LoginMetro Events Guide: Making spirits bright with comedy, music and dance
Hunkering down at home is tempting as temperatures drop and snow falls, but there are experiences worth braving the weather—at least for a moment.
Keep out the chill with moving musical performances, comedy, and more in metro Detroit.
Upcoming events
Holiday Cabaret
Detroit Public Theatre
Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 21
$52
A holiday season celebration crafted with wit and rowdy charm! An ongoing tradition, the Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret features talented vocalists and adult humor. This weekend, Dec. 4-7 is the time to catch the preview shows and the premiere.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village
Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 28
$36-44
Take a walk through time and enjoy festivities at Greenfield Village. Carols, roasted chestnuts, artisan crafts, ice skating and Model-T rides will get the whole family in the holiday spirit while immersing them in history.
Paradise Jazz: Malcolm X Jazz Suite
Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Friday, Dec. 5
$21+
Terence Blanchard and his band The E-Collective and the Turtle Island Quartet reprise his Malcom X Jazz Suite. The initial suite modified Blanchard’s compositions for the 1992 film Malcom X, directed by Spike Lee, for live performance. After its evolutions over the years, Blanchard’s latest version offers audiences a new stirring experience. Performance begins at 8 p.m.
Variety Show
The Congregation Detroit
Friday, Dec. 5
$20 online (with fees), $25 at the door
A two-hour blend of burlesque, drag, comedy, and improv sure to entertain and delight! This event is hosted by Sarah Lynn and presented by Best Case Scenario Comedy. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting at 7:30 p.m. Bring cash for tipping performers. This event is 18 and up.
Killers, Freaks, and Radicals
Senate Theater in Detroit
Friday, Dec. 5
$12
Attend the Detroit premiere of a locally-produced true crime documentary on the Michigan Co-Ed Killer. The show opens with an organ overture, and Director Andrew Templeton will be present to discuss the film following the showing.
Merry Midtown
Midtown Detroit
Saturday, Dec. 6
Free
In place of Noel Night, over 50 local businesses have organized a night to shop, dine and explore midtown. From 5-9 p.m., people of all ages are welcome to enjoy ice carving demonstration, live performances, photo booths and more
East Meets West: Christmas in the Holy Land
Music Hall Detroit
Saturday, Dec. 6
$67+
Explore another side of Christmas with National Arab Orchestra through a cultural blend of holiday music. The show starts at 8 p.m.
Joe Reilly and the All Nations Dancers: Welcome Winter
Detroit Institute of Arts
Saturday, Dec. 6
Free with general admission
The All Nations Dancers, representing the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi tribes, celebrate winter and Mother Earth with songs performed by singer-songwriter Joe Reilly. The performance starts at 2 p.m. in the Riviera Court. While at the museum, check out the current exhibit Contemporary Anishinaabe Art: A Continuation until April 5, 2026.
Detroit Urban Craft Fair
Masonic Temple
Saturday, Dec. 6 through Sunday, Dec. 7
$5
Shop for a variety of artisan and homemade goods from over 100 artists, including crocheted items, decor, soaps, journals, jewelry and more. Meet the makers and find presents for yourself and others from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Children 12 and under get free entry both days after 1 p.m.
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