drink (Ex: Mead).

—

What is the parking situation? 

The Dakota Inn has on-site, security monitored, fenced in parking. There are about 60 available spots that are reserved for VIP ticket holders and are filed first come, first serve.

There is an open lot across the street and plenty of on street parking, once those options fill. 

—

Do I have to wear a costume?

Costumes are required, but that doesn’t mean complicated.

You are stepping into a medieval-fantasy tavern on a cold winter night and every guest helps build the world.

That can mean anything from:

•simple medieval layers

•renaissance-fair staples

•fantasy adventurer looks

•cloaks, shawls, skirts, tunics, vests, belts

•furs, leather accents, boots, gloves

•jewelry, brooches, rings, runes

•a touch of face paint, braids, or fantasy styling

Think “I could reasonably walk into a tavern in a medieval village, a fae wood, or a grimy adventure outpost.” If it fits that vibe, you’re good.

Everything from basic to elaborate works. You do not need expensive garb or full armor. Build from what you have: layers, textures, earth tones, dark colors, or anything with a little story to it.

The best advice is to avoid items that break the fantasy, such as:

•modern logos

•printed text

•ball caps

•obviously modern fashion pieces

•neon athletic wear

Practical considerations:

The Dakota Inn is a historic 90+ year old building with narrow passages, steps, and tight corners. Choose garb that lets you move comfortably and safely.

The outdoor Bergarten will reflect the real weather in January in Detroit. Use it as an excuse to bring out your best cold-weather fantasy layers.

Come dressed to step into the story, in whatever version of medieval, renaissance, or fantasy feels true to you.

—

Is there a coat check? 

No.

—

What if the weather is really bad that night?

The Tavern opens snow or shine. In fact, we’re hoping for a touch of snow to make it truly wintery and whimsical.

—

But what if I don’t want to wear a costume?

Don’t overthink it! because a simple costume is enough to explore the Tavern. A tunic, cloak, or fantasy accessory will do just fine.

You don’t need to spend a chest of gold to join the revelry. What matters most is that you step into the story.

—

Can l bring my sword/mace/mythical blade?

No weapons, real or otherwise, will be allowed as part of your attire. We love that you are ready to take arms for the Queen, but our great hall is well fortified. Leave your steel at home and enjoy the merriment.

—

Can I bring my own mug like at the RenaissanceFestival? 

Yes please! What is the Faire without some fun toasts! You'll be able to fill them with any beverage you purchase at the Tavern. 

—

Beverages? What can I get to drink at the Tavern?

The upstairs beer hall lives up to its name with a well-curated tap list and an impressive selection of German and Central European wines.

Downstairs, the Rathskeller offers a large variety of wine, including everything from centuries-old traditional estates to the hippest natural wine upstarts.

All beverages can be purchased separately. 

—

What is Accessibility like? 

Tavern Night takes place throughout both levels of the historic Dakota Inn Rathskeller, a 93-year-old Bavarian tavern filled with music, laughter, and history. Because of the age of the building, it has significant physical accessibility limitations and is not wheelchair accessible. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding. 

We want all guests to have the details about building layout before purchasing tickets.

Building Layout & Access:

The main entrance features outward-swinging double doors that open to a small landing.

From there, you can:

Walk straight ahead into the main beer hall through an outward swinging door. This area is accessible directly from the main entrance with no stairs. Floor is level throughout most of the space. Pathways between tables can be narrow when the room is full.

This space is where sit down dinner service happens. It will have an MC providing variety entertainment through the night, access to the Beer Hall bar, and will be the location of the end of the night singalong.

Restrooms are located in the back right corner of the main hall, reached by a short interior hallway. The stalls are quite narrow. 

The connecting hallway at the back of the hall to outside includes a small step-up and step-down and involves navigating a somewhat winding path. 

From the main landing you can also turn left to go downstairs to the Rathskeller. In this space there will be a curated selection of pre-recorded music and barmaids to immerse you in the event. 

Rathskeller (Downstairs):

Accessed via a wide marble staircase descending to the left of the main entrance.

The stairs go down to a landing. There you take a 90-degree right-hand turn, followed by several more steps.

There is no elevator or lift to reach this level. The lower-level Rathskeller bar is stair-access only.

We encourage guests to review the photos for a visual sense of the space.

For specific accessibility questions, please reach out at [email protected]. We’re happy to describe the layout further and help in any way we can.