Friday, November 17th, 2023, 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm

The Jam Handy Building: 2900 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202

Harry Houdini regularly performed in Detroit’s many theaters for nearly three decades. From his famed suite at The Statler Hotel to his final show on Earth at Detroit’s Garrick Theatre, the Motor City held a special appeal for the magician. Daring escapes from the Fyfe Building and Belle Isle Bridge, riveting acts at City Hall and a Detroit jail cell, and even a Detroit Creamery Co. milk can hold Harry. As a performer, he was incomparable, a showman – superb, a magician – unparalleled. So, as the weather turns cold and under the moon’s autumn glow, we gather to remember, celebrate, and resurrect the history of Houdini in Detroit.

On Friday, November 17th, 2023, at the historic Jam Handy Building in Detroit, we invite you to step back in time to the roaring twenties, specifically the year 1926. Detroit’s population swelled to over one and a half million, The Volstead Act was the law of the land, and Prohibition reigned. Meanwhile, the world-famous magician Harry Houdini met his demise on Halloween in Detroit, leading newspapers worldwide to proclaim, “Magic has died in the Motor City!”

In honor of the spooky season and the legacy of The Handcuff King, we invite you to turn back the hands of time and reach beyond the veil to celebrate The Houdini Autumnal Eve Ball.

Join the Detroit History Club at The Jam Handy Building, a venue that once brought magic to the silver screen, the dream factory of a titan of Detroit’s entertainment industry. As our guest, you will witness daring escape artists defying death, magicians weaving their enchantments, and world-class acrobats bending, twisting, and dancing throughout the expansive 1919-built building. Snake charmers and fire breathers will mingle with guests, all while a series of sensational 1920s jazz performers serenade the dance floor. Dive into the mystique of the era by interacting with performers and sleight-of-hand magicians or seek amusement with games from World’s Fairs past.

A dress code is in effect for all attendees: we invite you to embrace the glamor of 1926 with tuxedos or dark suits, evening or flapper dresses adorned with pearls, feathers, and iconic nylon seams. Let the raid of thrift stores, vintage shops, and grandparents’ closets commence!

The Detroit History Club is proud to welcome magician Anthony Grupido, as our center-stage magician for the evening. Anthony will be joined by a cast of performers sure to create an interactive adventure.

As part of the evening, guests are invited to indulge in heavy snacks composed of Houdini’s favorite treats, celebrating his worldwide palate and carnival past included in the ticket price, as are all activities, shows, and games. Savor the joy of leaving your wallet at home, as your all-inclusive ticket price grants you access to the magic, history, and fun of a Detroit History Club event.

It’s sure to be an evening of Houdini history unlike any other in a city without comparison.

All guests must be 21 or older, and IDs will be checked.

Parking options include street parking and a private lot belonging to The Jam Handy Building.

To participate in any Detroit History Club event you must be a 2023 Detroit History Club member. Don’t fret; the process is simple, quick, and costs just $5 a year.

The Detroit History Club operates exclusively as a members-only organization, residing in the most enigmatic corners of our city. We meticulously curate events within the confines of private residences, concealed venues, and clandestine locations, offering an experience like no other. We extend a warm welcome to all who wish to join our esteemed ranks.

Our membership prerequisites are straightforward: individuals must be at least 21 years of age and possess a generally amiable disposition. The membership cost in The Detroit History Club is a mere five dollars ($5) per person for each calendar year. Each event attendee must hold their membership. It is completely welcome to buy/renew your membership at the same time you purchase event tickets. Simply add both products to your cart before checking out. In the event you’re buying/renewing memberships and tickets in the same order please enter “000” as your member number at the time of check out. Our team will update your file internally when your membership number is established. Rest assured, your membership cards will be dispatched via the reliable United States Postal Service within a week of your order, but you do not have to have the physical card with you at the event.

While we do have an oath, it’s hardly a clandestine affair. No hidden hand signals, secret passwords, uniforms, or badges mark our members. Instead we are defined by our shared passion for the extraordinary, our ability to reveal the unusual, and cherish the tales of Detroit’s rich history. We wholeheartedly invite you, yes you, to join our ranks.

Become a member of The Detroit History Club HERE.

Your order confirmation email will serve as your only ticket- nothing will ship to your address. Please save your email and be prepared to show it on your phone or printed to board the bus. (We do this to avoid the ticketing fees that come along with ticketing systems. The price of your ticket will remain the same throughout checkout with no added fees or service charges.)