The night comes alive with Eastern Market After Dark, and the Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs is ready to show you the stars in all their glory. Check out all the ways you can spend your time in metro Detroit in the coming week.

Upcoming events (Sept. 17-24)

Eastern Market After Dark

Eastern Market Shed 2
Sept. 17
Free

The Eastern Market lights up at night to host artisan vendors, demonstrations and more as a part of Detroit Month of Design. Nearby, the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy hosts an activation on the Dequindre Cut, shops and restaurants extend their hours, and Slow Roll hosts an evening bike ride.

Astronomy on the Beach

Island Lake State Park
Sept. 18-19
Free

Great Lakes Association of Astronomy Clubs marks  30 years of Astronomy on the Beach. This year’s theme is Artemis II – returning to the moon in honor of the recent space exploration mission. In addition to peering at the expanse of space, guests can listen to keynote speakers, demonstrations and presentations, and enter a mini telescope raffle. Both nights end with a laser tour of the night sky.

Frankenfest

 Historic Fort Wayne
Sept. 19
Outdoor attractions free / indoor entry $5

A monstrous mashup of art and the paranormal takes over historic Fort Wayne this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect electrifying entertainment (including aerial shows every hour), over a hundred artists on site, and the chance to explore the fort. Indoors, Michigan-based podcasts give presentations on local hauntings and the macabre. Frankenfest runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note that some featured artwork is unsuitable for children.

Folk Festival

 Staebler Farm County Park
Sept. 19
Free 

The Michigan Folk School welcomes all to a free showcase of folksy-skills, from gardening to blacksmithing to handweaving and more. Food and beverages are available for sale on site, and guests can listen to live music at two stages; one will be hosting a vintage string band, and the other features vocalist Kandy Fredrick and Irish Band Lochanna Mora. Lastly, there’s a silent auction of artisan goods crafted by school staff and instructors to keep the folk school going. 

Recovery and Resilience Music Festival

 Downriver Council for the Arts
Sept. 20
Free

This family friendly, sober event brings together artists, advocates and recovery organizations for a day of community. Attendees can enjoy food, coffee, creative workshops, resource meetings and live music. Plus, Lol Tolhurst from The Cure gives a keynote address. Stop by from noon to 10 p.m.

Adult Spelling Bee Fundraiser

 Jam Handy
Sept. 24
$50

Hosted by Stephen Henderson and Maxie Jones, the 8th Annual Spelling Bee Fundraiser raises funds for the Dominican Literacy Center’s teaching and community outreach needs. Along with the spelling contest, guests can expect good music with DJ La’Roc, food and drink, and good vibes. Bee there or bee square.

From fine arts to a neighborhood-jam sesh, Detroit’s cultural offerings are out full force this weekend. 

On a more solemn note, there is an observance of 9/11’s 25th anniversary with songs, speeches and a coffee social. 

Upcoming events (Sept. 10-17)

Season Fair

The Shepherd
Sept. 10-13
Opening Season Talks free; general admission $40

This second edition of the exhibition fair is titled “Detroit Presents: Other Routes,” exploring how the six featured artists came into their craft and how their personal journeys shape their art, down to the non-traditional materials they use. There is an opening series of talks at the College of Creative Studies on Sept. 10.

9/11 Remembrance

War Memorial
Sept. 11
$10

The Michigan State Fair brings classic fair foods, Michigan agriculture, and all the entertainment you can imagine under one roof. There will be magic shows, performances by the Rock-N-Roll K-9’s, pig races, carnival games and more—plus, we can’t forget the Butter Cow on display! Some events, like the Full Throttle Monster Truck Show and carnival rides require additional costs.

Buffalo Soldiers and Blues Fest

 Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association Barn
Sept. 12
Free

The Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Association (BSHA) invites the community to celebrate the legacy of the historic all-Black army unit with a family-friendly blues festival. The event offers horse rides, barn tours games, food and live music by Detroit’s Big Pete and Friends from noon to 4 p.m.. Western wear is encouraged.

Dally in the Alley

 Cass Corridor
Sept. 12
Free 

Dally in the Alley is back for 12 hours of art, music, food and fun in the Cass Corridor. Wander through the free volunteer run fair and visit six music stages, a fair zone just for kids, and many food and beer options.

“For the Love of” fashion show

 Detroit Public Library
Sept. 12
Free

Experience a runway presentation of emerging Detroit designers. This third edition features select designers from last year’s fashion show, ready to showcase their honed skills and bring Detroit fashion further into the spotlight.

Sensory Friendly Concert: Dance Party

 Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Sept. 13
Free

This interactive concert with Cancel Monday Band is designed with neurodiverse teens and adults in mind, along with their families and caregivers. There’s flexible seating, low lights, a limited audience size, noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces for a break and more at the venue. Following the 45 minute performance, DanceAbility leads an hour long dance workshop to connect people through the joy of movement in a positive, welcoming environment.

There’s no shortage of options when it comes to having fun this Labor Day weekend. Events you’ve waited all year for return, like the world’s largest free jazz festival in Detroit, Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats & Eats, the Michigan State Fair and more. Plus, a toast to sandwich lovers in Detroit.

On Labor Day itself, a union march goes through Corktown, and you can see the results of the first ever Union Hall Arts Residency.

Upcoming events (Sept. 3-10)

Opening Celebration – Detroit Month of Design

Little Village Detroit
Sept. 3
Free

Detroit Month of Design officially starts at this activation hosted by Design Core Detroit and Little Village. From 5-7 p.m., an outdoor activation opens the River Trail with interactive art, architectural installations, food, entertainment and more. After that is a Design Crawl through the corridor, wrapping up with at Father Forgive Me bar.

Michigan State Fair

Vibe Credit Union Showplace
Sept. 3-7
$10

The Michigan State Fair brings classic fair foods, Michigan agriculture, and all the entertainment you can imagine under one roof. There will be magic shows, performances by the Rock-N-Roll K-9’s, pig races, carnival games and more—plus, we can’t forget the Butter Cow on display! Some events, like the Full Throttle Monster Truck Show and carnival rides require additional costs.

Arts, Beats & Eats

 Downtown Royal Oak
Sept. 4-7
$15

Arts, Beats & Eats is back in downtown Royal Oak with over 200 musical acts setting the playlist for your Labor Day weekend. Walk through the Fine Art Fair on Washington Street, hit up 11 stages for music, culinary demonstrations, interactive science experiments and more—and eat well while doing it with more than 65 food vendors on site.

Jazz Fest

 Hart Plaza
Sept. 4-7
Free 

The largest free jazz music festival in the world returns to Detroit this Labor Day weekend, with Artist-in-Residence Joe Lovano threaded into each day of the four day festival. Bounce between four stages to catch your favorites in a jam-packed setlist, including artists like the Ravie Coltrane Quartet, marking 100 years since John Coltrane’s birth; Dee Dee Bridgewater singing alongside pianist Bill Charlap; sisters Tia Fuller and Shamie Fuller-Royston and much, much more.

Art on the Ave

 Livernois Ave
Sept. 5
Free

Immerse yourself in the lively arts community rooted in Detroit’s historic Avenue of Fashion. This event brings together local entrepreneurs, creatives, restaurants and more. Art galleries will be ready to welcome visitors, including Jo’s Gallery, Sherwood Forest Art, Art in Motion and others along the corridor. This family-friendly event is a part of Detroit Month of Design.

Hamtramck Labor Day Festival

 Joseph Campau
Sept. 5-7
Free

Fill your Labor Day with fun at Hamtramck’s Labor Day Festival! Get swept up in the parade, jam at two stages of live music, ride some thrilling carnival rides, and cheer while watching the staple yacht race. The festival is held all weekend and Monday from noon to 11 p.m. each day. 

Detroit Sandwich Party

Eastern Market Shed 5
Sept. 6
Free

There’s truly a sandwich for everyone, and you’d be sure to find several to suit your taste at this all-day event dedicated to the culinary art of putting stuff between slices of bread. Accompanying beverages will be available for sale alongside small-format sandwiches. Swing by and party with the best Detroit sandwichmakers around from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Labor Day Union March | Union Hall Arts Residency Showcase

Corktown
Sept. 7
Free

Take part in the true spirit of the holiday at this march organized by Michigan’s American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.Staging begins around 7 a.m. on the corner of Trumbull and Michigan Ave in Corktown. The march sets off at 9 a.m. and heads west to Roosevelt Park, where labor leaders and other guests will speak around 10 a.m.

Following the march, the first ever Union Hall Arts Residency showcase opens its doors at Talking Dolls studio. This summer, the pilot residency brought the labor movement and the arts together, helping union members practice their craft. Artists include a novel writing electrician, a hotel housekeeper, who’s doing a large scale painting on canvas, a beat-making plumber, and so many more. Stop by from 1-4 p.m.

Art opens a window into policy, comedy brightens the end of summer and a pop-up vintage and craft market sweeps through the Majestic Theatre.

Jump into beauty and take part in community this week in Metro Detroit. 

Upcoming events (Aug. 27 to Sept. 3)

What’s So Funny About Detroit?

The Old Miami
Aug. 27
$35 / $30 in advance for WDET members

WDET invites you to have the last laugh of the summer at the Old Miami. Thursday is the final What’s So Funny About Detroit Comedy Showcase, and this 21+ performance is headlined by T. Barb, one of the best comedians to come out of Detroit. Other performers include Andy Peters, Brianna Blackburn, Nicole Melnyk and Jeffrey Ford. The doors open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m. Tito’s Handmade Vodka will be offering signature cocktails on-site.

In Her Honor

Various locations in Detroit
Aug 26-28
?

“In Her Honor” is an art series honoring women of color who passed due to maternal health complications. The events around the art, displayed at Mothering Justice’s office in Eastern Market on Friday, aim to uplift information on maternal health and connect participants with solutions to a devastating crisis in maternal health.

Dream Pop-Up: Voting Rights Community Art Project

 Affirmations in Ferndale
Aug. 28
Free

Make a small artpiece in support of voting rights with Stand with Trans and Indivisble Metro Detroit at Affirmations in Ferndale. This event is the second in a program series designed to give young adults from 16-24 a creative outlet while engaging them in community. Art made at this event will be displayed at Art Prize in Grand Rapids. Come join the event from 5-7 p.m. Art supplies will be provided.

Northwoods Improvisers

 Detroit Institute of Arts
Aug. 28
Free with cost of admission

Enjoy live music in the DIA’s Rivera Court. The Northwoods Improvisers have been playing for 50 years, and have had Detroit saxophonist Tony Holland from Griot Galaxy in the lineup for the past year. Let the Improvisers surprise you with their unique performance style starting at 7 p.m.

Fleatroit

Majestic Theatre
Aug. 30
Free

Vintage and craft vendors take over the Majestic Theatre as a part of the “Zania Mania” celebration marking 80 years of the Zania family owning The Garden Bowl. Shop your heart out from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and enjoy some pizza, bowling, and a live DJ set while you’re at it. 

Jazz at the Dossin

 Dossin Great Lakes Museum
Aug. 30
$5

Come out for the last show of the summer concert series Jazz at the Dossin! The afternoon show features the Stephen Grady Jr. Quartet, as Grady honors jazz trumpeter Kenny Dorham’s birthday.

Art in the Elements

Meadow Brook Hall 
Sept. 2-3
$25 

Meander through the grounds and interior of Meadow Brook Hall historic mansion and immerse yourself in elaborate floral art inspired by the cosmos. Admission includes a self-guided tour and admission to Dan’s Cabin and Knole Cottage. Join the premiere and evening tour from 6-9 p.m., with final admission at 8 p.m.

Paint the Park and Brighton Art Fair are this weekend, plus Bourbon and Blues Fest brings the groove to Eastern Market and more.

Brighton Art Fair

Main St. in Brighton
Aug. 21-23
 Free

In the heart of Brighton’s downtown, the Brighton Art Fair brings 125 juried artists together. Attendees can shop craft items, make their own goods, and listen to live music—not to mention visiting Brighton’s established shops and restaurants in the area! 

Paint the Park and Downriver bike ride

Downtown Allen Park
Aug 21-22
Free

The Mural People and Allen Park’s Downtown Development Authority host Paint the Park this weekend, alongside Slow Roll Detroit. As eight murals come to life across the city, guests are welcome to watch art demonstrations, shop vendors and get craftkits. Plus, Slow Roll Detroit hosts their first Downriver bike ride on Saturday morning. 

EVE premiere

 Arab American National Museum
Aug. 21-22
$15

The Arab American National Museum hosts the premiere of “Eve”, a retelling of John Milton’s Paradise Lost through the lens of queer Palestinian resistance. The play is a 90 minute live performance written by Arab American National Museum writers-in-residence George Abraham and Fargo Missim Tbakhi.

WIDAFEST

 Windsor, Ontario
Aug. 20-23
Free entry

With vibrant music, cultural performances, and workshops all around, WIDAfest promises to bring carnival energy to Lanspeary Park and offers plenty of delicious food to buy and unique artisan crafts too. This year, the African and Caribbean celebration joins forces with the Toronto Caribbean Festival to bring more fun than ever before.

Outlaw Music Fest

Pine Knob
Aug. 22
$27+

Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston hosts iconic artists including Don Was and the Pan Detroit Ensemble, the Avett Brothers, Sierra Hull and more, headlined by Willie Nelson. As it returns for the eleventh year, the eclectic show brings rare talents together across generations for a boot-stomping performance.

Renaissance Festival

 Holly, Mich.
Aug. 22-Oct. 4
$50 in advance, $55 at door

Enter a realm of medieval magic, with trained performers, artisans, pub crawls and more at Michigan’s Renaissance Festival. This weekend marks the opening of the season, with the theme “Pirates and Pups.” 

Detroit Bourbon and Blues Fest

Eastern Market Shed 5
Aug. 23
$25 

For the fourth year running, Detroit Bourbon and Blues brings live music, bourbon and whiskey tasting, and great vibes to the Eastern Market. Stop by to enjoy the songs and drinks anytime from noon to 7 p.m.

This weekend offers a feast of food-based festivals around metro Detroit, including a pierogi fest, a vegan extravaganza, the aptly named Detroit Foodie Fest and a zesty Pickle Festival. In the coming week, it’s time for live music with WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit and more.

Dearborn Homecoming

Ford Field Park
Aug. 7-9
 Free

Dearborn Homecoming is back. Visit a collection of local artists and non profits manning the booths. Meet DCFC players, PAWS the Tigers mascot and more. Activities include crafting, a kid-centered “Baby Bash”, live music with headliners Martina McBride and Chance the Rapper. Plus, we can’t forget the firework show! Check the schedule to see what events are going on, from noon to 10:30 p.m. both days.

CatVideoFest

Detroit Institute of Arts
Aug. 7-9
$11.50

Sit back and enjoy a curated showing of feline films. Handpicked by organizers who receive unique submissions throughout the year, the CatVideoFest is an annual event at the Detroit Film Theater. Tickets cost $11.50 for general admission, with a discount for members, seniors and students. A portion of ticket sales go to supporting pet-centered charities, shelters, and humane societies.

Sweetest Heart of Mary Pierogi Festival

 Sweetest Heart of Mary Church
Aug. 7-9
Free

Starting at noon both days, this festival offers Polish culture on a platter. Enjoy cuisine like the pierogi, live music, a beer tent, a resale shop or take a stroll through the church’s gift store. 

Pickle Fest

 Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Armada, Mich.
Aug. 8-9, 15-16
$11.37

Pickle lovers, this one’s for you. Blake’s Pickle Festival gives attendees the chance to get hands-on pickling experience from picking cucumbers to building your own brine, as well as an array of pickled food and drinks. And no festival would be complete without a unique blend of music and market stalls to catch your eyes and ears. There’s also pickle contests to properly celebrate the pros. Stop by between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Detroit Foodie Fair / Detroit Vegan

 Eastern Market Shed 5
Aug. 9
Free

The 7th annual Detroit Foodie Fair is hosted in conjunction with Detroit Vegan to offer a wide spread of delicious bites from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Taste the best food truck court Detroit has to offer and browse stalls selling kitchen wares and goods. Learn more about getting plant-based foods in your diet. You’ll have the chance to vote for Detroit’s Best Foodie Find as well.

Perseid Meteor Shower Viewing

 Cranbrook Institute of Science
Aug. 12
$50 in advance, $55 at door

Stay late at the Cranbrook Institute of Science to catch a meteor shower alight in the night sky. Cranbrook offers a spread of activities to keep guests engaged, including yard games, a dusk nature walk, astronomy lessons and more. The Warren Astronomical Society will be in attendance to speak to the science behind the stars and provide telescope viewings. Get tickets in advance— pre-sale ends on Monday, Aug. 10!

SOUNDS LIKE DETROIT

 Batch Brewing Company
Aug. 13
$30 / $35 

Join WDET at Batch Brewing in Corktown for a Detroit Tiny Desk concert! Selected by listener votes, four local artists will be performing live and on stage, including KTCHN, Aisha Ellis, Jubilee Jackson, and Michelle Held. Doors open at 6 p.m., with the show going from 7-10 p.m.