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Gather in the Garden
Gather in the Garden 2025 Cancellation Announcement
We were looking forward to welcoming guests to Gather in the Garden on Saturday, June 28. However, we’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event due to lower-than-anticipated response. Rather than move forward with a scaled-back experience, we’ve chosen to take a step back and focus on the future.
It’s our priority to ensure our Friends and visitors have a meaningful and memorable experience at Ford House. With that in mind, our team is already hard at work planning something new and extraordinary for summer 2026—an outdoor celebration in honor of what would have been Eleanor Ford’s 130th birthday. Inspired by Eleanor’s love of nature, hospitality, and elegance, this new experience will reflect the warmth and spirit she brought to gatherings at Ford House.
Guests who have already purchased tickets will receive a full refund automatically—no action is needed.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support, and we hope to see you at Ford House soon for other memorable programs and events.
DATE: Saturday, June 28, 2025
AGE RANGE: Adults, 21+
ABOUT THIS EVENT:
Join us for a laid-back summer evening at Gather in the Garden, set in the beautiful Formal Garden at Ford House. Enjoy good company, light bites, and refreshing drinks in a relaxed outdoor setting.
As the sun goes down, enjoy live music from Vanessa Carr and her band, bringing the perfect vibe to the evening. Take a walk through the garden, sample seasonal flavors, and unwind with friends.
It’s a simple and enjoyable night out—great music, great food, and a great reason to get together.
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There is no rain date for this event.
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The program will take place in the Formal Garden, Rose Garden, and near the pool. Please wear comfortable shoes, as the route includes gravel paths, grassy areas, stairs, and uneven surfaces that may be challenging for wheelchairs.
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Please note: Restrooms in the Recreation Building do not have wheelchair-accessible stalls.
About the Artist:
Vanessa Carr is a world-class entertainer noted for her dynamic musical performances. As a singer and dancer recognized for her emotional interpretations, humorous renditions, captivating story-telling, and genuine connection to audiences, Vanessa sparks joy in the hearts of her listeners. Her ever-growing repertoire includes a diverse variety of genres: Broadway show tunes, music from The Great American Songbook to Opera, international favorites, and soulful standards. Her influences include Liza Minelli, Barbra Streisand, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga, Frank Sinatra, Shirley Bassey, Tom Jones, Dionne Warwick, Linda Eder, and Linda Ronstadt.
Also specializing in singing the Star Spangled Banner, Vanessa is an award-winning performer who you may have seen kick off Detroit Lions and Tigers games with her rendition of the National Anthem. Among her many performances, Vanessa was also a member of the Detroit Pistons House Band and other accomplished and rising Metro Detroit bands – one of which opened for the Jacksons at Detroit Music Weekend. She shared the stage with Twinkie Clark of The Clark Sisters and Motown’s Martha Reeves. Vanessa has worked alongside Italian Tenor Aaron Caruso (of the Sicilian Tenors) and Dino Valle (of the Bellini Opera Theatre). She relishes in her Italian heritage and finds great joy in taking the stage at Italian festivals and various Italian venues throughout the area. Vanessa has been featured as the opening act in the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom for Las Vegas Showman Frankie Scinta. You may also find Vanessa performing during the holiday season at Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn. Other notable performances include starring as Fantine in Les Misérables, Ursula in The Little Mermaid, and entertaining on the Detroit Free Press Marathon course. No matter the event, Vanessa’s audiences are charmed as they are taken on an emotional journey by this astounding powerhouse performer.

- Friend of Ford House Adult: $90
- Public Adult: $110
- Groups of 10 or more: Please call 313-884-4222 to purchase tickets for your group and receive 10% off each ticket.
Accessibility Information:
At Ford House, we are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy our events. If you have any questions or need additional information about accessibility before booking your tickets, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
For more details about our accessibility features, please visit our General Accessibility Information Page.
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Refund Policy
All ticket sales, memberships, and other purchases are non-refundable. Refunds will only be issued if Ford House closes or cancels an event. In such cases, guests with tickets or reservations will be notified.

Enhance your visit
Enhance your experience by becoming a Friend of Ford House where you'll enjoy exclusive perks like discounts on tickets, dining, and shopping, all while supporting this historic estate. Or reserve a table at The Continental for a perfect lunch or dinner before the event. And review Ford House rules and policies to make the most of your visit. Join us for a memorable evening and even more benefits with your Friends of Ford House Friendship.
Accessibility
At Ford House, we are committed to ensuring all guests can enjoy our events. If you have any questions or need additional information about accessibility before booking your tickets, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@fordhouse.org or call 313-884-4222, and we’ll be happy to assist you.
For more details about our accessibility features, please visit our General Accessibility Information Page.

Thank you to Ford Philanthropy
Ford House is grateful for the generous support of Ford Philanthropy and helping us fulfill our educational mission and making Ford House more accessible to our community.

About Ford House
Ford House is a 501c3 nonprofit and National Historic Landmark. Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. Now a National Historic Landmark, visitors from all over the world come to wander, wonder, and explore the beauty of this 1928 National Historic Landmark and uncover a unique piece of the American automotive story in metro Detroit. Learn more below.