CADILLAC – The city of Cadillac is marking the 50th anniversary of KISS’ legendary homecoming concert at Cadillac High School with a months-long celebration leading to an anniversary weekend Oct. 9-12.
The KISS50 Cadillac Reunion kicks off this week with a series of KISS-themed events, exhibits and activities that will run through October. The celebration honors the band’s surprise 1975 visit, when KISS performed in the high school gym, joined the homecoming parade and received a key to the city before departing by helicopter.
“Cadillac has had this magical connection to KISS ever since the band surprised the community with a homecoming concert 50 years ago, and we are celebrating in a big way in 2025,” said Kathy Morin, executive director of the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau. “We have events and activities for everyone to enjoy now through October.”
The festivities begin with a KISS50 exhibit at the Wexford Historical Society Museum, featuring memorabilia, photos and firsthand accounts of the band’s visit. A self-guided “KISStory” tour takes fans to sites from the 1975 visit, including Veterans Memorial Stadium and the high school gym, with commemorative markers along the route.
Pre-Anniversary Events and Activities
Highlights include (with updates and additions added at kisscadillac.com):
- KISStory Self-Guided History Tour – Ongoing throughout Cadillac. The Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau produced an updated brochure of a four-stop, self-guided tour retracing steps the band took in 1975 (Veterans Memorial Stadium, Cadillac High School Gym, Old City Hall/ Firehouse and Mitchell Street/homecoming parade route) – each with a commemorative marker featuring photos and an explanation of why the spot is significant. The brochure also explains Cadillac’s history with the band and anecdotes of their visit.
- KISS50 Exhibit – July 30 through October at the Wexford Historical Society Museum, 127 Beech St. A new exhibit showcases memorabilia related to KISS’ visit 50 years ago, including original newspaper and magazine clippings plus firsthand accounts, photos and artifacts from local KISS fans and alumni. Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. wexfordcountyhistory.org
- KISS Experiences – August through October, throughout Cadillac. More than 10 businesses will give fans ways to enjoy KISS-related products, such as “Clam Lake Party Every Day Hazy IPA” and “Rock and Roll All Night Session Light” at Clam Lake Beer Co., “Dark & Roll” custom-blend coffee at Owl Eye Coffee Roasters,“Cadillac Rock City” (Rocky Road) Moomers ice cream flavor at The Sweet Shop, and KISS cut-out sugar cookies at Wildflour Bakery, among other KISS-themed products.
- A map can be picked up locally at many of the featured stops (also look for Caddy Bear’s “KISS50 Cadillac Reunion Tour Stop” sign in windows of participating businesses) and also available online and updated with new participating businesses. Fans can even stay in a KISS-themed cabin and add a KISS-themed experience at Mackinaw Timbers Cabins starting in August.
- KISS Photo Opps – August through October, throughout Cadillac. Businesses are “KISS-ifying” their properties with everything from KISS band cut-outs to banners to decorated storefronts. Check back to kisscadillac.com/kisstory for updated listings.
KISS50 Cadillac Reunion Anniversary Weekend (Oct. 9-12)
The 50th anniversary culminates with a four-day weekend featuring marquee events organized by the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau and Cadillac Area Public Schools. More details will be released closer to the anniversary weekend. Events confirmed to date include:
- Cadillac Vikings Football Game and Tailgate followed by KISS-themed Drone Show – Oct. 10, Veterans Memorial Stadium overlooking Lake Cadillac. KISS fans can cheer on the Vikings, the reason behind Cadillac’s KISS connection, at the stadium where the band departed via helicopter Oct. 9, 1975. KISS experiences are being planned in conjunction with the football game.
- KISS50 5K – Oct. 11. Starts at the Cadillac Commons along the Lake Cadillac shoreline.
- Cadillac KISS50 Rockumentary – Oct. 11 with viewings at Cadillac High School (times TBD). Produced by the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau, this film reflects on the 50-year legacy, featuring interviews with Jim Neff and others who experienced the KISS visit firsthand.
- Mr. Speed KISS tribute concert – Oct. 11 at The Venue, 902 W 13th St. This highly acclaimed KISS tribute band has been performing for more than 30 years and will play all the favorite hits – and in full costume. Tickets are on sale at $20 apiece. thevenueeccadillac.com/event-details/mr-speed-kiss-50-cadillac-reunion
- Other experiences – Additional anniversary weekend events and activities include exclusive exhibits and presentations in the Wexford County Museum, alumni reunions, a KISS golf outing, KISS Glow Skate at The Wex Ice Arena, and KISS Bingo at MI Mezcal.
More than a dozen businesses are offering KISS-inspired products, from custom ice cream and coffee to themed beer and baked goods. Visitors can also find photo opportunities throughout Cadillac with storefronts, cutouts and banners decorated in KISS style.
Details and updates are available at kisscadillac.com.