Detroit Checklist Challenge

The checklist challenge begins soon! Sign up below to receive relevant updates.

Competition runs August 1st - August 31st, 2025

There are so many amazing bars, restaurants and cafes in Detroit and each one has a story behind it. The magic happens when you can taste that story and feel the passion of the owner in every bite. This challenge will introduce participants spots that have been around for decades and others that are just launching their dreams. Participants will not only have a great time supporting small businesses but they’ll discover new favorites they will want to return to again and again. 

Detroit Checklist challenge Details:

  1. Weekly prizes for a participant selected at random.

  2. Grand prize and 2nd prize opportunities.

  3. Checklist challenge begins at 12:01 AM, August 1st and lasts until 11:59 PM, August 31st, 2025.

  4. To participate, you must be 18+

  5. Download/print a paper copy here: https://www.thecityinstitute.com/detroit-checklist.

  6. Take a photo of you and an item you purchased at any restaurant, bar or cafe on the list! Items must be purchased from the establishment. Receipts may be asked for to verify winners.

  7. Post your photo to Instagram tagging @cityinstitute_ and including the hashtag #checklistchallenge313 in the post’s text.

  8. You could win a prize just for participating or win the grand prize by stopping at the most locations between 12:01 AM, August 1st and 11:59 PM, August 21st, 2025.

  9. Have fun and enjoy delicious food and drink!

Additional rules and details:

  • For your photo post to count, you must have a public Instagram account so that we can find your post.

  • The business must be listed on the City Institute checklist of bars or restaurants

  • City Institute reserves the right to disqualify participants who do not follow these rules - or violate the spirit of the competition: to celebrate Detroit community and establishments

Prize Details

Grand Prize:

  • $500 in gift certificates to great local businesses + 4 tickets to a City Institute Walking Tour.

2nd Prize:

  • $200 in in gift certificates to great local businesses + 2 tickets to a City Institute Walking Tour.

Other Prizes Drawn Randomly:

  • 2 Tickets to any public City Institute Downtown Detroit: City of Design Walking Tour,

  • Gift Cards

  • Swag Item