This weekend in metro Detroit is a musical takeover on many fronts, from the eagerly anticipated (and WDET supported) Hamtramck Blowout to celebrating musical legends like The Beatles and The Spinners.

Also, a family-friendly parade of devilry is overtaking the Cass Corridor to welcome spring alongside a Detroit cryptid. Read on for more.

Hamtramck Blowout

For three days (March 20-22) over 25 venues will be showcasing hundreds of local bands and performers across Hamtramck. Check out the show schedule and purchase a wristband online in advance for $35 or at the venue for $40. WDET is also an official media partner of this year’s event. Visit wdet.org/events for more information.

A rooftop festival of colors

Holi, the Hindu festival of colors, is underway. Take your celebration of color, love, and spring to new heights at the Holi Color Fest at the Exodus Rooftop this Saturday March 22. Tickets are for entry only and start at $25.

Blasts from the past

Great music has longevity, and that can be seen in two special performances happening this weekend. The touring show “Rain: A Beatles Tribute” will be making its Detroit stop at the Fox Theatre this Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are still available and start at $25.

The second big-time musical group being showcased is a Motown favorite: The Spinners. The renowned group will be performing at the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom this Saturday, March 22.

Marche into spring

The Marche du Nain Rouge takes a little red creature of mishap prominent in Detroit’s local legend and makes him a focal point for a spring celebration of mischief and revelry.

This year’s Marche du Nain Rogue is on Sunday, March 23. The celebration will kickoff with musical performances at the intersection of Canfield and Second. Once the infamous Nain appears, he’ll lead crowds in a procession down to the Masonic Temple, which will host an afterparty from around 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Organizers encourage all attendees to show up loud and Detroit-proud in costumes, prepared to participate in a parade with good humor and high energy. Read more about the event and parking at the Marche Du Nain Rouge website. 

WDET kicked off its 2025 Spring Fundraiser last week, and we are offering some exciting incentives to encourage listeners to support the station.

Everything we do at WDET is community-focused, and without support from the community we serve, we wouldn’t be able to continue the ever important work of highlighting local, fact-based news that impacts you, uplifting Detroit artists and musicians, and keeping listeners abreast of what’s happening in the city and region.

More than 50% of our operating budget is funded by WDET members. If you are someone who appreciates and values the work we do, and haven’t made a gift of support to WDET, consider making your first donation during our spring fundraiser to take advantage of generous funding matches and other awesome incentives. All first-time donors will also receive an exclusive limited edition WDET water bottle.

Those who make a gift during fundraiser will also have opportunities to be entered into exclusive drawings during specific programs, with a focus on Detroit’s entertainment, restaurants, and unique local experiences.

The War and Treaty tickets, studio visit

Anyone who makes a gift during Ann Delisi’s Essential Music, Rob Reinhart’s Essential Music from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Saturday, March 15, or during Acoustic Café  from 1-3 p.m. this Sunday will be entered into a drawing for two tickets to see the acclaimed country husband and wife duo, The War and Treaty at Saint Andrew’s Hall on March 29.

The lucky winners will also be invited to WDET Studios to watch Ann Delisi as she interviews Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter live at noon, the day of the show.  

Related: Ann Delisi talks with The War and Treaty for Essential Conversations

Win tickets to Movement

There will be several opportunities during various WDET programs this week to win a pair of tickets to will be Detroit’s iconic Movement Electronic Music Festival, taking place downtown at Hart Plaza on Memorial Day weekend. 

All you have to do is make a gift during The Boulevard with Waajeed from 8-10 p.m. Wednesday, March 12; during The Progressive Underground with Chris Campbell from 6-8 p.m. this Saturday, March 15, or The New Music Show with Shigeto that night from 8-10 p.m., and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of several pairs of tickets to Movement.

Additionally, those who make a donation during an extended In The Groove with Ryan Patrick Hooper, from noon to 4 p.m. on Friday, March 14, and you could win a pair of VIP tickets to Movement. Winners will also receive a Movement swag bag. 

Majestic Theatre golden ticket

Those who make a gift to WDET during In The Groove from noon to 4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, March 12-13, could be among the five winners to receive 10 “golden tickets” to see any show of their choice at the Majestic Theatre or Magic Stick this year, regardless if the show is sold out.

Hamtramck Blowout and Jazz Fest

Donate during Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me! from 10-11 a.m. this Saturday or during Sound Opinions from 10-11 a.m. Sunday to be entered for a chance to win a pair of wristbands to Hamtramck Blowout. The three-day music festival will showcase over 200 local bands and performers across dozens of venues and community spaces around the city, March 20-22. 

Also, those who donate during the Don Was Motor City Playlist from 8-10 p.m. on Friday could win a Detroit Jazz Fest bundle, which includes four premium front-of-stage tickets to all three days of the festival. The annual festival is held downtown on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2.

There will be another opportunity to win a day pass to Jazz Fest during  this week’s re-air of Alternate Take with Liz Warner, from 10 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, March 15.

Stay up-to-date with the latest incentives WDET is offering during the 2025 spring fundraiser at wdet.org or by downloading the WDET app.