Join us for the first-ever Great Lakes Cigar Fest at the historic M1 Concourse, hosted by Wild Bill’s Tobacco! This unforgettable day will be packed with premium cigars, live music, delicious food, and great company.
This isn’t just a celebration of cigars – it’s an experience! Enjoy exclusive access to top cigar brands, including our Platinum Sponsor, Drew Estate Cigars, offering unbeatable deals, meet-ups with Jonathan Drew, and so much more!
But that's not all – enjoy live entertainment, on-site activities, a buffet-style dinner, and a spectacular grand fireworks finale! All of this is happening at the incredible M1 Concourse, and
Festival Schedule
Get ready for an incredible lineup of events
VIP EARLY ACCESS & CELEBRITY MEET & MINGLE
VIP ticket holders receive exclusive early access to the festival, one hour before the general public. This special time allows VIP guests to meet and mingle with renowned cigar celebrities in a relaxed and exclusive atmosphere before the main festival begins.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
ALL ACTIVITIES, VENDORS, & MARKETPLACES OPEN
Explore top-tier cigar vendors, industry experts, and exclusive merchandise booths. Enjoy food trucks, bourbon tastings, live music, and interactive experiences throughout the day.
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
A welcome from Jonathan Drew
Kick off the festival with special welcome remarks from Jonathan Drew, a legendary figure in the cigar industry. Get insight into the passion for cigar culture and the future of premium cigars while celebrating a day of experience and camaraderie.
12:30 - 1:00 PM
INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES
Explore From Seed to Shelf to see how cigars are made from start to finish, watch master rollers at Cigar Rolling Stations, and take Virtual Cigar Factory Tours. Enjoy cigar blending, pairing events, and more—all available all day.
12:00 PM - 10:00 PM
TOP CIGARS TASTING EVENT
Premium cigar experts will host an exclusive tasting of the top brands in the industry. Attendees will experience the distinct flavors, craftsmanship, and quality that make these cigars some of the most sought-after in the world.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Athlete & Celebrity Signing Event
Meet your favorite athletes and celebrities in person at this exclusive signing event! Get autographs, take photos, and share memorable moments with well-known personalities from the world of sports and entertainment.
3:15 PM
STROLLING DINNER & INDUSTRY AWARDS
Enjoy a curated selection of fine dining experiences while networking with fellow cigar enthusiasts. The dinner will be accompanied by industry awards recognizing outstanding contributions to the cigar and hospitality community.
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
GRAND RAFFLE DRAWINGS - RAFFLE #1
Sponsored by our premium cigar vendors, prizes include premium cigar boxes, high-end cigar accessories, gift cards from our top vendors, and more.
8.30 PM
Raffle #2
Hosted by Wild Bill’s Tobacco, featuring grand prizes such as premium gaming consoles, TVs, barbecue ovens, and exclusive Wild Bill’s gift cards.
9:00 PM
Raffle #3
Sponsored by our supporting partners, including bourbon vendors and food trucks, with prizes such as liquor bottles, premium cigars, and cigar accessories.
9.30 PM
AT DUSK FIREWORKS SHOW
Close out the night with a breathtaking fireworks display, celebrating a day of camaraderie, cigars, and unforgettable experiences.
10:00 PM
ALL MUST VACATE THE VENUE
As the festival comes to a close, we kindly ask all attendees to begin exiting the venue by 10:15 PM
10:15 PM
The Great Lakes Cigar Festival
Is the most diverse and exciting cigar celebration—not just in the Midwest, but across the entire U.S.! The Great Lakes Cigar Festival is the premier gathering for cigar & bourbon lovers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. Here’s just a “sampling” (no pun intended-yes we have bourbon sampling on site) of what awaits you:
- Connect with renowned cigar makers and industry icons. (Our VIP’s even get personal meet & great opportunities).
- Take advantage of exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else from leading cigar & bourbon brands.
- Enjoy live entertainment, cigar rolling demonstrations, signings, multiple lounges, and virtual experiences.
- Explore bourbon and spirits vendors, lifestyle brands, and receive premium cigars with your ticket.
- Indulge in a premium buffet dinner, festival fare (including a multitude of food trucks all day long), fireworks at dusk, on-track experience opportunities available for purchase on site, and so much more!
The Great Lakes Cigar Festival
Is the most diverse and exciting cigar celebration—not just in the Midwest, but across the entire U.S.! The Great Lakes Cigar Festival is the premier gathering for cigar & bourbon lovers of all levels, from beginners to seasoned connoisseurs. Here’s just a “sampling” (no pun intended-yes we have bourbon sampling on site) of what awaits you:
- Connect with renowned cigar makers and industry icons. (Our VIP’s even get personal meet & great opportunities).
- Take advantage of exclusive deals you won’t find anywhere else from leading cigar & bourbon brands.
- Enjoy live entertainment, cigar rolling demonstrations, signings, multiple lounges, and virtual experiences.
- Explore bourbon and spirits vendors, lifestyle brands, and receive premium cigars with your ticket.
- Indulge in a premium buffet dinner, festival fare (including a multitude of food trucks all day long), fireworks at dusk, on-track experience opportunities available for purchase on site, and so much more!
ABOUT THE VENUE
M1 Concourse sits on a historic site that has been home to a series
of auto manufacturing facilities for the past 100+ years.
An Authentically Detroit Venue
Nothing screams the “Great Lakes Region” more than the iconic city of Detroit and its history deeply rooted in the automotive industry.
M-1 Concourse is home to not only car enthusiasts and their private garages, but some of the largest racing events in the U.S.A. every year. With guests that have included Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Jimmy Fallon, Frankie Muniz, and more it’s no wonder M-1 is at the heart of automotive entertainment in Michigan.
With ample space both indoors and out to create our lively festival based cigar environment, M-1 provided the perfect backdrop for everything needed to create a cigar experience that is rivaled by none.
ABOUT THE VENUE
M1 Concourse sits on a historic site that has been home to a series
of auto manufacturing facilities for the past 100+ years.
An Authentically Detroit Venue
Nothing screams the “Great Lakes Region” more than the iconic city of Detroit and its history deeply rooted in the automotive industry.
M-1 Concourse is home to not only car enthusiasts and their private garages, but some of the largest racing events in the U.S.A. every year. With guests that have included Jay Leno, Tim Allen, Jimmy Fallon, Frankie Muniz, and more it’s no wonder M-1 is at the heart of automotive entertainment in Michigan.
With ample space both indoors and out to create our lively festival based cigar environment, M-1 provided the perfect backdrop for everything needed to create a cigar experience that is rivaled by none.
Property History
In 1905, a large portion of the property was developed into a factory by the Rapid Motor Company for the production of municipal vehicles.
In 1908, a combination of Rapid, Reliance Motor Truck and Crescent Motors became General Motors Truck Co. During the decades GM owned the property, it was home to a variety of manufacturing plants and quality assurance facilities.
The facility was decommissioned in 2008 and all but one building on the property was demolished. In 2011, the property was transferred to the RACER Trust, which was created by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to position for redevelopment properties and other facilities owned by the former General Motors Corp. before its bankruptcy.
After the Environmental Protection Agency, State of Michigan, and City of Pontiac deemed the 87 acres fit for development, M1 acquired the land on August 6, 2014. The property has now been reconnected with its 100+ years of automotive history.
Property History
In 1905, a large portion of the property was developed into a factory by the Rapid Motor Company for the production of municipal vehicles.
In 1908, a combination of Rapid, Reliance Motor Truck and Crescent Motors became General Motors Truck Co. During the decades GM owned the property, it was home to a variety of manufacturing plants and quality assurance facilities.
The facility was decommissioned in 2008 and all but one building on the property was demolished. In 2011, the property was transferred to the RACER Trust, which was created by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to position for redevelopment properties and other facilities owned by the former General Motors Corp. before its bankruptcy.
After the Environmental Protection Agency, State of Michigan, and City of Pontiac deemed the 87 acres fit for development, M1 acquired the land on August 6, 2014. The property has now been reconnected with its 100+ years of automotive history.