This week, we’re highlighting local makers and spaces, from Friday the 13th concerts to exclusive dining experiences. 

But we’re also highlighting something else — community. 

We know how to bring you the news that matters, the music you love and the events that you’ll add to your calendar because here at WDET, we’re in this community right alongside you. We’re out there in the heat of Movement and in the chill of the tree lighting. We’re tailgating at Eastern Market and perusing the DIA. We’re always out there with you, and now we’re asking you to be there for us.

As we begin our fall fundraiser, we need your support to keep the station strong. Consider how many concerts you’ve found out about from WDET, how many driveway moments you had when you just couldn’t turn off the radio yet, how many new things you learned from us that you had to share with someone else. What is that worth to you?

We know that not everyone is in a position to donate, but if you are, we ask that you pay it forward. WDET only exists with financial support from people like you. Invest in our community at wdet.org/give.

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Hear local musicians 

On Friday, Sep. 13, four iconic acts from Michigan’s noise and punk scene are coming together for Beautiful Noise at the Ypsilanti Freighthouse. This immersive concert takes guests on a journey through the past, present and future, featuring live projections and music by Monster Island, Infinite River, Dr. Pete Larson and WDET’s own Liz Warner (host of Alternate Take, Thursdays at 8 p.m.). Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. All ages are welcome and tickets are pay-what-you-wish starting at $5. For more information, visit ums.org.

Then, head over to Ziggy’s for a Friday the 13th concert featuring music by Wolf Eyes and Twig Harper, and an inner critic hierarchy purge led by Sara Tea. The show starts at 9 p.m., tickets are available exclusively online for $20 and the event is 18+. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Peruse local excellence

The Black Food & Wine Experience makes its Detroit debut on Thursday, Sep. 12 through Saturday, Sep. 14. This stop on the multi-city tour features three ticketed downtown events that showcase and celebrate Black excellence and the rich heritage featured in food, wine and cocktails inspired by African Diaspora. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit blackfoodwineexperience.com.

Also this weekend is E. Warrenfest, which returns to the community on Saturday, Sep. 14. This annual event features over 50 vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, an Eastside bike ride, a kids zone and live music from Alice King, Mic Phelps, Cye Pie and Sounds Like Detroit Winner Drey Skokie & The kLOUDs. Festivities go from 4-9 p.m. on E. Warren between 3 Mile and Grayton. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

Eastern Market After Dark returns for its 12th year on Thursday, Sep. 19 from 6-11 p.m. As a signature event of the Detroit Month of Design, this highly-anticipated festival showcases a wide range of talented artists, businesses, organizations and musicians. Visitors will be treated to a district-wide night market and open studios featuring galleries, retailers, brand activations and live music. This event is free and open to the public, but VIP Experience packs are available for purchase starting at $50. For more information, visit easternmarketafterdark.com.

Explore local spaces

In celebration of two years in the community, The Hawk Makerspace in Farmington Hills is hosting a free open house on Friday, Sep. 13 from 3-7 p.m. Creative community members from across metro Detroit are invited to check out this immersive shared technical and creative studio, which features professional-grade equipment like an embroidery machine, a 3D printer, laser engravers and more. There will also be giveaways, refreshments and discounts on Passholder subscriptions. For more information, visit fhgov.com.

Then, the University District Historic Neighborhood in Detroit is hosting its bi-annual home tour on Saturday, Sep. 14. Design enthusiasts are invited to tour six of Detroit’s most well-kept historic homes with unique decor and touches, many from the Art Deco era. Common features include stained glass windows, Pewabic and Flint Faience tile, grand foyers, crystal chandeliers and more. General admission is $30 in advance or $35 day-of for adults, and tickets are $5 for children 3-13. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Labor Day Weekend in Detroit means the return of some of our favorite annual festivals, including Jazz Fest, the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival and Arts, Beats & Eats.

Plus, more local music performances and a chance to check in on your health. Read on to learn more.

Festivals

The Detroit Jazz Festival returns to the city Friday, Aug. 30 through Monday, Sept. 2, and WDET is teaming up with Paxahau as an official media partner to bring you special coverage and programming all week. Featuring over 60 performances as remarkable and diverse as the genre itself, as well as spontaneous late-night jam sessions, this free festival offers something for everyone. To see the full lineup and learn more, visit our events page.

Related: Wendell Harrison performs live on WDET ahead of 2024 Detroit Jazz Festival

Another beloved tradition returning to the area this weekend is the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival, featuring live music, carnival rides and yacht races down Jos. Campau. The festival goes from Saturday, Aug. 31 through Monday, Sep. 2, and admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit hamtownfest.com.

And finally, there’s Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak, Oakland County’s annual Labor Day weekend celebration of art, music, food and community. Festivities kick off on Friday, Aug. 30 and go through Monday, Sep. 2. The kids zone is free, and general admission is $12. For more information, visit artsbeatseats.com.

Music

On Saturday, Aug. 31, WDET’s own Shigeto (host of The New Music Show on Saturdays 8-10 p.m.) will honor the late, great Kraig Kilby by performing his timeless record Satori at Spot Lite Detroit in full over Jazz Fest weekend. His all-star ensemble will include Detroit legends like Dez Andrés, Ian Fink, JRGotTheHiTS and more. Bill Spencer and WDET’s own Kaleigh Wilder (host of Visions on Mondays 8-10 p.m.) will also be DJing inside, and Portage Garage Sounds will be on the patio all night. Doors open at 9 p.m., tickets start at $22 and the event is 21+. For more information, visit their Facebook event.

On Sunday, Sep. 1, Detroit’s Urban Art Orchestra presents All Things Detroit at Spot Lite, featuring Asaka The Renegade, Natasia, 3DXT, Shardy, The Monalyse, Courtney Bell, 313 The Live Experience, Chris the Barber, House of Hit Queen Gabby, DJ Fingers, Nick Speed, Jungle, Detroit Zeus and Phat Kat. Doors open at 9 p.m., tickets start at $22 and the event is 21+. For more information, visit their Facebook event. 

Related: Hear Urban Art Orchestra perform live on WDET

Wellness

The first annual Long Live Health event debuts at Eastern Market’s Shed 3 on Friday, Aug. 30. This family-friendly, festival-style event aims to promote healthy lifestyles with free health checks, LGBTQ+ support services, sexual health education, diabetes screenings, vision checkups, mental health support and more. This event is free with registration and goes from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

This week, we’ve got album release parties, art markets, festivals and dance parties so you can take full advantage of these late-summer weekends.

Plus, your last chance to see “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” this year. Read on to learn more.

Festivals

The 4th annual SW Fest returns to Detroit’s Senate Theater on Saturday, Aug. 24. This free festival celebrates music, art and community in Southwest Detroit, featuring live performances, diverse vendors and local resources. Performers include Kemba, Tiny Jag, Gabriel Duran, Ruby Flwrs, Terri Shu, WDET Sounds Like Detroit finalist Marqu3tte and more. Plus, the first 100 kids at the festival will receive a free backpack and supplies courtesy of Detroit Southwest Pride. For more information, visit SW Fest Detroit on Facebook.

Then, the Detroit Bourbon and Blues Festival returns to Eastern Market’s Shed 5 on Sunday, Aug. 25 from noon to 6:30 p.m. featuring whiskey tastings, live music, food trucks and more. This year’s blues performers include Free Style Detroit, Shaun Booker Dammit and the Detroit Queen of Blues, Thornetta Davis. Entrance to the music festival is free, and tasting tickets range from $45-$95. For more information, visit detroitbourbonandblues.com.

Album release parties

Detroit-based post-punk quintet Double Winter is doing a record release party for their new album Hourglass on Friday, Aug. 23 at the newly re-opened UFO Bar, with special guests CC Nobody and Mutual Heaven. Doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are $10. For more information, visit Double Winter on Facebook.

Read more: Post-punk band Double Winter previews new album on MI Local

Also releasing an album this weekend is #CoOwnaz, a Detroit-based hip-hop collective comprised of Eddie Logix, Mister, SelfSays, 2 Planes, Doc Waffles and more. To celebrate, Snow Global Records is throwing a backyard boogie on Saturday, Aug. 24 featuring live music, food and vinyls of the collective’s new album, Portrait of a Prince. The pop-up will be open from 3-10 p.m. at Duck Pen Gardens in Corktown. For more information, visit Snow Global Records on Instagram.

Read more: Hip-hop collective #CoOwnaz to release new compilation

Dance parties

On Saturday, Aug. 24, Spot Lite is hosting “Disc Techno,” a celebration of Chicago and Detroit’s contributions to dance music. Mark Grusane and Eric Schwab will be DJing inside with Whodat, Scott Zacharias and Ryan Spencer playing on the patio. Tickets are $16-$22 online, and the event is 21+. For more information, visit ra.co.

Also on Saturday, Aug. 24 is “For All The Girls” DJ night at Northern Lights Lounge. Hosted by DJ Iza, For All The Girls is a new recurring event to create a safe space for women in the dance music scene. There will be photo ops and a lineup of all-women DJs starting at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15-$60 online, and the event is 21+. For more information, visit eventbrite.com.

Art markets

This weekend is the Hazel Park Art Fair, featuring over 100 local artists, family-friendly activities, food trucks and a charity beer tent. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 25 at Green Acres park. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit hpart.org.

Read more: Hazel Park Art Fair returns this weekend

On Saturday, Aug. 24, Bloodroot Herb Shop is celebrating their first anniversary with a makers market at Ziggy’s. From noon to 5 p.m., there will be music, food and 20 local vendors offering artisanal goods and services from ceramics and jewelry to acupuncture and henna. For more information, visit Bloodroot Herb Shop on Facebook.

Comedy shows

Our last “What’s So Funny About Detroit?” comedy showcase of the summer is on Thursday, Aug. 29 in the beautiful backyard of The Old Miami. In The Groove’s Ryan Patrick Hooper will introduce you to comics Jacob Barr, Finn St. John, Ms. Joyce, Zach Martina, Kathy Ryan and headliner Josh Adams for a night of good times with good people. Tickets are $25 and directly benefit Detroit Public Radio and the city’s comedians. Doors open at 6 and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit wdet.org/events. 

This weekend, we’ve got a wide variety of celebratory events, from car shows to concerts.

Plus, the grand re-opening of a beloved Corktown bar. Read on to learn more.

Classic cars

This weekend is the Woodward Dream Cruise, featuring fireworks, food and tons of classic cars. On Saturday, Aug. 17, M1 Concourse will turn back time with a recreation of a 1964 New Car Show, musical performers from Motown, Beatles, and Beach Boys tribute bands, and of course, a caravan of cars cruising down Woodward. Onsite parking is $20 and the event will take place rain or shine. For more information, visit m1concourse.com.

Fan favorites

Join us on Thursday, Aug. 15 at New Center Park for our 2024 Sounds Like Detroit showcase! MI Local host Jeff Milo will introduce you to Detroit’s top five listener-voted Tiny Desk Contest participants: Drey Skonie & The kLOUDs, C3theartist, Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment, Chris Lanard & One Band Global and Isis Damil. And as a thank you for supporting local artists, we’re offering WDET listeners half off tickets for you and a friend when you use the code “WDETVIP” at checkout. Food trucks and beverages will be available on-site and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

Then, head over to Northern Lights Lounge for Keeping UP, the monthly DJ residency featuring Clark and Liz Warner (host of WDET’s Alternate Take Thursdays at 8 p.m.). They’ll be playing ambient, melodic and lush electronic music from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover, all style. For more information, visit northernlightslounge.com.

Musical celebrations

UFO Bar in Corktown is having its official grand opening on Friday, Aug. 16. Formerly known as UFO Factory, the bar and music venue was bought by Spot Lite owner Roula David earlier this summer, and will continue to serve the core functions of the original business — including rock shows, queer DJ nights and gourmet hot dogs. Opening night will feature food from Gladys Nite, full bar service and a new residency with Sheefy McFly. Hours are 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. and there’s a $10 cover starting at 10 p.m. For more information, visit their Instagram page.  

Read more: Spot Lite Detroit owner keeping Corktown’s UFO Factory alive as UFO Bar

Afro Nation, the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, returns to Bedrock’s Douglass Site in Detroit this weekend. The Douglass Site has housed icons like Diana Ross and Smokey Robinson, and Detroit’s rich history of African American culture and its status as the birthplace of Motown and Techno make it the perfect location for Afro Nation 2024. The festival offers an opportunity to celebrate the resilience and enduring legacy of Detroit’s vibrant music and artistic communities. Doors close at 9:15 p.m. and the festival is 17+. Tickets start at $70. For more information, visit detroit.afronation.com.

Personal performances

This weekend, Detroit Public Theatre’s Shakespeare in Prison alumni present “What’s in a Name…,” a staged reading of an original documentary theatre piece comprised of collected reentry stories. These reentry stories are pulled verbatim from interviews conducted during the fall of 2022, and performed by Shakespeare in Prison alumni, sharing their thoughts on what “successful reentry” means to them. Two performances will take place at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17 and Sunday, Aug. 18 at Detroit Public Theatre, free of charge. To RSVP and learn more, visit detroitpublictheatre.org.

On Friday, Aug. 16, the Arab American National Museum is hosting a Rooftop Rendezvous: BYOI Jam Session. Guests are encouraged to bring their own instruments to participate in an informal community performance on the museum’s rooftop garden. Light refreshments will be served, and the event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit arabamericanmuseum.org.

Healthy habits

Health Is Wealth Detroit returns to Eastern Market on Friday, Aug. 16. This holistic wellness expo provides a gathering space for Detroiters who want to celebrate wellness in the community. This year’s featured guests include actors Debbie Allen and Hill Harper. Activities will take place in Shed 3 from noon to 9 p.m. For more information, visit theblac.co/healthiswealth.

This week, we’re highlighting local music showcases and internationally-inspired art exhibits you can see right here in Detroit.

Plus, picnics, tea parties and flower-picking. Read on to learn more.

Local music showcases

Join us on Thursday, Aug. 15 at New Center Part for our 2024 Sounds Like Detroit showcase! MI Local host Jeff Milo will introduce you to Detroit’s top five listener-voted Tiny Desk Contest participants: Drey Skonie & The kLOUDs, C3theartist, Elspeth Tremblay & The Treatment, Chris Lanard & One Band Global and Isis Damil. And as a thank you for supporting local artists, we’re offering WDET listeners half off tickets for you and a friend when you use the code “WDETVIP” at checkout. Food trucks and beverages will be available on-site and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit our events page.

Get a sneak peek of the Sounds Like Detroit performances at Detroit’s Annual Ribs and R&B Music Festival this weekend at Hart Plaza. Drey Skonie & The kLOUDs will be part of an all-star R&B and soul lineup featuring Next, Troop, Ro James, Glenn Jones and Adina Howard. Plus, local BBQ experts will be serving up ribs, brisket and chicken. Admission is free on Friday until 4 p.m. and on Saturday and Sunday until 1 p.m. Otherwise, general admission is $15. For more information, visit ribsrnbmusicfestival.com.

International art exhibits

“Frontline Prophet: James Baldwin” is a traveling exhibition that features the artwork of Detroit-based creative Sabrina Nelson. In honor and celebration of his centennial birthday, Nelson provides an intimate, multi-sensory experience of James Baldwin and his legacy, including a seven-year sketchbook study, vivid works on paper and canvas, projected video, installations, collaborations with contemporary writers and thinkers, and augmented reality experiences. The exhibition is on display at The Wright Museum now through Feb. 28, 2025. For more information, visit thewright.org.

Related: Sabrina Nelson talks traveling art exhibit honoring James Baldwin’s legacy on The Metro

“A Modernist Regime: The Contemporary Cuban Lens” is the latest collection of exhibitions at the Cranbrook Art Museum. Focused on the decades immediately following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, these three exhibitions highlight a small but prolific cohort of artists, designers, and architects who responded to the demands of a newly centralized economy, including the material constraints imposed by ensuing embargoes, popular demands for more equitable access to goods, and initial excitement about the role modern design could play in shaping a new society. These exhibitions are on display now through September. For more information, visit cranbrookartmuseum.org. 

Picnics and flower-picking

The Heidelberg Project is partnering with Spot Lite to put on a public picnic on Saturday, Aug. 10 from 2-5 p.m. Detroiters are invited to have brunch at Spot Lite before walking over to the iconic art installation for an afternoon of festivities, including free popsicles, live DJs, site tours and Heidelberg Project merchandise available for purchase. This event is family- and dog-friendly, and guests are invited to bring their own food and blankets. For more information, visit the Heidelberg Project’s Facebook page.

Also on Saturday, Aug. 10, the Freedom Arts Festival comes to the Palmer Park Log Cabin to celebrate the music, art and food of the Middle East. Guests can enjoy traditional music by Victor Ghannam and Friends, visual art inspired by the beauty of the region and Middle Eastern cuisine from Mediterranean Express and Alina Alam Hi Tea. Guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. This event is free and open to all ages. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Related: Detroit saxophonist talks Sounds from the Park series on The Metro

On Friday, Aug. 9, the Farmington Hills Nature Center is hosting a Garden and Tea Party featuring ingredients harvested locally in Heritage Park. Guests will enjoy tea, snacks and themed arts and crafts between 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 online and are open to ages 5 and up. For more information, visit recreg.fhgov.com.

The annual Sunflower Festival returns to Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill this weekend and next. Festivities include an open-air marketplace featuring over 150 Michigan artisans, DIY workshops, photo opportunities and more, all surrounded by lush sunflower fields. Admission is $12 on Fridays, $14 on Saturdays and Sundays, and free for children under 2 years old. For more information, visit blakefarms.com.

Welcome to August! We’ve got several outdoor festivals this weekend so you can take full advantage of the late summer sun.

Plus, cultural celebrations, comedy shows and cat videos. Read on to learn more.

Outdoor festivals

Westland’s Blues, Brews and Barbecue festival returns to Wayne County on Friday, Aug. 2 through Saturday, Aug. 3. This summer bash features authentic BBQ food, domestic craft beers and performances from dozens of local artists, including WDET’s Sounds Like Detroit winner, Drey Skokie & the kLOUDs! Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit bluesbrewsbarbecue.com.

Related: WDET Presents: Sounds Like Detroit 2024

The Dearborn Homecoming Festival is also back this weekend, now in its 43rd year. From Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4, there will be fireworks, live music, carnival rides, food, drinks and activities for all ages on the hill at Ford Field Park. This year’s festival features performances by The All-American Rejects, The Verve Pipe, Kylie Morgan and more. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information, visit dearbornhomecoming.com.

And last but not least, the Belle Isle Art Fair is Saturday, Aug. 3 and Sunday, Aug. 4 at the James Scott Memorial Fountain. This year’s fair features nearly 100 juried artists, hands-on art projects, live music, a beer and food tent, and a brand-new Secret Garden to showcase botanical artists and gardening specialists. Admission is free with a State Park Pass. For more information, visit belleisleartfair.com.

Cultural celebrations

Wayne State is partnering with American Indian Health and Family Services on Saturday, Aug. 3 for Powwow in the D. Dancers, singers and the general public are invited to celebrate Native American culture at the Wayne State Soccer Field from noon to 4 p.m. MC Shannon Martin will guide newcomers through the powwow experience as Host Drum War Paint and Co-host Drum Sharp Feather perform the ceremony. In addition to song and dance, there will also be Native food, crafts and community resources. For more information, visit aihfs.org.

Comedy

This week is the first anniversary of Comedy at the Congregation, so this month’s show will feature giveaways, a special drink menu and a few surprises. On Friday, Aug. 2, host and producer Sarah Lynn will introduce you to comedians Grace Gunn, Travis Conte, Finn St. John and Ryan Brown (a recent What’s So Funny About Detroit? alum!). Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. Please note that The Congregation Detroit is not ADA accessible. For more information, visit their Eventbrite page.

Then, on Sunday Aug. 4, Saturday Night Live’s Sarah Sherman, aka Sarah Squirm, will be in Detroit at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle. You may also know her from The Eric André Show, Three Busy Debras or the upcoming Netflix film “You Are SO Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah!” co-starring with Adam Sandler. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Preferred seats are $40 and general admission is $30. For more information, visit etix.com.

Cat videos

The brand-new 2024 edition of CatVideoFest is coming to the Detroit Film Theatre from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4. This underground sensation has packed theaters for years, featuring a hand-selected, carefully curated collection of the most entertaining, inventive and hilarious cat videos of the year. Tickets are $10.50 for the general public or $8.50 for seniors, students and DIA members. For more information, visit dia.org.