Why We Love Dally in the Alley

by Jess | Sep 11, 2017 | Creative Destinations

This past Saturday marked the 40th anniversary of Detroit’s largest community-based festival Dally in the Alley. Dalley is held within one square block of Cass Corridor and hosts an array of food and retail vendors, musicians, and artists. With so much to do and see at the festival, we wanted to share what makes Dally special for us.

1. Local Businesses Gain Exposure

Dally is an opportunity for local vendors, artists, and musicians to display their brands in front of hundreds of potential customers. In a digital age where gaining exposure is becoming more competitive, vendors in attendance agreed that the festival is a great way to interact with their clientele. “Everyone is so excited to be here,” said Vadim of Detroit T-Shirts.com (a.k.a Detroit Rebels). “I like seeing people’s reactions to my products.” To the immediate right we spoke with Paul of neighboring booth Ink Detroit/Great Lakes State. “Dally is a good time and our business gets really good exposure,” he said.

Detroit vendor Vadim is all smiles at Dally in the Alley. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Apparel on display by Detroit Rebels (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Ink Detroit booth with custom apparel for purchase. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Our cool new stickers from Ink Detroit! (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Detroit vendor Vadim is all smiles at Dally in the Alley. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Apparel on display by Detroit Rebels (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Ink Detroit booth with custom apparel for purchase. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Our cool new stickers from Ink Detroit! (Photo: The Creative Armory)

2. New creative experiences

The artists who participate in the festival are an awesome addition. With five stages set up throughout the festival we got a chance to witness talented musical acts who kept the crowds swaying. There were also street performers scattered throughout who showcased their talents for smaller groups of gatherers. Local artist Ashley McFadden was also on site offering guests a chance to practice their spray-painting abilities. With several spray cans set in front of a colorful wood canvas, we enjoyed watching McFadden encourage first-timers to “just have fun with it.” These things combined gave us a chance to explore both an art medium and new music alike.

Spray paint for guest to use at Dally in the Alley. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Detroit artist Ashley McFadden displaying her art. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

3. You can just be you

Dally is where you can just be who you are and be comfortable in just that. It is the perfect event to unleash your creative self expression and we loved seeing such a diverse crowd fill the streets of the Cass Corridor. The gathering gave lots of us a chance to leave our business-casual wardrobes at home and sport our most colorful attire…..and mohawks. 🙂

A beautiful mohawk being worn by a Dally in the Alley attendee. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Metallic gold shoes sported by a festival-goer. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

One of the many humorous graphic t-shirts worn at Dally. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

A beautiful mohawk being worn by a Dally in the Alley attendee. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

Metallic gold shoes sported by a festival-goer. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

One of the many humorous graphic t-shirts worn at Dally. (Photo: The Creative Armory)

4. Something for Everyone

Last but not least, we like how the festival has something for everyone. As night fell on this year’s festival, we watched the streets illuminate with carts filled with glow toys and accessories. Families with children in tow were able to purchase souvenirs from a festival they won’t soon forget. To sum it all up, we simply appreciate that Dally in the Alley is an all around good time.