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.