This week, we’ve got thought-provoking films, feminist fiber art displays and a showcase of some of the funniest comics in Michigan.

Plus, even more ways to celebrate the holiday season. Read on to learn more.

Film screenings

This weekend, the Detroit Film Theatre inside the DIA is screening ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness,’ a semi-autobiographical film directed by prolific contemporary painter Titus Kaphar, whose work is featured at the DIA and the Museum of Modern Art. The film follows a painter preparing for a gallery show whose life is turned upside down by the unexpected return of his estranged father. As the protagonist works on his canvases, he reflects on his past, questioning if he can change the pain of his present. The film is both provocative in its depiction of family crisis and thought-provoking about the role of Black voices in the contemporary art scene. Screenings will take place on Friday, Dec. 13, Saturday, Dec. 14 and Sunday, Dec. 15. The Friday showing will also include a special in-person Q&A with director Titus Kaphar (whose family is from Kalamazoo, by the way) following the film. Tickets are $10.50 for adults and $8.50 for seniors and students. For more information, visit dia.org.

Learn more: Painter Titus Kaphar on ‘Exhibiting Forgiveness’ – Fresh Air

Art exhibits

Then, stick around the DIA to check out their latest exhibit, Painted with Silk: The Art of Early American Embroidery. Painted with Silk explores the cultural values and norms that schoolgirl embroidery was used to teach, featuring unusually beautiful and well-preserved pieces from the 1600s through 1830. The exhibition also includes contemporary embroideries that work to expose and criticize the assumptions about gender, class and race that older embroideries expressed and reinforced. The exhibit is on display starting Friday, Dec. 13 through June 15, 2025. For more information, visit dia.org.

Comedy showcases

Wednesday, Dec. 18 is the annual Best in Michigan Stand-Up show at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle — one of their most popular shows of the year. This year’s local comics include Camila Ballario, Martin Butler, Roni Shanell, Noah Chapp and Justin Pedick with headliner and castle favorite Josh Adams. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door. This venue is 18+. For more information, visit comedycastle.com.

Holiday celebrations

On Sunday, Dec. 15, People for Palmer Park is hosting a WinterFest Multicultural Holiday Celebration at the Historic Palmer Park Log Cabin. This free, family-friendly holiday party will feature horse and carriage rides, cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, and displays celebrating Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Christmas. The festivities will go from 1-4 p.m. and free parking is available on Woodward and Merrill Plaisance. For more information, visit their Facebook page.

This weekend concludes the 51st annual Holly Dickens Festival in Downtown Holly. As visitors stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, they’ll step back in time into the enchanting world of Charles Dickens’ Victorian London, featuring carolers, roasting chestnuts and period piece costumes. There will also be sledding, horse-drawn carriage rides and more seasonal activities. This free and family-friendly event goes from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 and from 12-5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15. For more information, visit hollydickensfestival.org.

Once Upon a December Eve, a metro Detroit holiday tradition featuring the McAllister family, is coming to The Hawk Theatre in Farmington Hills for the first time on Sunday, Dec. 15. Celebrate the holiday season with a musical evening of holiday favorites, traditional and contemporary carols, classical gems, and stunning jazz arrangements. Beer and wine will be available for purchase for patrons 21+. Tickets are $25 online or $30 at the door, and the show starts at 7 p.m. For more information, visit thehawktheatre.com.